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The article offers seven steps on how to attain central-plant optimization, which is vital in achieving and sustaining ongoing energy and cost saving. The steps include creating a flexible infrastructure, maximizing efficiency through building automation, and measuring, verifying and managing performance data. The author also emphasizes the need for building owners and operators to take holistic approach in handling their central plant, which consumes the most energy of the organization.

The article discusses the integrated service provider, performance and risk management of an exploration drilling project in Norway. It examines the selection of one contractor to provide for integrated services including a destination driven strategy to reduce time and cost of the operation. It focuses on a work flow that identifies key persons and deadlines for the drilling of wells, in addition to the use of the Rushmore benchmark to compare the trends in industrial efficiency.

The article focuses on the productivity improvements of vendors of telecom–grade diode lasers. Telecom grade diodes are now available at industrial price points. The telecom–grade diode lasers are expected to grow if industrial diode technology delivers through technical advances and increased manufacturing efficiency.

The article focuses on advancement of boiler technology that will result in increased productivity, enhanced connectivity, reduced emissions and most importantly, advancements in safety. It mentions boiler systems can improve in efficiency and turndown capability and platforms incorporate burner management and combustion control. It also mentions advances in burner management will bring better end-user efficiency and saving on fuel costs.

The article discusses the improvements of dock seals as the technology advances. It states that dock seals can be destroyed easily by nature of their function and design which resulted to reduced effectiveness, tattered appearance, and high repair and replacement costs. It notes that the advancement in materials and engineering have generated a new effective dock seal that can withstand extreme dock conditions.

The article discusses the key factors in choosing a reliable industrial computer to improve workforce efficiency and productivity. It states that the first consideration concerning investment protection relies on computers' information processing (IP) or ingress protection and mentions that computers used in a warehouse environment must be rugged. It also analyses the importance of an efficient and accurate data entry.

The article discusses the factors that are not within the sphere of control of automobile repair shops in collision repair. It mentions that the appropriate application of concern, influence and control to work with situations can help in managing shops with a better use of their limited time. It notes how the sphere of control in a shop can stimulate efficiency. It also emphasizes the influence of tool arrangement, shop layout, and placement of utilities can affect the efficiency of shops.

The article discusses the benefits of shifting from two-step label production process to one-step process. Topics discussed include greater efficiencies and cost savings in the manufacturing process, challenges in dealing with high number of stockkeeping units (SKU), requirement of high number of labels and storage space, issue in stockpiling pre-printed color labels, and the ability to produce high-quality color graphics on labels.

The article discusses maximization of the asset reliability and improvement of the efficiency of mid-sized water utility operations. It offers tips for the optimization of the operations including establishment of a robust asset management framework to provide a structure to optimize asset management, development of a strategy to optimize asset performance, and provision of open data access across all groups within the utility through interconnection of data sources.

The article offers checklists for spray technology application efficiency. To improve quality, it suggests upgrading high-precision automatic spray nozzles and seeking out alternate ways to spray. To be able to increase production time, it points to change nozzles and eliminating manual cleaning. It also mentions that to ensure quality and simplify compliance by adding monitoring devices and verifying each and very spray.

The article focuses on the history of the automotive aftermarket. According to the author, the history of the automotive aftermarket has involved numerous changes over the years especially with the evolution of the car. Meanwhile, some automotive industry analysts believe that the core basic of getting a car serviced in the trenches has not entirely change but, the channels of distribution and the technology have changed and have helped the system's productivity and efficiency. INSET: 'Be Car Care Aware' a new concept?.

The article discusses various guidelines and methodologies in the basic power quality to instrument measurement and performance characteristics. The crest factor of a waveform is an important parameter to realize the measurements of low-frequency signals in a given digital multimeter. The respective methodologies used to measure rms current generated by a power supply. However, every manufacturer includes specific cautions and warnings to foster safe use of its test instrument. INSET: The Basics of AC Current.

Reports on the usefulness of wheel-loader type tool carriers and couplers. Advantages of using couplers to allow the machine to quickly switch work tools; Factors to be considered before investing on couplers; Determination on the frequency of changing work tools and assessment of the time saved and production gained.

Offers the advice from Bob O'Connor, former owner and operator of a variety of truck and automobile shops, on making profitable and proficient shops. Identification of wasted expense time of technicians; Difference between productivity and efficiency; Ways to improve efficiency of technicians and personnel.

Presents the results of a survey concerning operations performance of cataloging companies in the U.S. in May 2003. Measurement of the average distribution center of the firms; Factors to consider in increasing the productivity of a cataloging firm; Guidelines for developing credible research outcomes. INSET: 8 Guidelines for Research.

This article reports that foundries have always been interested in improving productivity and profitability. But, over the past few years competitive pressure and general industrial conditions have reinforced metalcasters' resolve to refine current processes and to develop new technologies that improve productivity and reduce costs. One area where foundries look to improve process efficiencies and cost savings is the coremaking process. Coremaking is central to metalcasting. It gives the industry the edge that no other metalworking industry has the ability to form external and internal contours, shapes, cavities, and passageways in one operation. Thus, the importance of producing high-quality cores efficiently and inexpensively cannot be underestimated. INSET: Coremaking Equipment Buyer's Guide.

