Building a facility for the future

A state-of-the-art facility supports company anticipated growth, while incorporating green design principles.

As a private label manufacturer, Masters Gallery’s facilities are regularly inspected by potential partners and third-party auditors. As such, the company wanted a state-of-the-art facility that didn’t just fulfill its current needs (and satisfy FSMA compliance), but could sustainably support the company’s anticipated growth for decades to come. One of the ways the cheese processor/distributor accomplished this was by incorporating green design principles.

Find out how Rite-Hite can deliver solutions for your Food & Beverage manufacturing needs by downloading this resource.

To download the whitepaper, please fill the form below:

10 signs your business has outgrown its current system

Is your existing software solution exactly what your business needed years ago?

There are a growing number of generic software packages available today that are both diverse and easyto-use for a startup or very small business. However, the very reasons that make them suitable for a startup become the reasons why they become a hindrance to your business growth. As your business grows, you need automation and systems that are specific to your business or industry.

To download the whitepaper, please fill out the form below:

A guide to help manufacturers get safely back to business beyond COVID-19 and into the future

The unexpected, sobering impact of COVID-19 still reverberates across the manufacturing industry globally. With regulations continuously evolving, challenges to implement new processes to meet the change in labour, supply and demand continue to abound.

This comprehensive guide features trends and insights currently emerging in the manufacturing industry. Use it as your playbook to reopen with confidence and to prepare for future changes.

Features free checklists to help you get safely back to business eg:

  • Manufacturing Facility Reopening
  • Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Checklist for Manufacturing Employees
  • Covid-19 Weekly GMP Audit
  • Infection Control

Who this report is for:

  • Business Owners
  • Operations Leaders
  • Site Managers
  • Quality Control Managers
  • EHS and Quality Assurance Managers

 

Safety systems ensure productive workplaces for humans and robots

In workplaces, robots are now being configured to work alongside humans and can lead to savings in costs and increases in productivity. This is apparent not only in service applications, but industrial processes that are accustomed to working with robotic systems, having used them for half a century. Unlike previous robotic applications, collaborative robots cannot be confined to cages, and require the development of new safety procedures.

Download the whitepaper to find out more.

The 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Survey

Even with everything that is now known about the dangers of welding fume, only 20% of Australian and New Zealand welders answered ‘YES’ when they were asked if they felt protected from welding fume at work.

Only 11% of workplaces had engaged an occupational hygienist to conduct air monitoring and the majority of workplaces did not include welders in the PPE decision making process (53%) and expected the welders to pay for their own respiratory equipment (65%).

Disturbingly, 32% of welders are not using any form of respiratory protection and 37% are still unaware that welding fume had been reclassified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Unfortunately, welders believe that COST is the largest barrier and the reason why businesses will not introduce better controls to protect their welders.

With the results above, it is clear Australia and New Zealand have a long way to go in the promotion of the safety and well-being of welders. However, increasing the level of knowledge regarding dangers and protective measures was only highlighted as the 2nd largest factor in ensuring welders are better protected in the future.

The 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Report gives you all the stats from the survey and then outlines they key information that separates the fact from the fiction based on what the legislative, regulative or government bodies in Australia and New Zealand have stated.

Download the full 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Report Here.

The 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Survey

Even with everything that is now known about the dangers of welding fume, only 20% of Australian and New Zealand welders answered ‘YES’ when they were asked if they felt protected from welding fume at work.

Only 11 per cent of workplaces had engaged an occupational hygienist to conduct air monitoring and the majority of workplaces did not include welders in the PPE decision making process (53 per cent) and expected the welders to pay for their own respiratory equipment (65 per cent).

Disturbingly, 32 per cent of welders are not using any form of respiratory protection and 37 per cent are still unaware that welding fume had been reclassified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Unfortunately, welders believe that COST is the largest barrier and the reason why businesses will not introduce better controls to protect their welders.

With the results above, it is clear Australia and New Zealand have a long way to go in the promotion of the safety and well-being of welders. However, increasing the level of knowledge regarding dangers and protective measures was only highlighted as the 2nd largest factor in ensuring welders are better protected in the future.

The 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Report gives you all the stats from the survey and then outlines they key information that separates the fact from the fiction based on what the legislative, regulative or government bodies in Australia and New Zealand have stated.

Download the full 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Report Here.

Powering up after COVID-19

Powering back up after lockdown isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.

In March 2020, manufacturers began to shift operations in response to COVID-19, with measures taken across Australia to reduce on site occupancy.

