News

Using Condition-Based Maintenance to Optimize Smart Manufacturing Operations

Implementing condition-based maintenance (CBM) can help reduce equipment downtime, improve data collection, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Manufacturing companies have numerous challenges in operations management like operating below production capacity, low margins, and the... Continue Reading

Cyber-Security Issues: Risks and Liabilities

Aon’s Chad Pinson talks about how manufacturing must react to growing threats. In many ways, cyber-security is like the weather: everyone talks about it, but no one is doing anything about it. That has to change, suggested Chad Pinson of insurance giant, Aon’s cyber solutions... Continue Reading

RFID and Lean Manufacturing Are a Perfect Pair

Companies that know manufacturing know Lean is the way to go, but even Lean operations might have some work to do if they’re not using the right tools. As far as advanced technology goes in the manufacturing sector, RFID is actually pretty simple. For just pennies each, radio frequency... Continue Reading

NAM Economic Update

The global economy continues to show signs of strength, even as much of the recent data reflect some slowing in many markets, helping to boost international demand. In updated figures on TradeStats Express, U.S.-manufactured goods exports have risen 6.81% year-to-date through the first quarter... Continue Reading

Big Picture: On the Path to Lights Out

There may not be many plants and warehouses operating in the dark these days. However, many facilities are clearly on the path to lights out, balancing automation and labor to find the right mix of lower costs and better customer service. Neither the concept nor the existence of a lights-out... Continue Reading

Autonomous Vehicles Won’t Just Change our Roads, They’ll Change our Factories, too

Automating the movement of materials within manufacturing operations is nothing new. Indeed, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyors, sorters, and shuttles have been moving and handling materials, parts, and product for decades. But now, thanks to advancements in sensor technology, 3D camera... Continue Reading

Security Expert: Gamification, Encouragement Vital to Boosting Worker Engagement

Public acknowledgement and rewards for engaging in cybersecurity best practices will result in greater workforce buy-in and participation, according to a security author and expert. "You don't just make it a negative thing," said Jayson Street, Vice President of Infosec for Manhattan-based... Continue Reading

MTI Recognizes Leaders and Announces $35,000 in 2018 Scholarships

MTI’s 2018 Spring Meeting, held in conjunction with the Industrial Heating Equipment Association, April 23-25 was a huge success. Over 200 people from both associations convened in Scottsdale, Arizona for two days of energetic social connection and informative educational sessions. During... Continue Reading

Cyber Threat to Industrial Control Systems Highest Yet

The cyber threat to industrial control systems has never been greater, according to a report analyzing malicious activity aimed at such systems. Cyber security risks to the safe and reliable operation of industrial control systems have never been greater, the report said, but although numerous... Continue Reading

Don't Overlook Mobile Device Security

As remote access to plants grows, so too should your knowledge of mobile device cybersecurity. Fortunately, newer mobile networks, such as 4G LTE, inherently manage many of the risks. Industrial control system (ICS) security has been a major topic for more than a decade now. Over the past few... Continue Reading

Reinventing Machine Maintenance with Remote Monitoring

IIoT is transforming the way manufacturers identify problems on the plant floor as the latest wireless solutions address integration challenges. A flashing red light on the plant floor often signals a problem on a production line or in a work cell. It’s a familiar scene in Lean... Continue Reading

NAM Manufacturers Outlook - Expected Manufacturing Growth Over Next 12 Months

In the latest Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 93.5% of respondents feel positive about their own company’s outlook, the second-highest reading in the survey’s 20-year history following the all-time high of 94.6 % in December. Optimism has been at historically high levels... Continue Reading