Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, May 5-11

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, May 5-11, including articles about energy efficiency in pneumatic systems, Schneider Electric accelerating its transformation, strategies for using Microsoft Windows XP after its support ends April 8, contract maintenance, and improving PPE usage for manufacturing safety.

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs, CFE Media May 12, 2014

1. Six steps to energy efficiency in pneumatic systems

By reevaluating system requirements and determining the right components to use, plants can save money and increase productivity.

2. Schneider Electric accelerates its transformation

Oil and gas, data center markets are core growth areas, says new North American CEO Laurent Vernerey

3. What if some machines still use Microsoft Windows XP after support ends April 8?

Ask Control Engineering blog: After April 8, Microsoft support for Windows XP ends. If you’re still using it on April 9, there are extra precautions.

4. Contract maintenance: 5 ways to keep things humming in a cost-effective model

With manpower in high demand, fewer highly qualified personnel are available in the labor pool. More and more operators recognize the value of a resident maintenance program, offering guaranteed uptime, guaranteed staffing, and limitless access to OEM engineers and support staff.

5. Improving PPE usage important to ensure manufacturing safety

A lack of consistent or proper use of PPE leads to injuries and changing best practices and the culture are key to reducing these potential injuries

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, May 5-11, for articles published within the last two months.

– Jessica DuBois-Maahs, associate content manager, CFE Media, jdmaahs@cfemedia.com.