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10 inventory must do’s for small-to-medium manufacturers
Cash is king for manufacturers from the owner to the machine operators
ERP for make-to-order manufacturers
With pressure to adapt to changing markets, many manufacturing companies operate using make-to-order processes for their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Improve the bottom line by monitoring business performance
Within the operation of any organization, plenty of data can be found to let management know what is working and which problem areas need to be addressed.
Lean manufacturing: The Seven Deadly Wastes
Find greater efficiency at every step of the process.
Four ways to better manage small capital projects
Focus on collaboration, risk assessment, communication and review to meet time, budget goals.
Manufacturing index jumps to 12-month high in November
ISM reports some headwinds for manufacturing, but index climbs 1.3 percentage points to 53.2%
Why vibration is a problem for your equipment
Although vibration is going to be part of any industrial equipment, certain vibration types require immediate attention as they could result in further issues with the equipment and the possibility of equipment failure.
Door vending solution
Automated inventory vending systems to be unveiled at IMTS.
PMI rises to 54.9% in April, hits five-month high
Manufacturing index growth fueled by better weather, but international issues raise concerns
Kevin Kilgallen named chairman of AMT
Kevin J. Kilgallen, President of Mid Atlantic Machinery, Inc. of Harrisburg, Pa. has been elected chairman of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) for the 2014-15 board term.
Ask your utility about incentives
Indoor air quality: Many states and local utilities offer incentives ands rebated for facility equipment upgrades and custom expansion projects
Manufacturing confidence poised for a rebound
Randstad study finds reinvestment in sector could deliver a stronger resurgence
The ‘E’ needs to stand for ‘easy’ in e-commerce
Study finds customer experience hinders B2B online product sales
Spare parts lurking in corners? Let CMMS track them down
Companies spend a bundle on inventory management software to avoid overstocks and outages. But maintenance teams have a friend in CMMS.
ARC President: Pick up the pace of technology adoption
Rapid growth of devices, technology use requires faster implementation on plant floor
Where to start? Building a world class MRO process
In practice, it’s easier to ‘build’ a world class MRO process from one that is mature and functioning, rather than from scratch.
Automotive HVAC market heats up
R-1234yf is mandated by the European Union for adoption in all cars by 2017; but production volumes, price and safety issues are causing concern.
Economies of scales: Utilizing weighing technology to increase uptime, reduce error
Time is money; a philosophy that drives today’s industries to implement solutions that proactively promote factory floor efficiency and productivity, as downtime eats into revenue growth.
CMMS Horror Stories: Five reasons a CMMS implementation can fail
As much as some CMMS vendors don’t like to admit it, not every CMMS implementation has been a resounding success.
Driving OEE: A strategy for business results
Measuring overall equipment effectiveness can influence facility productivity.
Woods: End the uncertainty so manufacturing can grow
Woods, the president and CEO of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), spoke with CFE Media about the short-term challenges and long-term needs of the manufacturing sector.
Kurek: It’s a pivotal time for manufacturing
Karen Kurek, the national manufacturing and distribution practice leader with McGladrey LLP, spoke with CFE Media about the state of the industry, and the upcoming challenges that await the sector.
Lubrication technology: Avoid unnecessary damage, minimize maintenance costs
The latest lubricant technology is a secret weapon in the battle for efficiency.
Can you predict and identify failure before it happens?
The earlier the detection is made the higher the probability the materials can be ordered and delivered on-site and the repair made while incurring minimal damage to the equipment.
Remote monitoring adds more control to your control system
Easy online access to the knowledge that describes device performance and maintenance helps decrease the complexity and uncertainty in decision making and reduces the workload of operators and maintenance people.
Survey: Hiring, cap ex spending to keep rising
Prime Advantage report shows room for growth, concern over material costs
Talented managers are companies’ key competitive advantage
The Global Supply Chain Institute advisory board concluded, based on findings from 21 senior supply chain executives, that the recruitment and development of talented supply chain managers is the key to a long-term competitive advantage.
Manage your spare parts more effectively
Three quick tips to put your parts in their place
Where is this 10 GW of module inventory?
PV module inventory is higher than expected, leading to some concerns about a drop-off in prices, though IMS expects things to return to normal by the end of 2011.
Best Practices: Are MERV ratings the right measure for dust collectors?
Many dust collector and filter manufacturers make claims about their products' performance, losing many end users in a world of boasts and promises.
