TECH FLASH Case history: Animal crackers get chocolate-covered makeover When Stauffer’s needed baggers and scales for chocolate enrobing, they travelled to PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Shane O'Halloran July 30, 2013 New chocolate-enrobed crackers have been so popular, the baggers and scales run 24 hours a day.Read More
TECH FLASH Calculating the ROI of pneumatic conveyers Pneumatic conveyers can help operations engineer hazards and ergonomic inefficiencies out of process manufacturing. Shane O'Halloran July 30, 2013 Could your operation’s bottom line benefit from pneumatic conveyers by reducing workplace injuries and increasing line speed?Read More
TECH FLASH Give SPC a role in your plant While SPC isn’t a panacea for all process ills, it can help you fine-tune your process to assure greater product consistency. Wayne Labs July 30, 2013 SPC can also be used in controlling HACCP parameters.Read More
TECH FLASH Hey! You! Get onto my cloud!: Manufacturers scramble for cloud ERP solutions Cloud manufacturing is catching on, and ERP providers are increasing their offerings. Shane O'Halloran June 26, 2013 Processors big and small are hoping to catch the wave on the new technology.Read More
TECH FLASH ARC releases supplier selection guides for MAC and SIS Main automation contractors and safety instrumented system selection are essential in many operations. Shane O'Halloran June 26, 2013 Guides include selection criteria and guided workflow steps for selecting the proper MAC or SIS supplier.Read More
TECH FLASH Siemens’ purchase of Preactor will complement manufacturing operations management offerings Siemens recently acquired the UK-based manufacturer of advanced planning and scheduling software. Shane O'Halloran June 26, 2013 Analysts say the move could prompt other manufacturing operations management companies to bolster their planning and scheduling software offerings.Read More
TECH FLASH Biscuit company improves reliability of process control New machinery offers reliable drives and high dosing accuracy. Shane O'Halloran May 28, 2013 Reliability is the most desired quality in drive selection.Read More
TECH FLASH Account for these 13 firewall limitations to prevent attacks Attackers use numerous methods to bypass security barriers. Shane O'Halloran May 28, 2013 Be prepared for the threat with firewall security.Read More
TECH FLASH Are your industrial networks vulnerable to cyber attack? Increasingly complex network systems can make preventing and detecting attacks more difficult. Shane O'Halloran May 28, 2013 Poor security can mean lost revenue and brand integrity.Read More
Sustainability Energy management: crunching the numbers Reducing energy usage is an ongoing practice, requiring education and continuing efforts by everyone in the organization. Wayne Labs May 13, 2013 There are many paths toward reducing energy and utility usage at plants—some are obvious, but some are not and require the help of consultants and suppliers.Read More