by Tim Lewis The concept of continuous improvement is well established and has proven invaluable for increasing consistency and efficiencies in manufacturing processes. However, few businesses have taken the opportunity to apply these principles to professional business practices even though the benefits are equally impressive. Any business process that is repeated can … [Read more...] about A Continuous Improvement Idea: Update Your Costing and Quoting Process
Process Improvement
Focus on Efficient Operations
by Staff The pressure is on plastics processors to produce low-cost parts for their customers while still maintaining a comfortable profit margin. Energy and materials costs make up a significant portion of the production price for any item. Two U.S. plastics processors are having success in bringing those critical price points down and have shared their … [Read more...] about Focus on Efficient Operations
Q&A: Recycling
Plastics Business The world is turning "green," with frequent media attention to environmentally-conscious business practices and the impact of non-recyclables. The plastics processing industry, however, is seeing another form of "green" as a result of materials recycling – currency. Whether scrap materials are sold to a recycler or processed in-house for reuse, or recycled … [Read more...] about Q&A: Recycling
Are You Ready For RFID?
by Al Wilson RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a big buzzword in today's U.S. manufacturing/distribution supply chain. RFID is an accurate automated method used for product tracking and identification. The information contained in a RFID chip (or tag) can be used to identify or locate specific tangible products within its allowed proximity. How Does It Work? RFID … [Read more...] about Are You Ready For RFID?
Customized Solutions in Auxiliary Equipment Provide Maximum Efficiencies
by Staff When setting up the most efficient plastics processing operation, careful consideration, design and implementation of auxiliary equipment that will support the entire production line can mean the difference between marginal profits and over-the-top results. Gone are the days when auxiliary equipment was treated as a mere "sidebar" to the overall molding or extruding … [Read more...] about Customized Solutions in Auxiliary Equipment Provide Maximum Efficiencies