Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Industrial Internet of Things! Explore the difference between the IoT and the IIoT, how the IIoT actually works, the specific impact of the manufacturing sector, and then implementations, challenges, and forecasts for the Industrial Internet of Things at large. What is the Industrial Internet of Things? When the […]
ISO 9000 Standards
What are the ISO 9000 Standards? The ISO 9000 standards are a group of voluntary Quality Management Systems (QMS) created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standards are created and maintained by professionals from all over the world dedicated to creating efficient and continuously improving quality standards for manufacturing and other organizations. ISO […]
Guidebooks (Work Instructions)
What is a Guidebook? The definition of a guidebook can be hard to pin down for multiple reasons. Is it a work instruction….yes. Is it a standardized process….yes. Is it a training document…yes. Is it preventative maintenance….yes. Is it an advanced system that engages workers while gathering data and connecting to other systems and tools… […]
Flexible Manufacturing System
What is a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)? A flexible manufacturing system is a methodology that enables companies to be flexible in the face of changes like market demand, manufacturing challenges, or opportunities for innovation. Whether these changes are predictable or not, FMS companies quickly shift their production to meet the needs of their business and […]
Downtime
What is Downtime? Downtime is defined as any period where production has stopped. The production is still costing money but no revenue is being generated. Within manufacturing, there are numerous causes of downtime such as machine breakdowns, workforce shortages, worker injuries, resource shortages, poor scheduling, and even planned downtime. Some instances of downtime can be […]
Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
A Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis is an investigative summary of the potential risks during production that are identified in the design stage. From a history in aerospace engineering, FMEA applications now stretch from industries like software and manufacturing. KEY TAKEAWAYS Allows engineers to assess risk factors before resources spent Data is filed on a […]
Cycle Time
What is Cycle Time? Cycle Time is defined as the time it takes to produce one item within the manufacturing environment. It includes any stalls or pauses that may occur intentionally or unintentionally during production. Knowing how long it takes to produce items enables companies to manage their resources in an intelligent and efficient way. […]
Cross-Training (Multiskilling)
Cross-Training is an important management tool for both individual and team development. If you’ve ever worked at an understaffed business, you’re probably familiar with having to cover other coworkers’ responsibilities when they are absent or overloaded—but there’s a better way! Cross-training as a business methodology has evolved far past the point where it was the […]
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the ability to offload storage and processing power to a central physical server while allowing users to virtually access those resources anywhere at any time as long as they have an internet connection. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Cloud is Internet-accessible offsite storage and processing resources for consumers and businesses Clouds can be private, public, […]
Best Practices
What are Best Practices? Best Practices are the established principle course of action within any situation. They can be used to make sure that the most efficient, cost-effective, and/or safe methods are being used. Typically, best practices are used within business applications as a way to establish the best working standards. These can come in […]