Press Releases

Safety Sensing in the harshest of Industrial Environments

Strong, Fast, Visible and Safe: A new generation of Safety Light Curtains from Panasonic

Presented by DC Automation at the National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Exhibition.

Stand: M14B

DC Automation – the official partner of Panasonic.

Operator safety in a production environment is an extremely important part of any machine design and is one of the top priorities for any system integrator in addition to time scales for machine design and construction. The Safety Light Curtain is one of the most common elements used in a safety system.

Easy setting and configuration

In a world where time is so important the last distraction a system integrator needs is a time consuming procedure for setting up a Safety Light Curtain system on a new machine. The built-in alignment indicator system located at the base of both the emitter and receiver of each light curtain contains a single digit numeric display and coloured indicated to assist alignment.

The Configurator Light Curtain software is used in conjunction with a communication module which allows parameters to be loaded to a safety light curtain using file data and transferred between similar light curtains via the write function.

Flexible wiring options

The SF4D Series offers 3 cables type including Optical synchronisation, Line synchronisation and Full Function Line synchronisation that reflect the complexity of the Safety Light Curtain set up.

This flexibility allows the user to choose the most efficient light curtain configuration for their application.

Robust and reliable operation in the harshest of environments

As various protection ratings prove, the SF4D products are able to operate in areas where liquids and coolants are present with maximum reliability. In addition, the high power optical system allows the operation range to be increased to 15m along the beam axis and gives the benefit of allowing the light curtain to reliably operate with continual build-up of dust and dirt.

With its new design, the SF4D series has improved in optics as well as reduced in overall size.

To see the Safety Light Curtain in action and to get further information, just visit DC Automation at stand number M14B or contact info@dc-automation.com .

About IP Telecom

About IP TelecomPost by IP Telecom

IP Telecom, an Irish owned company, offers first class telephony solutions to companies in Ireland and across the world via its own VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) network.

Set up in 2010 by a team of highly experienced telecommunications professionals, IP Telecom is the only dedicated voice carrier in Ireland and offers both hosted PBX and SIP Trunk solutions. The company has invested significantly in developing its own cloud based telephone system to ensure it can provide excellent call quality, customer service and technical consultancy at all times.

By eliminating traditional hardware installations and needless line rental and call costs, IP Telecom’s proprietary cloud solution works to future proof each client’s telecommunications infrastructure – while also saving them up to 70% on their existing telephone costs.

IP Telecom works with clients ranging in size from multi-site and international large enterprise and corporate firms to SME businesses, semi-state government bodies and other mainstream and diverse industries.

Find out how much you could save your business on telephony costs by checking out the IP Telecom Savings Calculator: https://iptelecom.ie/

 

For more information and regular updates, check out www.iptelecom.com or follow us on Twitter @IPTelecom

Pak Automation

Pak AutomationPost by Pak Automation

Pak Automation Ltd (Est 1983) has been a leading supplier of Bespoke Automated Packaging Systems for over 30 years. Pak Automation Ltd’s attention to detail and working to the requirements of our clients ensure client satisfaction.

Pak Automation Ltd’s is an established Robot Systems Integrator with Systems installed and working g in every industry sector on the island of Ireland and with Clients in over 17 countries outside of Ireland, Pak Automation is a small flexible company with a Global Reach.

From Concept to design to build to install and then after Sales Support – a one stop shop

Our close knit Engineering team works directly with the client at all stages of the project.

Econova CSR Solutions

Econova CSR SolutionsArticle provided by Econova.

We are very proud to introduce Econova CSR solutions Ltd. a newly established company dedicated to helping their clients reach the next level of success, by providing tangible Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental and Health & Safety Solutions, incorporating a total service from strategic planning to implementation.

By undertaking a comprehensive and systematic review of their clients’ entire operations, Econova is able to establish and formulate policies required for the management of their CSR objectives. This will provide clients with the necessary documentation to implement these agreed policies, such as Health & Safety Risk Assessments, Company Safety Statement, Environmental and Waste Policies, as well as policy and procedure statements relating to employees.

Leading Global Brands are increasingly requiring their suppliers to meet specific CSR standards, in addition to this many are also demanding independent accreditation to ensure these policies have been implemented across their suppliers’ organisation.

Heineken recently issued a Global directive, stating certain suppliers must hold Ecovadis Gold level accreditation from within the Ecovadis Sustainability Ratings System by Dec 31st 2017, making CSR a mandatory criteria for suppliers to continue to provide goods into Heineken’s Global operations.

EcoVadis provides Supplier Sustainability Ratings for more than 30,000 companies including leading multinationals such as Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, Heineken, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, Merck, and Pernod Ricard Group.

Gold Level accreditation represents the highest possible ratings level obtainable from Ecovadis, considering they also issue Bronze and Silver level awards which represent scores below 62/100, increasing client demands are a significant issue for companies to respond to, however it also clearly provides a massive opportunity for companies to obtain a critical competitive advantage within their industry by being recognised as an organisation which fully embraces the values of CSR, rather than being compliant to the minimum mandatory level.