The article discusses the efforts of industrial automation suppliers to improve productivity and efficiency. Topics covered include the views of Ursula Bongiovanni, president of industrial automation solutions distributor Innovative Automation, on working with the food industry, the need of customers for additional expertise, according to Eric Fillion, director of marketing at Finland-based process performance provider Metso, and product lines of industrial automation firm Phoenix Contact.

The article discusses the benefits of the industrial internet which consists of big data and cloud-based analytics in the oil and gas industry as outlined in General Electric (GE) Oil & Gas' paper. Among the benefits include asset performance management to increase reliability, operations optimization to increase production, and cash-generating asset optimization.

The article discusses the standard, ASTM E2691-09, adopted by the American Society of Testing and Materials International (ASTM) for measuring construction productivity at task, projecty, and industry levels in the U.S. ASTM E2691-09 or job productivity measurement (JPM) measures the change of rate of productivity at the same time it measures job progress. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notes that the construction industry is a major contributor to the economy.

The article discusses the idea of maximizing the available space inside an automobile repair shop to produce more profit and understand more on efficiency and lean operation. It mentions that the five basic steps, which are cleaning, organizing, eliminating waste, calculating and improving, are needed to follow in starting to maximize the space. Floors and walls are needed to be power washed to get the shop clean.

The article focuses on the significance of carbon dioxide technology in the industrial companies in the U.S. It notes the productivity, worker safety, and profitability improvements of carbon dioxide technology in industrial companies. It examines the nature and components of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it also states the benefits of carbon dioxide brings in the society.

The article offers information on the use of industrial automation to leverage industrial productivity without increasing labor costs. It mentions that with the use of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) organizations can achieve industrial efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Topics include organizations scalability and condition monitoring to reduce downtime, key performance indicators (KPIs), and user engagement and knowledge in maintaining scalability.

Lists the five warning signs toward downward trends in U.S. manufacturing innovation according to a report released by the Manufacturing Institute and the Council of Manufacturing Associations. Percentage of increase in manufacturing output since the last recession; Decrease in share of global trade in manufactured products; Factors that contribute to the lack of new worker entry in the country.

Presents the ten fallacies of logistics productivity management. Achievement of productivity management from software systems; Relation between productivity management and employee relations; Time consumption of productivity management for data collection and administration.

The article explores the health conditions of employees who are working hard in the U.S. Topics include the perceptions of several senior management on the employees to sustain certain type of efficiency throughout their shift and the growing costs of fatigue in health-related lost productivity. The statement of National Council for Occupational Safety and Health co-founder Jessica Martinez on the impact of fatigue on work-related injuries and dangerous workplace is also emphasized.

The author discusses ways to approach a problem-plagued industrial project. Topics discussed include things to consider while signing a low-bid contract such as document, date-stamps; importance of choosing time-and-material contract, creating process and instrumentation diagrams, and identifying benefits with the risks in taking on troubled projects.

The article reports on the launch of the 2015 Redefining Tour of manufacturer Cummins Inc. in Canada and the U.S. between June 13 and October 6, 2015. Topics discussed include the cities to be visited by the Redefining Tour, the display of an interactive show trailer, the efficiency and productivity, customer interaction, and the Power Stops of the tour.

The article discusses operational performance improvements achieved by commercial vehicle components manufacturer Accuride Corp. through its Fix and Grow program. It describes measures to restructure and upgrade core operations and achieve long-term agreements for steel and aluminum wheels. The company's plans for steel wheel facility upgrades and consolidate its manufacturing footprint are also addressed.

The article discusses issues and considerations regarding the processing and recirculation of contaminated dental instruments to maximize efficiency and minimize occupational risks. Topics covered include the viability of a holding solution for dirty instruments may remain in a container for a long period before reprocessing, the ability of ultrasonic unit and a dental instrument washer to clean instruments, and the shelf life of sterilized instruments.

The article focuses on the importance of a successful distribution center strategy in ensuring high efficiency and constant production. It relates how voice picking technology allowed education company McGraw Hill Education Inc. to ensure efficient book distribution and boost productivity gains. It notes that an automated material handling system with two separate packing areas was installed at medical devices provider IDEXX Laboratories to resolve problems with delivery and logistics costs.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Finer Points of Building Information Modeling" in the May 2011 issue, "Climate Change of a Different Kind" in the April 2011 issue, and "Predicting the Performance of Flexible-Duct Systems" in the December 2010 issue.

The article discusses the need to realize information technology (IT)-related projects of businesses in the U.S. According to the author, IT projects relevant to automatic identification and data collection are necessary to keep the business afloat during tough economic times. It states that such platforms may help the firm improve productivity, customer services and industrial efficiency.

Expresses views on the failure of the U.S. to compete with Eastern Europe and emerging markets on labor productivity. Advantage of China over the U.S. in terms of production; Gross domestic product per U.S. workers in 2004; Actions to be taken by the country to increase industrial productivity.

