Imagine, for a moment, that you need a new computer. You reach out to vendors with a request for proposal (RFP) that states, “I need a new computer.” As the bids come in, you begin to realize that none of the vendors know what you meant. One proposes a low-cost,...
Conversations about automation technology and design often focus on one thing – the technology itself. We think of the high-tech robots, the automated conveyors, or the precision welding machines that make it possible for factories to operate more efficiently,...
The way many manufacturers think about technology upgrades is broken. Driven by the desire for cost certainty, clear schedules, and defined deliverables, manufacturers often want to engage in lump-sum, turnkey projects. They define the requirements in-house,...
What happens to your product when it leaves the warehouse? Can you see when it’s delivered to your customer? Do you know which batch was sent to which retailer? Can you tell what condition it was in when it arrived or who was responsible for it at any given time? ...
The debate over whether to design a custom solution or purchase a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product stretches back decades. And it’s not limited to the manufacturing sector. Across industries, the pendulum constantly swings from one side to another as companies...
Manufacturers of all sizes are embracing technology and automation. As solutions become more accessible and affordable small and medium manufacturers benefit by implementing the right technology into their production environments. However, when thinking about where...