Manufacturing and Automation - Articles, Stories & Interviews

AI for Product Data Management: A Key Component for Smarter Manufacturing

AI improves data quality by reducing errors and inconsistencies introduced by manual intervention. Manual errors may not seem like a huge deal, but they can easily disrupt time-to-market or channel accuracy.

Upgrading for Industry 4.0: How Siemens S7-1500 Migration Solves Hidden Legacy Challenges and Why Modern Manufacturing Can’t Afford to Wait

This article explains why migration to the S7-1500 platform is becoming urgent, the hidden challenges engineers face during transition, and how modern PLC architecture supports Industry 4.0 readiness, improved reliability, and long-term performance.

Driving Performance Improvement on the Shop Floor with Production Data

One of my favorite customer lines is, “I need parts, not charts.” And that really captures what Datanomix is about: helping manufacturers solve real business problems by clearly showing what’s happening on their shop floor.

Rugged Surface Pro xCase with Badge Readers Elevates Workforce Safety & Mustering for Umicore

When global materials technology and recycling leader Umicore set out to modernize employee tracking and emergency mustering processes, they turned to Savance Workplace for a customized digital workforce management solution.

2025 Top Article - Common Misconceptions Manufacturers have about AI

With over 25 years of experience advising mid-market companies, Ghori provides a grounded yet progressive-looking take on where manufacturers should focus, what misconceptions to avoid, and how to get started without overhauling everything.

2025 Top Article - AUTOMATION IS UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF AM SERVICES

In this article, I want to dive into the role automation plays in the approach to AM services, highlighting the benefits it delivers to customers, how it drives operational efficiency, and why it’s essential for the future of this industry.

2025 Top Article - Monitoring Tools for Manufacturing Plant Maintenance

Electrical power delivery systems are usually the most impactful on plant operation. The cost of failure of certain pieces of equipment can quickly escalate into multi-millions of dollars of equipment replacement costs and production downtime.

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Manufacturing and Automation - Featured Stories

Discovering Manufacturing Bottlenecks Through AI and Machine Learning Analysis

Manufacturing slowdowns come from many sources. That diversity makes it challenging for executives to identify the top causes without help. Well-trained AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze the data and recommend suggestions for improvement.

How private 5G empowers manufacturers to maximize AI use cases

While Wi-Fi networks have historically met the basic wireless connectivity needs of some manufacturing operations, they increasingly fall short in more complex, high-demand industrial environments.

Beyond the Device: The Real Drivers of Industrial Mobility

Accessories don’t just complement rugged devices, they complete them. They turn durability into productivity, resilience into results, and hardware into workflow platforms.

Manufacturing and Automation - News Headlines

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. Acquires KAON Automation

Transaction Further Strengthens AIR's Presence in Ireland and Expands Global Capabilities in Developing Automated Systems for Medical Device Assembly and Aseptic Filling

New eBook from Mouser Provides an Engineering Guide to RF Design and Applications

The eBook delves into key radio frequency (RF) design topics ranging from signal chain fundamentals and antenna selection to testing, certification, and digital integration.

FUGO Precision 3D and Graphy Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Advanced Material Integration Ahead of LMT 2026 Launch

Spark Factory Goes Live with DeSL's End-to-End PLM Solution

The implementation includes several key DeSL modules: Line Planning, Workspaces, Fast Product Management (FPM), Tech Packs, Fast Tech Pack Management (FTM), and POM Templates, Adobe Illustrator Plug-in, Critical Path/Request for Development (RFD), and Internal Discussion Threads. All designed to connect design, development, and production in one streamlined digital environment.

Packaging Recycling Summit will be held June 15-17, 2026 at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel, Rosemont, Illinois.

Call for Speakers Now Open: Industry Leaders Invited to Share Expertise on Designing the Circular Future

Manufacturing and Automation - Featured Product

Model TR1 Tru-Trac

Model TR1 Tru-Trac

The Model TR1 Tru-Trac® linear measurement solution is a versatile option for tracking velocity, position, or distance over a wide variety of surfaces. An integrated encoder, measuring wheel, and spring-loaded torsion arm in one, compact unit, the Model TR1 is easy to install. The spring-loaded torsion arm offers adjustable torsion load, allowing the Model TR1 to be mounted in almost any orientation - even upside-down. The threaded shaft on the pivot axis is field reversible, providing mounting access from either side. With operating speeds up to 3000 feet per minute, a wide variety of configuration options - including multiple wheel material options - and a housing made from a durable, conductive composite material that minimizes static buildup, the Model TR1 Tru-Trac® is the ideal solution for countless applications.

Manufacturing and Automation - Featured Company

Encoder Products Company

Encoder Products Company

At Encoder Products Company, we specialize in the encoders that provide you with motion feedback. EPC has been a leading designer and manufacturer of motion sensing devices for more than 50 years, we understand that each industrial automation application is different, and you need encoders that fit the needs of your applications. Our encoders are highly configurable, offer an array of shaft or bore sizes, output types, connector types, mounting options, and resolutions as high as 65,536 CPR.