Automation is the technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance.
Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, electrical, electronic devices and computers, usually in combination.
How automation started
The term automation was coined in the automobile industry about 1946 to describe in mechanized production lines.
The origin of the word is attributed to D.S Harder, an engineering manager at the Ford Motor Company at the time.
Types of automation system
Automation production systems can be classified into three basic types.
- Fixed Automation,
- Programmable Automation and 3. Flexible Automation
Production automation
Automation of production is a process in the development of mechanized production in which the control and monitoring functions previously performed by humans are transferred to instruments and automatic devices, as a rule, working production equipment is partially automated.
Why automation needed Automation brings in necessary agility to testing and helps it to respond faster and more effectively to changes.
Agility requires frequent code developments, which can also be automated. This frees testers from mundane repetitive tasks so that they can focus more on testing.
How automation used today
Automation or automatic control is used of various control systems for operating equipment such as machinery, processes in factories, boilers and heat treating and stabilization of ships, aircraft and other applications with minimal or reduced human intervention
