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2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Geno Triana, 38
Geno Triana, 38, Automation Engineer, CDM Smith, Dallas, TX
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Jason Rhodewalt, 39
Jason Rhodewalt, 39, Partner, Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Roseville, CA, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Olajide Rabiu, 38
Olajide Rabiu, 38, Project Manager, Salas O'Brien, Dublin, OH, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Robert Phillips, 37
Robert Phillips, 37, Automation Manager, Interstates, Sioux Center, IA, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Jonathan Miller, 35
Jonathan Miller, 35, Automation Engineer, CDM Smith, Columbus, OH, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Imran Khan, 29
Imran Khan, 29, Lead Solution Architect, Pipeline Technologies & Services, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: August 19-25, 2024
Top 5 Plant Engineering content over the past week covered plant automation implementation, anticipating maintenance problems, safety standards and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: August 2024
Bundy Group reported 26 automation transactions in the month of August. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
How a stone manufacturer implemented its automation system
When seeking a wireless factory automation option, Pedrini can now do real-time machine calibration and optimization
Manufacturing technology orders grow in June, YoY gap narrowing
Manufacturing technology orders grew in June by 4% compared to May, but orders were narrowly down compared to the same period in 2023.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: July 2024
Bundy Group reported eight automation transactions in the month of July. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
May manufacturing technology orders grow despite high interest rates
Orders of manufacturing technology totaled $386.7 million in May 2024 according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
Manufacturing show pushing automation, integrated solutions
IMTS 2024 exhibits will emphasize automation and integrated solutions and will demonstrate automated solutions for computer numerical control (CNC) machining, additive manufacturing, robots and more.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: June 2024
Bundy Group reported five automation transactions in the month of June. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
April 2024 manufacturing technology orders decline, remain above historical average
Orders of manufacturing technology, reached $317.9 million in April 2024, which is a drop from last month and the same period in 2023.
2024 Plant Engineering Product of the Year winners announced
The best products of the past year as selected by Plant Engineering subscribers.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: May 2024
Bundy Group reported 12 automation transactions in the month of May. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: May 6-12, 2024
Top 5 Plant Engineering content over the past week covered salary survey findings, enhancing plant performance, leveraging industrial data and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: April 29 to May 5, 2024
Top 5 Plant Engineering content over the past week covered salary survey findings, the process engineer's role, integrating pneumatic controls and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: April 2024
Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of April. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
How to enhance plant performance using controls
How bridging the gap between building utility controls and process controls enhances plant performance.
Mastering automation strategies in the food processing industry
In an upcoming April 16 webcast, Scott Meldeau from Norgren examines the benefits for improving automation in the food and beverage industry.
Four automation tips to better manage the power grid
Advanced automation helps power systems meet the ever-increasing complexity of a changing power industry
Industrial automation offers many unrealized opportunities
Industrial automation can bring manufacturers many potential benefits, but they're unrealized because people don't know what it can or can't do. Learn more in this panel discussion with several thought leaders.
Four technologies every modern manufacturer should adopt
Condition monitoring, vision system AI, message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) and modern supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems can help manufacturers looking to improve their operations.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: March 2024
Bundy Group reported seven automation transactions in the month of March. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Video: How robots can increase plant throughput
Not only can robots increase a plant's throughput, but they also can empower the plant workers. Christine Bush, Robotics Center of...
Building a world-class predictive maintenance foundation
E. & J. Gallo’s World Class Maintenance initiative builds a predictive maintenance foundation to help process manufacturers drive improved performance.
January 2024 manufacturing technology orders down 31% from December
Manufacturing technology orders totaled $338 million in January 2024, a 31% decline from December, but only a 3.7% decline from January 2023.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: February 2024
Bundy Group reported seven automation transactions in the month of February. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
2023 manufacturing technology orders beat expectations in December
December 2023 orders of manufacturing technology totaled $491 million, up nearly 22% from November 2023, and nearly 12% above December 2022.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: January 22-28, 2024
Top 5 Plant Engineering content over the past week covered most-viewed content in 2023, arc flash and PPE, mitigating arc flash hazards and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Plant Engineering most-viewed automation articles in 2024
Read the best articles about automation including strategies, mergers and acquisitions, efficiency and more.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: January 2024
Bundy Group reported seven automation transactions in the month of January. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Manufacturing technology orders fall in November
Manufacturing orders fall by more than 10% in November compared to the same time period in 2022 according to an AMT report.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: December 2023
Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of December. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Manufacturing technology orders up in October, but down YoY
Despite a more optimistic outlook, orders for manufacturing technology, measured by the USMTO report, continued to fall relative to 2022
How a main automation contractor improves manufacturing
A main automation contractor (MAC) concept enables drastic cost savings and can help companies improve sustainability and operations compared to a traditional approach.
American SpiralWeld Pipe drives efficiency through automation
Steel pipe maker implements supervisory control and manufacturing execution.
What are the key benefits and strategies to implementing plant automation?
Plant automation offers many potential benefits, but it requires precise strategies that consider the entire facility to achieve the best possible result.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: November 2023
Bundy Group reported seven automation transactions in the month of November. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automotive engineering services market expected to double in growth by 2033
The automotive engineering services market is expected to double in growth to around $3.2 billion by 2033.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: October 2023
Bundy Group reported six automation transactions in the month of October. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: September 2023
Bundy Group reported 12 automation transactions in the month of September. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Andres Aguilar, 39
Andres Aguilar, 39, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, John Crane, Morton Grove, Illinois
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Richard Ahlfield, 33
Richard Ahlfeld, CEO & Founder, Monolith, London
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Fai Al Sanea, 33
Fai Al Sanea, 33, Senior Engineering Program Supervisor, Honeywell, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Joseph Dolivo, 35
Joseph Dolivo, 35, Chief Technology Officer, 4IR Solutions Corp., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Mercedes Elizalde, 26
Mercedes Elizalde, 26, Senior Product Owner, Hardware, Rockwell Automation, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Ashish Garg, 37
Ashish Garg, 37, Assistant General Manager, Jindal Saw Ltd., Anantapur Andhra Pradesh, India
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Nick Gigliotti, 30
Nick Gigliotti, Group Manager, Customer Success Management (EMEA), Seeq, Seattle
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Pankaj Goel, 36
Pankaj Goel, 36, Instrumentation, Measurement & Control Systems Engineer, ExxonMobil, Spring, Texas
2023 Engineering leader under 40: John Grounds, 34
John Grounds, 34, Plant Engineer, PAC Worldwide, Phoenix
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Zachary Jones, 29
Zachary Jones, 29, Director of Engineering, Pigler Automation, Longmont, Colorado
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Justin Katz, 37
Justin Katz, 37 Manager of Product Management, Inside Sales & Tech Support, Schmalz, Raleigh, North Carolina
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Ankur Kumar, 34
Ankur Kumar, 34, Operations Technology Development Lead, Linde, Tonawanda, New York
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Kaleigh Linton, 23
Kaleigh Linton, 23, Industrial Engineer, Simon & Schuster, Riverside, New Jersey
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: August 2023
Bundy Group reported seven automation transactions in the month of August. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
June manufacturing orders rebound, but down YoY
Manufacturing orders in June jump more than 10% compared to May, but orders are still slightly down compared to the same period in 2022.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: July 2023
Bundy Group reported 11 automation transactions in the month of July. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Manufacturing orders improve in May, still down YoY
May manufacturing technology orders grew by almost 9% compared to April, but the YoY stats remain almost 20% behind.
Smart factory market to reach almost $400 billion by 2033
The smart factory market is expected to increase to $388.7 billion by 2033 as smart technologies become more common.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: June 2023
Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of June. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: May 2023
The Bundy Group reported 10 automation transactions in the month of May. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: April 2023
The Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of April. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Hannover Messe 2023 Day Three: Connectivity and communication are critical for manufacturers
Manufacturers and associations at Hannover Messe emphasized the need for better connectivity and communication with their products and each other.
Hannover Messe 2023 Day One: Manufacturers’ industrial transformation comes in many forms
Manufacturers at Hannover Messe 2023 are tightening their focus and emphasizing total solutions and products for their customers. See video.
Multi-robot orchestration software focused on logistics improvement launched
CoEvolution Technology is launching their multi-robot orchestration software in the U.S, emphasizing logistics and warehouse operations improvement.
How a warehouse execution system can improve automation and throughput
A warehouse execution system (WES) goes beyond a typical control system and is designed to enhance a company’s automation and throughput.
Manufacturing technology orders total $5.5 billion in 2022
Manufacturing orders totaled $5.5 billion in 2022, which is a 6% drop compared to 2021, according to an AMT report.
De-mystifying the warehouse execution system market
The execution layer is used to avoid congested areas of the warehouse and can improve operations, but it is important to know what a warehouse execution system (WES) is.
Plant Engineering most-viewed automation articles in 2023
Read the best articles about automation including real-time coordination, automation career advice, control system design challenges and more.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: January 9-15, 2023
The top 5 Plant Engineering content from the past week covered plant automation, control systems, arc flashes, uninterruptible power supplies and energy management. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Long-term growth expected for warehouse automation
After a slight decline in 2022, the warehouse automation industry is expected to return to a state of healthy growth in the mid- to long-term.
Warehouse automation market grows 28% in 2021
Due to the slowdown in e-commerce sales and other geopolitical and economic factors, the warehouse automation market has dropped since 2021
Upgrading ventilation equipment systems in automotive tunnels
An integration project required upgrading legacy equipment in a tunnel that sees thousands of vehicles driving through every day without causing potential safety issues.
How all-in-one automation platforms simplify machine building and increase design flexibility
Some typical automation challenges are addressed by having one throat to choke
Re-industrialization at risk from automation education gap
A survey by ABB finds there is a growing desire to reshore or nearshore manufacturing, but there's a major automation education gap, which could hamper efforts.
Digi-Key’s mammoth product distribution center supports steep bookings growth
The 2.2 million square foot facility incorporates densely packed storage and goods-to-person order preparation
15 pieces of automation advice from ROKLive 2022
Automation can help optimize industrial operations, as noted at ROKLive, a recent conference on industrial operations, maintenance, engineering, and enterprise-wide solutions automation, linking operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).
Applying automation in today’s manufacturing facilities
Automation is a necessity for manufacturing facilities, and it starts with gathering data and understanding where it is (and isn’t) needed and what technologies can help maximize return on investment (ROI).
Why automation matters for every manufacturer
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can level the playing field with their larger competitors by embracing automation with an approach that best suits their business needs.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: June 20-26, 2022
The most-viewed content from the past week covered automation trends, IT/OT convergence, compressed air systems, Lean manufacturing tools and Product of the Year winners. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Automation and manufacturing trends for the future
Jeff Burnstein, A3 president and the key organizer behind Automate 2022, offered his views on the latest trends in automation and what he sees for the future.
Flexible automation, robotics at Automate
Automate 2022 in Detroit strongly emphasized flexible automation as companies seek ways to address the supply chain and labor shortages exacerbated by COVID-19 and other world events.
Automation can help manufacturers, workers thrive
The growing need for skilled workers and increased automation should be a joint venture that can provide benefits for the company and employees.
Overcoming industrial automation implementation challenges
Industry 4.0, elevated levels of efficiency will lead to better use of assets and increased output, but upfront financial costs can be difficult for some manufacturers.
Combat labor shortages with automated solutions
Implement automated features into the manufacturing process to remain agile and equipped to meet future consumer demands.
Full stack automation operational, workforce benefits
Full stack automation can help manufacturers be more flexible and ready for automation changes and can give engineers better, more accurate real-time information.
Industrial automation components with large axial forces require long linear movement
Applications include automation and robotics, machine tools, material handling and printing presses.
Global supply chain disruptions loom over automation market
Supply chain challenges have been brought to the forefront due to recent events such as COVID-19 and technology shortages, forcing manufacturers to adjust to a new reality.
Robotics, motion control, machine vision, AI
Think Again: Business is strong for automation, as explained by speakers at the A3 Business Forum in February.
Entries open for startup challenge at automation show
The Cowen Startup Challenge: Automate to Outperform, taking place at Automate 2022 in Detroit in June, will exhibit innovative companies and entrepreneurs with a $10,000 prize.
Understanding the basics of automation validation
Regardless of role, having a basic understanding of the concepts and typical documentation, will allow engineers to better appreciate the effort involved in ensuring compliance.
AGV-related material-handling safety
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can improve productivity and output, but they do have limits manufacturers should be aware of.
How automation can help with high demand
A sudden boom in demand provides welcome opportunities for manufacturers to boost their annual sales, which means factories will have to fulfil an unusual number of orders with the same staff and resources; automation can help manufacturers deal with these spikes in demand.
Tank farm automation best practices
New Zealand system integrator implemented a dedicated tank farm control system based on remote input/output (I/O) couplers connected via EtherCAT.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital: Curry, Fetch, Revere, Zebra
Global automation is expected to expand 51% from 2020 to 2025, driven by personal shortages, remote monitoring and increased records requirements and productivity demands. Robust mergers and acquisition investments to enhance margins validate the growth, explains the Bundy Group.
