Automation/Controls - Articles - Page 17

Packaging Outlook: Collaboration, Innovation, Flexibility

Spotlight Feature

Packaging Outlook 2020: Collaboration, Innovation, Flexibility

Consumer packaged goods manufacturers, retailers and OEMs are finding new growth with partner collaborations.

March 20, 2020

Last year many companies collaborated on new materials, machinery compatibility and corporate initiatives, and joined recycling groups. It’s time to look forward, get inspired and realize that sometimes it is better to work with a partner or two.

Automation

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All IIoT Strategy

With or without the cloud, scalable IIoT technologies solve common problems, such as inefficient compressed air systems.

Mark Ruberg

March 20, 2020

In packaging plants across the world, compressed air systems create significant energy waste. Pinhole leaks in air lines, sticky valves and other inefficiencies cost huge consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufactures and small contract packagers alike substantial amounts of money.

Staying Competitive with Automation

John Kuhnz

March 19, 2020

Faster speeds often equal higher rates of production, which can lead to greater profits. Of course, simply cranking up the speed of your conveyors won’t get you there — but automation will.

Automation

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All IIoT Strategy

With or without the cloud, scalable IIoT technologies solve common problems, such as inefficient compressed air systems.

Mark Ruberg

March 18, 2020

In packaging plants across the world, compressed air systems create significant energy waste. Pinhole leaks in air lines, sticky valves and other inefficiencies cost huge consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufactures and small contract packagers alike substantial amounts of money. These also hinder corporate green efforts for responsible energy usage. A key opportunity to solve compressed air issues and boost overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is by thoughtfully implementing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) strategies with scalable PC-based automation technologies.

Jackie Canny, owner and CEO of Ultimation Industries

Machinery

The Ultimate in Automation

One company is setting the bar for conveyor technology and branching out into a vertical world.

Kristen Kazarian

March 16, 2020

Located in Metro Detroit, Ultimation Industries LLC, a conveyor technology and automation company, has been in business for 30 years. Owner and CEO Jackie Canny was a finalist for Amazon's Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award in 2019. The company was also named one of "Metro Detroit&'s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in 2019.

Festo Launches Next-Generation Remote I/O System

March 10, 2020

Festo's new remote I/O system CPX-AP-I, which improves the performance of mixed valve terminals and I/O systems, is compatible with most communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and EtherCAT.

Retailers OK with Change from UPC to 2D Barcode

March 6, 2020

A GS1 US research study revealed that 82% of retailers and 92% of brand owners support transitioning from the universal product code (U.P.C.) to a data-rich two-dimensional (2D) barcode. It is one way to meet changing consumer needs for more product information.

World’s Largest Hub for Collaborative Robots Opens in Denmark

February 25, 2020

Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) and Universal Robots (UR) have acquired a 50,000 m2 building site in Odense, where $36 million will be invested in the construction of a major cobot hub in the “cobot capital” of the world.

Made in America: Automating for Growth

February 21, 2020

As a focal point for several political campaigns, ‘Made in America’ has become a recurring strapline, promoting the use of American products to protect jobs in manufacturing.

Motion Industries Appoints Chris Pacer to VP of Central Group

February 19, 2020

Motion Industries Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company, has named Chris Pacer to Vice President of the Company’s Central Group.