Manufacturing and Automation White Papers

Unlock the Power of Data to Lead with Confidence. In a world of constant change, traditional leadership methods fall short. Today’s successful leaders embrace data-driven leadership to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and make smarter decisions. Don’t let uncertainty hold your business back. Download this eBook to learn how to lead with clarity, confidence, and data.

Common challenges to supplying conveyor solutions are ensuring products improve operational efficiency, while also providing a maintenance cost reduction. The associated cost of breakdowns and downtime for maintenance are critical issues which can be addressed through the selection of specialist motors. In this whitepaper, you will learn about the different motor types, how to specify a conveyor motor, position control at higher levels of control and accuracy, and other considerations.

Tools based on piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers are increasingly used in medical applications, including minimally invasive surgeries and dentistry. Common instruments used in advanced procedures are ultrasonic scalpels, phaco handpieces, and scalers. These devices leverage acoustic waves to efficiently process both hard and soft tissues. For instance, during oral surgery, ultrasound enhances mechanical actions like drilling, offering additional benefits such as shock or cavitation effects, leading to faster, more selective processing that safeguards surrounding areas, like blood vessels.

From industrial robots and factory automation systems to medical devices, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles (EVs), motors drive the machinery that powers our modern world. In 14 Experts Discuss Motor Control in Modern Applications, engineers from ADI and other technology companies offer their perspectives on how ADI is helping meet the growing demands for intelligent, high-performance motor solutions.

Decentralized, fieldbus-based machine concepts with plugged-in sensors and actuators simplify design, project planning, installation and maintenance enormously and are therefore the first choice for future-proof machine tools. Only for safety applications, an elementary component of every machine tool, do many experts still consider a special approach to be necessary and choose point-to-point wiring in the control cabinet despite all the known disadvantages. With the “ONE” NC generation from Siemens, however, there is no longer any reason for this special approach.

TE Connectivity industry experts delve into how automation, connectivity, and other smart technologies are transforming traditional, linear processes into adaptable and customizable operations, ultimately optimizing the product-based supply chain.

In a quest to reduce waste, a company specializing in leak prevention discovered that an acoustic camera is the most efficient solution in the market to help lower the carbon intensity of compressed air systems and save energy costs.

Compressed air is used in almost every production process in the food and beverage industry. Undetected leaks can lead to serious consequences, such as contamination of products, reduced efficiency, increased downtime, and safety risks, which makes using effective predictive maintenance methods and tools absolutely critical.

The automotive industry uses vast amounts of compressed air, which means hidden air leaks are a common nuisance that requires timely detection. When left alone, undetected compressed air leaks can lead to high energy costs, significant financial losses due to unplanned outages, and even potential safety hazards. Leaks can also contribute to problems with system operations, such as fluctuating system pressure, excess compressor capacity, or decreased service life and increased maintenance of supply equipment. Maintaining compressed air systems by locating and fixing leaks in time is therefore one of the most effective ways of saving energy and improving both productivity and competitiveness.

Leveraging real-time data regarding asset conditions to inform maintenance represents an important shift away from reactive operations and can significantly reduce costs and improve business outcomes such as safety and sustainability. This paper assesses the current state of digitalization in manufacturing and evalutes the benefits of condition-based maintenance and increasingly proactive maintenance programs, based on research and analysis conducted by S&P Global Market Intelligence in March/April 2024.

Over the past two decades, we have had the unique opportunity to work with hundreds of factories producing high-tech products in industries ranging from defense, aerospace and medical devices to industrial electronics, heavy machines and precision laboratory instruments. A consistent theme has emerged: factory managers and executives are struggling to eliminate human errors in their manufacturing processes, while training has become a significant burden on their organizations.

Featuring the most up-to-date research on the secure and effective implementation of AI throughout the manufacturing sector, the white paper focuses on recent federal AI initiatives, including advancements in the Department of Commerce’s Supply Chain Center, as well as AI standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Specifically, the white paper details how two NCMS initiatives have contributed to solutions for three issues impeding more widespread adoption of AI in the manufacturing sector: (1) preserving data privacy, (2) creating a standard and secure way to selectively share data in useful forms to different organizations, and (3) helping SMMs see the benefits of using their manufacturing operational and product data to fuel AI models, and sharing this data with public-private partnerships that can contribute demonstrations of scalable AI solutions for a wide range of manufacturing problems.

