Industry Insights

The new generation of WiFi is here! 802.11ax, also known as WiFi 6, can now reduce power consumption, increase efficiency and speed, and extend the range of our wireless data. With homes and businesses full of smart devices and being connected, 802.11ax has many benefits over its predecessor 802.11ac (Wifi 5). Full story

Some of the largest mining companies in the world are already harnessing the power of connected operations to significantly transform their operations. They’re using connected devices and smart machines to capture real-time process information and make better business decisions. They’re gaining deeper insights into their equipment to improve asset productivity. These four tips will help you create a connected mine. Full story

Today’s strict regulations and increasing public and media scrutiny regarding product safety and contamination have placed food and beverage producers under considerable pressure. Producers must ensure that all machinery used in these applications is sufficiently clean and contaminant-free, and the consequences of not performing rigid washdowns are dire—from recalls and liability to long-term damage to company brands. These tips will help you choose an enclosure that will meet your needs and protect your electronic controls. Full story

With the increasing demand for quality milk, the plant is challenged to increase production for various dairy products. To meet demand, they need an integrated liquid milk plant. The goal of the expansion was process optimization, manpower reduction (doing more through automation) and faster time to market. The dairy also focused on maintaining low operating margins. Full story

Failure to remove water vapor from factory air can quickly become a costly maintenance headache. Water vapor and the resulting water condensate are the foremost causes of costly downtime and maintenance, not the more visible culprit of oil or contaminates, which are easily removed with proper filtration. Moisture in facility airlines can cause corrosion, rust and pipe scale which can break loose to block or adhere to air passageways that can lead to increased pressure drop and loss in machine performance. Full story

For food and beverage plants, effective energy management is now a business necessity. Increased competitive pressures, tighter margins, and rising energy costs are forcing manufacturers to change their historical approach of treating energy usage as an unmanaged business expense. Electricity is the largest energy cost for most food and beverage plants, but it also offers great opportunities for saving and can deliver the fastest payback. When trying to reduce energy use and create an effective energy-management strategy, manufacturers and producers can take four key steps: monitor, analyze, control and sustain gains. Full story

Whether using temporarily when power is out or to have power in remote locations, portable generators can be a good source of electricity in many situations. Here are four hazards associated with portable generators and how you can stay safe. Full story

Aging equipment can cause a lot of downtime and reduced production. This flour mill was struggling to meet their production quota due to an outdated control system that kept breaking down and was getting harder and harder to fix—causing more downtime and higher repair costs. By partnering with automation professionals, this mill saw huge gains in safety, production, and future growth opportunity. Full story

Energy is a significant cost to your business, so more and more companies are looking towards ways to save money and increase efficiency. A typical pneumatic solenoid valve of bygone eras may have consumed 60 times more energy with a fraction of the lifespan of modern, efficient valves. Taking a look at advancements in valve technology provides insight into how this is possible, and how this can help you save energy and lower operating costs. Full story

Functional safety, the idea that safety can be beneficial to productivity, is a mindset that is difficult to change from traditional thinking. This is where safety experts come in. TÜV Rheinland Functional Safety Experts and Engineers have the training and knowledge to help you understand how functional safety can benefit your workplace. Full story

Static electricity that we experience in our daily lives is generally harmless, but did you know that static electricity in industrial settings can be dangerous and expensive? With these 10 steps you can neutralize static electricity to minimize costly repairs, downtime, and even injuries caused by the shock. Full story

With the increased demand on our industrial workforce, many facilities are expanding the “do more with less” approach when it comes to machine safety. This can lead to major OSHA violations, injuries in the workplace, and can effect your bottom-line. Following the five steps of the Machine Safety Lifecycle outlined below will help you mitigate risk associated with that task and document the process. Full story

No matter the size of your organization, number of facilities, or how established your safety program is, safety maturity should be assessed regularly to reduce cost, injuries, and even deaths. Here are the 5 key steps to improving your safety maturity to get the most out of your safety program. Full story

When Joseph and Mary Ann Huser took over as keepers of the historic Wind Point Lighthouse, built in 1880, energy consumption and maintenance costs were closely examined. Joseph understood the benefits of LED lighting and looked for a lighting solution that would work for this 108-feet tall structure. The challenge was finding lights that could illuminate the full width and height of the tower. Full story

The plant lighting at General Cable, Sedalia, was becoming outdated and costing more to maintain. They were experiencing more frequent maintenance orders and finding it a challenge to keep up with burnt out lamps while maintaining production equipment. Through SMC's LED Lighting Solution, General Cable was able to save on time, money, and energy. Full story

Temperature, humidity, light exposure, nearby contaminates, and proper preparation should be considered in the storage of any pneumatic components. Learn the most effective storage techniques for prolonging the life of your pneumatics. Full story

Using data analytics, the Rockwell Automation team found a solutions that would identify process improvements and get the most out of production. Learn how Kraft Heinz increased their production capacity, setting them up for long-term growth. Full story

As you change your clocks back and the days get shorter, poor lighting can affect the safety, security, and productivity of your company. Full story

Conveyors haven’t changed much since they were invented during the Industrial Revolution. They move items from one place to another and often run continuously, but how can they be made smart? Through new technologies and materials, conveyors are being made to improve efficiency and last longer. Full story

Harness strength and construction can affect how they hold up when put to the test which can make a big difference in the safety of your employees. Here are 5 tips to consider when choosing what harness equipment is right for your workers! Full story