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How to Improve Production Scheduling: The 5 Crucial Elements

HOW TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION SCHEDULING
The manufacturing production schedule is a critical aspect that enables the manufacturing business to complete each production activity precisely and on time. Allocating different raw materials, resources, or processes to distinct project phases is called a production schedule. Its goal is to make your manufacturing process as efficient and cost-effective as possible in terms of resources and labor — all while delivering products on schedule.

As technology takes over and enhances many of the processes we used to handle with manual labor, we are freed up to use our minds creatively, which leads to bigger and better leaps in innovation and productivity."

– Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca

So, how is the overall production schedule managed?
According to businesswire, the global APS (Advanced Production Planning and Scheduling) software market was valued at $1,491.22 million in 2020 and is anticipated to raise $2,941.27 million by 2028 expanding at an 8.86 percent CAGR from 2020 to 2028.

Some software and tools are available to assist manufacturing organizations in properly scheduling production planning, including MaxScheduler, TACTIC, MRPeasy, and Gantt charts. Though there are numerous software programs available on the market for production scheduling, the most crucial aspect is determining which elements to consider when planning production.
This blog will look at the five most important factors to consider while planning the production schedule.

Five Elements to Consider When Scheduling Production

As we saw in the introduction, production scheduling is used in the manufacturing process to assign plant and machinery resources, schedule human resources, plan production processes, and purchase materials.

So, what are the primary components or stages of this production scheduling process? Let's take a quick look at each of them.


Planning to Make the Best Use of the Company's Resources

The role of planning in production scheduling is to use the company's resources to maintain a regular production flow. As a result, downtime is decreased, and bottlenecks are minimized, allowing production to be optimized. For production scheduling, two forms of planning can be used:

Dynamic Planning: Dynamic planning is carried out under the idea that process stages will alter. So, materials must be ready, but production cannot begin until demand is decided.
Static Planning: Static planning is done keeping in mind that all process steps will be completed on schedule and without adjustments.

Routing to Determine the Order of Actions

A “bill of materials” is used in discrete manufacturing to specify what things are needed and in what quantities.
Routing determines the path and sequence of required phases of the process. It may involve in-house operations, but it may also comprise sub-contracted components that must be returned to the production flow for final assembly.

Scheduling to Make Use of Predetermined Planning Levels

To manufacture products from components or raw materials, scheduling makes use of the previously set planning level. As a result, it is time-dependent and must meet the demand outlined at the planning level.
Each department, product, and procedure can have their own unique set of timetables. Sub-schedules for sub-assemblies or mixes and blends may be defined by department-specific master production schedules, utilized at the highest level to define product timeframes.

Dispatching to Decide on Immediate Actions

Dispatching assigns the following jobs to be done from a subset of the production queue. Dispatching is utilized to make quick decisions. This is in contrast to planning, which involves the planning of future actions. Dispatching is utilized in both pull and push production systems.

Execution to Ensure that all Processes are Carried out Correctly

Production scheduling must rely on proper execution to ensure that all processes are completed appropriately and in the sequence planned.

It requires everyone to know what they are expected to do and when they are expected to do it. Execution requires knowledgeable management decisions, well-trained employees, correct data in the manufacturing plan and schedule, and consistent sales statistics and forecast numbers. All must be present for the organization to carry out its production plan and fulfill orders.

How MRPeasy – A Production Scheduling Software Assist Manufacturing Companies in Scheduling Their Production?

MRPeasy is a cloud-based material requirements planning (MRP) application explicitly designed for small manufacturing units. Its primary functions are purchase order management, forecasting, and inventory management.

This software simplifies the process of scheduling production. It enables you to evaluate all of your anticipated manufacturing orders (MO). The bill of materials (BOM), purchasing, and stocking are all maintained in one location, allowing you to quickly book inventory and increase purchase orders (PO) for acquired parts.
MRPeasy enables you to:

  • Obtain all of the detailed information on all of your MOs
  • Consider MOs as a single block or as distinct operations.
  • Drag-and-drop operations and operations to reschedule
  • Calendar or Gantt chart views are available for monitoring scheduled orders.

Additionally, you can manage MOs smoothly. With the production planning component, you may create, amend, and update MOs. This app compiles an exhaustive list of all your MOs. You can track their progress based on the status of an order or a part's availability. Additionally, you can search for, filter, and export your MOs.

Final Words

How to schedule production for your organization requires extensive research, planning, and analysis of overall product demand as well as a grasp of the time required to meet the demand. Production scheduling techniques such as job-based planning, batch method, flow method, and others help develop a productive manufacturing production schedule. Include the elements mentioned above in your manufacturing scheduling to get the best possible benefits, such as better production efficiency, lower production costs, and on-time product delivery for your manufacturing in 2022. 

FAQ


How production planning differ from production scheduler?

Production planning and scheduling are often mixed. But there is a difference. Planning decides what and how much work must be done, whereas scheduling specifies who and when the work will be done.

