3 Critical Components for a Full Industrial IoT Solution

In Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0, innovation, IoT, manufacturing by Cressida MurrayLeave a Comment

As manufacturers have likely heard again and again, there are many benefits to implementing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. Though no two environments are the same, there are some key benefits that all manufacturers will appreciate: new revenue streams, cost savings, flexibility, and increased visibility, which enables better decision making. In rapidly changing markets, the IIoT allows companies to stay relevant, giving them data to guide decisions and make a business case for innovation, allowing them to put out products faster and at a lower cost. But many manufacturers are still hesitant to implement a full IoT Solution. Some are held back by budget concerns; more still are held back by fear of the unknown. It’s hard to know where to start. Technology changes so quickly that one can get overwhelmed and fear the risk of making the wrong decision. Most lack in-house knowledge and hiring a whole implementation team can be an expensive, risky, and time-consuming proposition.

Read More →

The Adaptive Machine: Cultivating a ‘green patch’ in your brownfield

In automation, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0, innovation, Internet of Things, IoT, manufacturing, production efficiency, Smart Factory, technology by Cressida MurrayLeave a Comment

Despite the well-documented advantages of digital transformation and smart factories, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Cultivating a green patch in your brownfield can be a good way to start. A green patch is bigger than a pilot project, because it is a full-scale production system, but it is a small investment than a greenfield. Typically, the project scope would be one line or cell. We talked with John Kowal, Director of Business Development at B&R Industrial Automation, a global supplier of advanced machine control solutions, about adaptive machines and how to cultivate a green patch within a brown field.

Read More →

Additive Manufacturing in Medical Devices: Insights from J&J and the FDA

In 3D printing, additive manufacturing, biomanufacturing, innovation, manufacturing, medical device by Cressida Murray1 Comment

One of the promises of additive manufacturing is the ability to go after niche markets with low volume production of unique parts. What application could be more apt for this technology than the human body? Last month, the FDA issued a statement providing guidance to manufacturers on technical aspects of additive manufacturing, clarifying what the FDA recommends manufacturers include on submissions for 3D printed medical devices. The FDA has, so far, approved over 100 3D printed medical devices, including knee replacements, custom skull/facial reconstructions, and even a 3D printed drug, called Spritam, which is used to treat seizures. The FDA has categorized this technical guidance as a “leap-frog” guidance, explaining that it is just a mechanism to share initial thoughts in order to bridge where we are today with the innovations of tomorrow.

Read More →

Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry: Insights from Ford & BMW

In 3D printing, additive manufacturing, Digital Transformation, emerging technology, innovation, manufacturing by Cressida Murray1 Comment

In 2014, Local Motors printed the first 3D printed car from an ABS carbon-fiber blend. They call it The Strati. John Fleming, Former EVP, Manufacturing and Labor Affairs at Ford Motor Co., showed this video of The Strati during his presentation at the American Automotive Summit. He explained, “I showed this video not because I think Ford or anybody else is soon going to be 3D printing whole cars, I don’t see that. But I do see additive manufacturing as one of the technologies that is going to be one of the most critical in the future because it has the opportunity to do things that we’ve never been able to do before – to design components and manufacture them like we’ve never been able to before – and I do think it will disrupt the business, and this is happening already.”

Read More →

Industry 4.0 Realized: How BMW is approaching digital transformation

In 3D printing, additive manufacturing, automation, automotive, design, Digital Transformation, emerging technology, Industry 4.0, innovation, manufacturing by Cressida MurrayLeave a Comment

The promise of Industry 4.0 is being realized in the automotive industry, and BMW is at the forefront of the evolution of automated production. At last year’s American Manufacturing Summit, Dirk Hilgenberg, VP, Assembly at BMW shared with us how BMW is incorporating Industry 4.0 concepts to innovate at each stage of the production process, from design to post-market.

Read More →

Best Business Books: Recommendations from Generis Thought Leaders

In business, corporate culture, innovation, operational excellence, professional development by Cressida MurrayLeave a Comment

From time to time, our thought leaders will mention books that stuck with them for some reason or another and have influenced the way they approach their organization and their own careers. If you are looking for a great gift for a business-minded person, try one of these titles!