When and where lights-out automation makes sense
Automation and effectively using enterprise systems help manufacturers succeed in the post-COVID manufacturing era
Applying automation: The right infrastructure for the best results
Realizing the benefits of automation in an industrial setting requires significant upfront investment. Software must be modernized and data must be migrated to the hybrid cloud.
Making the case for full automation
Opinion: It is in everyone's best interests to move to full automation, particularly for publicly-owned facilities. Experiences running large spinning equipment in a dangerous and unhealthy environment led to exploring ways to reduce, if not eliminate, human involvement in the process.
4 variables to consider before applying new automation technologies
Automation investment advice: Implement leading-edge automation technology, achieve a fast return on investment (ROI) and make it simple for the end user to support. These do not have to be mutually exclusive goals for automation technologies.
How tomorrow’s automation technology will transform workforce
The automation revolution is changing how technology is implemented and how workers are being trained. Companies need to rethink everything from the top-down to thrive in the future.
How warehouse automation business models are diverging
System integrators are looking to expand their service offering through additional network consulting and supply chain software applications, which means the automation hardware itself is becoming a smaller and smaller subset of the solution offering and is changing how companies approach the issue.
Engineering company installs automated production, material handling solutions
Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) completed two major projects at Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co., based in Michigan.
Warehouse automation vendors focusing on after-sales services market
There is plenty of potential growth in the after-sales market for warehouse automation vendors as COVID-19 continues to change the way people consume goods.
How to use automation technology for remote operations
Automation technology for remote operation and plant maintenance is becoming more prevalent.
Automation built for resiliency
Resilient automation products and practices are a necessity for most industrial applications using sensors, wiring, power distribution, controllers, networks, actuators and software integrated into an automation system.
How hyperautomation can help manufacturers
Hyperautomation technologies is a fast-growing concept that offers many benefits for the industrial sector.
Integrated automation suites solve 24/7 connectivity problems
Edge solutions deliver data insights that increase uptime
How to achieve remote automation success
In a remote, yet connected world, this is how to keep pace with the changing face of automation in manufacturing
Six steps for supporting an automation system
There’s nothing revolutionary in this six-step process; however, it is a workable model for helping to find, analyze and correct system issues.
Research project for safer autonomous vehicles
Semcon is working with Vinnova on a research project to devise analysis methods and processes for continuous development of safe connected and automated vehicles.
Automation benefits on the factory floor
There are many ways automation benefits can be tangibly realized now and they will be needed as the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we realize value on the factory floor.
Industrial automation partnerships build strength in numbers
Partnerships and collaboration are the foundation that enable end-users and suppliers to develop complete solutions for industrial automation and beyond.
Integrating flow, process control improves operations
System integration, operations advice: Integrated flow and process control can significantly improve oil and gas operations.
Boosting productivity with automation
Manufacturers that adopt automation will gain long-term success
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles November 9-15, 2020
Articles about Product of the Year finalists, Industry 4.0, robots and drone safety, better cybersecurity and applying analytics were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 9-15, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Automated container terminal streamlines U.S. supply chain
The TraPac San Pedro Bay facility in Los Angeles is the first automated container terminal in North America, bringing more goods through the same footprint, with faster truck turn times and a 90% reduction in emissions
Three reasons why businesses should invest in automation technology
Process automation is one of the most valuable additions a team can make in terms of digital transformation
Software still eating world
Software is modeling the world around us in an increasingly comprehensive way
Auto manufacturers are leveraging AR/VR technologies to address COVID-19
More than a third of auto manufacturers are implementing augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies to address COVID-19 social distancing and other challenges according to a survey by Grid Raster.
Redefining the boundaries of industrial automation
Production challenges do not wait on IT developments and automation technology advances enable data access and use from almost anywhere.
Space-rate force/torque sensor developed for Mars 2020 Rover
ATI Industrial Automation worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) to develop a custom force/torque sensor for Perseverance, the Mars 2020 Rover project. See video of the project.
COVID-19’s impact on Chinese automation markets
Influence of COVID-19 on China’s automation market: Initial impact of COVID-19 on the domestic Chinese automation market less than expected; most first-quarter sales came from orders last year. Negative COVID-19 effects on Chinese automation in the second or third quarter may increase; opportunities for automation growth exist.
COVID-19 survey results show impact on automation industry
How the global coronavirus pandemic has effected manufacturing, onshoring, new developments, and more
Polymer manufacturing technique developed vehicle, packaging production
Purdue University researchers have developed a new way for manufacturers to use nanocellulose that can utilize sustainable cellulose nanomaterials for use in vehicles, food packaging and other manufactured items.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles June 8-14, 2020
Articles about plant upgrades, robotic compliance, Product of the Year, automation design software and remote operations were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 8-14, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Manufacturers upgrading their plants during COVID-19 shutdown
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many manufacturing and automotive plants to temporarily shut down, which gives owners an opportunity to complete long-needed upgrades to their facilities.
Engineering impact on COVID-19
How are engineers applying what they’ve learned to help during the COVID-19 pandemic? See six ways automation and control engineering industry knowledge can help.
Timely supply chain solutions for the food and beverage industry
The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing industries involved in the food supply chain to better manage their operations to prevent shortages from happening.
The future of industrial automation training
Smarter workers: Think beyond the limitations of the human brain to help industrial automation and industrial automation education. Use the brain outside your brain (BOYB) to “know” things not previously learned.
What do taxes, water and wastewater services and automation system integration have in common?
Crumbling infrastructure is no joke: Water and wastewater, taxes and automation system integration are linked in five critical ways important for taxpayers and those involved in automation and controls.
Manufacturer receives operations waiver during coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania
Flexicon has been granted a waiver by the State of Pennsylvania to continue operating during the COVID-19 outbreak due to its role in the supply chain for life-sustaining businesses.
Manufacturers focusing on faster automation in wake of coronavirus
GlobalData reports that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has made manufacturers realize the need for faster automation and innovation, but it is going to take time to recover from the virus' economic effects.
Coronavirus will force manufacturers to enhance automation, digitalization
COVID-19 is forcing manufacturers to rely more on automation and digitalization for long-term operations to reduce the financial impact from epidemics and other potential economic challenges.
How clear were 2020 automation predictions?
Think again: Did you have 2020 vision? How clear were your foresights? Predictions of automation, controls, and instrumentation for 2020 were spot on, though perhaps closer to the ideal than to where most are. Are you making these changes quickly enough to stay competitive?
Getting the automation zone “just right”
Many automation companies struggle with finding the “Goldilocks Zone” for their automation projects. Learn how companies can find that right balance by asking four questions before starting to automate.
Digital twins, engineering future of automation
Rapid growth of data collection make rapid expansion of digital twins more likely to add automation, supply chain efficiencies and optimization.
Automation software can improve plant flexibility
The automotive industry, which can be rigid and inflexible, can improve production and meet increased demand for customization with automation software.
Taking control of controls
Ford’s 10-year operational evolution started with network standards.
Hannover Messe 2019, Day 1: Innovation challenged by human concerns
Supply chain leaders won’t link with digitalization; AI has human workers nervous.
Manufacturing shrugs off issues as PMI climbs to 55.3%
Purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) bolstered by strong employment, orders, production.
Automated test equipment attributes
What attributes are needed in automated test equipment (ATE)? What automation should be considered for ATE designs? See 10 questions to ask when applying automation.
Automation trends, insights from a new company president
Companies need to be open to new technologies to see fundamental paradigm shifts in productivity, beyond incremental improvements. Rapid increases in productivity, visibility, flexibility, and agility are needed.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Optimization
Technology update: Optimization is among key trends for manufacturing and process facilities highlighted in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Automation company selects new president
Beckhoff Automation LLC has selected Kevin Barker as the company's new president, taking over for Aurelio Banda, who led the Minnesota-based company for four years.
Automation and robotics company acquired
Motion Industries has acquired Axis New England and Axis New York, an automation and robotics company.
System repairs: 6 steps to find the root cause
Automation systems will eventually need to be repaired. Following a regular procedure while troubleshooting to find the root cause can be a big help.
How to enhance automation systems with instrumentation, advanced analytics
Automation can be enhanced in a number of ways whether its through improving process instrumentation or unlocking the power of the Internet of Things (IoT)
Five innovations moving the modern warehouse
As e-commerce expands, telematics, automation help keep pace as consumers and retailers evolve.
Making warehouse management efficient and better through CMMS
Here are seven ways CMMS can help with warehouse management and boost production.
A rousing success for IMTS, HMUSA
It took the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) quite a while to finish counting noses at IMTS 2018 which should give you an idea of the success of this year's event. The show smashed all previous records for exhibiting companies (2,563), booths (21,23) and square feet used at Chicago's McCormick Place (1,424,232 sq ft) than at any previous IMTS before the show even started, and eclipsed the attendance record on the show's second day. In the end, 129,415 people attended IMTS, 6.6% higher than the previous record.
‘Living in a brownfield world’
While new manufacturing facilities are a welcome site in any community, the reality of manufacturing is that plants are adapting in their current footprints to the changes. Nowhere is this truer than in the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), where plants are learning how--and why--to bring in new technology, software and training to make the necessary changes in manufacturing. As was noted IIoT for Engineers editor Kevin Parker in this month's issue, "what's limiting additional productivity gain through further systems integration is this very same installed base of proprietary technologies supplied by automation and information technology suppliers."He quoted Arlen Nipper, president and CEO of Cirrus Link Solutions, who noted, "We live in a brownfield world." The key is open-source data, Parker noted. "If industrial processes need distributed systems that are configurable and interoperable, open standards are required for the technical and semantic interchange of information," he writes in this month's issue. Bob Vavra, content manager for Plant Engineering, CFE Media, bvavra@cfemedia.com.
2018 Engineering Leader Under 40: Jon Breen, 31
Founder, Breen Machine Automation Services LLC, Madison, WI, United States
Align metrics throughout your plant
Plant managers must pay attention to the business side of manufacturing.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, July 16-22
Articles about ladder logic, robots exploring disaster zones, MES, and more were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, July 16-22. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Cutting flooring costs can have long-term problems
Contaminants on a plant floor can result in uncontrolled bacteria and cause degradation in a product, particularly in food and beverage applications.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, May 28 to June 3
Articles about condition-based maintenance, improving product flow, best practices for compressor storage, and more were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, May 28 to June 3. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Robotic and Lean manufacturing a good match
Incorporating standardization, optimization, and flexibility fits with Lean’s goals. Motion-centric automation and robotics add speed, flexibility, and productivity, with less energy and product waste.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, May 14-20
Articles about condition-based maintenance, aluminum reshaping, cloud-based efficiency, and more were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, May 14-20. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, May 7-13
Articles about measuring ERP value, energy management, selecting an EAM solution, and more were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, May 7-13. Were you out? You can catch up here.
PMI slips in April over labor concerns
“Business is off the charts” but manufacturers struggle to keep pace.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, April 23-29
Articles about Hannover Messe, IIoT's benefits, retrofitting a press, high-impact assets, and the 2017 Product of the Year winners were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, April 23-29. Were you out? You can catch up here.
IIoT’s potential has big names looking for new solutions
From cloud security to plastic robots to full enterprise integration, suppliers introduce new ideas from familiar brands.
EU, Mexico play trump card on trade
New trade agreement highlights opening of Hannover Messe 2018.
IMTS, Hannover Messe USA see big growth for 2018 shows
IMTS Show and the co-located 2018 Hannover Messe USA have expanded space at Chicago’s McCormick Place for the biannual event, which will be held Sept. 10-14.
Mexico to take center stage at Hannover Messe
"Fantastic opportunities" for 2018 Partner Country at global event in April.
IIoT in the plant: three ways to profit
Business goals and organization must align to succeed.
Giving your robots a hand
Robots will be a bigger part of manufacturing in 2018 for two primary reasons.
Planning for expansion
This article outlines tips to keep design-build project on schedule and on budget.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, Jan. 1-7
Articles about next-gen asset performance management software, 2018 System Integrator Giants, Top stories of 2017, 2017 Top Plant, and robot system implementation were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, January 1-7. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Manufacturing ends 2017 with another strong performance
PMI jumps to 59.7% in December and finishes the year up more than 15%.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, Dec. 25-31
Articles about the 2018 System Integrator Giants, Top stories of 2017, smart maintenance systems, the 2017 Top Plant, and robot system implementation were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, December 25-31. Were you out? You can catch up here.
And a look back at what we did in 2017
It was a good year for manufacturers who improved their operating procedures.
5 steps to robot implementation success
In order to ensure success when implementing a robotic system, it is important to get company-wide support, define success, and more.
Saving time and money with remote monitoring
Three ways to improve operations with better data access.
Humanizing the plant’s machines
Cognitive engineering combines contextual awareness and situational intelligence.
Four keys to a successful RPM program
Repairable parts maintenance (RPM) focuses on root cause and reliability. An RPM program eliminates waste, improves component reliability, and optimizes factory performance.
