Manufacturing and Automation White Papers

Insight Works is an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) that caters to the manufacturing and distribution industry. Their product line features a breadth of end-to-end apps that integrate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. There are apps designed for manufacturing, distribution, shipping, sales, productivity, barcoding, and more. Headquartered in Canada since 2008, Insight Works™ operates remote offices in the United States and the Netherlands.

Many companies feel secure because they run regular backups. The data is backed up, IT has everything under control. But this is one of the biggest mistakes in data management: a backup protects systems - archiving protects the company. If you don't take this difference into account strategically, you risk increasing costs, growing dependencies and, in an emergency, even legal problems.

Inventory tracking means monitoring stock movements to increase visibility in the company’s supply chain. This added transparency helps businesses improve their ordering and overall inventory management practices, ensure traceability, and make sure that items are exactly where you need them, when you need them.

Integrating photonic structures or elements such as waveguides, photodiodes, lasers, and multiplexers presents a variety of demanding challenges to test and assembly processes, starting at wafer level through to final packaging. The common theme: multiple channels, multiple elements, and multiple interacting inputs, as well as outputs, across multiple degrees of freedom, all requiring multiple alignment optimization.

The online platform offers on-demand access to both ferrous and nonferrous courses delivered by industry experts. With interactive content, multimedia resources, and up-to-date technical information, the platform empowers students to expand their knowledge and skills at their own pace, from any location. Each course follows a structured, user-friendly format, combining industry-leading content with practical application for real-world scenarios.

Many of the devices and systems that people rely on for wireless communication, power transfer, navigation, and sensing operate within the RF spectrum. With such a diverse range of applications and markets, designing RF circuits can be a complex and nuanced process. The RF Design Handbook explains key concepts and provides engineers with the knowledge they need to get started. The eBook also explores the tools and components that will help engineers bring their ideas to life. Among the new products featured in the eBook are the following:

The AI paradigm is undergoing a fundamental shift: moving from an R&D curiosity in the cloud to mission-critical Operational Technology (OT) running at the edge. This transition isn't just a trend; it is a technical necessity driven by the unavoidable constraints of latency, bandwidth, and cost that plague cloud-only models in real-time environments. “The Edge AI Deployment Roadmap: Six Predictions for AI Implementation in 2026” provides a concise, actionable guide to navigating this critical transition. It distills the complex landscape into six core predictions tailored for engineers and leaders who need to move AI from a successful proof-of-concept to fully operational, long-term deployments on the factory floor, in intelligent cities, and across smart grids.

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.

As industries strive for greater efficiency and lower emissions, the composites sector faces a pivotal challenge: how to close the loop and embed circularity into every stage of production. This whitepaper explores how Exel Composites is leading the way—rethinking material choices, pioneering recycling partnerships, and adopting a lifecycle mindset to minimize environmental impact. Discover the realities and opportunities of sustainable composites manufacturing. Learn how innovative recycling methods, bio-based resins, and collaborative industry initiatives are shaping a more circular future. See how Exel’s practical approach is turning ambition into action, delivering durable, high-performance solutions while reducing waste and supporting climate goals. Access the free material by filling out the form below and find out how you can be part of the journey toward a more sustainable composites industry.

Static electricity can be a major nuisance in manufacturing. It can affect the finish/quality of the products being produced. EXAIR's White Paper "Basics of Static Electricity" is designed to help readers learn about the causes of static electricity.

Compressed air safety is a concern within manufacturing environments. Learn about the dangers that can come from high pressure and noise exposure. Improper use of compressed air commonly exceeds OSHA's noise exposure standards

Compressed air is a limited resource that is generated in-house for the benefit of many operations within the facility. Learn how to ensure all point of use applications are using your compressed air in the most effective and efficient way possible.

A low cost, reliable way to cool & purge electronic control panels. EXAIR Cabinet Coolers incorporate a vortex tube to produce cold air from compressed air - with no moving parts. Learn more now "How EXAIR Cabinet Coolers Can End Costly Shutdowns".

