By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business For plastics processors, data evaluation is crucial to the functioning properties across the entire company, and with that, there are several prominent options in data management and monitoring systems. For this article, the focus is on enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) software, and how, … [Read more...] about ERP and MES: The Importance of Data-Driven Software in Plastics
Automation
Two Plastics Companies Counter Workforce Shortage with Automation Innovations
The MAPP members that earned recognition at the 2023 MAPP Innovation Awards did so with a focus on automation. Plastics Business checked in to learn the details from two MAPP members whose innovation submissions rose, like cream, to the top. Their solutions included a diverse array of tools and technologies, including robots, cobots, feeders, funnels, hoppers and air … [Read more...] about Two Plastics Companies Counter Workforce Shortage with Automation Innovations
Automation for Employee Recruitment and Retention
By Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer, DELMIAWorks Like manufacturing in general, plastics processing is in the midst of a generational shift where the workers who have maintained operations for decades are retiring and being replaced by newer generations that have grown up on technology. These employees want access to the latest tools and technologies to maximize … [Read more...] about Automation for Employee Recruitment and Retention
Robots in the Manufacturing Space: 10 Tried-and-True or New-and-Noteworthy Automatons
By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business The robots aren’t coming; they already are here. Automation in the form of robotic arms has been around for decades for factory work, and autonomous mobile robots are becoming widespread in manufacturing. Humanoid robots are the next incarnation of automation and they, too, are touted as helpful additions to the plant floor … [Read more...] about Robots in the Manufacturing Space: 10 Tried-and-True or New-and-Noteworthy Automatons
MAPP Innovation Award Winners Put the “Smart” in Smart Manufacturing
By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business What if? Outside-of-the-box thinkers use a “what if?” mentality to tackle plant operation challenges. Plastics processors are an innovative bunch and it’s a good thing. Keeping a multi-service or multi-line injection molding operation humming along – with its varied work cells, machinery, processes and tasks – takes skill and … [Read more...] about MAPP Innovation Award Winners Put the “Smart” in Smart Manufacturing