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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
Successfully Implementing A Condition Monitoring Program, Part 1
March 5, 2013 8:00 am | by Trent Phillips, LUDECA | CommentsSelection of a condition monitoring (CM) technology is not an easy task and requires that many concerns be taken into consideration. Determination of what functionality is needed, selection of a technology provider that can deliver the required technology, and an available budget are all critical considerations to think about before making a purchase.
Q&A: Automation Trends For Food Manufacturers
March 4, 2013 2:34 pm | by Lindsey Jahn, Associate Editor, Food Manufacturing | CommentsThe more flexible the automation, the more easily it can adapt to packaging trends. Supply chain improvements can range in scale from minor to major, depending on what is involved. Robotics, flexible conveyance and sortation as well as integrated software solutions are key components of many manufacturers addressing the trends.
MAPI: Cautious Optimism Tempered By Austerity, Tax Increases
March 4, 2013 8:08 am | by The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation | CommentsA number of positive signs are starting to emerge regarding the U.S. economy, but there remain political and global headwinds that could slow growth, according to a new report. The MAPI Quarterly Economic Forecast predicts that inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) will expand by 1.8 percent in 2013 and by 2.8 percent in 2014, showing no change from MAPI’s November 2012 report.
The Automation Element Of Re-Shoring
March 1, 2013 8:08 am | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | CommentsAutomation GT, an automation design-and-manufacturing firm based out of Escondido, Calif., is at the forefront of the “re-shoring” trend that has been sweeping the American manufacturing landscape. The company, which has deployed automation solutions in a handful of industries has seen some of its largest clients put serious thought into the business case of bringing work back to America.
Moving To Cloud ERP: Three Strategic Reasons
February 27, 2013 8:08 am | by Kenandy Inc. | CommentsProduct companies are facing significant challenges. Complex global supply chains have become the norm. Social data has changed the way people communicate. Supply chain velocity has exploded. Shorter order runs, compressed innovation cycles, faster decision making, on the spot judgment calls: companies have no choice but to move faster.
Top Five Benefits Of Additive Manufacturing (You Never Considered)
February 26, 2013 8:08 am | by Hanson, RedEye On Demand | CommentsSince the introduction of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) in the 1980s, the benefits of producing small quantities of complex parts fast is well understood among manufacturing circles. Despite this, the industry is just beginning to understand exactly how transformative the technology will be to the future of manufacturing.
The New Dawn Of Revenue Management And Why You’re Not Prepared
February 26, 2013 8:00 am | by Michael Kerman, director of industry development, Revitas | CommentsManufacturing has reached a state of complexity that threatens many manufacturers’ revenue - to a tune of more than $15 million per year. As the number of markets, channel partners, and locations continues to expand, many companies are watching their sales incentives spin out of control.
SaaS Vs. On-Premise ERP
February 25, 2013 8:00 am | by Bobby Rudder, director of marketing & communications, Godlan Inc. | CommentsWill your company commit to a maintenance contract and stay up to date with latest core releases and features? If not, consider SaaS, where the software is always representative of the latest release and feature set. Legacy systems that are not maintained and updated are preventing businesses from embracing enabling technologies.
Integration For Strategic Sales And Operations Planning
February 22, 2013 8:08 am | by Shaun Phillips, product manager, sales and operations planning (S&OP), Infor | CommentsFew business leaders would argue that the ability to predict demand with precision is critical to the future success of their organization. Surely, every CEO in the world would love the real world equivalent of a crystal ball?
Sustainability And The Supply Chain: How To Reduce Cost And Save The Environment
February 22, 2013 8:00 am | by Yves Leclerc, West Monroe Partners | CommentsFrom corporate offices to clothing manufacturers, most industries have begun to seriously invest in sustainability. As customers become increasingly aware of the conditions in which the products they buy are made and transported, organizations should pay closer attention to transforming their own supply chains for a greener good.
New Airbag Protects Pedestrians
February 20, 2013 8:08 am | by Meaghan Ziemba, Editor, WDD | CommentsCar safety has come a long way since the very first Ford Model-T took to the streets back in 1908. From air bags to digital rear-view mirrors, drivers can now feel more comfortable when they get behind the wheel — and safer. Now that the driver is more secure, the automotive industry has shifted its sights to increased safety features for pedestrians.
Diamond Facility Achieves Fast Payback With New LEDs
February 19, 2013 8:08 am | CommentsThe new 300,000 square foot Diamond Pet Foods facility in Ripon, Calif. went online in May 2012 with more than 500 high efficiency, Class II Div 2 LED fixtures. Through combined energy and maintenance savings, the company expects a full return on its investment in less than two years and will benefit from improved visibility thanks to the clear, white light of the Dialight LEDs.
Customer-Centric Manufacturing: The Big Opportunity
February 19, 2013 8:00 am | by Phil Hussey, President, 89 Degrees | CommentsRetailers have developed strong capabilities to capture customer level data, and also become expert at analyzing it for marketing purposes. The last decade has seen a dramatic shift towards data-driven marketing, and the opportunity is now available for manufacturers to shift into customer-centricity.
Cutting The Mustard
February 15, 2013 11:12 am | by Krystal Gabert, Editor, Food Manufacturing | CommentsBeaverton Foods, Inc. is currently the largest processor of specialty mustards in the country and operates out of a 70,000-square-foot food processing facility in Hillsboro, Ore., shipping about 30 million units per year. But its beginnings are much more humble.
Benefits, Risks, & Solutions Of Implementing BYOD Policies
February 15, 2013 9:17 am | by Dean Wiech, Managing Director, Tools4ever | CommentsA new trend gaining speed in many industries is the concept of “bring your own device” (BYOD). Plainly put, BYOD is when employees have the ability to bring their own technical devices - like smart phones, tablets and laptops - and use the company’s network instead of a company-provided device. BYOD has many benefits and risks, though, that each organization’s IT department needs to consider.
