Manufacturing and Software Solutions Blog

Apr 15, 2020

Your Industry 4.0 Journey

As momentum around the Connected Factory continues to build, manufacturers are focused on reaching Industry 4.0 in their own factory environments. But to reach Industry 4.0 implies that it is a destination—and that, once reached, one’s quest for Industry 4.0 is complete. However, to reap the full benefits of the Connected Factory, it is critical that manufacturers approach Industry 4.0 as a journey.

Mar 30, 2020

Counterfeit Materials: Protect Your Supply Chain

The rapid advancements and utilization of new technologies is simplifying everyone’s life, enabling us to do things quicker, more intelligently, and more efficiently. However, some people see this as being a way to exploit others.

Feb 27, 2020

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Many people are confused by the term “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI”. Touted as part of Industry 4.0, yet it is also linked with the threat of using automation instead of human workers. AI is not hardware but in fact software and not the end to civilization as often portrayed by Hollywood.

Jan 06, 2020

How Leaders are Leading in Industrial Transformation

It’s no secret that technology is a heavy focus for today’s manufacturers. Unfortunately, many manufacturers often focus on technology as an end, when in reality, technology is a means to achieving better business outcomes.

Nov 30, 2019

Deploying an Industry 4.0 Solution In-House, OutSourced or Jointly

The promise of the benefits that can be reaped from big data and predictive analytics through access to machine and operator data is compelling enough for most manufacturers to seriously direct their IT and OT departments to look into ways to enable such machine and operator data acquisition.

Oct 22, 2019

Digital Fire Fighting with a Quality Management System

The act of “putting out a fire” is associated with resolving an urgent problem. Afterward, we worry about the cause, the consequences, and what knowledge we can gain, or so we believe.

Sep 07, 2019

Key Points to Consider When it Comes to Manufacturing Cloud Data

People have begun describing their cloud systems as "the fog." I get the feeling the joke is based on actual events. Are we" venting" gases into the atmosphere with our data during this digital era just like we did during the industrial age?

Aug 02, 2019

The Future of the Paperless Factory

Eliminating paper in manufacturing, also known as the Smart Factory or Industry 4.0, is just the first step of the digital revolution.

Jul 25, 2019

8 Signs Your Material Management Process Needs an Upgrade

The heart of the electronics factory is in its machines. However, even the lines and factories with the smartest and most versatile machines rely on intelligent and consistent support received by the central processes to reach maximum capability.