Manufacturing strategy: which is a favorable reason for adopting automation on a production line?

Introduction / Context:
Automation is justified when it materially improves safety, quality, or productivity. A classic motivator is the ability to perform operations that are difficult, hazardous, or nearly impossible for humans to do consistently—such as high-precision insertions, micro-assembly, high-temperature processes, or repetitive heavy lifting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are choosing the positive, value-driven rationale for automation.
• Throughput should improve or remain acceptable, not decrease.
• Costs should be optimized for value, not increased without benefit.

Concept / Approach:
Automating difficult operations enhances consistency and reduces ergonomic risk, leading to fewer defects and injuries. Robots and specialized automation apply precise, repeatable motions beyond human endurance or precision. This often increases throughput while stabilizing quality, enabling better overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and faster payback periods.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Filter for an option that improves capability and safety.Eliminate options that explicitly worsen throughput or cost without value.Choose “perform difficult operations.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Case studies show automation adopted for precision welding, clean-room handling, and dangerous material processing—areas where manual work is impractical or unsafe.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Decreasing throughput or raising cost contradicts automation goals. Increasing the number of operations without value is wasteful. “None” is wrong because a valid favorable reason exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Automating without process simplification first; failing to quantify ROI and safety improvements can undermine project approval.

Final Answer:
perform difficult operations