Yamaha moving majority of ATV manufacturing to U.S.
The first new U.S. models will start production in Newnan, Ga. in May 2011.
Auto manufacturer issues American production freeze
Several of Toyota's US facilities will be working on a reduced schedule, with complete plant shutdowns starting as early as Friday, April 15, 2011.
Japan Earthquake: Global supply chains to suffer extensive disruption
Aftershocks to global economy expected to unfold slowly
Japan crisis could squeeze world auto production
Thousands of cars washed away; fears raised about supply chain
Bumper to bumper energy management
With an assist from the Department of Energy, Nissan has become fuel-efficient at the plant and on the road
Industry experts, customers brought together at Grainger’s Customer Show
Grainger hosted a record number of attendees at its annual Customer Show in Orlando this week. The event brought together customers, manufacturers and Grainger employees to discuss trends in the industries.
ISPE to feature eight educational sessions at 2011 Tampa Conference
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering will feature eight educational sessions, including a seminar designed to help pharmaceutical companies identify and address compliance risks prior for FDA inspection, as part of its 2011 Tampa Conference.
A measured approach to uptime
Use proactive methods and metrics to prove the value of maintenance
WEBCAST: Measure your equipment’s total cost
ITT Industrial Process Group to discuss three critical factors in calculating TCO at September 30 Webcast.
Put inventory consignment excuses on the shelf
The concept of consignment isn’t new, and it’s not particularly complicated. It’s one of the most effective ways to increase turnover and minimize inventory carrying costs while assuring an adequate supply of materials. Yet few use consignment effectively, if at all.
Acquire engineering services through your distributor
An MRO spend report can clearly show a reduction in cost per component. But far bigger money is involved with “lowest-cost” sourcing decisions, money that is decidedly on the negative side of the ledger. As an operations manager or plant engineer, you see it in shorter component Mean Time Between Failure, reduced equipment reliability and a loss of access to the expert engineering services of quality brand component manufacturers.
Explorer to be built on foundation of efficiency, U.S. jobs
“The economic impact of the new Explorer will benefit hundreds of American communities,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Not only does the new Explorer change the game for SUVs, it will help boost the American economy by fueling jobs and new investments.”
The Smart Grid’s promise: more reliability, more control
A Smart Grid blends traditional electric-grid functions with intelligent sensors, meters and a fiber optic backbone for quick and secure communication among utility companies, field devices and customers.
Wearable alignment unit
A new display unit option for the Fixturlaser XA unit is designed to be worn on the user’s arm. This allows the user to have his hands free while performing alignments. The UPAD display unit can be interchanged with the original XA hand-held display unit. Both display units are wireless and can handle all the functions of the XA from advanced shaft alignment to geometric measurements. When purchasing an XA, the buyer can specify either the hand-held DU or the hands-free UPAD, or can purchase both. The new UPAD has all the functionality of the larger hand-held display unit, but with a smaller, 3.5 inch screen. The screen, with VGA resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, is backlit and trans-reflective to provide good visibility in poor lighting conditions as well as in strong sunlight. The UPAD wearable touch-screen uses animated, on-screen graphics to guide the user through the alignment process. Color-coded measurement values and icons provide ready indication of the alignment condition during the alignment process. The UPAD is equipped with a Velcro strap that keeps it in place on the user’s arm. VibrAlign, Inc. www.vibralign.com.
Predict to prevent: 7 smart maintenance strategies
Customers should use smart predictive maintenance practices as they search for any competitive advantage, particularly as markets see possible rebounds in 2010.
Atlas Copco to acquire Quincy, will expand global market
Atlas Copco has agreed to acquire Quincy Compressor from EnPro Industries, Inc. Company officials said the acquisition “supports Atlas Copco's profitable growth in North America and China, adding a strong brand and an extensive distributor network.” The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.
Atlas Copco to acquire Quincy Compressors
Company sees strategic fit in U.S. and China
Leveraging the MRO storeroom’s ‘silver bullet’
MRO storerooms have universally become the dumping ground for just-in-case inventory. I have never been to a plant that didn’t have either secret hiding places, bone yards or cabinets filled with parts that can be cherry picked. Even in the most ardent organizations, there appears to be a constant battle among operations, maintenance, facilities and project engineering over who, what and ...
Oil’s well that starts well
Plant Engineering's June cover story looks at the importance of a sound lubrication plan
A brighter approach to energy savings
The trend today among plant engineers is clear: Corporate social and financial responsibility is a mandate. Companies are looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, and manage recyclables and waste in the supply chain – not to mention reduce costs and streamline management processes.
