by Gary Mintchell | Feb 25, 2010 | Operations Management
I was pondering the plight of Toyota for my editorial for March when I ran across this blog post from Bill Waddell at Emerging Excellence–the Lean proponent. In fact, what I was thinking was that Toyota got caught up in the race to be biggest and forgot its vision (or the vision of its founders) to be best. There’s a difference. Anyway, Bill wrote the same idea about the same time. I wonder if it’s a third generation thing. I used to know people at a number of family owned businesses. Seems the second generation can keep the business going and even improve it. But the third generation–that’s a problem. Ford has suffered a little of that–but also picked some really bad CEOs. The current Toyoda is grandson of the founder. I don’t think he inherited the vision. Maybe he got an MBA where they teach you that infinite growth in sales is the only goal. Of course, no one ever succeeded at that.
I like Waddell’s conclusion:
The moral of the GM versus Toyota story is that running the business by cutting the sales folks loose to grow by any means – the faster the better – then tasking the rest of the business with following them up the peaks and down into the valleys – is folly. The objective is to seek the right size for the business you are in, and grow as you can and should, but to do so by adding muscle, not fat.
by Gary Mintchell | Feb 24, 2010 | Automation, Operations Management
We have a new group on LinkedIn designed for those who would like to discuss packaging machine and packaging line (and even process to packaging–see my post on that) automation. Of course, this references the Packaging Automation Forum that will be held this year on May 4 in Rosemont (near Chicago and near O’Hare), Ill. I’ve never hotlinked to a LinkedIn group, so I hope that makes it. If not, search.
We have had some great presentations and after-closing conversations over the years. If you have questions or answers on packaging line automation, post it. Should be interesting. The talks this year will all focus on making your line more efficient. See you in the group and in Rosemont.
by Gary Mintchell | Feb 23, 2010 | Automation, Technology
I received this press release yesterday and had a ton of questions. So, this is a preliminary post. I have an interview tomorrow to get more indepth information. For example, I’ve been waiting for years for the release of products with CIP-motion (motion profile on the Common Industrial Protocol of EtherNet/IP from ODVA). Rockwell has tried very hard to do things just on the Ethernet TCP/UDP/IP protocol platform and commercial off the shelf Ethernet silicon. Competitors have all found they had to implement the time-critical syncing in silicon. I’ve heard that Rockwell finally had to follow suit to get the product out.
Anyway, this release does not discuss CIP-motion. It’s a little weird, but ODVA does not see itself as a marketing organization. Katherine Voss told me that she leaves it up to the members to market the advances. Then Rockwell people always act surprised when I don’t know something. Well, more Wednesday afternoon.
Here’s what we know so far:
The new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 EtherNet/IP indexing servo drive from Rockwell Automation “provides machine builders and end users with the ability to standardize on a single communication network for easier commissioning, configuration and startup. With the new drive, the entire control solution – including HMI, programmable automation controllers, I/O and motion – can be connected over a standard EtherNet/IP network.”
“Many machine builders and end users are moving toward single network solutions,” said James Grosskreuz, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “By leveraging EtherNet/IP technology, the world’s leading industrial Ethernet, the Kinetix 300 servo drive can eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network while maintaining high-speed connectivity with excellent reliability.”
The drive has the ability to support up to five indexing types and 32 indices and is designed for indexing tables, intermittent horizontal and vertical form/fill/seal machines, as well as simple sleevers, case packers and erectors.
The Kinetix 300 servo drive also comes equipped with safe torque-off functionality. With the safe-off capability, tasks such as machine setup, cleaning, removal of jams and other typical maintenance work that previously required power-down conditions can now be accomplished without removing power from the entire machine. Instead, drive output can be safely disabled, allowing faster machine restart and shorter machine downtime. In addition, components such as input contactors are not required, simplifying machine design and helping reduce both panel space requirements and overall system costs.
by Gary Mintchell | Feb 20, 2010 | Automation
Automation World has a group on LinkedIn. Have to admit that with everything I update, I don’t do a lot there. Someone asked an intriguing question today, though. “I was always wondering how many people are in the world with knowledge and experience in all levels of the automation pyramid.” That’s a good question. Are you? Do you know any people who are? Is it valuable?
If you’re in LinkedIn, sign up for our group. If not, you can join–or comment here and I’ll cross post.
Or–do you even remember the famous pyramid???
by Gary Mintchell | Feb 19, 2010 | Software
MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Assoc.) has announced the launch of Eco-efficiency in Manufacturing, a major study of the strategies and approaches being used to support sustainability initiatives. The study is open to all manufacturers around the globe in all product sectors. The study will culminate in a report to industry to be presented at its North America conference June 21, Detroit, MI. Interested manufacturing personnel can take the online survey.
MESA, with 3,000 members globally, remains committed to its mission to share manufacturing’s best practices. Inspired by the growing global focus on climate change and carbon emissions, this study will explore the green and sustainability initiatives now underway in the manufacturing sector.
The study seeks to report on the current state of manufacturing including: The leadership and information technology systems that companies are using to drive high performance, eco-efficient operations. Identifying the change drivers, as well as, the barriers encountered for those companies making a green transformation. Qualifying and quantifying the initiatives underway and resources being applied to improve supply chain, product lifecycle, and asset management practices.
Participants are assured of complete anonymity. All responses will be aggregated in the published data and reports and no individual or company names will not be included. Each respondent will gain access to the survey database, thus giving them an opportunity to compare and benchmark against companies with similar profiles. More information is available here.