Authored by Kim Sjödahl, Exel’s Senior Vice President, Technology & Sustainability, the publication examines the full lifecycle of composites and highlights the sector’s reliance on virgin raw materials alongside the recycling challenges created by durable fiber-reinforced materials. Drawing on industrial-scale recycling initiatives and Exel’s own programs, it emphasizes that circularity begins with design and requires transparency and shared responsibility across the value chain.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can greatly improve your day-to-day operations. However, it’s important to know that the total investment for such systems goes beyond the software license. A clear picture of all costs helps you budget accurately, avoid hidden costs, and ensure your ERP delivers real value over time.

Boost the quality of your production with the PG worker assistance system. Clear, visual step-by-step instructions guide your employees safely through each work step—for error-free, standardized processes and measurably higher efficiency. With Q·AI, the new integrated AI extension, you can automatically transform work instructions into digital step-by-step guides – simply upload the file and you're done.

ITW Vortec believes in providing expertly designed compressed air solutions that improve efficiency and increase productivity. We achieve this by Listening, Educating and Delivering Quality customer service and solutions to each individual. View our many Whitepapers here.

In this white paper, we thoroughly explore the groundbreaking influence of Generative AI on Smart Manufacturing, discussing its capabilities, applications, and profound transformative potential it holds for the industry. Decisyon’s cutting-edge approach to integrating Generative AI into manufacturing processes is examined in detail, showcasing the pathway to enhanced efficiency, agility, and innovation. This is the first in a series of white papers related to enhancing manufacturing with AI. Please notify us if you would like to receive our upcoming white papers.

Are you truly maximizing the sustainability & productivity of your automation system? Your automation systems should do more than just keep up—they should drive your business forward. With Emerson’s Floor to Cloud™ portfolio, you can connect every level of production, turning motion control into a powerful source of productivity and efficiency. Selecting the optimal motion control technology is key. Download this whitepaper to decide which technology is most effective for you.

As industrial environments modernize and embrace IIoT technologies, the need for fast, scalable, and secure data exchange has never been greater. MQTT has emerged as the protocol of choice, offering lightweight, event-driven communication between edge devices and enterprise systems. But even the most elegant protocol is only as good as its implementation — and at the heart of that implementation is the MQTT broker. This whitepaper explores best practices for deploying MQTT brokers in operational environments where uptime, performance, and security are critical. Whether you’re working in water/wastewater, manufacturing, oil and gas, or energy distribution, these guidelines will help you build a robust foundation for MQTT-based data architecture. We’ll cover deployment models, security considerations, performance tuning, and tips for scaling across your OT/IT infrastructure.

In dynamic manufacturing environments, machine vision systems benefit from being adaptable and simple to setup. That’s why we created the white paper “The Benefits and Trade-offs of Modular Machine Vision Lights Form”. It explores how modular lighting systems can streamline development and improve performance across a wide range of applications. Designed for both engineers and system integrators, this paper highlights how modular lighting offers new levels of versatility, helping teams respond quickly to changes in inspection conditions.

If it’s been awhile since you did a formal strategic plan, we’ve compiled a list of questions to get the ball rolling. The text below goes into lots of detail and there are tips for people new to the whole process. After reading, you can download a streamlined and bulleted checklist of the questions and action items. So grab the beverage of your choice, settle in and ask yourself (and your team) the following questions:

Navigating cybersecurity for your shop can seem like a labyrinth, especially for manufacturers handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). With the DOD’s CMMC 2.0 final rule posted, we’re here to help simplify the process.

Data and analytics have changed the game in ways that almost seem impossible. These days, the world’s most valuable resource isn’t something that can be formed into a shape. Well, not exactly. This eBook takes a deep dive into how data can serve your manufacturing business. Learn about the three types of analytics. See how data can bridge communication gaps within an organization. Reimagine your research and development. Create more links to your supply chain. Integrate analytics with smart factory capabilities.

Discover which technologies can best help you unlock new opportunities and equip your business to meet future challenges. Distribution is an ever-changing industry, and the technology that enables digital transformation can help your business stay competitive. In this eBook, you’ll learn the six key technologies that are essential to digital transformation, what to consider when choosing each solution, and how to track and measure the performance of each.