What is real-time manufacturing scheduling?

Real-Time Scheduling is a production planning, scheduling, and tracking tool that enables manufacturing organizations to improve customer satisfaction and achieve optimal operational performance cost-effectively.

How can scheduling be improved?

Communication with staff is a great way to improve scheduling. This is true for all businesses, software or otherwise. However, management should not burden employees with ambiguous or unclear communication, and vice versa.

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The Raymond Corporation

Yes. We make great lift trucks. But that’s just the beginning. We also look at every aspect of a warehouse – labor, technology, service, forklift training, and equipment – and we design end to end solutions to improve warehouse operations. And that’s more than just a great forklift. That’s Raymond.

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Leading the Way in Digital Transformation for Manufacturing Excellence

Article | August 17, 2023

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By strategically implementing and leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, organizations can position themselves as leaders in their respective industries and stay competitive in the digital age. Seamless connectivity and data integration in smart factories have redefined the manufacturing landscape, paving the way for a digital transformation journey. Smart factories optimize production processes, enhance decision-making, and adapt to changing market demands by integrating IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, and cloud computing. By embracing these innovations, organizations can unlock new operational efficiency, product quality, and innovation levels, thereby solidifying their position as leaders in the Industry 4.0 era and driving sustainable growth in a highly connected world.

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Smart Factory, Industrial 4.0

Smart Manufacturing with IoT & Industry 4.0

Article | July 8, 2022

Industry 4.0 is a new phase of the Industrial Revolution that emphasizes interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. Industry 4.0 and IIoT combine physical production with smart digital technology to create a holistic and better connected ecosystem for manufacturing and supply chain management. Industry 4.0 is about revolutionizing the way your entire business operates and grows by investing in new technology and tools to improve manufacturing efficiency. In most cases, businesses are deploying iIoT devices and machinery linked by communication technologies to help industries collect, monitor, analyze, and deliver valuable insights. The specifics of how this technology is used vary from company to company, but the goal is always the same: to improve operational efficiency through analytics, automation, and connectivity. For example, The manufacturing sector is already undergoing a revolution. According to an IDC report, the sector spent $178 billion on the iIoT in 2016. Also, as per MarketWatch, iIoT investment in the manufacturing sector will grow at a CAGR of 29.68% until 2020. Amazon paid $775 million for the robotics company Kiva in 2012. It crosses our mind: why such a big investment? It made more sense for them to use robots to locate products and deliver them to their workers than for their workers to find the products themselves. Smart Manufacturing Use Cases: Industry 4.0 technology is being implemented by a North American tool manufacturer in order to improve efficiencies and productivity in its global manufacturing operations. Caterpillar recently collaborated with industrial analytics firm Uptake to develop technologies that will assist their customers in monitoring the health of their equipment. They used a variety of IoT and augmented reality technologies to provide machine operators with an instant view of vitals such as fuel levels and when the air filter needs to be replaced. When an air filter needs to be replaced, the technology sends detailed instructions to the machine operator. Siemens' factory in Amberg, Germany, personifies the company's passion for technological innovation. The plant was created as part of a collaboration with the German government to create a series of fully automated smart factories. The plant itself manufactures parts for BMW and is said to be approximately 75% automated. The purpose of going over these use cases is to help you imagine and consider how smart manufacturing could be integrated into your own organization.

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Manufacturing Technology

Additive Manufacturing in the Aerospace Industry

Article | June 2, 2022

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COVID-19: Making the Case for Autonomous Forklifts By Thomas R. Cutler

Article | July 8, 2020

Nic Temple (pictured left) Vice President of US Sales, Global AGV shared the rationale for autonomous forklifts: any manufacturer operating two or more forklifts currently, must consider the merits of replacing one unit as a critical return-to-work strategy during the pandemic. Fewer than 2% of forklifts sold in North America are automated, yet there has never been a greater need for this technology. Many manufacturers are looking to automate material handling processes because it reduces the potential for COVID-19 exposure by reducing human contact. Essential manufacturers working throughout the pandemic have been forced to deal with social distancing and PPE (personal protection equipment) required for employee safety. The money that manufacturers must spend on masks, gloves, face shields, and Lexan plastic partitions is difficult to recoup for a small or midsized operation. Temple shared that automated material handling helps a company keep working through these challenges as the only viable return-to-work strategy. A single autonomous forklift can achieve 60% savings on day-to-day operations With a single autonomous forklift these smaller manufacturers can easily achieve a 60% savings on day-to-day operations shifting away from driver-operated forklifts. 60% Savings on Day-to-Day Operations

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Manufacturing Technology, Industrial 4.0

