Read the latest entries to each of Plant Engineering's blogs.
Lachance on CMMS is about current maintenance topics. Blogger Paul Lachance is president and chief technology officer for Smartware Group. Lachance has been developing and perfecting the company’s CMMS solution for the maintenance professional for 18 years.
Marshall on Maintenance is provided by the Marshall Institute, an asset management consulting and training company dedicated to helping companies improve the maintenance contribution to their organizational performance.
Machine Safety is J.B. Titus's blog in which he discusses machine guarding topics, including solutions assessments, regulatory compliance, gap analysis, operating efficiencies and cost savings, as well as all relevant safety standards, such as those from NFPA, ANSI, RIA, IEC, ISO and OSHA.
Research Analyst blogs are provided by IMS Research, recently acquired by IHS Inc., leading independent supplier of market research and consultancy to the global electronics industry. These analyst blogs discuss hot topics in the following industries: Automotive + Transport, Communications + Wireless, Consumer Electronics, Displays, Factory Automation, Financial + ID Technologies, Lighting + LEDs, Power + Energy, Security + Fire, and Semiconductors.
Lachance on CMMS
Marshall on Maintenance
Machine Safety
Machine Safety: Only engineers can lead the Risk Assessment process?An incremental documented process called “Risk Assessment” is required in many updated standards. And, a new standard, ANSI B11.0 – 2010, Safety of Machinery – General Requirements and Risk... » more
Machine Safety: Where do effective safety cultures roost?An improved safety culture, advocated at the business level with engineering input, can bring about faster implementation of proven machine safety technologies, improving safety and adding economic... » more
In the world of machine control and machine safety, to really appreciate where we are today, don’t we need to have a reasonable understanding of where we’ve come from? » more
Machine Safety: consensus standards and OSHA complianceIn our plant we comply 100% with the OSHA regulations of 29 CFR 1910.xxx for machine guarding and personnel safety. Accordingly, OSHA would have no grounds to cite us for violations, right? » more
Machine safety and safety certified networks Do you remember when PLCs came out in the early 1970s – were there any communication networks available at that time? What is pier to pier? Fishing? » more
Research Analyst Blogs
Integrated brushless DC motors becoming major competitors for AC servo integrated motorsThe DC motor market are becoming a major competitor because of their overall functionality, which was shown by reaching an estimated record high of $360.6 million in 2011. » more
The Chinese markets for low, medium voltage motor drives are cooling downA number of issues ranging from businesses going bankrupt to economic instability and concerns have slowed down the market after a rapid rise from 2007 to the first half of 2011. » more
BP exit solar market as industry margins evaporateBP Solar announced that it will end its activities in the PV market today, citing it being “Difficult to sustain long-term returns for the company." » more
What did we learn about the business cycle From SPS/IPC/Drives in 2011?Factory automation insiders believe, in spite of recent economic troubles in Europe, that the FA industry will remain strong, though perhaps growth may be reduced. » more
Motor suppliers shouldn't overlook automotive innovationsInnovation is becoming more and more important for the automative industry as power/performance differentials become smaller and smaller for vehicles. » more