Articles
Taking Advantage of the Industrial Internet
May 1, 2013 11:00 am | by Cindy Waxer | CommentsBig data is not just for predicting election outcomes and mapping genomes. General Electric (GE) is betting on the so-called Industrial Internet — a term they coined — to help manufacturers boost performance, streamline processes and better compete in the global marketplace.
The Two Faces of U.S. Manufacturing
April 30, 2013 10:22 am | by AJ Sweatt | CommentsThe fact is that our trade and economic policies — or lack thereof — are the primary cause of stagnant manufacturing growth in this country. We in and of manufacturing find ourselves in an environment of two camps, vying on many fronts for supremacy & influence.
5S Your Digital Workspace, Carefully
April 30, 2013 8:12 am | by Alan Nicol, Executive Member, AlanNicolSolutions | CommentsThe Lean tool known as “5S” was conceived and developed in a manufacturing environment.It is a very effective tool at eliminating some of the most senseless and aggravating sources of wasted time and energy.Most commonly, it stops the wasted effort of searching for stuff that we need right now.
The Dirty Dozen: Finding & Fixing Company Culture
April 29, 2013 10:15 am | by Steven Shaffer, President, Shaffer Consulting | CommentsAs we grow up, we often get wonderful gifts from mom and dad. Gifts such as intelligence, passion, communication and leadership skills. We also get gifts from different mentors, which can complement the ones from our parents. As adults, business leaders bring these childhood gifts to the companies they lead.
We Need More Vocational Training
April 26, 2013 11:34 am | by Mike Collins, Author, Saving American Manufacturing | CommentsThe concept of “everyone should go to college” is finally being questioned, which I think is long overdue. A recent study of college graduates in Oregon shows that about 50% of the degrees were in arts, humanities, behavior, and social science, with an average salary from $35 to $40,000 per year.
How Clouds Can Dominate Sunny Florida
April 25, 2013 9:00 am | by Anna Wells, Executive Editor, Manufacturing Business Technology | CommentsAs leading vendors continue to invest the resources in making technology smarter, more reliable, and easier to use, manufacturers can do their fair share by giving these innovative solutions a little attention as well. For a focused look at new technologies — including cloud-based — we invite you to attend our free webinar on enterprise solutions today at 12pm.
Food Defense: Government and Industry Resources
April 24, 2013 2:23 pm | by Lindsey Jahn, Associate Editor | CommentsAs the Food Safety Modernization Act continues to be implemented, more regulations and guidelines will be focused on food defense and the prevention of intentional contamination events. Many resources are being released by both the FDA and industry to help food manufacturers improve their food defense strategies.
Q&A: Communicating Your Brand in the Digital Age
April 24, 2013 12:20 pm | by Lindsey Jahn, Associate Editor | CommentsAs more consumers utilize mobile apps as a part of their shopping experiences, it is crucial for consumer packaged goods companies to jump into the digital conversation. Steve Cole of Gladson spoke with Food Manufacturing about how companies can harness this new technology to enhance their brand image.
Make Decisions Quicker & Easier
April 24, 2013 9:08 am | by Alan Nicol, Executive Member, AlanNicolSolutions | CommentsThe Lean methodology of process improvement defines at least 7 classical forms of waste. Going through notes, over and over again, as to the root cause of wastes we experience indicates that indecision often drives waste, even if it appears to be a circumstantial cause and not a regular or systemic cause of the system.
ISM: Manufacturing Dips, Remains In Positive Territory
April 22, 2013 3:28 pm | by Jon Minnick, Associate Editor, Manufacturing Business Technology | CommentsAlthough U.S. manufacturing declined in March, it continues a positive push into 2013. The PMI registered 51.3 percent, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from February’s reading of 54.2 percent, indicating expansion in manufacturing for the fourth consecutive month, but at a slower rate.
Unlocking Potential for Greater Productivity & Accuracy
April 22, 2013 1:09 pm | by Bruce Stubbs, Director of Industry Marketing for Distribution Center Operations, Intermec | CommentsFacing rising operational costs and growing awareness of consumer food safety, growers and companies are under increased pressure to improve efficiency and increase customer satisfaction and safety. Food traceability solutions are particularly imperative to meeting these needs while containing cost.
Rugged Tablet PC Requirements In Food Manufacturing
April 19, 2013 12:01 pm | by Matt Miller, President, MobileDemand | CommentsThe food manufacturing industry defines the kind of variable, often-extreme working environment in which a rugged tablet PC thrives. Refrigerated areas must be at or below 45 degrees, freezers at or below zero, and hot food must remain at 140 degrees or just higher.
Q&A: The Solar Advantage
April 19, 2013 9:28 am | by Jonnatha Mayberry, Associate Editor, Chem.Info | CommentsBorrego Solar is one of the oldest solar installers in the country. The company believes solar helps manufacturers in two ways. Number one: It can lower your costs. And number two: It can help you become sustainable, which may be a requirement of your customers.
Mobile Madness Takes Over, Extends Well Beyond March
April 18, 2013 12:30 pm | by Joe Langner, Executive VP – Midmarket Solutions, Sage North America | CommentsMarch Madness just ended, having taken over offices, precious business hours and internet bandwidth all over the country. But college hoops isn’t the only madness that’s captured businesses’ time and attention: mobile madness is also in full effect.
Six Ways Manufacturers Can Build A Profitable Digital Presence
April 18, 2013 9:28 am | CommentsRecently a company approached me with a thorny problem: They decided to establish a digital presence. After a high five figure investment and six months of work and debate they had a beautiful website with all the bells and whistles. Unfortunately, they had no visitors, revenue or profit.
Q&A: Green for the Planet and Your Pocket
April 17, 2013 10:29 am | by Lindsey Jahn, Associate Editor | CommentsMany food manufacturers are looking to increase operational efficiencies while maintaining their sustainability efforts, which can pose a tough challenge. Food Manufacturing spoke with Tom Burton of Liquidity Services about how companies can utilize the “reverse supply chain” to help cut costs and improve their sustainability initiatives.
Robotics in the Confection Industry
April 17, 2013 9:40 am | by Rick Tallian, Consumer Industry Manager, ABB Robotics | CommentsRobots have been commonly installed in the confection industry with great success for palletizing and secondary packaging applications. Recent technology advancements have a caused a trend of robots migrating further up in the processing line.
A Holistic Approach to Food Safety
April 15, 2013 2:32 pm | by Jean-Pierre Berlan, Sales and Marketing Director for Processing, Dairy & Cheese Categories, Tetra Pak US and Canada | CommentsToday, the assurance that food will not cause harm to consumers, in other words, food safety, is viewed as the number one priority across the food industry. Adopting a holistic view on the entire production process is the only answer.
How Wearable Technology Is Transforming Facilities
April 15, 2013 1:59 pm | CommentsMobile devices are necessary tools to increase the efficiency and productivity of workers across many industries and markets, including the warehouse. But wearable, voice-directed and multimodal mobile technologies are helping to transform the warehouse environment at an even faster pace than standard mobile tools in other markets.
Keeping It Fresh
April 15, 2013 1:34 pm | by Krystal Gabert, Editor | CommentsAs consumer habits surrounding grocery purchases continue to change, manufacturers must meet the shopping demands of the modern consumer. Shelf life extension comes in various forms. From process to packaging to product development, many factors can impact the longevity of food products.