Manufacturing is booming: PMI hits 13-year high
September’s 60.8 reading is 20% above growth level as prices continue to climb.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, September 25-October 1: Cognitive engineering, the next generation of RCM, sustainable buildings, and more
Articles about cognitive engineering, the next generation of RCM, sustainable buildings, bearing upgrades, and creating a winning plant floor culture were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, September 25-October1. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, September 18-24: Improving root cause analysis, anatomy of a greenfield plant, 2017 Engineering Leaders Under 40, and more
Articles about improving root cause analysis, anatomy of a greenfield plant, 2017 Engineering Leaders Under 40, transitional root cause analysis, and strategic management were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, September 18-24. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Anatomy of a greenfield plant
In March 2017, HarbisonWalker International (HWI) announced plans to build a $30 million manufacturing plant in South Point, Ohio, near Interstate 64 and along the Kentucky/Ohio border. In building a new facility, location and process improvements both mattered.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, September 11-17: motor repair, causes of bearing failure, 2017 Engineering Leaders Under 40, and more
Articles about motor repair, causes of bearing failure, 2017 Engineering Leaders Under 40, unleashing captive data, and reducing energy waste were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, September 11-17. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Robot’s agility offers material handling opportunities
Automated mobile robots are finding a home in manufacturing operations. A new option, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), offer the combination of flexibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Seven reasons why your RCA is not getting results
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) can be a very powerful tool for eliminating defects and increasing efficiency and profits. Below are seven reasons why your RCA might not be working for you.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Nabaa Alam, 24
Distillation Specialist Engineer, Imperial Oil Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Eric Anker, 29
Controls Engineer, MacroAir Technologies Inc., San Bernardino, Calif.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Josh Boswell, 29
Reliability Engineer, Advanced Technology Services, Peoria, Ill.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Gonzalo Conesa-Zamora, 38
Senior Controls Systems Engineer, ANSTO, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Stacey Cox, 33
Manager, Automation Engineering, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, Calif.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Marty Cwach, 39
Senior Product Manager – Sensors, Turck, Minneapolis
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Ryan Davis, 36
Senior Project Engineer, RedViking, Plymouth, Mich.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Jason Gilbert, 36
Project Manager/Process Engineer, Dennis Group, Carlsbad, Calif.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Aurelia Gooden, 34
Engineer, Honda Manufacturing, Lincoln, Ala.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Nicholas Lang, 35
Manager of Advanced Technology, Siemens, Norwood, Ohio
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Ben Langstraat, 37
Lead Control Systems Analyst, Interstates Control Systems Inc., Sioux Center, Iowa
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Josh Leger, 28
Principal Software Automation Engineer, Kepware, Portland, Maine
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Angel McMullen-Gunn, 38
Quality Manager – Global Manufacturing, UTC Aerospace Systems, York, Neb.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Casey Noonan, 28
Project Manager, Industrial Automation Group, Modesto, Calif.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Jim Riddle, 27
Industrial Engineer, Lenze, Uxbridge, Mass.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Matthew Seiman, 37
Engineering & IT Manager, CSP, Grabill, Ind.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Nishant Unnikrishnan, 39
Applications Engineer, Yaskawa America Inc., Waukegan, Ill.
Hannover Messe USA to debut in 2018
Co-located with IMTS, newly-branded show will build on German trade event.
Five ways to reduce energy waste in manufacturing processes
Companies can reduce their electric bill by avoiding energy expenditure spikes, monitoring their energy during downtimes, and investing in compressed air technology.
Rewarding operational improvement: Target changes, not just numbers
Rewarding individual operators, and operations as a group, means recognizing them for their performance and acknowledging their contributions to their organization's goals.
Can you beat this benchmark?
Evaluating people-centric profitability is a powerful tool.
PMI jumps to a 3-year high in June
Manufacturing index hits 57.8% as production, new orders soar
Embrace the digital plant to build a bridge to the future
Siemens officials call digital manufacturing ‘do or die’ in pushing for faster adoption at their automation summit in Florida.
A bright, dynamic presentation of manufacturing knowledge
Starting with the June 2017 issue of Plant Engineering, the magazine has been redesigned to provide readers with a new, clean, and better-organized magazine.
The cloud’s role in data management
The connectivity of devices that use the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) must collect and analyze lots and lots of data.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, June 5-11: NEC changes, common welding errors, Product of the Year, more
Articles about NEC changes, common welding errors, Product of the Year, project scope expectations, and prescriptive maintenance were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, June 5-11. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Remote monitoring an antidote to downtime
Remote monitoring protects against skill shortages, complexity.
To use robots effectively, get started, get coaching
Robotiq integration coach David Gariépy talks about how to use robotics effectively and what the future of the industry looks like.
A drive to succeed
Turn detective to troubleshoot ac drives for a quick resolution that will save time and money at a manufacturing plant.
May PMI ticks up slightly as manufacturing remains solid
The Purchasing Manufacturers' Index (PMI) rose slightly to 54.9%, marking eight years of economic growth.
Self-guided lift truck
The MPE080VG is designed to operate as a self-guided truck and the infrastructure-free navigation technology requires no tape, wire or magnets for guidance.
Manage expectations for a project scope
When a client and system integrator share goals, the potential for success is maximized for a scope project if the expectations are managed and the project has a clear vision.
Industrial Ethernet switches – 2017-05-04
The Stride SE2 Series of managed industrial Ethernet switches offer more connectivity choices for Ethernet applications and provide Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP management capability.
Manufacturing index retreats, but remains on solid ground
PMI falls to 54.8%, but manufacturing sector optimism continues.
Manufacturers still not embracing IIoT
Seven manufacturing market trends for 2017, according to IHS Markit report at Hannover Messe, include more growth and an attention shift from remote cloud-based analytics to local and edge computing.
German chancellor learns about Industrie 4.0 products at Hannover Messe
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Minister of Poland, Beata Szydlo, visited the Kaeser booth at Hannover Messe and learned about how compressed air technologies utilize Industrie 4.0.
RIP, HMI: Everything now is an interface
Digital devices, apps have freed the once-anchored device. In cloud platforms for IIoT and Industrie 4.0, applications from developers are designed to help, and a robot collaborates to improve human performance, at ping pong, all at Hannover Messe 2017.
Collaboration is the word at Hannover Messe
Big names announcing big partnerships to accelerate IIoT growth to help manufacturing productivity; Mexico is announced as the 2018 Hannover Messe Partner Country.
Robots, humans coming closer to each other
Hannover Messe 2017 opening a high-tech event with Schunk winning the 2017 Hermes Award for its collaborative robot and Poland, the event's partner nation, emphasizing innovation.
Three ways to increase efficiency at a spirit manufacturing plant
Manufacturers at a spirit manufacturing plant can increase production and efficiency by setting realistic expectations, simplify their model, and asking for a third-party's input with an overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) analysis.
Confronting the elephant in the room
The manufacturing revolution is gaining momentum and true believers, and holds the potential to deliver significant economic improvement for manufacturing everywhere, if we allow it to.
Investing in people pays dividends for you
In manufacturing, investing in people will have tremendous benefits for a company in the short- and long-term.
A detailed approach to an SI partnership
Find the right system integrator, and then define the project scope to make the project a success.
IIoT’s emergence just a matter of when
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will continue to grow as more investments are made and technology and skills continue to develop.
Digital plant’s value in real numbers
Hannover Messe sessions, displays are focused on how to realize IIoT’s potential as the show celebrates its 70th year.
2016 Product of the Year Awards
The 2016 Product of the Year Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze award winners are honored.
Manufacturing index remains strong in March
The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) dipped slightly to 57.2% in March, but the news for the manufacturing industry remains strong overall.
Hannover Messe: As Partner Country, Poland poised to display innovation
Poland, Hannover Messe's 2017 partner nation, will demonstrate its advances in digitalization, particularly in energy and information technology (IT), at the world's largest manufacturing show in April.
Robots, humans collaborate on safety
A new age of collaborative robots put people closer to technology than ever before.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, March 6-12: Annual IR scans, flexible automation, improved productivity, more
Articles about implementing annual IR scans, flexible automation drivers, improved productivity, optimize energy consumption, and improving power factor were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, March 6-12. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Three trends for the packaging, processing industry in 2017
The packaging and processing industry is becoming more automated with more companies being bought out and a greater focus being put on eco-friendly packaging.
PMI continues strong growth trend in February
The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) rose to 57.7% in February, which marks the sixth straight month of growth.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, February 13-19: Preventive maintenance mistakes, 2016 Salary Survey, electric motor maintenance, more
Articles about avoiding preventive maintenance mistakes, the 2016 Salary Survey, electric motor maintenance, future oil and gas projects, and optimizing a facility's energy consumption were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, February 13-19. Were you out? You can catch up here.
The continuity of process
Plant Engineering celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2017 and the process of improving manufacturing and making it better, safer, and more efficient continues just as it did in 1947.
One giant step for robot integration
Integrating CNC lines with robotics gets easier and faster.
PMI hits another high note in January
The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) rose to 56% in January, which is its highest level since November 2014.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, January 23-29: 2017 manufacturing predictions, lowering compressed air costs, healthy DC motors, more
Articles about 2017 manufacturing technology predictions, lowering compressed air costs, keeping DC motors healthy, VFD efficiency, and the importance of motor winding analysis were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, January 23-29. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Four predictions for manufacturing technology in 2017
As 2017 kicks off, one thing is certain for manufacturers: access to meaningful and actionable data will play a big role in achieving success this year.
In the IIoT age, automation simplifies work
Intelligent and connected machines are more flexible and better equipped to manufacture customized products.
2016 Top Plant: A focus on people and culture
While much of the U.S. automotive industry was struggling to survive the aftermath of the most recent recession, MFC Netform, the 2016 Plant Engineering Top Plant winner, held its own.
The crux of manufacturing
For today’s manufacturing plants, a key solution may be advanced computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Compact ejector
The EMA Series combines electronic vacuum and blow-off control functions in a single signal designed for use in pick-and-place packaging technology.
Lowering technology barriers could save manufacturers $100 billion
NIST study finds smart manufacturing, robotics show greatest potential.
Digital I/O carrier board for the Raspberry Pi
The OPTO-P1-40P adds the ability to connect, monitor, control, and automate billions of existing devices that were previously beyond the Pi's built-in sensing and control capabilities.
Tow tractor automated lift truck
The Raymond Courier 320 is designed to automate horizontal towing in a number of operations that involve transferring parts to production lines, as well as, finished goods to warehouse facilities.
The economy’s effect on the manufacturing industry
Manufacturers will have to continue to improve the efficiency of processing equipment and techniques in order to keep up with the economy’s attitudes and expectations.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles: November 7-13: 2016 Product of the Year finalists, troubleshooting maintenance plans, automation on Halloween, more
Articles about 2016 Product of the Year finalists, troubleshooting maintenance plans, automation on Halloween, Apps for Engineers, and three steps to becoming a proactive leader were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, November 7-13. Were you out? You can catch up here.
CMMS brings vital metrics to light
CMMS allows employees to work better and safer through advanced metrics, as well as, see solutions to problems they didn’t know existed.
Manufacturing index rises in October
The Purchasing Manufacturers’ Index (PMI) rose to 51.9% with the manufacturing industry showing overall optimism and confidence in spite of a recent downturn and the Hanjin Shipping Company’s bankruptcy.
Automatic volumetric screw feeder
The Model VMF-28 volumetric screw feeder is designed to improves dosage accuracy in water treatment, and chemical process management.
Arbitrary waveform generator for automated testing applications
The M4x series of PXIe arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) are designed for automated testing applications that require fast and accurate electronic signal generation.
Safety, every day—for 18 years
Baldor's Belton, South Carolina, manufacturing plant hasn’t had a lost-time incident since 1998.
Standards for robotic safety Webcast: Your questions answered
Webcast presenter Carole Franklin, the director of standards development for the Robotic Industries Association, answered additional questions about robotic safety that were not addressed in the Sept. 29 webcast.
Warehouse automation: five emerging trends
Ergonomics, new tote configurations deliver efficiency, sustainability.
Print mark contrast sensors
The Datalogic S8 series print mark contrast sensors are designed to detect the difference in the wavelength of the reflected light between a target mark and background.
Being the core and outlier in a company
Workers can be part of the core group in a company or be an outlier. There are benefits to both groups and the best workers have a little of both in them.
New trade events, new image for manufacturing cooperation
AMT, SME to partner on regional shows; Manufacturing USA an umbrella for research.
Outdoor industrial access point for harsh conditions
The AWK-4131A-US-T outdoor industrial AP/bridge/client is optimized for installation in railways, bridges and marinas, as well as critical industrial applications including high-resolution IP video surveillance.
Data analytics: Going for the gold
Data provides us an unfiltered view of our world each day, hour, minute or nanosecond or whatever measure you decide to benchmark from.
Appealing to the next generation of manufacturing workers
Manufacturers need to evolve to appeal to the millennial generation and help fill the skills gap and take advantage of the unique talents that they offer.
Rotor-stator gap measuring system
The GMS-750RS rotor-stator gap measuring system is a maintenance tool designed for measuring rotor-stator gap in large scale power generation applications.
A 5-step approach to IIoT success
Successful network implementation starts with assessment of system and operations.