State your case: Report finds manufacturing, logistics key to economic growth
Despite heavy job losses in the last year, the nation's manufacturing and logistics industries—considered cornerstones of the U.S. economy—continue to provide a key source of growth, says a report from Ball State University. In the 2009 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card , Ball State researchers grade each state in seven functional areas with industry-specific information: human capital, benefits cost, global reach, productivity and innovation, and tax climate.The top states are Utah, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and Alabama; at the bottom are Alaska, Maine, New York, West Virginia, and Rhode Island."This report represents a snapshot of the health of manufacturing and logistics today, but it also offers a road map to state policymakers who are unhappy with the growth of these industries in their states," says Michael Hicks, director of Ball State's Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER).
MÖBIUS plus SCC: Partnership for multi-echelon inventory solution will benefit from European SCM expertise
Supply Chain Consultants , supplier of the Zemeter suite of supply chain management (SCM) software products, announces a partnership with MÖBIUS for joint design of a sophisticated multi-echelon inventory software solution. The two companies intend to combine the in-depth supply chain knowledge of MÖBIUS with the product development and marketing expertise of Supply Chain Consultants (SCC) to sell the new product in both North America and Europe.Target users for the joint product include any companies with a make-to-stock environment that have different inventory locations to manage—aiming for either customer service improvements or a reduction in working capital. A multi-echelon inventory solution also helps companies deliver more customized and up-to-date products to widely dispersed warehouse and distribution facilities, whether throughout the country or on the other side of the globe.MÖBIUS has seen success with 20 percent to 30 percent extra working capital savings in companies that have implemented its multi-echelon inventory concept.
Inventory management: TradeBeam shores up working-capital savings for med device makers
The medical equipment industry is under pressure to lower costs and control working capital more effectively. Since businesses and their suppliers must constantly adapt to ever-changing demand, it is critical that their technology infrastructure is highly flexible and can be quickly adapted to meet these challenges.SaaS-based global trade management specialist TradeBeam says its collaborative i-Supply inventory management system enables medical device manufacturers to optimize inventory levels across multiple tiers of the supply chain. This integration leads to working capital savings, and ultimately helps manufacturers gain as much as a 110-percent ROI in one year through reduced inventory and improved customer and supplier performance.i-Supply allows businesses to integrate multiple inventory management models into a single system and manage replenishment of raw material, components and distribution centers accordingly.
2008 Finalists: Product of the Year
It’s time again to put the vote in the hands of the people. The 2008 PLANT ENGINEERING Product of the Year voting begins Nov. 17, 2008, when electronic ballots are emailed to all eligible readers who have direct buying authority and purchasing responsibility in America’s manufacturing plants.
Six categories, one big prize: WTG honors manufacturers for game-changing business process projects
A state-of-the-art manufacturing execution system (MES) in use at the historic St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin gained international recognition at World Trade Group's (WTG) 2008 Strategic Manufacturing Awards. Credited with minimizing on-site waste by 40 percent, driving down utility costs by nearly [euro] 2 million, and bringing raw material costs to [euro] 1.
Material world: ToolsGroup sheds light on inventory optimization at OSRAM
ToolsGroup , a global provider of demand-driven inventory optimization solutions, says OSRAM S.p.A. will use ToolsGroup Service Optimizer 99+ solution to optimize the planning processes of raw materials and components managed at its production site in Treviso, Italy.With sales of 4.7 billion euro in 2007, OSRAM is one of the largest lighting manufacturers in the world. Part of the Siemens AG Group , OSRAM has global presence with 41,000 employees in 150 countries, including 48 production and distribution sites in 17 countries.
Take a four-step approach to more efficient energy use
The ultimate irony for energy companies is that it takes energy to make energy. Chemical companies often make the same additives that they consume in their own manufacturing process. Even in that short of a supply chain, the oil, gas and petrochemical industries are looking for energy efficiencies every day.
Product safety: Manufacturers feel the heat over emerging market sourcing
A new executive survey from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu reveals exactly why safety, product quality, and environmental standards are getting a lot more attention from manufacturing senior management and investors.
Cut out the middleman; add a partner
Cut out the middleman. How often have we heard that phrase?
Coca-Cola tackles water stewardship
Business for Social Responsibility recently released a report detailing the evolution of The Coca-Cola Co.'s water management strategy.
