Track and Trace – Necessary in Today’s Market

Track and Trace – Necessary in Today’s Market Capturing data through the entire manufacturing process is not a new concept.  However, the requirements of targeting specific data sets and reporting […]

What will automation, controls, and instrumentation look like in 2020?

Brent Stromwall, PE, PMP and vice president of Polytron, Inc. said that by 2020, manufacturing enters a true digital era. On the way, “It is imperative that manufacturers provide more […]

Increase Efficiencies with Standardized HMI

Every manufacturer has a HMI or Human Machine Interface, but they might not know it. From physical pushbutton stations to sophisticated graphical interfaces with 3D representations of equipment – HMIs […]

Manufacturing Intelligence: Success or Failure?

In the “new normal” of manufacturing, a system for tracking accurate quality metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential. In several industry sectors, such as pharmaceutical and automotive, the […]

Leveraging Microsoft SharePoint for Manufacturing

Remember the days before computers were involved in almost everything that happened in the office. Wasn’t it a different world altogether? Still Using Paper? It’s a communication format that has […]

Eliminate the Automation Technology Risks of Windows XP

After more than 12 years, Windows XP, a stable and reliable operating system for most manufacturing facilities reached End of Life (EOL) on April 8, 2014. Microsoft will no longer […]

3 Keys to a Successful Systems Integration Project

Once you have found a systems integrator that suits your needs, its time to execute. By conveying your expectations and trusting the expertise of your integrator, you increase the chances […]

3 Factors to Look for in a Systems Integrator

Most manufacturers will start their search for a systems integrator by asking their component manufacturer who they would recommend. It’s a smart move because component manufacturers will know who’s done […]

Do You Overlook This Important Source of Cost Savings?

Manufacturing success often hinges upon a plant manager’s ability to use data wisely. When they spot inefficiencies, they can take corrective measures and increase margins. Some inefficiencies are easier to […]

The Internet of Things and Everything — IoT/IoE

If you think technology has changed rapidly in the last 30 years, just wait. According to the Cisco Visual Networking Index, by 2017, there will be 1.7 billion machine-to-machine wireless […]