It’s not quite what the old sci-fi films would have you believe – all of us helpless humans held hostage by an army of robot overlords bent on world domination. Of course, there are those out there constantly worried about just such a future, but for many others, the smarter world that awaits is an opportunity to turn “robot overlords” into an army of efficient machines with automated technology that can help increase productivity and profit margins. Enter the world of smarter and more automated spray booths.

Smart Technology

On the smart side of things, paint booth suppliers have been increasingly utilizing the internet and smart technology to incorporate cloud and data solutions that track performance and help manage costs. By combining sensors with multiple data points and a connected control panel to read the data, a smarter booth allows for smarter business decisions to be made in real time.

Now, you may still think that a smart booth is not necessary – you want to “Rage Against the Machine” and believe that the old way of doing things is good enough - certainly, there is comfort in that position. However, there is also comfort in knowing that a smart booth can solve a litany of production, business and development issues by providing accurate and detailed information that allows managers and owners to make critical business decisions. But always remember, the booth is not in control, you are.

For franchises in particular, smart booth operations allow management to evaluate costs and performance across all locations comparing metrics about paint job, cycle phase, employees and productivity, as well as a number of other important data sets. Who is under performing? Where are improvements needed? These are all important questions, where the answers can help guide franchise companies and single shop owners alike toward a more efficient and profitable future.

Automation

Simply stated, spray booth automation allows for greater accuracy and repeatability in the painting process, with less human error. Automated painting doesn’t need time off, or a lunch break or 8 hours of sleep each night. But it does allow the owners and managers behind the process to spend their nights dreaming of increased productivity and reduced downtime.

Getting the right automated spray booth requires a detailed understanding of the process, from the quality of finish to production rates. It also requires an integrated cloud network, with industrial wireless technology and full workplace connectivity – all things that have increasingly become the standard over the past 5-10 years. Automation plus advanced analytics allow companies to be more efficient across multiple systems; they limit safety concerns, reduce waste, ensure consistent paint application and they lower operating costs. Now, that is smarter business.

But what about the precise intricacies that people bring to the process? Can an automated spray booth account for this? The short answer is yes. Many new systems are incorporating AI “learning” into the model. With these types of advancements, skilled paint booth operators can literally “train” the automation systems to master how the paint operator does his/her job, from the right way to apply powder coatings to how to use a suction gun.  

So, the real question is not will smart technology and automation replace the people in the process? Rather, will AI and automation allow people to make smarter decisions for their business? The answer to the second question is a resounding yes. Unlike those cheesy old sci-fi movies, smart technology is not looking to take over the spray booth industry, it is just here to help make people smarter – and smarter people is what makes businesses more profitable. To find your custom fit spray booth or to find a repair and maintenance partner, contact Alberta Booth today.