What the U.S. must do to help manufacturing
Unfortunately for the worker, manufacturing has found that the best way to control benefit costs and healthcare costs is to eliminate the worker. The need to minimize the adverse effect of rapidly escalating benefit costs has been a driving factor for investment in manufacturing technology. That is the only way we can remain competitive and this is happening around the world.
The road to sustainability
When the residents of Munchkinland told Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, they weren’t concerned about how much energy the Wizard of Oz was using to power his lights and pyrotechnics show from behind the curtain. And they certainly weren’t concerned about using natural resources when Dorothy dumped the bucket of water over the Wicked Witch of the West.
The next generation: New MES platforms support global business models
Manufacturing execution system (MES) vendors are embracing the idea of being able to use a single MES across the enterprise—even if the enterprise has multiple facilities with varying modes of manufacturing.
No finger-pointing on MES
Manufacturing worlds have collided – inevitably.
The morphing of the plant engineer continues
It seems amazing that PLANT ENGINEERING magazine is celebrating 60 years of publication this month. This certainly is both a reflection of the quality and timeliness of the publication itself and the vibrancy of marketplace it serves. As impressive as the feat of the publication’s continued growth is, perhaps an even more impressive occurrence is the morphing of the plant engineer himself.
Sweep or scrub? The answer depends on what you consider ‘clean’
There are numerous reasons for sweeping or scrubbing floors in a plant or warehouse – increased productivity, worker safety, product contamination, protecting the floor surface and maintaining a quality image. On average, a manufacturing plant spends 931,850 hours per year maintaining floor surfaces – 551,984 of those hours are spent sweeping and 379,554 hours are spent scrubbing, w...
Forecast accuracy, overstocks, and expediting comprise widespread inventory management pain points
Given changing market forces, manufacturers and distributors apparently need a new inventory-management education, according to a new survey conducted by Cummaquid, Mass.-based Industry Directions. “They're stuck in the 1970s in managing inventories,” says Julie Fraser, principal analyst.
Root-cause analysis, maximizing inventory subjects of upcoming training courses
School’s back in session, and not just for the kids. The three-day and five-day classes, respectively, will be held in the first two weeks of September.
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Gates Roundtable
Ending the cycle of the 'break-fix' mentality
In the beginning…
When Plant Engineering magazine was introduced in November 1947, the United States was transitioning from World War II and the Cold War. The United States emerged from World War II to face a political and military scene changed forever by that conflict. In 1947, the Soviet Union was becoming an actively hostile and dangerous opponent.
Building bridges: How to share ideas across business groups
What does a business that makes polymer products for industrial applications and a business that makes vinyl siding for residential use have in common? On the surface, not much. But a second look shows that they employ injection molding – the shaping of plastic resins into useful objects – in their manufacturing processes.
Blower product line
An updated blower product catalog features 20 pages detailing the entire line of premium Omega rotary-lobe blowers and blower packages from 3 hp to 300 hp and flows up to 5,350 cfm. It includes the latest models in the Omega Pak and Com-pak Plus integrated package designs. The catalog provides information about how the optimized Omega two-lobe and tri-lobe blowers and packages can reduce mainte...
Spotlight on: Compressors
Plant Engineering asked: What are the key considerations as plant managers contemplate buying vs. renting compressors? What are some of the advantages and/or disadvantages of buying vs. renting? As with all operations, most plant managers base the decision of buy or rent on sound business decisions, such as interest rates, depreciation period, duration of need, business stability, production fo...
Why Georgetown? Toyota builds world-class cars in Kentucky
Travel south on I-75 through the northern part of Kentucky and you’ll never know it’s there. But the people of Georgetown know exactly where the Toyota plant is, and have known for 20 years. The impact Toyota made on their lives is nothing short of life changing. “When Toyota came to town, some people were a bit apprehensive,” said John Poff, assistant manager, general assembly at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Inc., Kentucky.
Direct part identification
How can plant engineers ensure that a part is easily identified by machine vision systems? Justin Testa, senior vice president of ID Products for Cognex Corp., suggests these considerations:
Fuse storage system
The Storage Pro fuse inventory management system can be customized to meet customer requirements. Available in two stock configurations, it includes custom-printed bin labels, and a customized header provides cross-referencing information. Bins come in four different sizes. It's compatible with the MROplus inventory consolidation program.