Discusses the industrial benefits of using conveyors early in the manufacturing process. Increase in warehouse efficiency; Industrial productivity; Reduction in the number of people needed in industrial operations.

The article discusses the process of building a production compliance model for collision repair facilities. The author discusses steps necessary to identify who, what, where, when and how things need to be accomplished within the repair facility to maximize customer service and production efficiency. It is evident that organizing the entire repair facility help in improving customer service, efficiency, pricing and productivity.

The article discusses the developments with the intelligent lifting devices (ILDs). The author mentions that ILDs are capable of improving the responsiveness and flexibility of a human operator with the power of a machine. Also tackled are the counterparts of ILDs, how workers have responded to ILD, and their various benefits.

The article observes that the dental practice operated as a cottage industry is under assault from preferred provider organizations (PPOs), corporate dental practices and traditional multidoctor practices. It discusses fee re-balancing which is adjusting the lower fees upward while increasing higher fees at a more modest rate. The article concludes that the shift to lower PPO fee mandates that dentists increase efficiency and productivity at least 20 percent to make the same income.

The article offers information on the support provided by Toyota Motor Corp. to the collision industry and collision center managers to properly handle their business processes. It mentions that the advanced collision resources at certified Toyota shops are designed to improved productivity and efficiency in repair shops. It adds the key points to improve the shop's organization which determines the role of employees in fine-tuning the shop's productivity.

The article focuses on the use of tools and techniques for high-technology cable located in Georgia Power Co. in Atlanta. The authors point out that it is one utility that has invested in the latest technology to minimize underground cable damage. They note that the relationship between the cable locators and the linemen is significant to the productivity of the field crews. Its cable locators are well-versed in construction, underground utilities and continually strive to the latest technology.

This article talks about maximizing industrial production by the use of simulation. According to Mark Kuzniarski, HMS Co. simulation manager, simulation tools make it easy to improve machine utilization and spot equipment and employee safety issues. John Haning, information technology manager at HMS, said despite a heavier workload, they are configuring faster because of simulation. Glen Porter, HMS general manager, said simulation help avoid loss of production time.

Describes the impact of the U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies program, an initiative aimed at improving industrial energy efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness, at Ford Motor Co.'s Cleveland Castings Plant in Ohio. Initiatives implemented by the plant and the agency to reduce energy use; Projects identified in the co-sponsored assessment; Cost savings. INSET: Assessment Recommendations at the Ford Cleveland Castings Plant.

The article discusses how advanced manufacturing technologies are being used by General Electric Co. (GE) to transform its factories and provide benefits to customers. Topics discussed include ways adopted by GE to generate and analyze data to optimize operations at its 400 factories, efforts taken by manufacturing companies to implement the next generation of manufacturing technologies and tools which have significantly influenced the manufacturing landscape and improved productivity.

This article discusses how US security dealers and integrators can improve levels of productivity at trade conferences when confronted with a lot of distractions. Topics discussed include tips on productivity improvement including creating a tactical plan for each attendee pre-show, establishing a "booth captain" role which can help keep staff and customer interactions in check, and attending educational sessions to discover trends, best practices and new field applications and solutions.

The article offers the author's insights on the need for machine companies to address the issue of knowledge gap by making sure that engineers have the resources and information important to work efficiently and effectively. He notes that thin margins and tight deadlines emphasize the problem. He adds that in a survey made to 600 design engineers, it shows that technical resources that work with engineering software is a primary factor that improves productivity.

The article reports on SinterCast AB's attainment of its production growth rate targets for its compacted graphite iron process control technology for the second quarter of 2011.

The article presents information on the second generation Promass 831 from Endress+Hauser. The recently enhanced Torsion Mode Balance (TMB) dual-mode system of the Promass Coriolis flowmeter improves the overall density and viscosity performance. It allows precise flow control while providing key in-line, realtime, dual-mode viscosity and density measurements which is necessary for overall quality, productivity and profitability.

The article reports on the move of Saint Paul, Minnesota-based Northern Iron & Machine company to add a new DISA Match 130 automated molding line. Accordingly, this new line replaces three older lines which could create the operation more efficient in terms of production and cost. It points out that DISA line will generate up to 130 molds/hour high with a flask size of 20 x 24 inches.

The article features Cargill Corn Milling-Team Wahpeton in North Dakota which processes corn into products it delivers to customers in 27 states and five Canadian provinces. The company has a strong focus on collaboration which was built into the highly automated facility which Cargill leases from ProGold LLC, a partnership that includes the Golden Growers Cooperative who supply the corn. Collaboration is built into the culture as well given the various teams such as safety, innovation, energy, and plant leadership.

The article reflects on the status of manufacturing industries in the U.S. and the traits that a manufacturing company should have to stay in the business. Data from the Labor Department indicate a decline in manufacturing employment in summer 2006. The productivity of manufacturing increased by 2.6% and output increased at an annual rate of 5.1%. A manufacturing company should be more competitive and productive to achieve success in the business.

Comments on the challenges of the trucking industry to shop productivity. Purpose of the Tractor-Trailer.net introduced by Mitchell 1; Explanation on why maintenance information technology enhances shop productivity; Description of repair information technology.