In today’s fast-paced global economy, supply chains are more interconnected than ever, creating opportunities for growth but also introducing new challenges. Compliance has emerged as a critical factor to overcome to ensure that products and operations meet the requirements and standards used by regulators, suppliers, and customers. These three equally important elements (regulatory, supplier, and customer) form the ‘Compliance Triangle’, which serves as the foundation for supply chain efficiency, resilience, and growth. By integrating cloud labeling into your operations, you can streamline your compliance strategy, establishing a strong pivotal point for supply chain success.

Learn about our High-Performance motor platform for robotics. Read about our unique system features, core applications, and system integration considerations.

Backup was yesterday. Today, legally compliant archiving counts. Avoid audit risks - and reduce your IT costs in the long term. Read the whitepaper to find out why classic backups don't stand up to audits - and how you can ensure compliance and save budgets with structured archiving.

The white paper, “Accelerating Smart Manufacturing: Best Practices for Small and Medium Manufacturers,” draws on lessons learned from several recent NCMS initiatives as well as research conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and others focused on smart manufacturing implementation. Among the NCMS projects explored, two are highlighted as case studies for pilot projects. These offer insights into the benefits of implementing solutions such as adding business intelligence (BI) reporting capabilities, and upgrading enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The global industrial automation market is projected to grow to $395.09 billion by 2029 and early adopters are already gaining a competitive edge. As a result, failing to adopt this technology at such a crucial juncture can prove costly for your business. Specifically, we have found that investing in an autonomous DriveMod Tugger costs one-fourth as much as delaying your investment in automation. In this white paper, we explore that by doing nothing, your organization will face high, hidden costs related to labor, productivity, and safety.

This 40-page guide is the most authoritative introduction to date on metal binder jetting — the most promising ASTM-recognized 3D printing technology for the mass production of metal parts and products. This guide contains a comprehensive overview of high-speed 3D printing of metals without a laser. In binder jetting, an inkjet printhead — similar to those used in a paper printer — applies a liquid binder to powdered metal one layer at a time to create a desired object. Similar to parts created with Metal Injection Molding (MIM), the printed object is then sintered to high density in a furnace.

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are under constant pressure to deliver flexible, scalable, and highly efficient operations to meet evolving customer demands. To help navigate this complexity, Softeon’s latest whitepaper, How 3PLs Can Select the Right WMS for Long-Term Success, offers a practical, actionable guide to choosing the right warehouse management system (WMS) for long-term operational success. This whitepaper was developed in partnership with Inbound Logistics, a leading supply chain industry publication that helps logistics and supply chain professionals make better decisions about transportation, warehousing, and technology.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is an invisible but dangerous threat in electronics manufacturing. A single static event can silently destroy sensitive PCBs and microchips causing costly failures down the line. ESD incidents are responsible for an estimated 33% of electronic component failures (source: ESD Association), making ESD protection critical in sectors like electronics, aerospace, automotive, and data centers. This eBook explores how ESD Safe 3D Printing can quickly and affordably produce custom parts, including jigs, fixtures, housings, and enclosures, helping manufacturers safeguard components and meet stringent industry standards (ANSI/ESD S20.20, IEC 61340-5-1).

Is your cloud infrastructure strategy costing you more than it should? Discover the power of cloud repatriation and reclaim control of your IT infrastructure and valuable on-site data. Download our FREE white paper “How Cloud Repatriation is Shaping the Future of Business.”

Read on as we discuss the latest protocols that are shaping the future of machine vision, including advancements in communication, data processing, and interoperability standards.

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.

Manufacturing traceability isn’t just a fancy catchword. It’s the mark of quality, compliance, and competitiveness for shops of all sizes. Find out what traceability really means for smaller manufacturers, learn how it protects your production process, and discover practical ways to implement it without blowing your budget.

Quoting is a crucial part of any manufacturing business – get it wrong, and you risk lost sales, wasted resources, and costly pricing mistakes. In this article, we explore the key aspects of manufacturing quoting and its common pitfalls and provide practical tips to improve the process.

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.

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

A multi-level BOM is a bill of materials that represents the composition of various subassemblies in addition to the final product. This type of BOM becomes indispensable when a certain level of product complexity is reached, but there are also situations where the use of a multi-level BOM is unwarranted.