New survey reveals the role that elevated flooring and mezzanines are playing in today’s warehouses and DCs and highlights the value of composite engineered wood flooring as a surface of choice for these structures.

Introducing the 2024 State of Industrial Networking Report for Manufacturing, offering key insights into how global manufacturing firms are enhancing security, boosting efficiency, and driving innovation with their industrial networking strategy. Look at what 700+ manufacturing professionals, from management to C-suite, across 17 countries have to say.

This comprehensive guide aims to break down important sustainability concepts and equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce carbon emissions in your business.

If you’re a business wondering whether to begin your decarbonization efforts, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Not just because it’s a current global trend, or beneficial to brand reputation, or the “right thing to do,” but because it costs you NOT to decarbonize. In more ways than you might think.

Actual costing, or keeping track of your actual costs, is vital for ensuring profitability, especially in industries where production costs fluctuate. Here is how and why to implement actual costing in your company.

Prototype quickly, integrate easily, and scale effectively with industrial computers you can depend on. Our embedded computers can be easily and quickly customized, putting the right product in your hands in days. Our systems have been certified to meet a wide range of industry-specific regulatory requirements, making it easier for you to gain full system certification for your products. And when you're ready to scale, we can help you simplify integration through our imaging and BIOS customization services to create a plug and play solution.

The benefits of Secure Boot and the ways to enable it. Enabling UEFI Secure Boot ensures that each element loaded during the boot process is digitally authenticated. This document breaks down how Secure Boot prevents the loading of unauthorized applications and provides details about how to customize the Secure Boot policy.

Discover how Autodesk Fusion extensions enhance your design and manufacturing processes with advanced CAM capabilities, including 4-axis and 5-axis machining, automation, and strategies for increased efficiency and growth.

Configurable BOMs enable companies to easily plan the manufacture of products with variations. Here is how they work and how they help.

Leading insights to achieve AI excellence in the manufacturing sector. Tap our latest research to discover how manufacturing organizations are overcoming industry challenges and harnessing AI to drive improved operational and business outcomes.

Do you need your products ready as soon as possible or just in time for the promised delivery date? Forward and backward scheduling are key concepts in production planning that allow production to be set up according to this fundamental question.

MQTT is a widely used protocol for connecting IIoT industrial devices, enabling efficient and real-time data exchange. However, it often gets misunderstood for security vulnerabilities, leading to misconceptions about its safety. In this paper, we will discuss essential steps to ensure MQTT security, from edge devices to cloud servers, and how to address denial of service (DoS) attacks effectively.

How Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Can Lead Global Decarbonization. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are critical for global decarbonization. Download this whitepaper and discover why it’s important to take action, the steps you can take to decarbonize your business, and how Zeigo Activate makes it easier than ever to estimate, track, and reduce your carbon emissions. Get your copy of the whitepaper outlining the role that small and medium-sized enterprises can take climate action now.

Premio’s Rugged Edge Computing Solutions and the Edge Continuum Matrix. Join us as we explore and define the edge continuum and how Premio aligns itself with its robust ruggedized product portfolio with this 5-episodes series. Hear from our product marketing experts as they break down Premio’s product line and more including: Technology catalysts, industry growth and projections, and key market trends shaping the Edge Continuum; Key distinctions on the User Edge from the Industrial Edge, Rugged Edge, and Specialized Edge and how they align within the space; Comprehensive overview and breakdown of Premio’s flagship computing products from product specialists.

The demand for precision and speed in modern industrial equipment has exposed the limitations of traditional quartz oscillators. MEMS timing solutions provide a superior alternative, offering better resistance to environmental stressors, improved stability across temperatures, and enhanced power supply and EMI noise rejection. SiTime’s MEMS products deliver reliable performance in challenging conditions, making them a valuable choice for industrial automation in the age of Industry 4.0. Their programmability, durability and quality ensure manufacturers meet stringent timing requirements while managing inventory and compliance more effectively.