Leading the Way in Digital Transformation for Manufacturing Excellence

Article | August 17, 2023

Driving digital transformation in manufacturing: Embrace seamless connectivity and data integration in Industry 4.0 smart factories for enhanced efficiency, product quality, and improved innovation. Contents 1. The Imperative of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing 2. Embracing Industry 4.0 for Enhanced Manufacturing Competitiveness 3. Integrating IoT and IIoT in Smart Manufacturing Processes 4. Leveraging Big Data Analytics for Enhanced Efficiency and Precision 5. Enhancing Customer Experience and Engagement in the Digital Era 6. 10 Key Providers in Industry 4.0 6.1 RIOS Intelligent Machines 6.2 GrayMatter 6.3 SigmaTEK Systems 6.4 Fuji America Corporation 6.5 Sciemetric 6.6 Avanceon 6.7 Janus Automation 6.8 Pluto7 6.9 Altizon 6.10 Webalo 7. Final Thoughts 1. The Imperative of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Digital transformation is a business imperative for the manufacturing industry, revolutionizing the way companies operate and compete in the modern landscape. As markets become increasingly dynamic and customer expectations evolve, manufacturers must embrace advanced technologies and data-driven processes to stay competitive and drive sustainable growth. It empowers manufacturers to streamline operations, optimize supply chains, and enhance productivity. Manufacturers can gain real-time insights into production processes by leveraging technologies like the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, enabling predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation. Advanced automation and robotics improve efficiency, reduce human errors, and enhance product quality. It fosters agile decision-making by leveraging data-driven insights. Manufacturers can implement smart manufacturing systems that respond rapidly to changing market demands and customer preferences. Real-time data analytics also enables proactive risk management, supply chain visibility, and predictive modeling to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions. Cloud-based platforms and interconnected systems enable seamless communication among departments and supply chain partners, facilitating data exchange and accelerating innovation cycles. 2. Embracing Industry 4.0 for Enhanced Manufacturing Competitiveness Industry 4.0 presents a transformative opportunity for manufacturing companies to enhance their competitiveness and adapt to evolving market trends. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global Industry 4.0 market size is expected to reach USD 216.01 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.0%. This highlights the increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across various industries worldwide. Industry 4.0 enables manufacturers to digitize their operations, optimizing production processes and reducing operational costs. Manufacturers gain real-time insights into their production lines by leveraging IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, and machine learning algorithms, enabling predictive maintenance and minimizing downtime. It fosters agile and customer-centric manufacturing.Smart factoriesequipped with interconnected systems can respond swiftly to changing market demands and individual customer preferences. Customizing products at scale allows manufacturers to meet unique customer needs and differentiate themselves in the market. Embracing Industry 4.0 helps foster sustainability and resource efficiency. Manufacturers can align their operations with eco-friendly practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and meeting regulatory requirements. 3. Integrating IoT and IIoT in Smart Manufacturing Processes Integrating IoT and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)in smart manufacturing processes is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, driving efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. According to a study by MarketsandMarkets, the global Industrial loT (lloT) market size is projected to be USD 106.1 billion by 2026 from USD 88.2 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. It was observed that the growth rate was 5.79% from 2021 to 2022. The manufacturing segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.43%. This integration enables manufacturers to connect and monitor their production equipment, supply chain, and assets in real time. Manufacturers gather vast amounts of data by deploying smart sensors and IoT devices, empowering data-driven decision-making for process optimization and predictive maintenance. Smart manufacturing processes leverage AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze the collected data, identifying patterns and inefficiencies. ThisAI in manufacturingenables proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and enhancing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Additionally, IIoT integration allows for remote monitoring and control of production processes, enabling seamless management and coordination of manufacturing operations. Furthermore, the integration of IoT and IIoT fosters connectivity along the entire value chain. Manufacturers can optimize inventory management by sharing real-time data with suppliers, ensuring just-in-time deliveries, and reducing supply chain disruptions. This interconnected ecosystem enhances collaboration and responsiveness, improving overall supply chain efficiency. 4. Leveraging Big Data Analytics for Enhanced Efficiency and Precision According to a report, global big data market revenue is projected to grow from $138.9 billion in 2020 to $229.4 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 10.6%. (Source: Statista) This robust market growth reflects the increasing recognition of big data's transformative potential across industries.Big data analyticsempowers companies to harness the power of data to optimize processes and make informed decisions. Businesses can uncover valuable insights, identify patterns, and better understand their operations, customers, and markets by analyzing vast volumes of structured and unstructured data. It enables predictive and prescriptive analytics, enabling organizations to anticipate trends and take proactive actions. Furthermore, big data analytics fosters personalization and customer-centricity, enabling businesses to deliver tailored experiences to individual customers. Companies can offer personalized products, services, and recommendations by analyzing customer behavior and preferences, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. The market trends indicate significant growth in adopting big data analytics solutions, reaffirming their importance in driving business success. By harnessing the power of big data analytics, businesses achieve enhanced efficiency, precision, and competitiveness, propelling them to new heights of performance and innovation in the modern business landscape. 5. Enhancing Customer Experience and Engagement in the Digital Era In the digital era, enhancing customer experience and engagement has become a top priority for businesses seeking to thrive in the competitive landscape. According to a report by PwC, 73% of consumers point to customer experience as a crucial factor in their purchasing decisions. Organizations can leverage digital technologies to create personalized and seamless customer journeys. Implementing AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and personalized recommendation engines enable businesses to deliver tailored interactions, address customer needs in real time, and enhance overall satisfaction. Businesses gain insights into client preferences, pain points, and expectations by analyzing customer data from various touchpoints. Utilizing these insights, companies can design targeted marketing campaigns and personalized offerings to maximize customer engagement. Furthermore, based on omni-channel experiences approach, clients expect a consistent and integrated experience across multiple channels, such as websites, social media, mobile apps, and in-store interactions. Providing a seamless omnichannel experience ensures that customers interact with the brand conveniently, fostering stronger engagement and brand loyalty. 6. 10 Key Providers in Industry 4.0 Below are the providers for Industry 4.0 enhancing smart manufacturing using smart solutions: 6.1 RIOS Intelligent Machines RIOS Intelligent Machines revolutionizes labor-intensive factories by ushering in a new era of intelligent automation fueled by robotics and AI. The company's goal is to transform conventional factories into visionary smart factories of the future. It achieves this by spearheading the deployment of end-to-end robotic work cells that seamlessly integrate into existing workflows, automating entire factories, warehouses, and supply chain operations with remarkable speed and scalability. By amalgamating cutting-edge technologies, including end-to-end robotic work cells, state-of-the-art AI capabilities, and high-caliber hardware, this synthesis is further bolstered by robust simulation-to-reality engines, leading to the emergence of production-grade intelligent machines. RIOS Intelligent Machines' transformative strategy is deeply rooted in a vertically-integrated approach to redefining factory automation. 