2016 saw new EU regulations coming into effect whereby it became mandatory for publicly traded companies with more than 500 employees to include sustainability measures in their annual reports. This information includes “policies, risks and results” related to “social, environmental and human-rights impact, diversity, and anti-corruption policies.” The law will impact roughly 6,000 companies however it’s currently estimated that less than half are already engaged in sustainability reporting.

Econova recently assisted their client Lucas Luxury Packaging Limited in obtaining Gold Level accreditation from Ecovadis, achieving a result which places Lucas in the TOP 1 % of suppliers assessed by EcoVadis in all categories.

Econova’s Managing Director Tuija McCarthy outlined the key benefits in adopting and implementing a clear CSR Framework, as being increased productivity and operational efficiencies, leading to greater profitability and significantly reduced operating risks.

She continued by saying “CSR is now a real opportunity for Irish businesses in light of recent concerns arising from both Brexit and the US, we see the embracing of CSR policies as a significant competitive advantage for business’s operating in, or looking to expand, into the global marketplace”.

Further details in relation to the services provided by Econova can be found on their website www.econova.ie , email info@econova.ie or by calling 086 2328238.

Want to Know How “MELFA SafePlus” Enables Robots and Humans to Collaborate?

Want to Know How “MELFA SafePlus” Enables Robots and Humans to Collaborate?Article provided by Mitsubishi Electric.

Mitsubishi Electric has developed a new optional Safety Solution “MELFA SafePlus” for its MELFA F Series industrial robots and will be demonstrating this solution at Stand 105 at this month’s National Manufacturing Conference in Citywest. The new technology limits the speed, range of movement or torque of the robot when safety sensors are activated, allowing operators to work in close proximity to a moving robot.

 In today’s flexible production environments, robots and human operators increasingly work side by side. Mitsubishi Electric’s integrated Safety Solution helps manufacturers to boost productivity and lift human-machine collaboration to a new level by allowing the robot to continue operation, within tight constraints, while operators access its work cell.

The scanner technology detects movements in two predefined zones within the operating environment of the industrial robot and transmits the information to the MELFA SafePlus safety system. A predefined reduced operating speed or a movement stop is then assigned to the robot in real time, thus enabling operators to work in close proximity to the moving industrial robot without a safety cage. As a result, humans and robots are able to work within an environment where the risk of danger is significantly reduced. If the scanner registers a person within either of the two predefined safety zones, the robot’s F series controller switches to safety mode automatically. Speed reduction limits the maximum speed of the robot, allowing the device to carry on working at a safe speed, or stops all movement if required.

Besides speed reduction, the MELFA SafePlus system has two further safety mechanisms.

Limited Range Control prevents the robot from entering the part of the work cell accessed by the operator. The system monitors the position of four points on the robot arm and prevents any one of them from passing a pre-defined plane while the safety system is activated.

Torque Monitoring controls the speed and movement of the robot to keep estimated torque in its joints below a pre-determined level. Actual torque in the joints is continually monitored and the robot is immediately stopped if torque exceeds the pre-set level. This ensures that the robot will stop safely in the event of a collision.

In addition, all F Series robots are equipped with Safe Torque Off and Safe Stop capabilities, ensuring that motor power shuts off and the robot stops when an error occurs. This almost entirely avoids the risk of collisions with peripheral devices and other components.

All new safety functions can be triggered by dual channel safety inputs and can also be easily and safely integrated into a safety system which is controlled by safety PLC. The new Safety Solution for F Series hardware and software is developed and certified to a full range of relevant safety standards, including EN ISO 10218-1 (Industrial robots), EN ISO 13849-1 (Safety of machinery), EN62061 / IEC61508 (Functional Safety) and EN61800-5-2 (Safety function Drive) .

“The outstanding speed, accuracy, connectivity, flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the Mitsubishi Electric F series is already increasing the application range of our robots to new tasks and into new industries,” says Oliver Giertz, European Product Manager for Robots at Mitsubishi Electric Europe’s Factory Automation European Business Group, “expanding on the existing range of safety features, the new optional safety concept “MELFA SafePlus” takes this a step further, allowing our customers to integrate robots and human operators in the same production lines with less space, less cost and higher overall productivity. For example, in an application requiring the worker to manually infeed products to the robot, the downtime can be reduced dramatically because the robot does not need to be stopped and restarted thanks to the “MELFA SafePlus” function.”

For more information visit Mitsubishi Electric at Stand 105 at the National Manufacturing Exhibition, or contact Mitsubishi Electric at: Tel: 00353 1 4198800, email: sales.info@meir.mee.com or visit:ie3a.mitsubishielectric.com.

Ltec Automation

Ltec AutomationPost provided by Ltec Automation

Ltec Automation is a leading provider of Precision Automation & Test solutions and Machine Build services to the medical devices, electronics and automotive markets.

Ltec Automation Is a systems integrator of Process and Test Technologies including Robotics, Co-Robotics, Vision systems , Electronic Test (utilising NI platform) , Mechanical Test Systems, Intelligent conveyence , Packaging, Material Handling, Integration to Shop Floor data collection systems.

