There are two main causes of product recalls: engineered defects and manufactured defects. In an engineered defect, the product was specified to be built incorrectly in the first place. For manufactured defects, the parts or products weren’t made quite to specifications. Of course, there are dozens of subcategories under each of those but generally, all … Continued

If you’ve got a strong understanding of manufacturing, have made good decisions, and maybe hit a bit of luck here and there, then you’ve probably been able to grow your business and have had some success. However, if you’re not using Manufacturing Execution Software (MES), then you’re missing some incredible opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce … Continued

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) reminds me of a story called “The Puppy Who Lost His Way”. The world was changing, and the puppy was getting… bigger. So, you see, the puppy was like IIoT in that they were both lost in the woods. Except the puppy was a dog, but the Industrial Internet … Continued

When considering tracking and traceability, we tend to think of events which have already occurred, in the past. In nature, we track where animals have been, the paths they have followed, and what they have eaten by the evidence left behind such as paw prints and carcasses. In law enforcement, we track down criminals based … Continued

Manufacturing systems are complex and unique. Regardless of how well they are programmed, most home grown solutions have their own little quirks that sometimes require a few tweaks to help them run more smoothly. These home grown solutions might seem like they do the trick — after all the challenge has been effectively addressed — … Continued

Risk management in the manufacturing sector is vital to the success of your business — as well as its reputation. A crucial element in managing these risks is the enforcement of specific process parameters. Some of the most common — and potentially harmful — risks include the following: 1. Regulatory Non-Compliance Nearly every manufacturing sector … Continued

Manufacturers today are facing an impending crisis as skilled laborers near retirement age. Although many corporations have invested in apprenticeships or collegiate programs to train replacements for those employees, due to lengthy speed to proficiency curves and a lack of process documentation, it means that valuable skills could still leave with them. Factory-wide, and even … Continued

The modern manufacturer is judged by its ability to operate efficiently while reducing costs and maintaining quality. Properly applied, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) like VIA’s Vital Plant allows a manufacturer to analyze data in greater detail to improve processes. Here are just a few of the reasons to invest in a MES. Process Consistency … Continued

As with any new technology, the initial investment in a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) seems steep until you understand just how much value you get back almost immediately. Here are the top 5 ROI opportunities you can receive from an investment in MES. Real Time Reporting If your company has an eye to continuous improvement, … Continued