Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, October 27 to November 2: Common engineering mistakes, determining a motor’s load, manufacturing and reshoring, more

Articles about common engineering mistakes, determining a motor’s load, rebuilding manufacturing through reshoring, two-way radios in industrial settings, and IT and OT convergence were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, October 27 to November 2. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra November 3, 2014

Plant Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, covered common engineering mistakes, determining a motor’s load, rebuilding manufacturing through reshoring, two-way radios in industrial settings, and IT and OT convergence. Link to each article below.

1. Two things engineers consistently get wrong

There are two concepts that consistently show up as weak areas with engineers in manufacturing environments. The first is true in-depth "root causes" problem solving and the second is relying on technical solutions rather than culture change to solve problems.

2. Keeping it simple: Steps to determine motor’s actual load

Oversized motors cost more to operate-sometimes a lot more. Fortunately, there’s a simple procedure for determining the actual hp required by a load, without expensive equipment or engineering.

3. Bringing jobs back to America: Rebuilding manufacturing through reshoring

David Lippert and Timothy Hutzel’s keynote speech at the 2014 Assembly Show talked about reshoring and revitalizing the American manufacturing industry.

4. In industrial settings, two-way radios still a smart choice

Two-way radios and cell phones remain in a dead heat as the primary means of communications in plants nationwide. Yet critical differences between the two are worth careful consideration before making technology investments.

5. IT and OT convergence will drive Internet of Things adoption

Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric executives see transformational impact of Internet of Things (IoT) as devices become smarter and more integrated to expand manufacturing efficiency.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, October 27 to November 2, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is senior editor for WTWH Media LLC.