6.2 GrayMatter GrayMatter, a leader in industrial operations transformation, pioneers the Brilliant Operations Strategy, an agile blueprint to revamp manufacturing and utility paradigms. With a focus on reimagining infrastructure, digital tools, and workforce dynamics for the new normal, this strategy facilitates multi-site scaling, rapid wins through data standardization & efficiency insights, and nurturing change adoption. GrayMatter's exceptional achievements include a 10-point rise in time delivery, up to 20% cut in unplanned downtime, and a 45-minute saving per line shift. The company's vision encompasses empowering organizations into technology frontrunners and communities with cleaner water, driven by its mission to elevate industrial assets and individuals through co-innovation and technology-driven transformation. 6.3 SigmaTEK Systems SigmaTEK Systems is a global provider of comprehensive CAD/CAM software solutions tailored to enhance ROI for professional fabricators. Its product suite covers the fabrication workflow, enabling optimized material utilization, machine motion, and data management. With an array of software products, from quoting to total shop floor automation, SigmaTEK offers a holistic manufacturing solution. Its flagship product, SigmaNEST, supports diverse machine types, ensuring maximum productivity while minimizing material wastage. The Load Manager software streamlines production planning with real-time load balancing and machine scheduling. Advanced features like collision avoidance optimize cutting paths and lead to efficient and safe operations. SigmaTEK's innovative approach and expert engineering team drive manufacturing process optimization. 6.4 Fuji America Corporation Founded as a machine tool manufacturer, Fuji America Corporation has evolved to offer unparalleled electronic circuit board assembly equipment. With a solid foundation in machine tool building, its high-speed chip placers, flexible placement systems, glue stations, and screen printers stand out for their precision, reliability, and durability. As the world's largest supplier of SMT equipment, Fuji integrates decades of experience into its cutting-edge 'high mix' pick and place systems, enhanced by its DynaHead Technology. The addition of Nexim Software tools further streamlines operations, enabling predictive maintenance, automated changeovers, and data-driven decision-making. Fuji remains committed to delivering reliable solutions to meet evolving smart factory demands. 6.5 Sciemetric Sciemetric empowers manufacturers with smart technologies for optimizing yield, enhancing quality, and reducing costs. With a history in measurement and data management, Sciemetric's unparalleled expertise stems from its extensive experience across numerous manufacturing lines and global installations. Offering comprehensive hardware and software solutions, it bridges the gap between production processes and the actionable insights required for improvement. The company's offerings cover critical aspects of modern manufacturing, from process monitoring and leak testing to data intelligence and the revolutionary Sciemetric EDGE Industry 4.0 platform. Its advanced digital process signature technology ensures early defect detection in press operations, while integrated solutions facilitate quality enhancement and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process. 6.6 Avanceon Operating under the VINCI Energies brand Actemium, Avanceon is a renowned systems integrator specializing in crafting, implementing, and supporting automation and information solutions for manufacturing and utility industries. With a strong commitment to digital transformation in manufacturing, Avanceon offers consulting and education, aiming to be a value-added partner for clients' digital evolution journey. Avanceon leads Industry 4.0 implementation advancements, leveraging technologies like IoT, predictive analytics, machine learning, and Cloud to enhance integration, analysis, and efficiency in manufacturing. The company focuses on translating Industry 4.0 potential into practical solutions, ensuring lasting success through innovative practices and unwavering support structures. 6.7 Janus Automation Janus Automation stands as a partner for comprehensive digital transformation endeavors. With a firm grasp on industrial IT, automation, logistics automation, safety solutions, digital transformation in manufacturing, and smart solutions, the company offers a modular approach rooted in technological innovation. Its leadership is evident through a team of over 250 adept engineers specializing in automation and IT industrial systems. By consistently improving and valuing added support for clients, Janus Automation's flexible structure embraces dynamic processes while prioritizing the human element, fostering seamless communication and trust-building for enduring partnerships. 6.8 Pluto7 Pluto7 shows expertise across diverse industries such as retail, manufacturing, CPG, oil & gas, energy, automotive, hi-tech, and healthcare. Its solutions operate as transparent glass boxes, enabling seamless customization, extension, and integration to address unique customer needs. With a resolute focus on alleviating pain points, Pluto7 employs a strategic blend of pre-built and tailored solutions. Its core offerings encompass data foundation for AI, forecasting accuracy, position inventory, and fulfilling orders. The company propels manufacturers towards enhanced transparency, cross-system connectivity, optimized operations, and scalable production rollouts, all facilitated by their suite of analytics and AI solutions. 6.9 Altizon Altizon, a global industrial IoT firm, empowers enterprises to harness machine data for informed decision-making. Its Datonis manufacturing suite, fortified by advanced analytics and machine learning, propels smart manufacturing endeavors, redefines asset performance management, and pioneers novel service delivery models. Altizon's expertise in Industry 4.0 transformation extends across diverse sectors like automotive, tire, CPG, chemicals, and remote industrial assets. With the Datonis platform, inclusive of AI-powered apps, businesses can swiftly monitor, measure, analyze, and predict outcomes, culminating in a path to ROI within four weeks. Offering a comprehensive ecosystem for digital factory operations to enhance digital transformation in manufacturing, Altizon enables real-time monitoring, quality assurance, maintenance optimization, digital checklists, operator engagement, energy/utility analytics, and more, thereby driving competitive advantage and operational excellence. 6.10 Webalo Webalo, the platform for the frontline workforce, offers a comprehensive software solution that digitizes tasks and activities for frontline workers, ensuring real-time operational visibility and driving process optimization across all business operations. Seamlessly integrated with enterprise and industrial software systems, Webalo empowers the workforce to make informed decisions, significantly enhancing productivity. The enterprise-grade connected worker platform simplifies and secures work processes through rapid, cost-effective mobile solutions. By digitizing manual processes, connecting frontline personnel, streamlining workflows, and ensuring secure data access, Webalo unlocks hidden capacity, facilitates better decision-making, and promotes overall business efficiency. With deployment flexibility ranging from cloud-based to on-premises solutions, the company offers a robust and secure platform tailored to modern workforce needs. 7. Final Thoughts Embracing seamless connectivity and data integration through smart factories in Industry 4.0 is a critical step toward achieving digital transformation in manufacturing industry. Integrating IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, and cloud computing empowers smart factories to optimize production processes, enhance decision-making, and respond dynamically to market demands. Organizations transition from legacy systems to smart factories, they embark on a transformative journey that drives operational efficiency, product quality, and innovation. By strategically implementing and leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, organizations can position themselves as leaders in their respective industries and stay competitive in the digital age. Seamless connectivity and data integration in smart factories have redefined the manufacturing landscape, paving the way for a digital transformation journey. Smart factories optimize production processes, enhance decision-making, and adapt to changing market demands by integrating IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, and cloud computing. By embracing these innovations, organizations can unlock new operational efficiency, product quality, and innovation levels, thereby solidifying their position as leaders in the Industry 4.0 era and driving sustainable growth in a highly connected world.

