1.1 Background of the Study

Manufacturing has always been the backbone of the global economy, providing the goods and infrastructure necessary for modern life. Historically, production was limited by the physical capabilities of human labor. However, as demand for precision, speed, and volume increased, the operations branch of management turned toward technology to bridge the gap.

Automation Defined: Automation is the technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance. In production efficiency, it involves integrating mechanical, electrical, and computer-based systems to operate and control manufacturing processes.

Today, automation has evolved beyond simple machinery to include "Smart Automation," where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) enable machines to "think" and "communicate" autonomously.