PRINCETON, NJ—Engineers at Brown University, Princeton University and Rice University have developed a low-power, inexpensive way for machines in factories to share information wirelessly.
In today’s manufacturing environment, which is characterized by change and unpredictable demand, the traditional assembly line is no longer convenient. New, flexible assembly systems are needed to deal with high production variety.
Knowing exactly where to find things is essential, whether it’s a custom-made part, an urgent production order, or the last few modules required to reassemble an engine after maintenance.
Being able to identify parts and assemblies on the line is vital for a number of reasons. It ensures that the right parts are installed in the right products. It helps to keep track of production, inventories and supplies.
For many automotive Tier 1 suppliers, tracking their inventory is sometimes as challenging as manufacturing the parts themselves. Westin, WI-based Precision Replacement Parts (PRP) can attest to this statement.
Having the right connections can definitely help a person succeed in the business world. Being a company that specializes in connecting things doesn't hurt, either - even if the connection is a wireless one.
RFID technology can help manufacturers control access to critical hardware and software.
What's the best way to ensure product quality and production uptime in industrial automation? Make sure that only trained and authorized people can access the programmable controllers.
"Out with the old, in with the new" is a catchy idiom. But, it can also be costly advice, especially for a manufacturer. Replacing its numerous older machines can cost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
Manufacturing high-quality products is always serious business, even when the products are used for fun. KTM AG, for example, builds each of its off-road motorcycles with top-notch and thoroughly tested parts so that each model is "ready to race."