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Smart Factory, Industrial 4.0

Smart Manufacturing with IoT & Industry 4.0

Article | July 8, 2022

Industry 4.0 is a new phase of the Industrial Revolution that emphasizes interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. Industry 4.0 and IIoT combine physical production with smart digital technology to create a holistic and better connected ecosystem for manufacturing and supply chain management. Industry 4.0 is about revolutionizing the way your entire business operates and grows by investing in new technology and tools to improve manufacturing efficiency. In most cases, businesses are deploying iIoT devices and machinery linked by communication technologies to help industries collect, monitor, analyze, and deliver valuable insights. The specifics of how this technology is used vary from company to company, but the goal is always the same: to improve operational efficiency through analytics, automation, and connectivity. For example, The manufacturing sector is already undergoing a revolution. According to an IDC report, the sector spent $178 billion on the iIoT in 2016. Also, as per MarketWatch, iIoT investment in the manufacturing sector will grow at a CAGR of 29.68% until 2020. Amazon paid $775 million for the robotics company Kiva in 2012. It crosses our mind: why such a big investment? It made more sense for them to use robots to locate products and deliver them to their workers than for their workers to find the products themselves. Smart Manufacturing Use Cases: Industry 4.0 technology is being implemented by a North American tool manufacturer in order to improve efficiencies and productivity in its global manufacturing operations. Caterpillar recently collaborated with industrial analytics firm Uptake to develop technologies that will assist their customers in monitoring the health of their equipment. They used a variety of IoT and augmented reality technologies to provide machine operators with an instant view of vitals such as fuel levels and when the air filter needs to be replaced. When an air filter needs to be replaced, the technology sends detailed instructions to the machine operator. Siemens' factory in Amberg, Germany, personifies the company's passion for technological innovation. The plant was created as part of a collaboration with the German government to create a series of fully automated smart factories. The plant itself manufactures parts for BMW and is said to be approximately 75% automated. The purpose of going over these use cases is to help you imagine and consider how smart manufacturing could be integrated into your own organization.