Read More →

iBASEt: Following the Digital Thread Into the Future

In automation, capacity management, Continuous Improvement, Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0, innovation, Internet of Things, IoT by Harshini SrikanthanLeave a Comment

What is the digital thread? The digital thread links systems used to execute and track design, engineering, manufacturing and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), establishing a seamless flow of information from product conception to delivery and beyond. The concept of the digital thread was spearheaded by the military aircraft industry, from its desire to improve the performance of future programs by applying lessons learned. Why is it important? With the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things, smart manufacturing, and automation, it is integral to create a communication framework that connects data flow from initial design to development. “The digital thread brings customers, vendors, and suppliers close, tying them into holistic feedback and evaluation loops. To learn more about the Digital Thread, read Tom Hennessey’s (Vice President of Marketing at iBASEt) article on Following the Digital Thread Into the Future.

Read More →

Siemen’s White paper: Accelerating Aircraft Systems Development with Model-based Engineering

In aerospace, automation, design engineering, Design Thinking, emerging technology, innovation, IoT by Harshini SrikanthanLeave a Comment

Technology has revolutionized the commercial and military aviation industry rapidly. Though drastic development has been made, major challenges still exist. Current development concepts have nearly reached their limit, and in order to keep up with tomorrow’s air traffic demand, new technologies and concepts will be needed. Challenges include the limited availability of energy resources while reducing carbon footprint, managing climate change and congestion, which will require an increase in safety and security requirements. In order to achieve success and security, the aviation industry as a whole must work together to implement a major shift and reinvent itself. Accelerating aircraft systems development with model-based engineering is the first place to start in the process of creating a paradigm shift in the industry. To read more on using model-based engineering to envision new design concepts and technologies in the aviation industry, read Siemen’s white paper, here.

Read More →

Ahead of the Curve: Disruptive Technologies in the Medical Device Market

In automation, cost reduction, emerging technology, healthcare technology, innovation, Internet of Things, IoT, medical device, medtech by Harshini SrikanthanLeave a Comment

Technia Transcat believes the medical device industry is continually evolving. Disruptive technologies are causing a paradigm shift in the development of new devices, influencing which businesses will enter this segment of Life Sciences, and who they will market their innovative devices to. In addition, what is also critical to the medical device industry is addressing the “Soft Business” disruptive modernizations. Organizations must implement internal processes and organizational behavioral changes in order to sustain a competitive advantage and continue to grow through organic means in an industry challenged with reducing costs associated with risks of regulatory compliance and certification of supply chain solidity. Technia Transcat and Generis have teamed up to create an ebook that explores how technology is changing the medical device industry and how to harness and embrace this technological change. To access the ebook, click here.  

Read More →

Averna’s Q&A Ebook: How the Internet of Things is Transforming the Medical Device Industry

In automation, Continuous Improvement, cost management, cost reduction, design, design engineering, emerging technology, healthcare technology, innovation, Internet of Things, IoT, manufacturing operations, medical device, medtech, technology, testing by Jennifer MiraraLeave a Comment

The ‘Internet of Things’ is transforming the medical world, allowing more patients to be looked after using real time data. Combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities with current technology is allowing for a faster, more resourceful and satisfying experience for both patients and employees. With the Internet of Things(IoT) reinventing the technological landscape so rapidly, companies are struggling to keep up with the latest innovations. Companies must now test the wireless capabilities of all their medical devices to ensure their products feature seamless connectivity. With more tests being conducted and the rise of IoT, competing companies have introduced robots to automate processes in order to reduce costs. Robotic-driven production has become more economical, as robots can perform routine tasks without fatigue at a faster pace. So, how can OEMs in the medical world stay ahead of their competition with all this technological development? One way is to work with a company that excels at Design for Test (DFT) and design for manufacturing (DFM). Companies can also capture and analyze up-to-date test data. For more ways to stay ahead of the competition despite the constant changes in technology and for a deeper understanding of IoT and its impact on the medical device industry, read Averna’s Q&A Ebook here. Averna is a worldwide Test & Quality leader. Their talented team includes hundreds of engineers, system architects, developers, project managers and other professionals, as well as a network of partners such as National Instruments, Keysight Technologies …

Read More →