Companies that know manufacturing know Lean is the way to go, but even Lean operations might have some work to do if they’re not using the right tools. As far as advanced technology goes in the manufacturing sector, RFID is actually pretty simple. For just pennies each, radio frequency... Continue Reading
The global economy continues to show signs of strength, even as much of the recent data reflect some slowing in many markets, helping to boost international demand. In updated figures on TradeStats Express, U.S.-manufactured goods exports have risen 6.81% year-to-date through the first quarter... Continue Reading
There may not be many plants and warehouses operating in the dark these days. However, many facilities are clearly on the path to lights out, balancing automation and labor to find the right mix of lower costs and better customer service. Neither the concept nor the existence of a lights-out... Continue Reading
Public acknowledgement and rewards for engaging in cybersecurity best practices will result in greater workforce buy-in and participation, according to a security author and expert. "You don't just make it a negative thing," said Jayson Street, Vice President of Infosec for Manhattan-based... Continue Reading
MTI’s 2018 Spring Meeting, held in conjunction with the Industrial Heating Equipment Association, April 23-25 was a huge success. Over 200 people from both associations convened in Scottsdale, Arizona for two days of energetic social connection and informative educational sessions. During... Continue Reading
The cyber threat to industrial control systems has never been greater, according to a report analyzing malicious activity aimed at such systems. Cyber security risks to the safe and reliable operation of industrial control systems have never been greater, the report said, but although numerous... Continue Reading
As remote access to plants grows, so too should your knowledge of mobile device cybersecurity. Fortunately, newer mobile networks, such as 4G LTE, inherently manage many of the risks. Industrial control system (ICS) security has been a major topic for more than a decade now. Over the past few... Continue Reading
IIoT is transforming the way manufacturers identify problems on the plant floor as the latest wireless solutions address integration challenges. A flashing red light on the plant floor often signals a problem on a production line or in a work cell. It’s a familiar scene in Lean... Continue Reading
Having adequate training in any heat treating operation is a must in today’s low labor pool and fast-paced environment. Having production line staff that have a “full understanding” of heat treating operations, technical knowledge, and how each element of production is... Continue Reading
The 20th century produced incredible advances in technology, beginning with the moving assembly line installed by Henry Ford in 1913, reducing the time it took to build a car from 12 hours to under three. One hundred years later, car manufacturers can produce over 500 cars in one hour. As... Continue Reading
In the latest Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 93.5% of respondents feel positive about their own company’s outlook, the second-highest reading in the survey’s 20-year history following the all-time high of 94.6 % in December. Optimism has been at historically high levels... Continue Reading
When the new ISO 9001:2015 certification standard was announced in late 2015, it made waves in manufacturing due to its heavy emphasis on risk management. In our experience, in helping companies become ISO 9001:2015 certified, we’ve seen firsthand how the value of embracing a risk-averse... Continue Reading
