Connected Manufacturing Forum 2024 Blog

Why Manufacturers Should Embrace Supply Chain Integration in 2023

The global COVID-19 crisis had significant impacts on the global supply chains we rely on to move materials and completed products around the world. And, even though the worst days of the pandemic are now behind us, supply chain recovery has been slower than expected.

Women in Manufacturing: Is the Landscape Finally Evolving?

Like many traditionally male dominated industries, manufacturing has a long history of struggling to attract women into the workforce. From an early age, women have historically been discouraged from considering STEM related occupations and this mindset all too often carries on into adulthood.

Why OEE Is the Holy Grail of Manufacturing KPIs

In manufacturing we are always finding ourselves under pressure to deliver more products in less time and find ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of factory production. Like any business, this process begins with establishing key performance indicators KPIs and deducing which ones are the most valid for our needs.

Why Data Interoperability Is the Key to Predictive Maintenance

We’ve been banging the drum of predictive maintenance for some time now. The use of IoT sensors to detect the early onset of faults so they can be addressed before resulting in large scale and costly shutdowns is invaluable to manufacturers operating on tight margins and tighter production schedules.

Three Terrific Use Cases for Digital Twins in Manufacturing

The physical half of the twinning is fitted with sensors and other data collection devices which can produce information regarding the performance of the asset. In the case of machinery, this information can include energy output, temperature, efficiency, and more. This data is then fed back into the virtual model which can be used to run simulations, study performance related issues, and test improvements. The information from this can then be used to inform ongoing development of the physical object, and the cycle continues.

Industry 5.0: A Primer

Since what seems like time immemorial, we have been espousing the benefits of industry 4.0 – the augmenting of machines and devices with connected technology which makes them more productive and efficient through the harvesting and analysis of actionable data and the ability to communicate with operators and one another during the manufacturing process.

Panasonic Automotive Systems Takes Battery Production to the Next Level

As one of the largest and most well know manufacturers in this industry, Panasonic Automotive is working on its own battery production and believes it has taken it to new heights, which will empower the company to meet the electric vehicle needs of the future.

Western Digital Applies Machine Learning To Its Hard Drive Manufacturing Operations

As industry 4.0 technologies continues to transform the manufacturing industry, machines are executing an increasing proportion of factory operations. While this was an intimidating prospect when these technologies first emerged, manufacturers quickly learned the significant benefits they yield in terms of productivity and profitability. This becomes increasingly apparent during the pandemic when manufacturing innovation reaches new heights.

Toyota Leverages the Power of Artificial Intelligence to Transform Its Die Casting Process

Thousands of manufacturing brands adopted lean manufacturing over the years catapulting it to be one of the most widely utilized philosophies in business. Never one to rest on its laurels, Toyota continues to accelerate its quest for more innovative manufacturing technology and process – evidenced by its latest foray into artificial intelligence.

Ford Motor Company Tackles the Global Semiconductor Shortage

According to Fleet News, fleet operators and company car drivers are facing waiting times of more than a year for new vehicles, while many others being delivered are missing key features as a result of the semiconductor shortage, with some experts predicting the disruption could last until 2023. Learn how Ford Motor Company is producing innovative solutions to combat the issue.

Dow Brings Digital Twin and Internet of Things Technology to Its Manufacturing Processes

One of the main challenges with any digital transformation, in addition to full-scale implementation, is making sure your business has the technology and skills in place to succeed. That is why we have seen an increasing number of brands forming partnerships with more technology companies to leverage their expertise and resources to make implementing their own digital transformation far more streamlined and effective.

Johnson & Johnson Personalizes Healthcare with Additive Manufacturing

03/15/2022

From creating bespoke prosthetics and personalized medical treatments, to helping surgeons better plan their operations, additive manufacturing at Johnson & Johnson has clearly come a long way since it teamed up with HP.

How L'Oreal Is Bringing Blockchain & Personalization To Its Manufacturing

Technologies are backed up by powerful artificial intelligence software which is enabling L'Oreal to manufacture 30 different bottles of perfume on the same production line, with the technology able to switch automatically within 15 minutes, depending on the exact product in front of it.

How Lockheed Martin Is Using 3D Printing To Build The Next Starship

The Outline of Investigation for Additive Manufacturing Facility Safety Management which makes up the UL 3400 was published last year, and the Lockheed Martin facility marks the first of its kind to meet the standards laid out within.

From Rust Belt to High Tech: Miller Ingenuity's Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is not always a seamless, streamlined process, and all companies tend to encounter pitfalls and hurdles on their high-tech journey. With this new book, Miller Ingenuity is hoping to help its fellow Rust Belt manufacturers avoid some of these issues by learning from its own experiences.

Toyota's Lean Manufacturing Incepting The Medical Device Industry

Toyota's lean manufacturing teaches that it's important to create a culture of togetherness and teamwork in which managers and floor staff work as one to cut waste and overcome challenges. Effective strategies cannot be created while managers are sitting in ivory towers.

Ford Motor Enters Digital Era With Its Advanced Manufacturing Center

Defined by cyber-physical systems, Industry 4.0 builds on the technological leaps of the previous three industrial revolutions by connecting machines to one another with digitally enabled technology for a more seamless manufacturing environment.

GE Aviation's New Partnership Will Revolutionize Its Manufacturing Process

3DEXPERIENCE platform provides various intuitive 3D applications for product design, analysis, manufacturing and data management in a digital environment. It is a single collaborative platform which can be used at every stage of the design and manufacturing process

Colgate-Palmolive is Utilizing AR Wearable Tech for Worldwide Manufacturing Efficiency and Safety

Colgate-Palmolive's latest partnership is set to decrease the amount of unsanctioned downtime, increase general worker productivity, while also helping to maintain its already high standout of employee safety.

How Johnson & Johnson is Getting Hip to the Idea of 3D Printed Body Parts

Using advanced micro 3D printing technology and 3D camera-enabled smartphones, such as the HTC Evo 3D, LG Optimus 3D P920, or many of the latest iPhones, Neutrogena has created a first-of-its-kind beauty treatment - a personalized sheet face mask.

How Lego is Building a More Efficient Manufacturing Process

The philosophy of convergent modeling represents something of a paradigm shift in design manufacturing, and Danish toy maker Lego is employing it to build some of its grander creations.

How Boeing is Teaming Up with Universities to Innovate Manufacturing Processes

Innovative manufacturing is the beating heart of almost every business, and companies are constantly searching for new ways to bring their products from design to market. Boeing is looking to the world's centers of education to make sure it is grooming the best talent at a grassroots level.

Johnson & Johnson Uses 3D Printing to Personalize Skincare Regimes

Using advanced micro 3D printing technology and 3D camera-enabled smartphones, such as the HTC Evo 3D, LG Optimus 3D P920, or many of the latest iPhones, Neutrogena has created a first-of-its-kind beauty treatment - a personalized sheet face mask.

How Pfizer Mixes Up with New Continuous Manufacturing Plant

Continuous manufacturing is a relatively new concept within the industry and Pfizer is making sure it's trailblazing the process with its new Freiburg facility.