GSA reduces energy consumption, expenses
Schneider Electric is expanding the capabilities of its Square D PowerLogic ION power management software system with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The upgrade will help the agency fulfill the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other executive orders mandating significant reductions in energy consumption, emissions and electrical demand by federal government agencies. The GSA’s Energy Center of Expertise (ECOE) will integrate web-enabled PowerLogic ION EEM energy analysis software into an existing network of PowerLogic ION 8600 intelligent revenue meters and power management software.
Graybar posts double-digit growth
Graybar posted 19.7% growth in the first half of 2006 – to $2.45 billion – compared to the same period last year. The company also reported an operating income increase of 68% over the first half of 2005. Graybar is a distributor of electrical and communications products and related supply-chain management and logistics services.
World-class maintenance: Opportunities and challenges
Most discussions of world-class maintenance have a rather lengthy list of ingredients that must be in place to qualify as such. Our experiences suggest which key ingredients should be pursued to establish a world-class maintenance program. We include five simple ingredients in our proposed approach: 1.
Online maintenance tracking service alerts mobile communications devices
Link It Software Corporation announced recently a new feature has been added to its web-based service, EZ Maintenance Web (www.ezm-web.com/). EZM Web enables users to track and schedule preventative maintenance and control inventory for any amount and type of equipment or vehicles via the Internet. The new feature allows users of EZM Web to set a preference to have maintenance alerts with details of what is to be done automatically sent to designated pagers, PDAs or cell phones. "EZ Maintenance Web is the direct result of customer requests we received for an easy-to-use, online approach to maintenance and inventory tracking," said Wayne McFarland, CEO of Link It. EZ Maintenance Web includes all of the features Link Itr vehicles. EZ Maintenance Web's key features include: %%POINT%%Online maintenance and tracking. Users can schedule regular preventive and emergency maintenance.
Bentley honors plant winners at BE awards
Bentley Systems announced the winners of the 2006 BE Awards of Excellence at its annual BE Conference in Charlotte. The independent panel of BE Awards jurors, which included accomplished Bentley users and distinguished industry experts, selected the winning projects from more than 260 nominations. The winners, said CEO Greg Bentley. “have shown that they stand above all others in their vision and application of technology in improving the world’s infrastructure.” This year’s BE Awards of Excellence winners in the plant area are: Plant Lifecycle Information Management: Tessenderlo Group — AutoPLANT/PIDA/eDM System for Engineering and Maintenance Purposes Plant Managed Environment, Global Work Sharing: ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. — CPAI Managed Environment Plant Multidiscipline Engineering: Giprotyumenneftegaz — West-Salym Field Development Plant New Technology Adoption: CH2M HILL — American Electric Power — Mitchell & Mountaineer CPS Treatment Plants Plant Rookie of the Year (First-Time User): Carollo Engineers, P.C.
Take the right steps to ensure proper drive belt alignment
Misalignment is one of the most common causes of premature belt failure. Depending on its severity, misalignment can gradually reduce belt performance by increasing wear and fatigue. Or, it can destroy a belt in a matter of hours or days. While the forms of misalignment may be fairly well understood, accurate measurements and acceptable limits must be determined if maintenance personnel are to...
Carrying RCM implementation to the manufacturing floor
First-class RCM project planning begins with asking and then finding the answers to the following four questions: Let’s address these questions collectively and suggest some answers. Simply put, you have to determine where it is you wish to be when the journey is over. Is this just a trial balloon, to see if RCM is for you, or have you decided on using RCM as one of the primary tools in d...
Go back to the future in the PE archives
Looking for cutting-edge knowledge on plant floor issues? How about this observation? “E-commerce is here to stay, and the problems will be worked out. If you’re not already learning about e-commerce, it’s time to get started. If you’re not looking at the possibilities, step aside for someone who is.
MRO spending: plan for the unplanned
Unplanned maintenance — it can be the bane of a plant engineer’s existence. It can lead to hours spent on the Internet, on the phone or both, searching for suppliers that not only can supply the part needed, but supply it in a timely manner. And this can be the least of the plant engineer’s concerns.
INTERPHEX takes international look at pharma issues, technology
INTERPHEX2006, the world's largest pharmaceutical conference and exhibition, will add show pavilions to address the increasing globalization of the biopharmaceutical industry and the expanding roles of contamination control and RFID. The show opens March 21 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. "Our aim is to help drug companies stay one step ahead of the game by showcasing tomorrow's solutio...
