Bob Vavra, CFE Media
Articles
Digital journey begins with ‘What if?’
Manufacturers should always be asking questions as they begin their journey into digital manufacturing because it encompasses so much ground and can bring so many changes.
Pressures from tariffs, inventories drive down PMI
Index falls 2.1 points to 57.7% in October as production orders slow down.
The human element in a safety system
The lack of safety is potentially the greatest financial expense in any plant, and the human cost is incalculable.
Digital twin collaboration advances brownfield process operations management
Siemens and Bentley's collaboration of PlantSight links the design/build and operate/maintain aspects of oil and gas assets and other brownfield applications.
PMI slips, but overall manufacturing growth remains solid
Manufacturing index slides to 59.8% in September as impact of tariffs take center stage.
A match made in motors and drives
Should matching motors and drives be as simple as matching socks? Chris Moskaites of Lenze Americas offers that view this month, writing that the idea of getting your motors and drives from the same equipment manufacturer means instant compatibility. "With one manufacturer for the motor and drive, the capabilities of each and the suitability for the application are automatically cross-checked while going through the selection process," Moskaites said. "There's no need to double check calculations and the selection process is significantly faster." That strategy extends not just to the initial purchase, but also to maintenance.
Information as a strategic asset
In a time of Manufacturing 4.0, the collection of data on the plant floor has reached new levels. The actual use of that data lags far behind, and it's a concern expressed by several industry leaders. Just collecting data isn't enough, but with an effective way to turn information into action, the data becomes a tool that can affect real change in your operation.
People are the overlooked resource
It's easy to get caught up in all the technology around modern manufacturing, particularly as it mirrors so closely the changes in society as a whole. With the increase in artificial intelligence and the reliance on devices, it's easy to forget the importance of the human machine amid all of this technology. Keith Barr, president and CEO of CFE Media content partner Leading2Lean suggests in the September issue that in an era of technology, humans may be the most important asset.
Women in engineering: ‘Focus on confidence’
The 2018 Engineering Leaders Under 40 report in the September issue of Plant Engineering also had a series of interviews with six women engineers at Victaulic Company. They discussed the opportunities and challenges they've faced in their careers and offered a variety of advice on how women can and should succeed in manufacturing and engineering. One of the sagest insights was from Katie Yovanoich, who suggested women engineers should "find a mentor--reach out to anyone who you aspire to be like.
A Rosie future for manufacturing?
There is no limitation on learning and the boundaries of the engineering discipline are limited only by the engineer’s imagination.