Proximity sensor series
The Contrinex DW-series of extended and triple-distance proximity sensors are available in 30mm cylindrical and 20mm rectangular styles.
2016 Engineering Leader Under 40: Yogesh Prasad Balajee, 28
Senior Controls Engineer, Puratos, Cherry Hill, N.J.
2016 Engineering Leader Under 40: Bryant Sartor, 37
Automation Center of Excellence Leader, Honeywell PMT, Hopewell, Va.
2016 Engineering Leader Under 40: Alan Polk, 34
Controls + Automation Western Region Leader, Hargrove Controls + Automation, Houston
GAMS preview: A Vision of the Future, Part 2
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
GAMS preview: A Vision of the Future, Part 1
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
7 installation best practices to assure a reliable bolted joint
Bolted joints are an integral part of equipment and component reliability as they connect a majority of our process equipment. While the immediate reliability impact may not be noticed, the reliability of bolted joints should not be overlooked.
Going for the Lean gold
Olympic-like morale drives O.C. Tanner production and employee engagement.
‘The possibilities are endless’
Phoenix Contact president Jack Nehlig seeing the pieces come together.
High torque corded impact wrench
The high torque SSW 650 1/2 in corded impact wrech produces 450 ft. lbs. of continuous torque for industrial applications.
Remote switch actuator for motor control center buckets
ArcSafe RSA-35 is a remote switch actuator (RSA) for the Westinghouse motor control center bucket.
GAMS preview: Robotics’ overlooked advantages
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
Stainless steel control valves
The A4t line of stainless steel control valves are designed for precise modulation of pressure, temperature, and liquid level in various refrigeration applications.
Software got you stuck?
Do not let RCA applications hold up your root-cause efforts.
Start with the foundation
Successful design begins with strategic facilities planning.
GAMS preview: The IT/OT convergence
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
GAMS preview: Data security challenges
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
GAMS preview: Robotics and the Skills Gap
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
Not statistically significant does not mean insignificant
Do you have customer data that you're not actively using to improve your product?
Five questions to answer before your next change initiative
Below are five question that are crucial to answer upfront, repeatedly, and through multiple mediums.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles August 15-21: Rounding into shape, issues facing preventive maintenance, sensors drive intelligence into maintenance, more
Articles about rounding into shape, issues facing preventive maintenance, sensors drive intelligence into maintenance, tablet-based augmented reality helps predictive maintenance, and Big Data were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, August 15-21. Were you out? You can catch up here.
GAMS preview: The big impact of Big Data
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
GAMS preview: Robotics deployment—the challenges
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
GAMS preview: Picking the right IIoT platform
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
GAMS preview: Integrating robotics into manufacturing
In preparation for the 2016 GAMS Conference on Sept. 14 in Chicago, CFE Media asked our panelists to discuss some of the key issues facing manufacturing. This is one in a daily series of articles.
Cooling tower for heavy industrial applications
The Marley® NC Everest™ Cooling Tower which combines industrial grade materials and construction with unmatched cooling capacity to meet demands of power and heavy industrial applications.
Three issues facing preventive maintenance
Make sure your work doesn't actually harm your equipment.
UN series of machines for automotive manufacturing
The UN series of high-speed vertical and horizontal machine centers, the UN-600/30V provides productivity, reliability, maintenance and meets automation requirements for the automotive manufacturing industry.
Sensors drive intelligence into maintenance
Data-driven analysis can create a roadmap to find problems early.
Implementing IIoT: Five keys to success
Communications, training among the areas of focus.
In tracking plant data, keep your head up
In the 1990s, I invested in Pokémon cards. By "invested" I mean I bought a lot of them for my kids, and they played with them before discarding them on the floor of their bedroom and ultimately gave them away or sold them or threw them out. It was no different than my parents "investing" in baseball cards for me in the 1960s only to have me put them in the spokes of my bicycle wheels. You reap what you sow.
Compact robot for arc welding and machine tending applications
The IRB 1660ID is a compact robot for arc welding and machine tending applications and allows end-users to increase productivity and quality, with reduced cycle times.
Manufacturing index shows overall growth for fifth straight month
The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) purchasing manufacturers index (PMI) fell to 52.6 in July, but optimism remains strong among global manufacturers.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles July 25-31: World-class maintenance, CMMS benefits and functions, automotive company using the IoT, more
Articles about world-class maintenance, CMMS benefits and functions, automotive company using the IoT, why factories still have maintenance departments, and Germany exceeds U.S. in IoT investment were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, July 25-31. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Arbitrary waveform generators
The arbitrary waveform generators allow easy signal generation in automation and remote applications.
Open and scalable SCADA/HMI platform
The Movicon NExT 3.0 is an open and scalable SCADA/HMI platform that features recipe management enhancement to include remote activation in modern automation software applications.
Four steps to strengthen Lean leaders who lack people skills
Managers need feedback from employees to understand how they can improve.
Multi-channel controllers for data acquisition and data logging
The Zen RTU and the Zen Datalogger are ideal in a range or heavyweight industrial monitoring and control applications.
Track and trace from farm to fork
How Enterprise Resource Planning might save the day in a food recall.
Enclosures with additional NEMA 3R and NEMA 12 models.
AutomationDirect has expanded its line of Hubbell Wiegmann enclosures with additional NEMA 3R and NEMA 12 models.
Expansion of the M12 X-coded product family
Binder has expanded its M12 X-coded product family with new receptacles, cordsets and feed-through connectors.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles June 27 to July 3: Hydraulic systems, industrial lubricant storage, world-class maintenance, more
Articles about lubrication 101, industrial lubricant storage, lean manufacturing, hydraulic systems, and maintenance training were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, June 27 to July 3. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Spherical roller bearings for vibratory applications
SKF's explorer spherical roller bearings for vibratory applications provide ideal performance and longer service life compared with conventional types.
Sleeve bearing clearance depends on many factors
They can’t all be right, yet many of us may have used one of these rules (probably not the same one, either) with great success. Which one, if any, is correct? The answer depends on the application.
Three key areas to examine in your manufacturing analysis
Understanding crucial elements to forming a thorough strategic plan.
Efficiency: Lean manufacturing, integrated automation
Pressure on manufacturers to be efficient and eliminate waste continues to grow as the manufacturing industry, especially in developed countries, works to compete in the global market place.
Batting against the “half-life” of maintenance training
Effective maintenance training is not a one-time thing. It’s an always thing. Understanding and practicing this idea is one of the keys to success with using a modern CMMS to improve maintenance operations.
Guidebook supplement explains ASME code clarification
Guidance to the ASME Section I Boiler Code as it pertains to the use of magnetic level gages to indicate boiler water level.
Motor technology for centrifugal load applications
The RPM XE motor platform provides substantial energy savings and performance for centrifugal load applications.
Shutdowns: planning for the planned and unplanned
Every day that your operation stalls is a day that you're leaving potential profits on the table.
Fault detection and IIoT: an umbrella for the cloud
Define and analyze data to improve your operational efficiency.
Benchmarking closes the gaps in your operation
Benchmarking is a term that's used often today, but is not well-understood by many. If we go back to the first documented book on benchmarking by Robert C. Camp in 1989, when he was at Xerox, he defined it this way: "Benchmarking is the search for best practices that lead to superior performance." Best practice is another term we can define: a practice that works for you. These are the questions a leader must ask: Who is the best at what we do? This is a tough question, because it can be your industry competition or in your specific process but way outside your industry.
Industrial lubricant storage: Six common mistakes
Understand how to avoid contamination and confusion.
Masters of the (Big Data) universe
More data may not always be better, but some is needed.
In a CMMS implementation, everybody has a role to play
There's no shortage of ways that your business can benefit from implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). A top-notch CMMS can often help with every aspect of maintenance, ranging from core functionalities like asset management and preventive maintenance to professional services like consulting and training. There's a lot more to it than simply purchasing a CMMS and hitting the ground running, though.
Instill a ‘checklist culture’ to verify plant processes
Provide insight, accountability to your operation one step at a time.
Electrical wire line expansion
AutomationDirect has expanded its line of electrical wire for industrial applications to include 20-gauge MTW wire with heat and moisture-resistant, color-coded or striped, insulating PVC jackets.
Motor controllers for multi-motor applications
The Series KTV7 of multi-motor controllers are ideal for use with variable frequency drives (VFDs) in multi-motor installations for industries that include food and beverage, material handling and factory automation.
Flexible cable for drives, motors, and assemblies
ÖLFLEX® VFD 2XL symmetrical motor and drive cable for high horsepower applications—including pumps, compressors, conveyors, elevators, extruders and more.
Logistics show to co-locate with Hannover Messe in 2018
CeMAT Show to expand reach of even-year trade event in Germany.
Two keys to measuring operational improvements
It’s not as easy as it seems, but getting good data can point to greater reliability.
Food grade HMI solution
The eTOP4FOOD has been designed and proven to solve the industry wide problem of HMI failures and less effective alternative HMI cleaning procedures.
Why Lean fails so often
When something fails more than 90% of the time, it’s usually tossed to the curb. Lean implementations fail at least that often. Why do they fail so often, and why do companies keep trying?
Controlling the demands of equipment and maintenance purchasing
There is no “one size fits all” purchasing process for maintenance organizations—and for good reason. How your team may conduct supplier relations and what spare parts are purchased may well assist in contributing to your company’s competitive advantage.
Failure curves and P-F intervals linked and explained
Tying the two most important reliability engineering curves together to generate a better picture of failure.
Six recommendations for building the perfect field-service technology stack
Choosing the right software solutions to manage your field-service business is not something to take lightly. These field-service technology recommendations will guide your decision and get your technology stack selection started on the right track.
Benchmarking 202: How to learn fast and leapfrog the competition
One key best practice is benchmarking the function or process across different industries—especially companies in fast-moving markets and high competition.
Seven ways to integrate gluten-free manufacturing into your bakery plant
An in-depth look at how to safely produce gluten-free products.
George Saiz named president and CEO for AME
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Board of Directors announced that George Saiz was named President and CEO effective April, 18.
Learning through application for ROI
Focus on training for a documented return on investment, rather than "training for training’s sake."
Paying for the sins of the past: Your improvement initiative is not magical
If you are implementing any improvement strategies at your site, make sure that as part of your communication plan you let people know of the success that you expect, of course, as well as the sins of the past that will still need to be worked through.
Five keys to forming a comprehensive food plant emergency-action plan
Your plan must be comprehensive, eliminating all confusion and hesitancy in case of an emergency. A plan lacking extensive instruction or failing to address each emergency may add confusion to the situation.
After Hannover, the quest for improvement must continue
The idea of continuous improvement is that your current state of operations should be better than it was yesterday and not quite as good as it could be tomorrow. It requires not settling for steady state; it is about trying to continue to evolve and find improvement. The attendance at Hannover Messe 2016 from American-based companies, state, and regional economic development groups grew exponentially in 2016. Most of that growth revolved around the Partner Country status of the United States.
Setting records, making deals
U.S. presence at Hannover Messe a rousing success.
System integrators, manufacturers see partnership as key to success
Panelists at the 2016 Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) conference find value in collaboration between integrators and manufacturers.
U.S. to retake manufacturing lead in competitiveness by 2020: study
Deloitte Global research finds America leading in advanced technology.
Go beyond ‘management systems’ to achieve operational excellence
Improve communications by engaging your team members.
Are your doors wasting your food plant’s energy?
How unfit doors can increase utility costs and diminish energy savings.
Investing in success
White Paper: Investing in success: How to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Transformation in supply chain servies
Interview with Brett Malloy, sales manger at AWC Inc., at Hannover Messe.
Customer demands in digitalization
Interview with Randall Brodzik, CEO at RedViking, at Hannover Messe.
Manufacturing index in April mixed, but positive overall
The Institute for Supply Management's PMI Index drops slightly in April to 50.8% as production and new orders remain strong while employment and inventories are contracting.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, April 25 to May 1: Long-term asset reliability, Microsoft partnership, Hannover Messe 2016, more
Articles about long-term asset reliability, Microsoft partnership with Otis Elevator, Hannover Notes, the spirit of innovation, and an interview on innovation and motion control were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, April 25 to May 1. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
U.S. team celebrates a big victory at Hannover Messe
Attendance up and spirits high as Select USA marks a successful week in Germany.
Hannover notes, Day 2: Poland to be 2017 Partner Country, U.S. generating buzz
Poland selected as partner country for 2017 Hannover Messe; U.S. pavilion continues to generate buzz through global engagement
Technology changes promise ‘to reinvigorate manufacturing’
Siemens USA CEO offers a personal perspective on the manufacturing industry at Hannover Messe speech.
Tailored, individualized production becoming the norm
Interview with Rod Emery, VP of RedViking, Siemens' solutions partner at Hannover Messe.
Selling Ohio on the ground in Germany
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor leads her state’s contingent as part of the USA pavilion at Hannover Messe.
Strange days, indeed, as Hannover Messe gets started
Hannover Messe 2016 has had some unexpected challenges with weather, transit, and security as the world's largest manufacturing show gets underway.