Suppliers respond to Katrina
How four suppliers helped put their customers back in business after August disaster.
The long road to maintenance parts-management success
When Dennis Marcucci arrived at Gonnella Frozen Products in 1997 to head the company's information system department, he already knew the company and its mission. He also knew that the breadmaker needed a fresh approach to its maintenance inventory management system. "I was familiar with what was going on, and in seeing what needed to be done, I knew the road to success was not going to be qui...
Reader Feedback – 2005-06-01
Grease tips for getting into tight spots I had two problems with the "Solutions" about getting grease into tight places in the April issue of Plant Engineering as presented. First was that the illustration was essentially backward in that it showed the Zerk fitting on the grease gun hose end. I believe that it should show the coupling on the hose end that will then mate to the Zerk on the bearing.
Five keys to effective inventory management
Maintaining an efficient inventory management strategy can help industrial plant mangers improve and ensure the success of their operations. When addressing inventory management, there are several major factors to consider. Perhaps the most important is recognizing that inventory costs extend well beyond the initial purchase price of materials.
Leveraging TPM to the corporate bottom line
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. TPM practitioners can impact the bottom line — they have the necessary insights into the inner workings/flow on the shop floor, and they are key to keeping production flowing. In order to directly link the improvement activities to increased profits, the TPM practitioner must understand the nine key principles and translate them into guidelines for act...
Using CAD templates to save time, money
Computer-aided design (CAD) has been an important tool for industrial plant engineering since the technology's inception in the mid-1980s. Most manufacturing plants employ CAD technology — generally for the design and manipulation of system assembly models that serve as blueprints during new, retrofit, or expansion projects.
Controlling leaks and spills requires preparedness
Before football teams play their first game of the season, coaches and players come together for an intensive training camp. Drills are conducted, strategies are rehearsed, game plans are discussed, and players are fitted with uniforms and protective equipment.
Innovation: The large and small of it
Editor's note: This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Production costs must be driven down to finance big innovation. The most effective approach is through what's called little innovation at the plant and shop floor level: improving your processes so that the costs are not incurred, and eliminating the defects that cause the failures in your equipment and processes.
How to get the most from your infrared camera investment
Infrared (IR) thermography is a fundamental asset in today’s predictive maintenance (PdM) and condition monitoring programs.
Gasket selection after asbestos
Not too many years ago, selecting the right gasket was easy. It was asbestos. But once asbestos was identified as a health hazard, the gasketing field started to change radically and the gasket selection process hasn't been the same since. At one time, most piping joints were sealed with asbestos, available primarily in sheets or cut gaskets.
Reliability program: How to sell, implement, and sustain one
This article is the second of a two-part series. It is based on a paper originally presented at the Process Plant Reliability, 8th International Conference and Exhibition. Selecting the right staff will make or break a reliability program. Programs that are successful have been staffed with personnel with exceptional leadership skills.
Improvement projects and tools: Where to start and what to use
Two of the more common questions asked in manufacturing plants are 1) Where do we start with our improvement effort? and 2) What tools or methods best apply to our business? Of course, most plants have some form of improvement plan, and the tools and methods are numerous. We are bombarded with promotional material and success stories regarding the use of tools and methods, such as lean manufact...
Using data mining for plant maintenance
Data mining can be used for anything from asset and inventory management to predictive maintenance to banking and finance. However, maintaining manufacturing plants is what we are all about. Knowing when a machine will break before it breaks, in plenty of time for repairs to be conveniently and cost-effectively scheduled and executed, is an exciting application of this technology that can add d...
Reliability and maintainability: Questions for suppliers about their equipment
Companies frequently ask suppliers of critical equipment about the reliability and maintainability of their equipment. The questions cover a number of topics and often include queries about Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), recommended spares, PM requirements, the role of reliability and maintainability in the design of equipment, and so on.