Now, as state governments ease restrictions, you might be thinking about resuming business as usual.

But before you do, there are some important things you should be aware of to reduce your energy costs and avoid additional charges.

Below are some quick and easy tips to help your business power up operations back to normal.

Start on the front foot

If you are still on partial or total lock-down, this is a great opportunity to revisit your processes and consider energy efficiency upgrades or a new energy contract.

Consider an energy agreement that connects you with the true price of energy so that you can align your operations with times when energy is cheaper.

Get the timing right

Powering up during times of high demand puts a strain on the energy system and can lead to higher energy costs.

 

Even though you may be powering back up to normal levels, you may need to pay increased tariffs due to the demand you’re putting on the system.

Some equipment takes longer to start up, so start early, even up to 24 hours prior to resuming operations or opening your doors.

Automating your processes after a partial shutdown can help too. This might include setting timers for recharging equipment, like forklifts, overnight.

Know your operations

Start with business critical operations and work your way towards full operations.

If you partially shut down, consider a stepped plan that coordinates operational processes with equipment being turned back on.

Take it easy with lighting

Your first instinct might be to turn on all of your lights, but lights can be a major energy drain.

When powering back up to full capacity, only light the areas you need and switch to energy-efficient lighting like LEDs and CLFs.

Turn on illuminated signs when manufacturing and prioritise signs required for safety and legal purposes to comply with any regulations, particularly in areas that are ramping up again.

Watch your temperature

Start in small increments when putting heating and air conditioning back on. This allows equipment to build up to a set temperature point.

When possible, turning the air conditioning or heating off for the last hour of each workday can help avoid unnecessary costs.

Get ready for the future

If your energy agreement is up for renewal, use this time to look for a more flexible solution.

Energy rates have fallen to four year lows so choose a solution that reflects this change.

If you want to make the most of prices continuing to fall in the future, consider a plan that allows you to move to the new lower rate.

Get Power Active

If you’re looking for a flexible energy plan that connects you with the real price of energy and allows you to make the most of falling energy rates — it’s time to get Power Active.

Visit the Flow Power website to find out about the ways Power Active is helping Australian businesses save on energy costs. Click here.

Guide to metal 3D printers

How to find the right metal 3D printer for your business

Metal 3D printing introduces a unique and groundbreaking method to additively manufacture metal parts. Until recently, the technology was too immature to broadly utilize in manufacturing — however, advancement in the last five years has transformed metal 3D printing into a scalable, robust solution. Implementing this technology effectively can transform your business.

Due to its newness and the excitement surrounding it, metal 3D printing is a complex field with many misconceptions and a wide variety of technologies. In this guide, we’ll help you cut through the noise by detailing why metal 3D printing is valuable, what technologies and materials are out there, and how you can take the first steps in adopting metal 3D printing in your own facility.

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• The business benefits and technical advantages of using metal 3D printers.
• Types of printers and groups of printable materials available today.
• The four key application spaces of metal 3D printing.
• How to calculate ROI for a metal 3D printer, both financially and through process improvement.
• Three ways to adapt your business to be successful with metal 3D printers.

To download the white paper, please fill the form below:

The urgent need for proper workplace cleaning and disinfecting of hard non-porous surfaces

In today’s health climate, maintaining a clean working environment has taken on increased importance, regardless of the workspace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning and disinfecting of hard non-porous surfaces is an important process that is central to any effort to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. It is important to understand the proper use of cleaners and disinfectants and how they work together to minimise risk.

Download the whitepaper below.

Guide to metal 3Dprinters: How to find the right metal 3D printer for your business

Metal 3D printing introduces a unique and groundbreaking method to additively manufacture metal parts. Until recently, the technology was too immature to broadly utilise in manufacturing — however, advancement in the last five years has transformed metal 3D printing into a scalable, robust solution. Implementing this technology effectively can transform your business.

Download the material below on how to find the right metal 3D printer for your business.

Computing around Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Vehicles for Industry

There have been significant advances in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles in industry, with segments such as the mining and resources sector pioneering the implementation of this technology in Australia. Driving these developments is the computing systems that enable autonomous platforms and AI to operate effectively and securely. This white paper discusses the technology in context of its global growth and Australian adoption.

Computing around Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Vehicles for Industry

There have been significant advances in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles in industry, with segments such as the mining
and resources sector pioneering the implementation of this technology in Australia. Driving these developments is the computing systems that enable autonomous platforms and AI to operate effectively and securely. This white paper discusses the technology in context of its global growth and Australian adoption.

