Manufacture Smarter Blog

3/19/2021 - BY: MARK GETTEL
In our most recent Smart Solutions Series webinar, we explored how technology can be implemented to make production more efficient and free workers from manual labor, which helps to effectively utilize talent resources and fill workforce gaps in facilities. A brief summary of our virtual discussion is outlined here.

3/17/2021 - THE CENTER
When it comes to the design of parts or production processes, there is always room for improvement. The challenge for manufacturers is to figure out what to change in order to get the best results. Simulation software can assist with this process. 

3/10/2021 - THE CENTER
How often does your facility throw away more material than was used to create a part? Has your business designed, developed and built a new product, only to discover the design is faulty after investing much time and money into its production? Have repairs been neglected on a part on a machine due to a lack of replacement for it? In each of these cases, the problem can be solved with Additive Manufacturing.

3/5/2021 - BY: MICHAEL MCGRAY
Typically, the first type of technology that comes to mind when referencing Industry 4.0 or advanced manufacturing is Robotics & Automation. And while a growing number of facilities continue to adopt automation into operations, many hesitant manufacturers still wonder, How can automation help my production?

3/3/2021 - THE CENTER
During employee training, businesses are commonly challenged by the demand placed on resources. Often, this leads to shortcuts in training, which negatively impacts productivity, quality and safety. Due to inconsistent training, variation arises in how each worker performs a task, which can lead to unanticipated results and no clear understanding of the root cause. To solve these training-related issues, and those unforeseen, Augmented & Virtual Reality can help.

2/24/2021 - THE CENTER
In this increasingly competitive business landscape, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve processes to boost their bottom line. One proven way to accomplish this is through the use of robotics and automation in production.

2/17/2021 - THE CENTER
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing how Industry 4.0 practices and technologies like Big Data, Internet of Things and System Integration can help organizations to better gather and analyze operational data to drive improvements. Cloud computing takes data management to the next level, making it quicker and more collaborative than previously possible.

2/10/2021 - THE CENTER
As discussed in last week’s Industry 4.0 Foundations blog, the Internet of Things enables manufacturers to gain enhanced visibility into operations to further optimize performance. With data playing an integral role in these improvements, System Integration can help by providing more centralized, organized data for simpler, more effective decision-making.

2/5/2021 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
The effect of cost on profitability is generally well understood. The higher a company’s costs, the less profitable they can be. However, while companies often know if they are (or are not) profitable, they do not always have a clear understanding as to why. Gaining a true understanding of the impact defects have on profitability is key to improving business performance.

2/3/2021 - THE CENTER
Last week, in the first installment of our weekly Industry 4.0 blog series, we explored how Big Data enables manufacturers to make more informed business decisions. Building on this foundation of information, manufacturers can gain enhanced interconnectivity and real-time visibility through the Internet of Things.