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The Raymond Corporation

Yes. We make great lift trucks. But that’s just the beginning. We also look at every aspect of a warehouse – labor, technology, service, forklift training, and equipment – and we design end to end solutions to improve warehouse operations. And that’s more than just a great forklift. That’s Raymond.

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MaxLinear Launches Product Design Kit for Active Electrical Cables Using Keystone PAM4 DSP

MaxLinear | February 02, 2024

MaxLinear, Inc. a leading provider of high-speed interconnect ICs enabling data center, metro, and wireless transport networks, announced the availability of a comprehensive product design kit (PDK) to optimize performance and accelerate the time to market for high-speed Active Electrical Cables (AEC) using MaxLinear’s 5nm PAM4 DSP, Keystone. The PDK is a cost-cutting and time-saving tool for cable manufacturers who want to quickly integrate Keystone into their active electrical cables. MaxLinear’s Keystone PAM4 DSP offers a significant power advantage in AEC applications, which is increasingly becoming a critical factor for hyperscale data centers. The use of 5nm CMOS technology enables designers and manufacturers to build high-speed cables that meet the need for low power, highly integrated, high performance interconnect solutions that will drive the next generation of hyperscale cloud networks. Manufacturers taking advantage of MaxLinear’s PDK to optimize cable designs using Keystone PAM4 DSP will gain a distinct advantage over competitor solutions when trying to maximize reach and minimize power consumption. The PDK makes Keystone easy to integrate with strong applications support, multiple tools to optimize and monitor performance, and reference designs (SW and HW) to accelerate integration. Sophisticated software allows for quick design optimization for the lowest possible power consumption and maximizing cable reach. Cable designers can constantly monitor performance, route signals from any port to any port, and take advantage of hitless firmware upgrades. “MaxLinear is focused on providing not only industry-leading interconnect technologies but also a comprehensive suite of tools to support our manufacturing and design partners,” said Drew Guckenberger, Vice President of High Speed Interconnect at MaxLinear. “Our development kit for our Keystone products provides them with a path to take products to market more quickly and more cost-effectively.” Active electrical cables (AECs) are revolutionizing data center connections. Unlike passive cables, they actively boost signals, allowing for longer distances (up to 7 meters for 400G), higher bandwidth, and thinner, lighter cables. This makes them ideal for high-speed applications like top-of-rack connections (connecting switches to servers within the same rack); direct digital control (enabling flexible interconnectivity within racks and across rows); and breakout solutions (splitting high-speed connections into multiple lower-speed channels). The high-speed interconnect market – which includes active optical cables, active electrical cables, direct attach copper cables, and others – is expected to grow to $17.1B by 2028, up from $10.7B in 2021 according to a market forecast report from The Insight Partners. The Keystone Family The Keystone 5nm DSP family caters to 400G and 800G applications, featuring a groundbreaking 106.25Gbps host side electrical I/O, aligning with the line side interface rate. Available variants support single-mode optics (EML and SiPh), multimode optics and Active Electrical Cables (AECs), offering comprehensive solutions with companion TIAs. Host side interfaces cover ethernet rates of 25G, 50G, and 100G per lane over C2M, MR, and LR host channels. The line side interfaces, tailored for 100G/λ DR, FR, and LR applications, also support these rates. These devices boast extensive DSP functionality, encompassing line-side transmitter DPD, TX FIR, receiver FFE, and DFE. With exceptional performance and signal integrity, these DSPs occupy a compact footprint (12mm x 13mm), ideal for next-gen module form-factors like QSFP-DD800 and OSFP800. Additionally, they are available as Known Good Die (KGD) for denser applications, such as OSFP-XD. About MaxLinear, Inc. MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. MaxLinear, the MaxLinear logo, any other MaxLinear trademarks are all property of MaxLinear, Inc. or one of MaxLinear's subsidiaries in the U.S.A. and other countries. All rights reserved.