Obama praises ‘spirit of innovation’ as USA Pavilion opens at Hannover Messe
President tours state economic development booth as part of two-day visit to global trade event.
U.S. ‘open for business’ as Obama opens Hannover Messe
President pushes Transatlantic trade deal as America begins to showcase manufacturing at week-long global trade fair.
An impressed president
President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the USA pavilion of Hannover Messe.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, April 11-17: 2016 Maintenance Study, data-driven maintenance, Product of the Year Winners, more
Articles about the 2016 Maintenance Study, data-driven maintenance, 2015 Product of the Year Winners, balancing preventive maintenance workload, and defining maintenance data value to gain IIoT benefits were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, April 11-17. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Communication package for process sensors
ArcAir is a communication package for process sensors that enables reliable, economical Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity in all environments.
‘Always-on’ supply chain ready to adopt technology
MHI Industry Report sees accelerating use of robotics, sensors, and analytics.
A sense of anticipation, and a sense of home
The bustle of Monday morning's commuter rush means that this could be any train station anywhere in the world. But this is Hannover, Germany, on the opening day of Hannover Messe, and there's a different feel in the air. You walk through the wide doors into the Hannover hauptbahnhof and proceed past the regional trains taking in and sending out workers across Lower Saxony, and then down to the local commuter line.
Deferred maintenance and risk assessment: Technical analysis is critical to the process
The cost analysis of a deferred repair shows that while one month’s deferral is a manageable risk, waiting two months increases the risk beyond any benefit.
American manufacturing in the spotlight
Partner Country status lets U.S. trumpet its industrial leadership.
Right at home
On both sides of the Atlantic, Block builds for a global future.
Manufacturing index rebounds in March
The Purchasing Manufacturers' Index (PMI) reverses six-month slump with its third straight increase to 51.8% as production, new orders increase.
Universities bring knowledge, curiosity to Hannover
U.S. schools will showcase their research, look to develop new partners.
Process freezing 101: 4 variables food processors must understand
Part one of two: Process freezing series.
The skills gap is a misnomer
The reported skills shortage can be greatly alleviated with the new productivity best practices and by new definitions of the old work augmented with better shop practices—which produce more productive teams with new tools to apply to old tasks.
Reliability confessions
10 reliability confessions of not quite the best practice.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, March 21-27: Product of the Year winners, developing foundational manufacturing, predictive maintenance, more
Articles about the 2015 Product of the Year winners, developing foundational manufacturing, predictive maintenance, 5S processes, and prioritizing preventive maintenance were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, March 21-27. Were you you out last week? You can catch up here.
Stop corrective maintenance repairs on preventive maintenance work orders
There has been a lot of discussion as to why we are asking technicians to write corrective work orders for problems found on a PM instead of fixing the issue on the spot. If we consider the example of the four machines below, it becomes clear why this is the case.
Adaptive antenna for RFID applications
Simatic RF680A variable-polarization antenna simplifies the commissioning and planning of RFID applications, and the automatic antenna adjustment facility increases read and write reliability.
2015 Product of the Year Awards
The 2015 Product of the Year Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze award winners are honored.
Developing ‘foundational manufacturing’
Fiat Chrysler’s turnaround is built on a world-class manufacturing base.
Service manager 101: Are you prioritizing preventive maintenance?
Machines are getting more complex and service organizations are feeling the pressure to monitor and keep their customers’ equipment up and running. Establishing a preventive maintenance program is now becoming a necessity.
Driving digitalization and automation
Whitepaper: Driving digitalization and automation
The value of integrated industry software
Whitepaper: The Value of Integrated Industry Software.
Siemens launches MindSphere open industry cloud
MindSphere has been designed as an open ecosystem that industrial companies can use as the basis for their own digital services, such as in the fields of preventive maintenance, energy data management or resource optimization.
Siemens expands collaboration with Intel Security for industrial security solutions
Siemens is leveraging Intel Security solutions for its Plant Data Services which provides early detection of threats and recommendations for counter-measures.
Manufacturing index rises, but remains in contraction overall
The Purchasing Manufacturers' Index (PMI) rose for the second straight month to 49.5% as the overall economic outlook remains more positive than it had been in previous months.
Rittal helps spur global revolution around IIoT
Glenn Wishnew, senior product manager at Rittal Corporation, discusses both the historic ties Rittal has with Hannover Messe and the new prospects surropunding the Industrial Internet of Things (IioT) and its potewntial impact on global manufacturing.
Pritzker: Largest delegation to Hannover shows U.S. is ‘open for business’
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will lead the largest-ever U.S. delegation to Hannover Messe April 25-29, 2016, in Hannover, Germany.
Bridging the skills gap: Blueprint for a nation of makers
The United States is at a crossroads. Either we continue to decline, or we focus on improving our schools so that we build the workforce required to become a nation of makers, again. Understand the issues and the changes that must be made.
CMMS implementation: four best practices
Getting management on board one key to success
Proper case management can minimize the surprise
Case management has become an essential tool in plant engineering. In some instances, there are no defined processes and no predictable outcomes, but information must still be collected. Case management will enable better decision-making about potentially expensive or even dangerous exceptions.
Field productivity trends
Six field productivity trends to improve your service business in 2016.
Augmented reality essential for the next generation of skilled workers
Newport News Shipbuilding is constantly seeking new technology and innovative ways to improve safety, quality, cost, and schedules. Since 2007, they have explored augmented reality as a means to shift away from paper-based documentation in the work environment.
Navigating a Lean journey
AME Manufacturing Excellence Award recipient NovAtel offers a culture of continuous improvement.
Five ways to compete globally without focusing on price
Build your supply chain and your relationship with customers.
DC to DC converters for harsh conditions
The PSE Series of DC to DC converters provides reliable power source for sensitive loads in industrial process controls, factory automation, and other industrial environments.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, February 1-7: Data is the new currency, optimize warehouse flow, preventive maintenance program, more
Articles about data is the new currency, optimizing warehouse flow, designing a preventive maintenance program, cooling electric motors, and how IIoT offers economic, operational benefits were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, February 1-7. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Major beverage manufacturer breaks long-held U.S. traditions
The best solutions for today’s U.S. beverage manufacturers are equal parts IT and ingenuity.
Figures don’t lie: Be honest about your OEE score
Brutal honesty needed to properly manage, evaluate overall equipment effectiveness.
Involving operators in equipment maintenance plan
The success of your equipment maintenance plan (EMP) will depend on how involved operators were in its development and implementation.
Research, new initiatives are highlights at MODEX
George Prest, CEO of MHI, the association for supply chain professionals, discusses the upcoming trade event, the 2016 MHI Report and the impact of the Industrial; Internet of Things (IIoT) on supply chain operations.
MODEX 2016 puts focus on supply chain future
The MODEX 2016 trade show in Atlanta will feature more than 850 supply chain exhibitors and will focus on the future of the supply chain industry, from research to workers.
Optimize your warehouse flow
Automation can help ensure the fastest, smartest and most profitable strategies to move products out the door.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, January 18-24: Product of the Year, piloting through the danger zone, fixing preventive maintenance, more
Articles about the Product of the Year, piloting your way through the danger zone, how to fix preventive maintenance when it fails, best practices in preventive maintenance, and designing a preventive maintenance program were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, January 18-24. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Should auld maintenance plans be forgot
Key suggestions if your 2015 featured more “misses” than “hits” in maintenance. It might be time to think about getting more aggressive with your goals, activities, and accountability.
Process mapping with a purpose
Process maps are lean tools to be used for a purpose. Use the lean tool to help you solve the problems.
What food processors should know about two new FSMA final rules
The FDA recently released new final Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules. These rules are the result of amendments made to the original proposals, based on comments and criticisms in public forums.
Five tips for automating your food processing plant
To optimize ROI, it’s important to learn which areas of your food processing facility are best suited for automation. Below are five tips for improving your plant’s automation capabilities.
Obama to open Hannover Messe in April
President will join German Chancellor Angela Merkel to participate in opening ceremonies, show tour on April 24-25.
Seven ways to sell maintenance to your C-Suite
Create new partners in management by understanding and selling maintenance as a profit center.
Industry Ho-Ho-Ho
Siemens re-imagines Santa’s workshop if it were optimized with modern automation.
Penny Pritzker on Hannover Messe
U.S. Commerce Secretary talks about Hannover Messe 2016 and the role American businesses can play in the event.
The value of FDI drives interest at Hannover Messe
SelectUSA to promote Foreign Direct Investment at fair
Use your imagination
These "2015 Best Practices" can save time and money as well as make you safer and more productive. They also can be the starting point to discuss other ways your operation can improve.
Win the survival of the ‘fitter’
While their competitors are getting fit, great manufacturers are getting fitter.
Plug for Profinet, Ethernet applications
The M12 Cat. 5 plug with D-coding is designed for Profinet and Ethernet IP applications that require a robust and reliable connection.
2015 Product of the Year Finalists: Vote now!
Read about the 111 Finalists and cast your vote; voting concludes Jan. 8, 2016.
Going beyond Big Data to relevant data
Bentley Systems panel touts value to extending design information to operations at Year In Infrastructure event in London.
Hannover Messe in 2016: 5 reasons to attend
Five reasons American manufacturing engineers, manager or executive ought to attend Hannover Messe.
American manufacturing on a global stage
Hannover Messe 2016 will feature state, regional and national economic development leaders looking to attract foreign direct investment in the U.S.
PMI barely keeps its head above water in October
Index slips to 50.1%, its lowest level in 2 ½ years
Come to Hannover: the first round is on me
A trip to Hannover offers a virtually unlimited opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to get together over a stein of beer and find new opportunities.
Data-driven manufacturing challenges
Data-driven manufacturing challenges and the emergence of mass customization.
Controller demo kit for temperature, measurement, process, and control
The Platinum Series demo kit controllers provide an integrated temperature control system platform for heating and cooling applications.
Single part or multiple part operations: What’s best for your company?
When multiple parts being machined at one operation at the same time is required for production rates, that rate needs to be maintained throughout the series of operations that produces a complete part.
Hannover Messe: A great venue for small manufacturers
Commerce, industry leaders tout U.S. Partner Country status for 2016.
Ultrasonic controllers for industrial applications
The MultiRanger 200 and HydroRanger 200 ultrasonic controllers for measurement in a wide range of industrial applications.
Standardizing for success
Implement a systematic way to perform tasks and maintain equipment.
PMI continues slide due to global economic concerns
The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) slid to its lowest level in over two years due to global economic concerns and overall consumer confidence.
Manufacturing revenues, hiring on the rise, and spending will follow
Prime Advantage Purchasing and Manufacturing Survey finds strength in the sector despite some headwinds.
Send us your Manufacturing Day photos
Plant Engineering would like to see what Manufacturing Day 2015 events look like in your plant.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, September 21-27: Leaders Under 40, common VFD myths, skilled workers and apprenticeships, more
Articles about the Leaders Under 40, common VFD myths, apprenticeships and skilled workers, world-class manufacturing maintenance, and maintenance and the IIoT were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, September 21-27. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Automatic lubrication pump
The H1900 LubePro automatic lubrication pump is designed for in-plant applications.
2015 Engineering Leaders Under 40
The 2015 Engineering Leaders Under 40 are a dedicated group of engineers that give hope to the future of manufacturing.
2015 Engineering Leader Under 40: Stephen Dora, 33
Engineering Specialist, Plant Planning; Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. (TEMA); Erlanger, Ky.; BS Electrical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
2015 Engineering Leader Under 40: Jayesh Jariwala, PE, 39
Project Manager, Applied Control Engineering Inc. (ACE); Owings Mills, Md.; BS Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
2015 Engineering Leader Under 40: Justin Nielsen, 37
Manager—Control Systems & Instrumentation, Excel Engineering; St. Paul, Minn. BS Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University
Label serialization station for pharmaceutical, healthcare industries
The Label Serialization Station (LSS) is integrated into the production line for pharmaceutical and healthcare industries that print track-and-trace labels for products at a rate of up to 500 per minute.
Wago to host Hannover Messe information event Sept. 17
CFE Media to present at preview of USA Partner Nation.
CFE Media named Official Media Partner for Partner Country USA at Hannover Messe 2016 and IANA 2016
Two major trade events in 2016 to highlight U.S. leadership role in manufacturing.
PMI stumbles to 51.1% in August over global concerns
Despite some optimism, index drops to lowest level since May 2013 amid concerns with global economy.
Maintenance a prime benefit for IIoT
Frost & Sullivan study finds maintenance improvement can drive greater profitability.
Optoelectric torque sensors for faster production
Optoelectric torque sensors are designed for faster production and more effective human-machine collaboration.
12 tips to sustain improvement in Lean equipment maintenance programs
For companies that truly want to maximize their equipment uptime, productivity and quality, a disciplined approach is critical. Here are 12 tips to help the organization continue improving throughout the maintenance program.
Mixed landscape forecast for world medium-voltage motors market in 2015
Mixed landscape forecast for world medium-voltage motors market in 2015 with an expected uptick in growth globally in the medium to long term.