Webcast: Environmental Improvements for Profit
Presented by: Sponsored by: Plant Engineering presents the Webcast: Environmental Improvements for Profit Improve your bottom line through proactiveenvironmental strategies You mayuntil Feb. 11, 2003, Pre-Registration is required to watch the Webcast Click Register button below: If you will be listening to this Webcast via streaming audio, you will need to have either Windows Media Player 7.1 or Real Player 8 Basic. You can test your players by clicking on these links. Test for Windows Media Player Test for Real Player Frequently Asked Questions Join us online and hear from these industry experts: Bill McDonough Paul Walitsky Rick Dunn Architect/Author Manager of Environmental Affairs Editor William McDonough & Partners, Architecture and Community Design Philips Lighting Company Plant Engineering Federal and State regulations have changed — is your business in compliance? Keeping current with Environmental Legislation is critical to the success of today's Plant Engineers, and Environmental, Maintenance, and Purchasing Managers. A solid understanding of current regulations can be a true Have a cup of coffee* on us and learn how lighting products that satisfy the Universal Waste Rule can Record KeepingLabeling RequirementsTrainingStorage of Hazardous WastesViolations and Penalties. In this one-hour Webcast, Bill McDonough, best selling author/architect (Cradle to Cradle, Remaking the Way We Make Things) will highlight how leading companies are proactively designing facilities and processes for environmental optimization. Paul Walitsky, Environmental Manager of Philips Lighting Company, will present a case study illustrating how environmentally friendly lighting impacted the bottom line for one major manufacturer. Tune into this special Technology Broadcast to learn how you can improve your bottom line through proactive environmental strategies . The Webcast program includes: Why is environmental optimization so important? Rick Dunn, PLANT ENGINEERING Magazine How is the market responding? Bill McDonough, Architect/Author How does lighting fit in? Bill McDonough Philips' Response-Philips' pro-active environmental strategy: A Case Study on Environmental Lighting Solutions, 'Julius Koch, USA 'Paul Walitsky, Philips Lighting Company Sarbucks Coffee * Starbucks Coffee for the first 100 participants.
Minor price increases for 2003
Prices are heating up, manufacturing costs are rising, margins are getting squeezed…but the outlook for 2003 doesn't look too scary for plant engineers who have to oversee plant construction and maintenance. That's because only four industries in our composite index are expected to hike their average product prices by more than 2% in 2003.
Company assets: employees top list
EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is the sixth in a series of columns based on the book, Future Capable Company: What Manufacturing Leaders Need To Do Today To Succeed Tomorrow, by Dr. Tompkins. These excerpts are provided through special arrangement with the publisher, Tompkins Press. Copyright © 2001 Tompkins Press.
Improvement builds road to success
EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is the second in a series of columns based on the book, Future Capable Company: What Manufacturing Leaders Need To Do Today To Succeed Tomorrow, by Dr. Tompkins. These excerpts are provided through special arrangement with the publisher, Tompkins Press. Copyright c 2001 Tompkins Press.
The search for business intelligence
Anyone who tracks the evolution of information technology in our society might come to the conclusion that there is no limit to our need for information. This is an easy conclusion to make since the number and sophistication of our information systems appear to be growing at precipitous rate. We keep implementing new functionality to address specific business needs and requirements.
Terrorist attack affects internet, MRO deliveries
Internet recovers quickly after attackAccording to a statement released by Matrix.Net Inc., a U.S.-based internet performance measurement company, the internet infrastructure in the U.S. appeared to be functioning close to normal, just hours after the series of devastating terrorist attacks struck New York City and Washington, D.
Coping with multiple sites
Managers generally seek to centralize efforts in order to better use resources and maintain control. When faced with similar tasks scattered across multiple entities the natural tendency is to try to incorporate them into a single effort. The belief is that an economy of scale will result in a better return on investment by concentrating on a unified approach.
Comparing the Major Manufacturing Improvement Methods — Part 1
EDITOR'S NOTE: The past decade has seen the development of a number of manufacturing management concepts. Chief among them are: lean manufacturing, six sigma, supply chain management, total productive maintenance (TPM), and reliability centered maintenance (RCM). While these names are well known, they are not well understood.
Blueprint for building a skilled workforce
Manufacturing has changed. Jobs require more skill, training, and experience, especially in the use of technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 1950, 60% of manufacturing jobs were unskilled; today, only 30% are unskilled; by 2005, the number is expected to shrink to 15%. In addition, retirement-eligible workers are leaving manufacturing jobs in large numbers.
Reducing electrical equipment downtime
Downtime is a common factor among industrial equipment. This article explains how to properly test for weak links, make retrofits to sensitive components, and how to minimize downtime when specifying equipment.
Checking the pulse of the CMMS/EAM industry at the National Plant Engineering Show
Trade shows aren't necessarily the best indicator of where an industry is heading. After all, they basically present what the marketing and sales folks want you to see. Their direct message is always going to be upbeat, with wonderful new advances and opportunities galore. But they still provide an opportunity to see vendors of all stripes under the same roof.