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PsiQuantum, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Mitsubishi Chemical Announce Partnership to Design Energy-Efficient Materials on PsiQuantum’s

PsiQuantum | January 30, 2024

PsiQuantum and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group announced that they are beginning work with Mitsubishi Chemical Group on a joint project to simulate excited states of photochromic molecules which have widespread industrial and residential potential applications such as the development of smart windows, energy-efficient data storage, solar energy storage and solar cells, and other photoswitching use cases. Qlimate, a PsiQuantum-led initiative that includes MUFG as a partner, focuses on using fault-tolerant quantum computing to crack the most challenging computational problems and accelerate the development of scalable breakthroughs across climate technologies, including more energy-efficient materials. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is committed to supporting the world’s transition to a sustainable future, and to encourage industry access to the most promising breakthrough technologies. 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The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. About the Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (TSE: 4188) is a specialty materials group with an unwavering commitment to lead with innovative solutions to achieve KAITEKI, the well-being of people and the planet. We bring deep expertise and material science leadership in core market segments such as mobility, digital, medical and food. In this way, we enable industry transformation, technology breakthroughs, and longer, more fruitful lives for us all. Together, around 70,000 employees worldwide provide advanced chemistry-based solutions to deliver the core elements of our slogan — “Science. Value. Life.”

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Teledyne Relays Unveils Innovative Multi-Function Timer Series

Teledyne Relays, Inc. | January 29, 2024

Teledyne Relays, a leading provider of cutting-edge relay solutions, introduces its new Multi-Function Timer product series, showcasing the company's commitment to delivering advanced, reliable, and versatile solutions for the industrial automation sector. Teledyne Relays Multi-Function Timer MFT series is a state-of-the-art solution designed for a wide variety of applications that demand precise timing control. The user-friendly design features three potentiometers for easy selection of timing functions and ranges, while the LEDs provide at-a-glance feedback of timing and relay status. The MFT series also features 7 selectable timing functions for a wide variety of applications Timing ranges from 0.1 seconds up to 100 hours Compact 17.5mm housing preserves valuable panel space Supply Voltages: 24VDC & 24-240VAC OR 12-240VAC/DC 5A SPDT output relay Engineered with the needs of electrical engineers, panel builders, and automation engineers in mind, these timers find application in various industries, including but not limited to Industrial Automation Manufacturing Process Control Systems HVAC and Refrigeration Agriculture and Irrigation Power Distribution “With the new Multi-Function Timer series, Teledyne Relays continues to lead in providing reliable and versatile solutions for industrial automation, ensuring precise timing control,” said Michael Palakian, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Teledyne Relays. The Multi-Function Timer series from Teledyne Relays ensures precise timing control, offering unparalleled reliability across diverse applications and is available for ordering from Teledyne Relays or an authorized distributor. About Teledyne Relays Teledyne Relays is a world leader in high-performance coaxial switches, electromechanical, and solid-state relays, offering a wide range of solutions for various applications in the aerospace and defense, telecommunications, test and measurement, and industrial markets. With over 60 years of experience, Teledyne Relay has established a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service excellence. About Teledyne Defense Electronics Serving Defense, Space and Commercial sectors worldwide, Teledyne Defense Electronics offers a comprehensive portfolio of highly engineered solutions that meet your most demanding requirements in the harshest environments. Manufacturing both custom and off-the-shelf product offerings, our diverse product lines meet emerging needs for key applications for avionics, energetics, electronic warfare, missiles, radar, satcom, space and test and measurement.

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MaxLinear Launches Product Design Kit for Active Electrical Cables Using Keystone PAM4 DSP

MaxLinear | February 02, 2024

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PsiQuantum, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Mitsubishi Chemical Announce Partnership to Design Energy-Efficient Materials on PsiQuantum’s