PMI’s increase in June indicates manufacturing stability
The ISM's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbs to 53.5% as industry leaders see solid growth across the board.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, June 22-28: Lubrication culture, ROI for infrared, arc flash code compliance, more
Articles about predictive maintenance data analysis, achieving world-class manufacturing maintenance, the culture of lubrication, the 2015 Energy Management Study, and motor maintenance were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, June 22-28. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
High-speed 5 GS/s digitizers
The digitizer units feature sampling rates up to 5 GS/s, bandwidth in excess of 1.5 GHz and on-board acquisition memory up to 8 GSamples.
Developing an improvement-driven plant
Leading indicators not only help predict the lagging results, they also serve as a starting point for continuous improvement because they measure the processes that can be directly managed.
Lean production and automation
Select the best production platform for Lean operations.
Smart factories need smarter supply chains
Automated manufacturing facilities will require higher levels of logistics integration.
PMI rebounds to 52.8% in May
Stronger economy, better West Coast product movement hailed as reasons for continuing growth.
AME: The hardest part of outsourcing is reversing it
Manufacturing, being a maker, is suddenly popular. But it won’t be easy. Aside from the terrible loss of manufacturing intelligence and muscle, there is uncertainty as to exactly what the profile of the reborn manufacturer will look like.
Does reliability have to cost a fortune?
By introducing a few key characteristics to unlocking the potential of your personnel, a plant can do so at minimal cost.
LOTO made simple
Avoiding complicated lockout/tagout procedures will enhance compliance, safety.
Manufacturing’s biggest stage needs the U.S. message
With high productivity, low energy prices and sophisticated leadership, the United States continues to lead the world in manufacturing output… Now is not the time to rest on that accomplishment. It’s time to double down on U.S. manufacturing’s role as a world leader.
April PMI at same level as March
The Institute for Supply Management's Purchasing Managers' Index registered at 51.5% for April, which was the same level it was at in March as the growth in orders was offset by a decline in employment.
Gauge range marking system
The marking system makes it easy and visual to know if everything is performing correctly.
ITT Goulds Pumps receives Grand Award
Top Plant, Engineering Leaders Under 40 honored at gala dinner.
India looks to accelerate manufacturing growth
At Hannover Messe 2015 opening, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi touts a more open economy. Modi, whose nation is the 2015 Partner Country, made an impassioned speech about the role a "new India" will play in global manufacturing. German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed Modi in the same way she will welcome President Barack Obama when the United States will be the Partner Country at Hannover Fair in 2016.
Wireless monitoring measures dew point, keeps repair facility flying along
Energy efficiency and optimization are key factors in maintaining a reliable compressed air system. However, anything from ambient humidity to a less-than-perfect setup can make a system work harder, driving up energy costs, limiting production quality, and potentially damaging equipment.
Outside forces cause fifth straight drop in PMI index
Pressures from oil prices, a weaker dollar and the West Coast dock strike weigh down index; PMI falls to 51.5% in March. The PMI remained above the 50% growth threshold for the index to extend the streak to almost six years; the 51.5% PMI for March still translates to a 2.6% growth in gross domestic product for the year.
2014 Product of the Year winners announced
The 2014 Product of the Year Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze award winners are honored and included in the April 2015 print edition of Plant Engineering magazine.
Hannover Messe partnership part of broader U.S. manufacturing initiative
With foreign direct investment on the rise, SelectUSA Summit aims to help economic development teams increase promotion and recruitment of new manufacturing sites.
U.S. to be Partner Country at Hannover Messe 2016
President Barack Obama is expected to appear at the 2016 Hannover Messe, which will be April 25-29 in Hannover, Germany and address the opening ceremonies in an event that also will showcase American culture.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, March 16-22: ac motor repair, top signs of a reliable plant, strategies to bridging the skills gap, more
Articles about ac motor repair, the top 5 signs of a reliable plant, strategies for bridging the skills gap, maintaining the human machine, and selecting and applying VFDs were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, March 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Flanged valves
Bonomi V-ball split-body ANSI 150 flanged valves provide precise flow control in demanding applications.
6 strategies to bridge the skills gap
Use technology to mitigate the effects of retirement, as 24% of U.S. workers admit that they have postponed their planned retirement at least once during the past year. But now that the economy is improving, these retirements are enabled once again.
The five-year plan that worked
Smiths Machine answered the recession with a formula for major change.
Ethernet/IP links plant productivity to business intelligence
Industrial-grade Ethernet Switches are designed to provide reliable connectivity in harsh environments with extreme temperatures, moisture, and vibration.
Hope creates room for possibilities
We cannot control everything, but we have hope.
Dynamic logistics critical to manufacturing excellence
By making operational changes, Bosch-Rexroth is speeding the time to market
3D parts library of RF and electronic components
The product pages are expanded to include configurable 3D part downloads.
2014 Product of the Year Finalists
View the 96 finalists in the Plant Engineering 2014 Product of the Year program; cast your vote today; voting ends Jan. 9, 2015.
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.
IMTS displays the dimensions of manufacturing
More than 114,000 people attended the six-day IMTS Show in Chicago in September, a 14% increase from 2012.
Service only one part of Schneider Electric strategy
With Invensys integration done, company now looks at automation skills gap issues.
Miles for Manufacturing event at IMTS
The Miles for Manufacturing 5K run/walk hosted by GIE Media and IMTS will make its debut is on Sept. 10 and proceeds will be donated to Austin Polytechnical Academy in Chicago.
Webcast: The future is bright for manufacturing
Karen Kurek, principal at McGladrey, will again be the breakfast keynote speaker at the 2014 Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit and will discuss the trends and challenges for manufacturing in the next two years.
EtherNet/IP controller
Through its embedded Ethernet port, the P3-550 CPU can support EtherNet/IP configurable as a Scanner or Adapter.
Robots, turnkey manufacturing cells, and enhanced technology on display
ABB Robotics will demonstrate robots, turnkey manufacturing cells, and enhanced technology that are designed to increase manufacturing productivity at IMTS 2014.
Technology Center features aerospace, automotive, medical innovations
Today's Technology Center (TTC) at IMTS 2014 allows visitors to immerse themselves in technology from the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors.
ISA Inside education will discuss ANSI/ISA99
The ISA Inside course on Sept. 10-11 at IMTS 2014 is a great example of that kind of education will provide a detailed look at how the ANSI/ISA99 standards can be used to protect critical control systems.
Air nozzle
The air nozzle delivers a small blowoff with an efficient, high volume, high velocity airflow.
PMI jumps to 12-month high as optimism abounds
Concerns over global unrest don’t show up in July, as index hits 57.1%
Contactless inductive coupler solutions
The NIC contactless inductive coupler is used for data and energy transmission in high-stress and wear-intensive applications.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, July 7-13: Arc flash, compressed air, manufacturing safety, more
Articles about reducing arc flash hazards, compressed air, safety concerns in manufacturing, propane truck maintenance, and employee engagement were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, July 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Manufacturers expect strong growth and strong hiring in 2014
McGladrey Monitor report suggests concerns over taxes and regulations won’t hinder sales and profit increases
Digital enterprise captures all plant processes
Siemens Industry Automation CEO sees digital design and simulation key to manufacturing growth.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, May 26 to June 1
Articles about correcting induction motor power, improving your proactive maintenance plan, energy monitoring trends, the EPA’s clean water regulations, and practical manufacturing strategies were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, May 26 to June 1. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Four mitigation strategies for solving your plant’s reliability problems
How to recognize employee behaviors that can negatively impact a plant's reliability and/or product quality and do something about it.
VFDs for rotary screw compressors
The SFC 30S and SFC 30 variable speed drive rotary screw compressors improve efficiency and power delivery.
Machine tooling for deep grooves
CorocutQD addresses the issues of deep grooves and parting off with long overhangs and now expands the offer of inserts and durable tools with over- and under-coolant.
Workplace mobility, Internet of Things at heart of Zebra acquisition
Company official talks about how Zebra’s purchase of Motorola Mobility will shape industrial operations and cloud computing
Case study: Preventing surge in a medium-size process gas compressor
The following case study highlights a plant's struggle to prevent surge while using a four-impeller, 1.6 MW integrally geared centifugal gas compressor. The problem and three solutions are discussed.
AME kicks off program to employ veterans in the manufacturing industry
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence Values Veterans Program (AMEV2) launched after a day-long symposium in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Mobius iVibe receives Product of the Year Grand Award
Lincoln Electric honored with Plant Engineering Top Plant award at Chicago event
Maintenance survey to look at ISO55000 standard
Asset management, implementation priorities for manufacturing will be part of study questions
Work order management: 10 hurdles to overcome
Establishing and maintaining an effective and efficient work order management system can be very similar to running a 400 meter high-hurdle race and winning.
Making data smaller is suddenly a big deal
You have to see the Big Picture when tackling Big Data. But that’s no small task.
Simulated processes help auto industry avoid errors
As the customers look for value in their product, there will be more dependency on process simulation to evaluate manufacturability and serviceability.
China automotive semiconductor market drives up 11% in 2013, thanks to safety and navigation features
The fast-growing semiconductor market for China’s automotive industry is set for double-digit expansion in revenue this year, according to a new report from IHS Inc.
Manufacturing centers to focus on digital design, metal alloys
Obama to announce Feb. 25 that Chicago and Detroit won the bidding to host the public-private partnerships for manufacturing innovation
Siemens software grant to aid Cincinnati-area college
Company’s $66.8 million grant will integrate PLM technology into curriculum
Got a wish list? You’ve come to the right place
Lifecycle management brings in new products, though the basic wants and needs and desires remain the same.
Showcase your plant’s success to a global audience
Plant Engineering seeks presentations for 2014 Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit
High-speed laser controls
The CNC Series 30i/31i-L MODEL B high-speed laser controls use Ethernet and Ethernet/IP field bus options and simulation software
Danfoss finishes acquisition of Sauer-Danfoss, expanding North American investment
Danfoss acquired the outstanding shares of Sauer-Danfoss and changed its name to Danfoss Power Solutions.
MFG Day is under way around America
Day-long emphasis on raising awareness about manufacturing’s role in economy has wide support among industry leaders
Compressed Air and Gas Handbook available as free download
Chapters can be downloaded at CAGI Website
Boiler water treatment for the food and beverage industry
So, what is different about chemical treatment of boilers at food plants?
Phoenix Contact: Building teamwork is building success
Phoenix Contact has put a strong emphasis on team building and making their fellow workers their greatest resource
DCS market may be crucial in Invensys bidding
Schneider Electric acquisition would boost company’s position in global markets, according to IHS Inc. comments
Schneider Electric in talks to acquire Invensys
Proposed $5 billion deal could position company against rivals in industrial, building, and data center markets
VW considering new product line at Tennessee plant
Addition of SUV production could double plant’s current size, AP reports
Spiesshofer named new CEO at ABB
Will succeed Hogan; success in Baldor integration cited as key to appointment
Material handling orders grow, continues to accelerate, report finds
MHI forecast projects double-digit growth by 2014
GM to create a flexible manufacturing cell at Lansing plant
Automaker’s $44.5 million investment is third at facility in the last three years
Toyota to expand Lexus production to Kentucky
Automaker’s $360 million investment ‘a tribute’ to Georgetown workers
‘Are we there yet?’ isn’t the question to get you there
The jobs picture and the housing market are brightening, which both bode well for the manufacturing sector in particular and the economy as a whole.
ABB to fund 40 global research projects
Universities to receive millions in grants to develop power and automation solutions
‘Right-shoring’ our manufacturing knows no boundaries
I’m no longer sure that ‘reshoring’ is the right word any more. I think ‘right-shoring’ (although a little more awkward) might be the right way to look at the issue of global manufacturing.
2012 Leader Under 40: Cody Rhodes-Dawson, 31
Assistant Plant Manager, Waupaca Foundry Inc. (Plant 5), Tell City, Ind.
IMTS gets off to a rousing start
Huge crowds, optimism greet international gathering in Chicago.
Domestic machine tool manufacturer facility expansion drives new opportunities
Brian Papke, president of Mazak Corp., talks about how a large expansion to the company's Florence, Ky. facility is driving new opportunities for the company in the U.S.
Daily Insight for July 19, 2012
Daily Insight: Manufacturer explains the ways and means of his business
Daily Insight for July 10, 2012:
Daily Insight: Boeing retools in Seattle to meet Airbus challenge
Energy sector expected to drive growth in the screw jack market
The global screw jack market is mature and has had a low single digit growth profile in recent years. Screw jacks perform important handling and lifting functions in industry, civil transport and energy sectors.
Strength in U.S., China drives growth in industrial automation
IMS report finds global market will top $200 billion by 2015
In a data-driven world, get your numbers faster
One of the greatest challenges plant managers face is the increase in available data and the challenge of how to find the right data to do their job more efficiently
Ford cuts summer break, will produce 40,000 more cars in North America
Automaker: ‘Requiring more capacity from our plants is a good problem to have.’
How to be a Top Plant
The 2011 Top Plant winner, NACCO Materials Handling Group, provided Plant Engineering with a tour of their Berea, Ky. facility.