How Relays Work
A relay is a simple electromechanical switch made up of an electromagnet and set of contacts. As simple as they are, however, relays are found hidden in all sorts of complicated products. In fact, some of the first computers ever built used relays to implement Boolean gates. Construction Relays consist of four parts: Electromagnet Armature that can be attracted by the electromagnet Spring Se...
Novozymes North America wins 2000 NAME Award
Novozymes North America, Inc., a Franklinton, NC, manufacturer of enzymes, was the winner of the 2000 North American Maintenance Excellence (NAME) Award.
Foundations for maintenance excellence
For most plant engineers, maintenance excellence is an elusive goal.
Suggestions and Solutions – 2000-12-01
Greasing the skids Monitor lubrication management system (LMS) integrates task routing and scheduling with preventive maintenance functions to automate and facilitate the planning and control of an entire lubrication program. LMS simplifies lubrication tracking, scheduling, routing, and inventory management for all types of equipment. The system generates reports covering personnel efficiency, root cause failure, and work history. ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Co.
Positioning maintenance as a competitive advantage
In these days of just-in-time, supply chain management, lean manufacturing, capacity assurance, and global competition, it is essential that production is available to meet customer demands. Key to meeting this goal is maintenance support.
A dot-net solution
If you were looking for a common theme during the recent National Manufacturing Week, it's likely that you came away with the realization of the impact the internet is having on manufacturing and plant operations.
Touring the Plant Engineering Show: Software programs head for the internet
Maintenance software providers clearly see the internet as the technological high ground. But attendees at the National Plant Engineering Show may have had a hard time spotting this trend.
CMMS – 2000-03-01 – 2000-03-01
Mpulse maintenance software offers a wide range of CMMS solutions for controlling equipment, vehicles, facilities, grounds, and more.
See, try, and buy maintenance chemicals
It is easy to try and buy mold releases, cleaners, rust preventatives, lubricants and more at an expanded web site. Qualified industrial users can order free samples of aerosol products and try them out before purchasing.
A little spin
Every year, we commit a substantial amount of editorial space to coverage of the National Plant Engineering & Management Show and Conference. There are a number of reasons why we do this. But at the top of the list is our commitment to you, our readers.
Beyond Y2K
With practically everyone else making their predictions for the turn of the century, the temptation is too great to resist. So, at the risk of going out on a limb, here are some thoughts.... - In general, the Y2K thing will be a big yawn.
Software connects buyers with suppliers via internet
iProcure software connects customers with MRO parts suppliers via the internet. Using the software, customers can search, select, and purchase industrial parts.
Fuel management partnerships can save time and money
Outsourcing is creating a stir in today's industrial manufacturing sector. Recently, there has been a trend to outsource onsite energy management functions, among them fuel management.
Foretelling your plant’s Y2K future: Who they gonna call? Maintenance, of course
The end of the first millennium found many Europeans predicting the end of the world. Surely a thousand years was enough. The Second Coming would coincide with the advance of the calendar into 1000 A.D.
Electronic MRO
e-MRO extends purchasing capabilities to the internet. The program allows searching for maintenance, repair, and operations parts via a web-based engine that returns item, price, and availability details.Datastream Systems, Inc.www.dstm.
Are you using all the features of your CMMS? Following this 7-step plan can help uncover new benefits
It never ceases to amaze me how most maintenance departments underutilize their CMMS packages. I realize that this statement may seem a bit unfair at first.
System Provides Real-Time Communication
PAC Commander field-force management package provides real-time communication between supervisors and field workers.
Work Order Wizards, Bar Coding Among CMMS Features
SamTrak Version 6, the Service and Maintenance Tracking Solution, is a powerful and flexible CMMS that provides the tools needed to gain and maintain control, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
Plant maintenance
Enterprise-Class Management for Plant Maintenance -- From Day #1 is a two-day seminar that focuses on how to keep your plant up and running. The seminar covers various aspects of CMMS, Reliability-Centered Maintenance, and MRO Supply Chain Systems.
Guidelines For Obtaining Power Plant Permitting Under The Clean Air Act
When planning a new industrial power plant or expansion of an existing facility, permitting procedures mandated by the CAAA, as contained within the SIPs, must be considered.
Breaking with tradition: tap into the internet to maximize your CMMS
No topic is hotter in the information technology arena than the internet. Industry experts discuss its impact on the computing world. Trade journals feature articles on internet solutions and products.