TextureJet’s Stat® technology is now proven to achieve higher quality edge finishing through increased repeatability and precision than the current methods utilised in edge finishing of aerospace components. In recent testing, detailed in a TextureJet White Paper published this week, TextureJet demonstrated how its electrochemical jet machining technology offers distinct advantages in terms of safety, sustainability and repeatability compared to current methods in edge finishing. The results showed an increase in repeatability and overall tighter tolerances with an increase of more than 110% in repeatability in comparison to robot automated brush deburring and an increase of over 350% compared to manual brush deburring.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act mandates company leaders certify the accuracy of warehouse inventory reporting. Poor inventory tracking practices place leaders at risk of certifying and sharing inaccurate inventory data. This white paper explores these risks that are magnified by outdated and highly manual inventory handling practices. Download this paper to learn how other companies are reducing inventory reporting risks with automated computer vision solutions that improve the veracity of reported data while reducing need for expensive warehouse labor requirements.

Encoder digital signals start as sine waves and can be interpolated to produce higher resolutions. Sine waves have to be clean and free of noise for effective interpolation.

The growing shortage of skilled workers is increasing the pressure on industrial companies to automate their processes. Flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-implement robotics solutions such as autonomous mobile robots and collaborative robots are therefore in demand. Mobile manipulators connect both robot systems, but often cannot be used economically due to insufficient battery power. The solution: the Wireless Power Kit from Wiferion, which enables wireless charging for both systems simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Process for Emission Reduction Targets: Transitioning to 100% renewables may appear challenging, but various clean energy solutions in today’s market can help businesses reach this goal. Selecting the right renewable energy solution depends on factors like energy demand, location, budget, and sustainability goals. In this eBook, we outline a step-by-step process for achieving your emission reduction targets through renewable energy.

Need automation but concerned about the cost? Our latest e-book, "The Right Automation is Free," explores cost-effective strategies that streamline operations, boost productivity, and give your business a competitive edge. Download now to discover how the right automation pays for itself.

Are you running a UK manufacturing business and looking to embark on a digital transformation journey? If so, this free whitepaper is the perfect place to start. Aimed at ambitious SMEs it acts as a guide, explaining the concepts of digitisation, digitalisation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement. Made Smarter help manufacturers better understand and navigate current and future trends and make the case for how industrial digital technologies can solve problems and create growth opportunities. This whitepaper explains the process of how we support SME manufacturers with digital transformation through grant funding and skills and leadership training programmes. It also showcases some of the hundreds of businesses who have benefitted from our intervention across the country. Finally, hear from some of our partner organisations such as Make UK, the Centre for People-Led Digitalisation (PLD) and InterAct on how they are working with Made Smarter towards a common goal and find links to the best resources available to get you started with digital transformation today.

In this paper, we examine these two leading sensor types and evaluate their performances at frequencies associated with common faults. We find that piezoelectric sensors outperform MEMS accelerometers in terms of frequency range for early detection, making them the preferred option for machine health monitoring applications.

Occupational exoskeletons are designed to augment, enable, assist, and/or enhance physical activity through mechanical interaction with the body with the goal to reduce fatigue and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In this paper, our expert will discuss how occupational exoskeletons fit within the Hierarchy of Controls (NIOSH, 2015), and provide an alternative framework for estimating their effectiveness compared to other types of solutions for reducing ergonomic risk for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Download this research paper to learn how forward-thinking organizations are linking employee well-being and productivity through musculoskeletal professional disciplines and technology. In this paper, we will look at the new paradigm of worker health and discuss: Disability Preventio; Improved Methods of Health Data Collection; Creating an Environment for Successful Return-to-work and Stay-at-Work Outcomes

While stockouts may suggest that a product is popular, they are typically costly mistakes in inventory management that are far better avoided than managed after the fact. In this article, we look at what stockouts are, how they are caused, and what businesses can do to prevent them.

Inventory is any finite asset that a company uses for producing and selling its goods. In this article, we zoom in on the four basic types of inventory and how to manage them.

One indisputable fact exists for most manufacturers and distributors: Warehouse automation stands as one of the last areas where long-term costs can be significantly reduced.

In the realm of motion control and position feedback, encoders are pivotal. Two prominent types in today's industry are the capacitive and inductive encoders. This paper takes a closer look at each of these, providing insights for those seeking to choose between them for specific applications.