Nothing staged about manufacturing’s reality
I’ve heard little from either side in this political season that strives to address the real issues of manufacturing… If Congress and the White House were as well organized and efficient as most manufacturing plants, this wouldn’t be much of a debate.
BMW exporting $7.4 billion from Spartanburg plant
Company’s exports jump 68% after plant expansion over BMW's 2010 value. Over 192,000 vehicles were exported from the Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant in 2011.
Sustainable manufacturing will attract customers, UL study finds
Study takes a global view of the relationship between consumner expectations and manufacturing production
Building lift trucks in Berea
NACCO Materials Handling Group Inc. is able to mix different models on the same line instead of making lift trucks in batches due to its one-piece workflow-enabling demand flow technology.
Toyota Georgetown marks 25 years in Kentucky
Former Top Plant winner has made its mark in manufacturing
Production ready to begin at new Toyota plant in Mississippi
With 1,500 new jobs expected, Blue Springs facility delivers hope to a region
POY Finalist: Steam controller
Finalist in Automation and Control in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
POY Finalist: Programmable automation controllers
Finalist in Automation and Control in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
POY Finalist: HMI terminal
Finalist in Automation and Control in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
POY Finalist: Software engineering framework
Finalist in Automation and Control in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
POY Finalist: Management software
Finalist in Maintenance Software in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
POY Finalist: Data reporting application
Finalist in Productivity Training Software in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
Ford/UAW deal to add 12,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs
Four-year pact will mean $6.2 billion in plant investments
2011 Leader Under 40: Roxanne Smith, 38
Supply Chain Manager, Siemens Industry Inc.
Leaders Under 40: From diversity, a common commitment
Plant Engineering is proud to highlight those leading the manufacturing world, read about 2011’s Leaders Under 40.
Cracked turbine blade repair bill huge
A routine maintenance inspection ended up being a strong safety play as repairs to PPL Corp.’s nuclear reactors at its plant near Berwick, Pa., will cost the utility $50 million to $60 million, a plant spokesman said.
Coca-Cola VP to deliver keynote at MESA International 2011
Chris Gaffney's keynote speech at the MESA International conference will be on end-to-end business processes
Foreign automaker next to make move to the U.S.
Audi is reportedly planning to build a manufacturing plant in the U.S. by 2015.
Despite lawsuit, Boeing opens SC 787 plant
Boeing celebrated the opening of its new 787 plant in South Carolina, despite an ongoing lawsuit from the National Labor Relations Board about the company's decision not to locate the facility in Washington state.
Spanish company proposes to build headquarters in Ames
Laboratorias Hipra, a company that makes animal vaccines, has proposed to build a 90 million-dollar headquarters building in Ames, Iowa.
Plans to hire more than 1,300
Daimler Trucks adds additional shifts in three cities to keep up with production.
2011 Product of the Year features early entry discount
Entries now open to honor innovation with 24th annual Product of the Year contest
Current sensors
AcuAMP line of current sensors now includes ac ground fault sensors and dc current transducers and switches
AME event: How to achieve, sustain manufacturing excellence
Workshop: May 3, 2011; Forest Park, GA
Congressmen promote national manufacturing strategy
U.S. Rep. Tim Holden and Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland visited ArcelorMittal's steel factory to promote bills for a national manufacturing strategy.
Tsunami may slow production at Chattanooga Komatsu plant
It will take ‘a miracle’ for unfolding events not to create problems for Komatsu, according to local plant chief
Union members accept labor contract in Kansas City
Union members at the Harley-Davidson Inc. plant in Kansas City have accepted a labor contract that keeps the work at their factory but will result in the loss of many jobs.
Solar photovoltaic manufacturing facility opened in Wisconsin
The new Helios USA solar photovoltair manufacturing facility in Wisconsin is already producing modules and expects to create more than 50 long-term jobs.
Automaker to invest $100 million in plant
BMW plans to invest another $100 million in its Spartanburg County plant with intent to focus on export operations and the X3 SKD program.
Automation System: Risk and Reward
Today’s automation systems are a hybrid of mission-specific control technologies and Windows-based open systems. This open architecture offers possibilities in terms of system configurations and application software; however, it presents some risks as well. Incompatibility of disparate applications running on the same platform, mismanagement of user privileges, and other security risks threaten the reliability and security of these systems. While automation professionals understand how to manage the configuration of the automation systems themselves, they don’t understand how to manage the underlying infrastructure.
Let your views be heard in the 2010 Salary Survey
Participate today, see the results in special 2011 Forecast issue
2010 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: Vote now for the year’s top new products
Qualified Plant Engineering readers can vote now to determine the 2010 Product of the Year winners.
AME Conference guarantees great ideas
Keynotes, plant tours, Lean manufacturing knowledge -- and a refund if you're not satisfied with the information
Manufacturing jobs on the rise, and skilled workers needed
That's not news to Plant Engineering readers, but CNN is reporting manufacturing job growth is outpacing the rest of the private sector
IMTS 2010: Deutsche Messe to bring Industrial Automation show to IMTS in 2012
Partnership with AMT to create 'one-stop shopping' for American manufacturers in Chicago event.
IMTS 2010: Engler touts national manufacturing strategy
NAM president talks innovation, tax relief and a stronger perception of plant floor work at IMTS opening Tuesday.
2010 Product of the Year one week left for entries
Your new product could be among the 2010 winners -- but only if you enter.
Automation service solutions
The VigilantPlant Services package of automation service solutions is designed to help manufacturers achieve safe, environmentally friendly and profitable plant operations over the plant lifecycle in line with the Yokogawa VigilantPlant concept. The company reorganized its operational and consulting services business as VigilantPlant Services, featuring Opportunity Identification Services, whic...
Changing World study Webcast is March 25
A look at how change is affecting manufacturing worldwide
Automation studio
Automation Studio Target for Simulink integrates development models constructed in Simulink simulation environment and model-based design software provided by The MathWorks. The open architecture of B&R Automation Studio and the seamless integration of B&R Automation Studio Target for Simulink make an efficient incorporation into automation projects with minimal user involvement.
Future 30 program to recognize workforce development efforts
The issue of workforce development for the next generation of manufacturing remains the most important issue facing plant floor managers. A major part of that issue is showing young people why manufacturing is a successful and dynamic career choice for the 21st century. In an effort to call further attention to this issue, Plant Engineering and Mobil Industrial Lubricants will sponsor the Futur...
Navisworks trial available
Free download offers a 3D plant view
VW sets its manufacturing roots in Chattanooga
New $1 billion plant gets a formal introduction to Tennessee
German automakers looks to expand U.S. market share
WSJ: Volkswagen, BMW preparing to accelerate manufacturing here
Intergraph, PAS integrate products
Intergraph is integrating its SmartPlant Enterprise plant configuration solution, SmartPlant Instrumentation, with the PAS Integrity/DOC4000 product family to provide plant owners with a consolidated view of their control infrastructure for improved operations management. The consolidated, up-to-date view of the plant's control infrastructure is designed to give process industry users the abili...
Squeeze play
They manage different kinds of plants of different sizes with different levels of complexity. Yet plant managers share a common language and face common problems. In 2008, one problem emerged as a major concern. They used words like “crashing” and “sagging” and “crisis” to describe the general state of the manufacturing economy they face each day.
Future 30 nomination deadline extended to Dec. 5
Nominate a young plant leader for Future 30 recognition
Illinois Manufacturing Plants Have Highest Average Employment
According to the 2008 Great Lakes Manufacturing survey of 431 manufacturing facilities conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute, Illinois plants have the highest average employee count at 363.
Ford to extend buyout program at 14 more plants
Automaker offers buyouts to reduce its workforce in Michigan and Ohio
Reports: Alabama is Volkswagen’s pick for new U.S. manufacturing plant
VW looks to increase auto sales here; plant price tag may hit $1.2B
Spirax Sarco employees celebrate Top Plant award, anniversary
So far, 2008 has been a big year for Spriax Sarco's plant in Blythewood, SC. The company is marking its 100th anniversary, and the Blythewood facility is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Add in the 2007 Top Plant designation from Plant Engineering, and it seemed like a party was in order. That's just what employees and dignitaries enjoyed in Blythewood on May 16.
Daratech Study: 3-D plant designs important, but implementation is an issue
3-D plant design software has become more pervasive and easier to use, a new study has found, and using 3-D plant design will help smaller companies remain competitive.
Car giants to tweak manufacturing plants
What does increasing consumer demand for smaller vehicles mean for SUV manufacturing plants?
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Do you think outside the box? Send us your best Tips & Tricks
The best solutions to manufacturing problems don’t always come from inside a box.
Solving the downtime dilemma: Looking beyond your top 10 issues
Activplant offers a free 1-hour webinar for manufacturing professionals June 11
Tyson set to close Nebraska plant
Tyson Foods Inc. will shut its meat-processing operations in York, Neb.
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ExxonMobil lube plant starts new control system
The ExxonMobil lubricants plant in Port Allen, LA executed the flawless startup of its new enterprise control system provided by Invensys Process Systems. Through a joint Invensys and ExxonMobil team effort, the installation was successfully completed and the plant was back to full production with no safety incidents.
DaVinci control: Honeywell to automate quality for Karlsborg paper plant
Honeywell will provide paper manufactuer Billerud with a DaVinci Quality Control System and a range of actuators as part of a project to a paper machine at Billerud's plant in Karlsborg, Sweden.
It’s a numbers game, but you ought to play to win
We’ve been awfully nosy the last few months. We’ve been poking and prodding you for a lot of information. We’ve asked about how you do your job, how you do it well, what you earn and what you think about the state of manufacturing. We’re different from most of the pundits who comment on manufacturing in that we actually talked to plant floor managers before we offered ou...
Performance management series starts 2008 in Detroit
Jeff Liker, University of Michigan professor and author of The Toyota Way Fieldbook, keynotes the first entry in this year’s management performance series.
Summit Become a Sponsor
Summit Home Register Now Schedule Speaker Bios Become a Sponsor Current Sponsors Hotel/Location Contact us Become a Sponsor >> Information sheet Contract.
The name’s the same, but leaders seek a broader view of automation
Part of the buzz at ISA Expo 2007 was the discussion surrounding the organization's proposed name change. The ISA Executive Board voted unanimously to change the organization's name from the “Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society” to the “International Society for Automation.
Summit Current Sponsors
Summit Home Register Now Schedule Speaker Bios Become a Sponsor Current Sponsors Hotel/Location Contact us Current Sponsors >>.
Rockwell Automation makes Crandall CFO
Since joining the company in 1978, Crandall has served in a broad range of finance and operational roles across the Rockwell Automation organization and has been interim CFO since April.
Collaboration offers hope in a fractured world
The world is a fairly fractured place these days. War and politics and Yankees fans and Red Sox fans – it's enough to make you yearn for the good old days of the Cold War. So the ARC Advisory Group's discussion of collaboration at its manufacturing forum in late June in Boston came at an especially good time.
Activate 2007 sponsored by Activplant
Activplant’s Activate 2007 conference will be Sept. 16 through Sept. 19 at the ChampionsGate resort in Orlando.
The enterprise level of plant floor visibility
The lifecycle of plant floor data no longer begins and ends on the plant floor; rather it has been transformed into a complex network of many-to-many information flows. This network includes collected plant floor data, job roles and functional groups utilizing collected data, and the enabling technology utilized. Consequently, these information flows are defined by the answers manufacturers’ give to the following questions:• Which pieces of plant floor data are collected?• How is plant floor data collected?• Which job roles and functional groups within the enterprise utilize plant floor data?• How is technology utilized in regard to shop floor data?This Benchmark Report will provide the answers to these questions and will also provide further analysis which draws correlations between the answers to these questions and Best in Class performance. For more on the study, click here .
New PLANT ENGINEERING Website puts knowledge at your fingertips
When you are looking to solve a problem in your plant, time is of the essence. When you’ve only got a few minutes each day to get up to date on manufacturing, you want concise information that gets right to the point. With new technology and strategies emerging each day, you need a trusted source to showcase the best new ideas in the market.
Aberdeen launches MRO study
Aberdeen Group research indicates that the number one internal challenge manufacturers are facing to improve manufacturing execution , is the gap between ERP and the shop floor. While one way to respond to this challenge is to implement MES , this step has opened up a host of new challenges for manufacturers to address Aberdeen is conducting research for an upcoming Benchmark Manufacturing Execution System Report. To take the survey, please click here .
Make Your Voice Heard – New MES Research
Aberdeen Group research indicates that the number one internal challenge manufacturers are facing to improve manufacturing execution is the gap between ERP and the shop floor. While one way to respond to this challenge is to implement MES , this step has opened up a host of new challenges for manufacturers to address. Aberdeen is conducting research for an upcoming Benchmark Manufacturing Execution System Report. brief survey .
M-grade embedded automation computer
The UNO-3074 comes with two RS-232 ports, two RS-232/422/485 ports with RS-485 automatic flow control, two 10/100 Ethernet ports, four USB ports and four PCI-bus expansion slots for versatile applications. It supports Windows XP (SP2) and is embedded with write protection (EWF) with a pre-configured image that has optimized onboard device drivers.
