An integrated automation system (IA) is a computer-driven, mechanically managed and electronically coordinated system, which combine the capabilities of a variety of components. The main advantage of an IAS is that it integrates all the processes and information needed to automate the entire production process. A large number of companies are using IASs now. They include heavy and light manufacturing, packaging, material handling, finishing, energy and temperature measurement and control, inventory management, quality monitoring, distribution and logistics.
The term 'integrated' itself signifies that all the computers and other machines or devices used in the production process are integrated. In fact, integrated automation systems perform many functions and work together. They are usually designed to provide a smooth flow of operations in a complex production environment. This integration results in a significant increase in productivity, efficiency and speed. As a result, integrated automation system are very popular and have enabled many firms to compete successfully in today's global economy.
The term 'integrated automation' refers to the automation of functions with the use of modern technology. It may involve the use of control systems, robotics, or communication systems such as email, web chat, or telephony. It is also used to refer to any machine or device that allows people to work more effectively and safely at the same time reducing waste, saving energy, reducing costs, and increasing productivity. Some examples of integrated control and automated systems are vehicle control, inventory control, assembly control, safety control, consumer product safety, industrial automation, financial systems, and medical devices. The term 'integrated automation system' has become a general term that describes the automation of many or even most of these systems.
The main benefit of an integrated system is that it has reduced operation costs and increased efficiency. The equipment costs are reduced because the system is more easily accessible, and the operators need not be trained for each activity in order for it to work efficiently. Thus, it reduces training costs. Also, it may improve production efficiency since the operators are able to do their jobs from the same place and not need to go from one site to another, which saves on fuel expenses. Furthermore, an integrated automation system may help in managing distribution, inventory, and packaging.
The Kongsberg Vessel Identification System (IVS) is a real time machine vision integrated system that identifies and classifies vessels within a variety of environments, such as container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, barges, dry docks, railroads, and cruise ships. This equipment uses the latest in image processing technology and high resolution digital camera images from ship sensors to quickly identify vessel types and determine the physical condition. IVS operates in a methodical, automated manner, taking only a few seconds to process hundreds of photos, thereby increasing the accuracy of the classifications.
Another example of ship systems integration is the propulsion optimisation programme (PPO), which assesses and optimises ship propulsion, including energy consumption, efficiency, power, efficiency, storage, speed and range. PPO programmes include hydrodynamics, dynamic thrust, hydrodynamic efficiency and total drive. This equipment can automatically detect and optimise optimal power, energy and efficiency levels and can identify where optimisation opportunities exist. PPO optimises ship power by reducing fuel consumption at peak loads and improving efficiency and power. It also identifies weak areas and identifies individual ship components that can be modified or removed to extend product life.
A final example is the integrated fuel management system (AFMS). This equipment enables one to create full ship plans for any vessels, including container ships. This eliminates the need for a full ship design, which greatly reduces the number of design errors that can lead to costly overruns and schedule delays. It is capable of producing maximum benefit by creating realistic fuel consumption scenarios for each ship in order to optimise the overall operation. Such a full-ship plan can be used by industry players to reduce schedule risks by taking into account all operational parameters and determining the most efficient operation of their vessels.
Today's modern ships are designed to perform optimally under extreme conditions, so advanced propulsion, power management and other operational processes need to be optimised. This is where integrated automation technologies provide a real-time solution that can reduce system failure times and costs. One example is automated power management, which is now becoming more important than ever before due to the increase in global shipping demand, the need to reduce emissions and the introduction of new vessel types. This is just one example of the technology that is being used to provide ships with the best in power management, as well as increased efficiency, and ultimately optimized speed and performance.
