"War room.” The phrase conjures up images of generals standing around a table-sized map, plotting their next move. However, a growing number of manufacturers have begun instituting war rooms of their own.

PALMDALE, CA—Assemblers at Northrop Grumman Corp.’s plant here recently started to use an optical projection system to build the center fuselage of the F-35 Lighting II fighter jet. The facility was the recipient of ASSEMBLY’s 2013 Assembly Plant of the Year award.

First-time exhibitors and assembly-guidance products make the second ASSEMBLY Show worth remembering.

Until recently, the phrase “world at one’s fingertips” was merely a cliché. Google Earth technology, however, has turned the phrase into a challenge for individuals and businesses alike.

MILWAUKEE, WI—Brady has published a new, free book, 50 Lean Visuals for Improving Productivity and Safety in Your Lean Facility. This pocketsize book outlines 50 ways to effectively use visuals in order to improve facility safety, reduce waste and increase productivity.