Automation World Conference & Exhibition, Orlando, FL, March 20–22
Automation World Conference & Exhibit targets users and specifiers of process, plant and utility automation equipment, software and services. Learn about the latest solutions and future trends in Automation from ABB experts and industry leaders. Spend three days with your peers and discuss their successes and business challenges.
Salary Survey Exclusive: Southwest a hot spot for growth, confidence
Plant Engineering’s exclusive Salary Survey appears in the January issue, and it takes an overall look at how plant managers and plant engineers around the country view their job and their future. In drilling down on a regional basis, we find stronger confidence on the West Coast and Southwest. One-third of plant managers in the Southwest believe their salaries will increase more than 4% in the coming year, compared with the national average of 20%. Plant managers in the Mountain, Pacific and North Central regions also see more likelihood of a larger pay hike than those east of the Mississippi. By the numbers: My salary will increase 4% or more in 2007: Southwest33% Mountain25% North Central24% Pacific23% Average20% Northeast18% Midwest16% Southeast15% That correlates to the security plant managers find in their work: By the numbers: I consider manufacturing a secure career: Southwest74% Mountain73% North Central69% Average62% Southeast61% Pacific60% Midwest60% Northeast52% Plant managers in the west also see a greater potential for continued growth in their businesses in the coming year: By the numbers: The number of employees in my department will increase in the coming year: Southwest39% Mountain38% Pacific37% North Central35% Average29% Northeast27% Southeast25% Midwest21% There was also a great disparity by region in those who believed their departments would shrink in 2007.
Sound bytes from ProMat 2007
Did you miss the ProMat 2007 show held this week at Chicago’s McCormick Place? Plant Engineering was there and spoke to some of the experts on the show floor. Senior Editor Kevin Campbell visited with Gregg Branning , president of Accu-Sort Systems , George Marshall , director of sales development for warehouse products for Hyster Company , Ken Fry , business development manager, global OEM team for Rockwell Automation , John Nofsinger , CEO of show sponsor MHIA and Stephen Legg , director, product and technology development for FKI Logistex on some of the trends in the industry that they’re seeing. Just click on their names to hear what they had to say!.
Blog on a two-way street: Share your opinions
Plant Engineering’s new daily blog, Five Fast Things, is already generating a good bit of attention. Now readers can get involved directly in two ways: “We want the blog to be interactive. That’s how you generate conversation and ideas,” said Vavra. “It’s through the sharing of those ideas that things can improve for plant managers – and that’s th...
2006 Salary Survey: Productivity delivers a bonus for plant floor managers
By every measure, American manufacturing plants are more productive than they have ever been. That productivity translates into efficiencies and cost-savings for manufacturing. Plant managers who achieved cost efficiencies in 2006 were rewarded with a record bonus, according to Plant Engineering's exclusive 2006 Salary Survey.
Plant Engineering blogs on
Check out the new Plant Engineering blog on the home page at www.plantengineering.com . Plant Engineering's 2006 Top Plant Award winners are among the items discussed in chief editor Bob Vavra's December 15th blog entry.
Even without a round number, 2007 can be a milestone year
At the end of the year, we spend a lot of time to take stock of what has been gained and lost in the preceding 12 months. In 2006, there has been much to tally up on both sides of that equation. Looking back is useful for historians – and in a way, magazine editors are historians. Looking back gives us perspective on where we've been, and a foundation to build for the future.
White papers available on AppliedAutomation site
AppliedAutomation, PLANT ENGINEERING's quarterly supplement on plant-level automation strategies, has collected a series of white papers on a variety of automation topics. Among the knowledge that can be gained by visiting www.plantengineering.com and clicking on the AppliedAutomation link are: There are new white papers and case studies added frequently The site's address is: www.
Automation World Conference & Exhibition, Caribe Royale, Orlando, FL, March 20–22
Users and specifiers of process, plant and utility automation equipment, software and services should attend Automation World Conference & Exhibition, Caribe Royale, Orlando, FL, March 20—22, to learn about the latest solutions and future trends in automation from ABB experts and industry leaders. Spend three days with your peers and discuss their successes and business challenges. Talk directly to ABB development engineers and management.
Frosst takes the helm at Activplant
Activplant has named Chuck Frosst to the role of president, with president and CEO Ted Williams becomes chairman of the board of directors. The company said the appointments are “accelerating the company's strategic growth plan and transformation into a performance management applications provider.
Building an online resource one click-through at a time
A recent poll of PLANT ENGINEERING readers found 73% use the Internet daily – and every reader uses it at least once a week. Web access is everywhere, and with the launch of new Web productivity tools, the Internet is a click away for most managers. But the Internet is also a large place, and making sense of it all, and customizing that vast content for each Web user can be a daunting task.
An island adventure right on your desktop
Users are already finding a visit to Smiley’s Island to be both fun and educational. The new survival game delivers automation information by building Smiley an automation system on a desert island. The game, sponsored by AutomationDirect, is now available to play at www.plantengineering.com. It starts with a trip to the home page and a click on Smiley.
A turning point for the plant floor
Hyperbole is often unnecessary and more often wrong. The media makes claims that time proves were premature or unwarranted. We also overuse the word 'superstar' so much that its meaning is diminished. Today's 'superstar' becomes yesterday's “where-are-they-now” feature seemingly overnight.
Help Smiley survive, and gain automation knowledge in new game
Smiley is a survivor. Even though he’s shipwrecked on a desert island, he has all the tools he needs to survive. But he’s going to need some help. Smiley is the lead character in a new online game sponsored by AutomationDirect that debuts on the PLANT ENGINEERING Website this month at www.
Ball Corp. to rebuild fire-damaged German plant, add line in Hermsdorf
Ball Corporation recently announced plans to replace the beverage-can manufacturing volume it lost in Europe when a fire damaged its plant in Hassloch, Germany, on April 1. Prior to the fire, the Hassloch plant produced approximately 2 billion 33-cl and 50-cl steel beverage cans annually. Ball plans to rebuild the Hassloch facility as a two-line plant capable of producing 1.3 billion steel beverage cans annually. At the same time, Ball will add a second production line in its plant in Hermsdorf, Germany, to produce approximately 700 million aluminum beverage cans annually. The total cost of the two projects is estimated to be approximately $112.7 million and is expected to be largely covered by insurance proceeds.
The Automation Federation announces member classifications
The Automation Federation recently announced the designation of classes of organizational affiliations for member groups. The classifications include: Charter Member Organization In order to be a charter member, the organization must join the Federation during 2006, be a nonprofit with a compatible mission and publicly support the mission of the Federation. The organization has voting membership on the Federation board of directors, pays a royalty to the Federation to support infrastructure and has a legal affiliation with ISA that qualifies the organization to receive financial support from ISA.
Unlimited data collection does have its limits
We are overwhelmed with data – or at least that’s what I read in a recent study on the topic. Our data is now portable, too. I broke down a couple of months back and got a BlackBerry, which fits in nicely with my laptop, my home laptop and my personal cell phone. I’ve got recharging cords of all shapes and sizes.
Record attendance at ABB event
More than 2,500 automation professionals attended ABB’s Automation World 2006 Users Conference and Exhibition, held in Houston, TX May 9—11, exceeding last year’s attendance by more than 45%. The three-day event featured 400 workshops and a 40,000 square foot exhibition hall with hands-on demonstrations and displays of ABB automation products and systems, and those of channel partners. ABB also announced the 2007 event date and venue. ABB Automation World 2007 will be held at the Caribe Royale resort in Orlando, FL on March 20—22, 2007.
AWWA heads to Phoenix for annual event
The American Water Works Association’s annual DSS Conference and Exposition will be held Sept. 17-20 at the PhoenixConvention Center and the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, promising information and exhibits on the best in water system distribution, engineering, and plant operations issues. The event is part of the AWWA’s 125thanniversary celebration. The DSS conference is designed to address the most pressing issues facing water distribution, engineering, and plant operations professionals.
Astronaut among keynotes at ABB’s Automation World
ABB’s 2006 Automation World event will be May 8 through 11 at The Hilton Americas in Houston. The 2006 Automation World offers a series of solution-focused seminars and work groups, as well as a number of keynotes on key issues facing manufacturing. Among the keynotes will be retired NASA astronaut Navy Capt. Jerry Linenger, who spent five months aboard the Russian space station Mir.
What makes a Top Plant? Find out online – then enter yours
Daimler Chrysler's Belvidere, IL plant was named the 2005 recipient of PLANT ENGINEERING's Top Plant, and our December issue highlighted the excellence of an automobile manufacturer in the U.S. using new and old techniques to grow. Some of that growth is already evident, as Chrysler announced last month they were adding a second shift at the Belvidere facility to continue to build new cars.
You’re just a click away from getting connected
Today, it's more important than ever to voice your views on the state of manufacturing, the role of the plant engineer and the issues that will shape the future of our industry. PLANT ENGINEERING offers a number of ways to participate in that dialogue electronically. PE Poll Each month, PLANT ENGINEERING's readers can go to www.
DaimlerChrysler
Top Plant means more than just a place where things are manufactured well. A true Top Plant takes all of the innovation available today — mechanical and human — and brings it together to build products efficiently, productively and safely. It brings together the best of man and machine to support not just its workers, but the community in which they live and work.
Reed launches regional plant shows
Reed Exhibitions, producers of National Manufacturing Week and other market-leading industrial events, announces plans to significantly expand its presence in the U.S. manufacturing event marketplace to include regional event franchises in targeted cities throughout the U.S. The events will specifically serve the complex needs of Plant Engineers and Facilities Managers.
New salary survey needs your input
Plant Engineering magazine is partnering with Abbott, Langer & Associates, Inc., a firm that specializes in compensation data, to produce a new report on compensation levels in the plant engineering function. The Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) is also supporting the project. To compile the data, we are conducting an online survey, and we encourage all of our readers to partici...
Plant show gets new name, adds regional venue
Beginning in 2003, National Plant Engineering & Facilities Management Show is the new name for the plant show component of National Manufacturing Week, it was announced by Reed Exhibition Companies (REC), the show producers. The annual exhibition will also be known as the National Plant Engineering Show.
2001 Product of the Year Winners
Click above to see our winners in this year's competition!
1999 Plant Engineering Salary Survey
Some 1,355 plant engineering personnel participated in our 1999 salary survey. Read highlights from the survey, such as how salaries correspond to education levels, plant size, years of experience, types of manufacturing employer, salaries by region and more.
E-plant engineering?
E-commerce is the wave of the future. Yes, sir. No doubt about it. The possibilities boggle the mind. It'll be a dream come true. Well, maybe.
Human Side of Engineering – 2000-03-01 – 2000-03-01
In the September 1999 issue of Plant Engineering, Human Side of Engineering presented "Uncommon side: The hoodwinked employee -- Part I.
Just the facts, sir
It would be all too fitting to follow the course of so many other publications' year-end issue and provide you with predictions about the Year 2000, whether it be the impact of the Y2K glitch to the internet or how the World Wide Web will evolve in the coming year. However, commenting on the former would just be overkill, and providing insight on the latter would be like trying to predict the weather in Chicago. So to close out the year, we'll instead focus on the facts -- recent additions and upgrades to Plant Engineering Online (www.plantengineering.com) that you may not be aware of and ones you can expect to see in the new millennium. Fact 1: PE channels evolve Within your favorite PE channel(s), you can now access topic-related articles and new product and literature information with a single click of your mouse. Perform targeted keyword searches within each PE channel for content related only to the topics covered in that channel or, if you're the browsing type, click through to the archives page for links to any articles published by Plant Engineering magazine or exclusively online in the last 5 yr. What can you expect to find in the Plant Engineering channels in the coming months? We'll be giving you a better look at what's available at our IndustryStore.com web site with featured titles in each channel.
Welcome to the family
This month, we take some time to highlight the newest addition to the family of channels presented in Plant Engineering Online (www.plantengineering.com), as well as some news and notes about upcoming online developments.
Human Side of Engineering – 1999-08-01 – 1999-08-01
In the March 1999 issue of Plant Engineering, Human Side of Engineering presented "Uncommon side: Disloyal assistant -- Part I.
Will the terror continue?
Are the most recent terrorist events in schools a portent for industry? The tragedy of Littleton, CO, has sparked all the usual questions, accusations, and frustrations as people search for reasons, explanations, and understanding.
Multiple media: More is better
Back in September when we conducted a reader survey for our web site, www. plantengineering.com, one of the more anticipated results was the breakdown of preferred media for reading Plant Engineering magazine (print, web site, or both).
Let us know what you think
So, if you haven't figured it out already, Plant Engineering Online is conducting a survey to let your voice be heard. Between now and the end of September, we are asking that you log on to Plant Engineering Online (www.plantengineering.
Plant Design System
Plant Design System (PDS) is a comprehensive, computer-aided design/engineering application for plant design and construction.
Who are you?
For everyone who has ever asked, what does a plant engineer do?, there is a new definition of the plant engineering function.
More than skin deep
This is the first issue of Plant Engineering incorporating our new Design 2000 concepts. We think you will find it more readable, comprehensive, and useful than any other magazine you receive.
