Jeanne Schweder, Contributing Writer

Five recommendations for implementing workflow systems

Workflow software is a useful tool in many applications, from enforcing standards and compliance to feeding into MES systems. Here are some suggestions for implementing workflow software:

Nine ways to get the most from simulation and CAD/CAM software

Simulation software and CAD/CAM systems have helped transform the design of machines and automated systems by reducing design engineering time and costs. Here are some tips for getting the biggest bang from your software investment:

Seven details to remember when implementing network security

Network security is absolutely necessary for today’s industrial networks. Failure to restrict access can be disastrous. Access to your network by untrained persons can lead to misconfigured network devices. Access to unsecured ports can lead to network loops being accidentally created. Here are a few security details to keep in mind when constructing your network:

Six strategies for creating a secure industrial network

Security and safety are the same word in many languages. You can’t have a secure system unless you know who’s running the equipment and what they’re doing. There’s an incredible overlap between safety and security. They’re both about identifying the bad things that can happen, and finding ways to minimize the chances that they will. In the IT world, it’s about information confidentiality. On the plant floor, it’s all about the safety of people and the process. Here are some ideas for improving security

More from Jeanne Schweder, Contributing Writer

Europe sets standards for safety design

The European Union has defined required safety methods for machines, which are standard in all European nations and now accepted worldwide. New and improved safety strategies offer manufacturers a way to improve productivity and competitiveness in the market. Some examples:

Wiring, safety PLC programming critical to machine safety performance

Some common pitfalls in machine safety have to do with not wiring devices correctly. Many devices today can cover a range of safety levels, such as SIL 1 through SIL 3, but have different wiring methods. Diagnostic coverage is extremely important with safety and incorrect wiring or an incomplete understanding of the wiring requirements could lead to a lower safety level or a system that does not work at all.

Eight tips for the technical side of safety systems

From new standards for functional safety to making sure that an E-stop will actually stop everything on a machine, these practical recommendations address the details of a safety system:

Seven human factors to consider when developing safety systems

People will do whatever they have to do to get the job done, even if that means evading systems designed to keep them safe. Engineers who design safety systems need to keep that fact top of mind. Here are some tips for dealing with the human variable:

Eight ideas for improving product lifecycle management

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) has been described as an information strategy that allows organizations to work as a single team to design, produce, support and retire the products they make, while capturing best practices and lessons learned along the way. Its goal is to improve the quality of products and processes. Here are some suggestions for selecting and using PLM systems:

13 ways to get the most out of OEE and Lean Manufacturing disciplines

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and lean manufacturing have won many converts. These two disciplines are frequently linked because they provide a systematic way to design manufacturing processes, measure their efficiency and identify problems. Here are some tactics to get the most out of your lean and OEE initiatives:

Nine recommendations for building effective manufacturing IT systems

Information technologies are giving manufacturers powerful tools for improving their processes, productivity and profitability. Here are some ideas for making manufacturing IT systems more flexible and reliable.

Nine strategies for achieving your energy management objectives

Whether your primary goal is to reduce operating costs or achieve your company’s sustainability goals, finding ways to reduce energy consumption requires good tools and good information.

Four tips for calibrating equipment

Good calibration practices are an essential part of managing your equipment assets. Here are four tips on proper calibration techniques: