EDITORIAL DIRECTIONS

from Industrial Machinery Digest - April 2020

by Industrial Machinery Digest | IMD by Source 360 Media

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

It’s hard to concentrate on anything these days with the coronavirus as a constant backdrop. Every industry faces specific challenges in facing down this global pandemic, and we have no way of predicting what news each new day will bring. Travel has been disrupted, employees are being encouraged to work from home – not possible for everyone in manufacturing – schools are being shut down, hospitals are being overrun, restaurants are hurting, and entire states are being told to go into lockdown. This may be with us for quite a while, and many believe the post-virus world will be fundamentally and significantly changed from what we’ve known in the past.

That’s why it’s time for industry professionals to take a very close look at the technologies that are now available that can mitigate physical exposure and help you continue cutting chips. And here I’m talking about everything from conference calls, bringing people together while avoiding unnecessary contact, to the Internet of Things (IoT), linking machine tools within a facility and beyond to ensure accurate, streamlined production and the gathering of system data that can be harnessed in myriad ways to help maintain and optimize efficient process flow. Robots, cobots, AI, and automation (see FANUC “Talking Shop” interview in the March issue) are enhancing worker safety, further bridging the gap between man and machine and resulting in new definitions of that partnership in the manufacturing environment. In the most recent issue of IMD we produced a feature for our “Manufacturing Showcase” department describing a new technology developed by Help Lightning that provides “Remote Expertise” to machine tool operators who connect with OEM engineers and technicians via smart devices – your phone, or a tablet, for instance – so they can discuss challenges without the need for a site visit. As an example, when machine repairs or maintenance procedures are necessary, the machine operator can connect directly with the OEM expert using their smart devices, aiming the camera at the target area and allowing interaction, complete with hands superimposed over the problem part or area and the ability to sketch diagrams and exchange graphics for a quick and satisfying solution. Cincinnati, Inc., contributed to this article by describing their experience as an early adopter. Again, this provides yet another means of avoiding physical exposure while getting the production line back up and running.

These are just a few examples of the technologies increasingly available to manufacturers that make more sense now than ever before. Learning how to use them could help maintain smooth production even while facing unexpected crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic. So stay safe, work smart, and take advantage of our commitment to bringing you information about leading-edge technologies that will enhance your operations.

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