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Adverti$er
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
October 1st, 2016 #09207 Page #66
Smart Manufacturing and the LBM & Component Operation By Ben Hershey, Coach & Mentor 4Ward Consulting Group, LLC Smart Manufacturing. You have probably read articles, heard this term used by an equipment manufacturer, and even heard it at a Chamber of Commerce meeting or other local group. Smart Manufacturing covers a broad category of manufacturing with the goal of optimizing the process from concept, to design, to production, and then delivery. Ultimately, people adopt smart manufacturing so they can take advantage of advances in information, manufacturing technologies, and automation, and thereby increase the efficiency of their processes and increase profitability. It is said this is the start of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” an era of automation, constant connectivity, and accelerated change. Tools for Our Industry. Now let’s narrow this big picture down to our industry and how we can take advantage. Last month, I wrote about metrics in our technology and the importance of good data. Our plate company software management systems, both for production tracking and operational tracking, are a part of smart manufacturing. But are companies taking full advantage of these, and other, tools available to them? I have often been heard saying that our industry always seems to be behind the curve with technology and the acceptance of it. I say that not as a criticism but as a call to action. When I am at plants with a high level of automation or those taking advantage of connected technology, it is readily apparent how these things form the next leg of a Lean Manufacturing operation. Anytime I have the privilege of working with a component manufacturer, I always discuss their progress with smart manufacturing and tips on how to improve. It is prudent for every company to consider how they can take advantage of this revolution. In fact, BCMC in Knoxville this month offers a great opportunity to hear the latest and reflect on your own situation. BCMC lets you look at the latest machinery, network with peers, and sit in on educational sessions. I encourage you to do more than attend but interact at this show and others. If you are not a part of the revolution today, you need to “get on the train.” Using the Data. Essentially, smart manufacturing is about using analytics and Big Data to run your plant better (think: the data tells you what to do!). Let me give you an example. Steve Roggeman is a good friend of mine with McCann Industries, Inc., and McCann has transformed its business of rental equipment to the construction market. They now have internet enabled (telematics) meters on the majority of their rental equipment to improve fleet management. This connectivity improves productivity and reduces costs by tracking machine performance, maintenance, and overall utilization. Steve told me, “not only has telematics improved our asset management, it has also reduced our long-term operating costs both for McCann and our clients.” This shows how a supplier is now working with a client using smart technology. Following a detailed cycle-time analysis and the identification of the top sources of non-value added activity, the company implemented a new digital manufacturing system that provided a communications link between man and machine and enabled predictive maintenance capabilities and much more. Now the company can spot potential machine-related problems while they are developing and perform early maintenance to minimize their impact. Our operations are no different; when we harness the information we can get from a gantry, saws, delivery trucks, and even how designers perform, then we can see the process of using smart technology and manufacturing. Many of the pieces are here today, but even more advanced technology (think robotics and other advanced machinery) are being introduced. Progressive businesses have already begun gathering information and manufacturing intelligence by investing in highly automated and ITdriven production. This manufacturing intelligence enables the factory floor to become a profitable innovation center. Several good tools we use today are a part of your smart revolution. The software platforms we use for management and manufacturing, harnessing data produced by our computerized equipment (auto jig tables, component and linear saws, auto stackers, etc.), and tracking our fleet are all pieces you have in place that contribute to smart manufacturing. PHONE: 800-289-5627
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