According to Investopedia, “Reshoring is the process of returning the production and manufacturing of goods back to the company’s original country. Reshoring is also known as onshoring, inshoring, or backshoring.” This is the opposite of the offshoring that many companies were doing over the past few decades to try to take advantage of a lower … Read More
The last few years have introduced a number of variables, including a low unemployment rate, high consumer demand, high inflation, a skills shortage, an aging workforce, and unusual forecasts stemming from the pandemic economy, that have led to the rising cost of labor. Even with steps being taken to help reduce the issues surrounding this … Read More
Conversation with: Bill B. Topic: Functional Safety Requirements Traditionally, when it is time to design a new product, the Designers focus on the product itself, and on the end-user experience. Companies that work smarter know to bring in Automation Engineers who can help the team consider the design of the individual components that make the … Read More
Conversation with: Matt D., Controls Engineer Topic: Functional Safety Requirements Safety has been on manufacturer’s minds since the Industrial Revolution, but ever since the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 it has come to the forefront in an even more tangible way. From the 1960s on, robotics and automation have … Read More
Conversation with: Alex S., Mechanical Engineer Topic: Simulation in Automation When adding a new piece of equipment to your manufacturing line, one small mistake in the design can cause a variety of issues from project delays to lower production output. Before simulation and 3D modeling software was available, the design iteration process would require a … Read More
For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,” and it got our wheels turning. We’ve been considering what productivity is, what it means, and what you can do about it in this series of posts. When … Read More
For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,” and it got our wheels turning. We’ve been considering what productivity is, what it means, and what you can do about it in this series of posts. There … Read More
For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,” and it got our wheels turning. We’ve been considering what productivity is, what it means, and what you can do about it in this series of posts. As … Read More
Conversation with: Tom M., Senior Mechanical Engineer & Alex W., Senior Controls Engineer – Topic: Considerations for Robot EOAT (end-of-arm tooling) Design With the integration of robotic equipment in your manufacturing facility, you’ll open vast possibilities for the work you can accomplish. However, there is another necessary component beyond just the robotic arms and their … Read More
Conversation with: Mike T., Electrical Engineer Topic: Industrial Controls Architecture In the current manufacturing environment, it has become increasingly possible through Industrial IoT (internet of things) and Industry 4.0 to add sensors and communication protocols that tap into important product and process data from machines. For businesses that want to remain competitive, it has also … Read More