Webinar: Managing Traceability

Gain expert guidance on managing traceability in the manufacturing and distribution industry.

This webinar was hosted by Syed Shah, Managing Editor of Manufacturers’ Monthly, and industry expert, Roger Landman, who is Product Operations Manager at SYSPRO, on May 5th, 2020.

The topics included:

  • Background to traceability
  • Legislative considerations
  • How to create a traceability system
  • Product recall procedures and plans
  • The role of SYSPRO ERP
  • Customer traceability experience

To watch the webinar recording, please fill out the form below.

Improving Race Car Performance with Markforged Technology

Gary Rogers Motorsport is Australia’s oldest motorsport team, securing wins in the nation’s Supercars Championship, Dunlop Super2 Series, and Bathurst 1000. The company has a team of nearly 40, with a focus on designing, building and maintaining its own vehicles.

The team needed carbon fiber to produce strong parts that could be used on their racecars — and they needed to withstand high use. Stefan pre-ordered a carbon fiber 3D printer from Markforged a few months later, making Garry Rogers Motorsport one of the first companies in Australia to invest in Markforged technology.

To read more, download the Case Study below:

 

Hazard containment and guarding solutions

Restrict access and protect your employees

Rite-Hite provides protection with the workers safety in mind offering a variety of options for your manufacturing floor.

The general requirements of all machines, according to OSHA code 29 CFR 1910.212 (a)(3)(ii), states that the point of operation of machines, whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded.

The guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards, therefore, or, in the absence of applicable specific standards, shall be so designed and constructed to prevent the operator from having any part of his/her body in the danger zone during the operating cycle.

To download the resource, please fill the form below:

Human-robot collaboration with standard end-effectors

Alongside industry 4.0, human-robot collaboration (HRC) is a real hot topic in the industrial sector right now and is gaining more and more media attention with no signs of slowing down. This white paper from SICK is intended to highlight the reasons for this disillusionment and demonstrate how HRC can succeed with innovative approaches. It is aimed specifically at integrators and end users helping them to implement the methodology and integrate the system described in this white paper.

Mitigating the Effects of Product Recalls

Today, the manufacturing industry is truly global; Australian suppliers use factories in India which source raw materials from southern Africa. The supply chain for just one product or its parts or ingredients has become extremely complex. And with increased complexity comes the increased likelihood of a product recall.

This e-book discusses the costs associated with product recalls, and provides a traceability checklist and points on how how to implement a failsafe product recall plan.

To download the e-book, please fill out the form below. 

Industry 4.0: Industrial internet of things (IIoT) and Predictive Analytics

The industrial world is on the verge of entering the next revolution: Industry 4.0. This is going to change control systems architecture, systems connectivity and sensors as we know it today.

A lot of the data from devices will be analysed on the internet and hence the Internet of Things (IoT) will be a big part of Industry 4.0. The field which relates to industrial data to the internet is further referred to as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The other major aspect of Industry 4.0 is how businesses utilise the data collected and analysed from their systems. This will provide information on important aspects of machine condition, for example premature machine failure. This field is referred to as the machine analytics and forms the basis of the technology that is predictive analytics.

This paper discusses Industry 4.0, the Industrial Internet of Things and predictive analytics in detail with recommendations on how businesses can improve their operations by adopting future forward smart solutions.

To download the white paper, please fill the form below:

Sensors technology for maintenance of wind turbines

Wind energy has grown into a sustainable power technology in recent times. With various advancements going on in this sector and continued worldwide adoption and implementation, the application of condition monitoring techniques for the predictive maintenance of wind turbines becomes imperative.

The advancement in sensors’ technology have led to intensive use of sensors in industrial test and measurement. A wide range of sensors instruments are available for measuring the physical parameters. They also give the capability for the user to analyse and evaluate the trends as well as predict the changes based on the measurement data.

To download the white paper please fill out the form below.

5 Things to Look at When Buying a Rugged Smart Device

In our modern world technology is inescapable, and in no place is it more vital than industry. Be that in the manufacturing industry or in the transport industry, or any industry in-between or otherwise, technology both shapes and is the key to the future. And key to modern industry technology is the smart device—particularly the rugged smart device.

Whether it is a smart phone or tablet, smart devices are no doubt already in use in your industry. We’re here today to talk about the five things you want to look out for as a smart buyer of a rugged smart device. Here’s what we believe are the five most important things to keep in mind when selecting the right smart device for your business.

Please fill out the form below to download the white paper.