In the early 1970s, new ideas emerged about the human influence on the environment and the responsibilities of corporations, especially manufacturing operations.

 In automation projects, it is common practice to define the expected advantages of the system. 

  Continuous Improvement (CI) programs have achieved wide acceptance among manufacturers.

 Manufacturing companies are facing many new challenges today to become more flexible and agile as business models change.

  A select group of industrial equipment companies are executing a formula for success that peers may want to take note of, if they plan to remain competitive in the emerging global market.

 New and less-expensive technologies for electric-power measurement using wireless mesh networks should be on the market in the near future.

  Research shows that globally integrated operating models are the key to value creation and high performance in the industrial equipment industry.

 Network security expert Eric Byres pulls no punches when speaking about information technology (IT) security. Hacking on control systems is serious, “a problem that costs companies millions of dollars,” says the chief technical officer of Byres Security Inc. (www.byressecurity.com), located in Lantzville, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. “That’s usually kept very quiet. So no one believes it can happen until it does happen.”

 Organizations that have adopted a Lean Manufacturing methodology continue to identify elements of their organizations that have diminished in terms of their strategic value.

 Radio frequency identification (RFID)-based asset tracking in a manufacturing setting may encompass automated tracking of fixed or capital assets, engineered assets such as process instrumentation, information technology (IT) assets or reusable containers.

  In manufacturing, as in other industries, human resources must be effectively deployed for optimal utilization and effectiveness in order to drive accelerated growth and profitability.

  Lean manufacturing initiatives, much like diets, are designed to trim fat and make you fitter, faster and more competitive—in short, a high performer.

  Just-in-time production scheduling will not work without adequate material on hand, while carrying excessive inventory strains cash flow and warehouse capacity.