PsiQuantum | January 30, 2024

PsiQuantum and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group announced that they are beginning work with Mitsubishi Chemical Group on a joint project to simulate excited states of photochromic molecules which have widespread industrial and residential potential applications such as the development of smart windows, energy-efficient data storage, solar energy storage and solar cells, and other photoswitching use cases. Qlimate, a PsiQuantum-led initiative that includes MUFG as a partner, focuses on using fault-tolerant quantum computing to crack the most challenging computational problems and accelerate the development of scalable breakthroughs across climate technologies, including more energy-efficient materials. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is committed to supporting the world’s transition to a sustainable future, and to encourage industry access to the most promising breakthrough technologies. By pioneering PsiQuantum’s Qlimate solutions with industry leader Mitsubishi Chemical, MUFG is at the forefront of quantum computing for sustainability. This joint project will determine whether high-accuracy estimates of excited state properties are feasible on early-generation fault-tolerant quantum computers, specifically focusing on diarylethenes used for energy-efficient photoswitching applications. The project will allow Mitsubishi Chemical to gain early insights into how and when fault-tolerant quantum computing can be deployed in support of critical, scalable, sustainable materials. Because predicting the optical properties of materials requires complex analysis of excited states, standard algorithmic techniques for simulating these molecules (such as the Density Functional Theory, or DFT) often produce qualitatively incorrect results. The project will bring together Mitsubishi Chemical’s deep experience of computational chemistry and PsiQuantum’s leading expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing to push the boundaries of approaching the complex physics in these systems and pave the way to developing new, more powerful energy-efficient photonic materials. Philipp Ernst, Head of Solutions at PsiQuantum, said: “PsiQuantum has dedicated teams who identify, describe and solve complex problem sets with best-in-class quantum algorithms. These are designed specifically to run on fault-tolerant quantum computers and will tackle previously-impossible computational challenges. This partnership will leverage our team’s unique know-how and Mitsubishi Chemical’s expertise in photochromic materials. We are grateful for MUFG’s visionary support in our mission to deploy high-impact quantum computing solutions to fight climate change.” Suguru Azegami, Managing Director, Sustainable Business Division, MUFG said: “We are excited to partner with PsiQuantum and Mitsubishi Chemical on our journey to explore possibilities of quantum computing technologies to solve the imminent global challenge. PsiQuantum’s vision to develop the first utility scale quantum computer before the end of the decade has inspired us, which led our initiative to participate in the Qlimate partnership as the first and sole member from Japan. Mitsubishi Chemical is leading efforts to use the cutting-edge technology to develop next generation materials and we are honored to support the company as its long term financial partner.” Qi Gao, Senior Chief Scientist, Mitsubishi Chemical said: “We are pleased to be part of the partnership and are grateful for MUFG’s support. Mitsubishi Chemical’s over 40 years background in computational chemistry and PsiQuantum’s domain specific knowledge for quantum control is a great fit with the collaboration effort of improving calculation accuracy on quantum device. We hope the partnership will accelerate the innovation of revolutionizing computational studies in chemistry and materials science.” About PsiQuantum PsiQuantum is a private company, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The company’s only mission is to build and deploy the world’s first useful, large-scale quantum computer. Many teams around the world today have demonstrated prototype quantum computing systems, but it is widely accepted that much larger systems are necessary in order to unlock transformational applications across drug discovery, climate technologies, finance, transportation, security & defense and beyond. PsiQuantum’s photonic approach enables rapid scaling via direct leverage of high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and cryogenic infrastructure. The company is partnered with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University and Sci-Tech Daresbury in the United Kingdom. About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,000 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 160,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. About the Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (TSE: 4188) is a specialty materials group with an unwavering commitment to lead with innovative solutions to achieve KAITEKI, the well-being of people and the planet. We bring deep expertise and material science leadership in core market segments such as mobility, digital, medical and food. In this way, we enable industry transformation, technology breakthroughs, and longer, more fruitful lives for us all. Together, around 70,000 employees worldwide provide advanced chemistry-based solutions to deliver the core elements of our slogan — “Science. Value. Life.”

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Additive Manufacturing

Teledyne Relays Unveils Innovative Multi-Function Timer Series

Teledyne Relays, Inc. | January 29, 2024

Teledyne Relays, a leading provider of cutting-edge relay solutions, introduces its new Multi-Function Timer product series, showcasing the company's commitment to delivering advanced, reliable, and versatile solutions for the industrial automation sector. Teledyne Relays Multi-Function Timer MFT series is a state-of-the-art solution designed for a wide variety of applications that demand precise timing control. The user-friendly design features three potentiometers for easy selection of timing functions and ranges, while the LEDs provide at-a-glance feedback of timing and relay status. The MFT series also features 7 selectable timing functions for a wide variety of applications Timing ranges from 0.1 seconds up to 100 hours Compact 17.5mm housing preserves valuable panel space Supply Voltages: 24VDC & 24-240VAC OR 12-240VAC/DC 5A SPDT output relay Engineered with the needs of electrical engineers, panel builders, and automation engineers in mind, these timers find application in various industries, including but not limited to Industrial Automation Manufacturing Process Control Systems HVAC and Refrigeration Agriculture and Irrigation Power Distribution “With the new Multi-Function Timer series, Teledyne Relays continues to lead in providing reliable and versatile solutions for industrial automation, ensuring precise timing control,” said Michael Palakian, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Teledyne Relays. The Multi-Function Timer series from Teledyne Relays ensures precise timing control, offering unparalleled reliability across diverse applications and is available for ordering from Teledyne Relays or an authorized distributor. About Teledyne Relays Teledyne Relays is a world leader in high-performance coaxial switches, electromechanical, and solid-state relays, offering a wide range of solutions for various applications in the aerospace and defense, telecommunications, test and measurement, and industrial markets. With over 60 years of experience, Teledyne Relay has established a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service excellence. About Teledyne Defense Electronics Serving Defense, Space and Commercial sectors worldwide, Teledyne Defense Electronics offers a comprehensive portfolio of highly engineered solutions that meet your most demanding requirements in the harshest environments. Manufacturing both custom and off-the-shelf product offerings, our diverse product lines meet emerging needs for key applications for avionics, energetics, electronic warfare, missiles, radar, satcom, space and test and measurement.

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