Our unique technology and approach combines graphical Model-Driven development with automatic code generation, test & commissioning support and equipment simulation.

We utilise development software “CORDIS-SUITE”, and Virtual and Augmented reality simulation that helps companies to grow their business faster and more sustainable than ever.

We employ Agile Project Management processes and GAMP5 guidelines to provide best in class validated and CE systems and solutions to our customers”.

We design and manufacture Precision tooling, Laser tooling & provide Laser Marking and other services.

Mactex Oil

Mactex OilPost provided by Mactex Oil

Mactex Oil Distribution Ltd, is a dedicated lubricants supply company specialising in Industrial lubricants.  We supply a vast range of process oils, maintenance fluids, metal working fluids and approved food grade products.  Through our international network of suppliers, we can economically and efficiently source and supply any brand, type or specification of lubricant you may require.  As part of our overall service we offer on-site audits plus predictive maintenance oil sampling analysis along with other customer specific supports to all our customers.

We stock and supply many of the world’s top brands including Fuchs, Castrol, Mobil and Shell. These products can be viewed and purchased from our company website www.mactexoil.ie. We carry the market leading “Cassida” food-grade range of premium quality lubricants.  Cassida fluids are approved for use in every sector of the food, pharma and healthcare manufacturing industries requiring lubricants.

All products are stored in our modern distribution centre in Galway, ready for FREE* next day delivery nationwide.  Our warehouse is GDP passport certified to medical and pharma requirements with a full track and trace system in operation.

Mactex Oil is the only single source multi-brand provider of lubricants grease and ancillary products in Ireland.  Contact us today to find out how we can help your business.

Please visit our stand to receive a €100.00 on-line trading voucher which can be used to purchase any of our available brands.

CPS Showcases “CoboPal” Robot

CPS Showcases "CoboPal" RobotCPS is an automation company that are operating out of Tuam, Co Galway for over 20 years. They have developed to become one of the leading manufacturers in the design of bespoke equipment and materials handling in Ireland. They provide turn-key solutions for clients across the globe with proven cost reduction, increased efficiency and return on investment.

CPS is showcasing the Flexlink ‘CoboPal’ (collaborative palletizing robot). The collaborative robots (Cobots) designed to work along-side people safely. Its main objective is to assist operators by carrying out the tedious and repetitive tasks; for example a pick and place solution for palletising.

The Flexlink CoboPal is light weight, and therefore can ‘Plug & Play’ and moved from location to location easily if required. It also has a small footprint as no safety enclosures are required. Safety sensors are built in that will detect the presence of people and their location. A very sensitive overload stop is built in; if the CoboPal comes in contact with an obstacle it will halt immediately, therefore avoiding potential danger to the staff working nearby.

The CoboPal is easily programmed, has been designed so that anyone who can use a smart phone/tablet can programme the CoboPal.

Keep your fleet costs down

Keep your fleet costs downFleet managers will tell you that vehicle telematics can cut costs and make their jobs far easier. But what exactly is telematics? Essentially a live reporting tool, telematics comprise of a number of handy features including information on fuel usage, vehicle diagnostics, driver behaviour, traffic updates and of course live vehicle tracking. Above all telematics will save your business money.

It is a common misconception that telematics is an expensive, luxury tool that only the largest fleets can afford and ultimately benefit from. The truth is vehicle telematics can help any fleet from two vehicles upwards become more efficient and deliver real cost savings. Even after you take into account installation and operating costs (which may be much cheaper than you think), telematics will cut your overall business vehicle costs.

The key benefits of using telematics are three fold: they allow you to monitor fuel use and fuel efficiency; they increase productivity through better vehicle routing; and they promote safe driving. Of course all three will benefit businesses no matter what their fleet size, but the first two points in particular are of value to smaller fleets as they directly reduce monthly fuel bills.

With a fleet of any size, every driver and vehicle is crucial to effective business operations. Having even one vehicle knocked out of circulation can have a huge impact on productivity and additional strain on drivers and vehicles still in circulation. This is where the second key benefit of telematics comes into play. You can always see where your drivers are in real-time, which allows for much more efficient job allocation and route planning.

Content provided by Kinesis.

Ergo Re:Thinks Managed Print and So Should You

Ergo Re:Thinks Managed Print and So Should YouAs Ireland’s leading cloud and managed services provider, Ergo excels in matching technology to business needs and has been helping organisations achieve their strategic goals for more than 23 years. Print and document management have always been core to what we do. Taking care of more than 700 million prints and copies per annum and managing in excess of 5,000 printers on behalf of clients like Primark, Boston Scientific, eir, Fexco, Icon, Uniphar and VHI, we are recognised as a pioneer and thought leader in the area of managed print. Our attention to detail at every level of the service is why our first customers are still with us after more than two decades.

We believe that a managed print service can be the best kind of utility service, one that delivers a great experience without compromising on quality or reliability, and without the premium price tag. Our goal is to deliver the best possible service for our customers, now and into the future, leveraging the latest technologies and innovation to keep them at the leading edge of print and document services.

Our initial audit matches the print environment to the needs of the business; our regular reviews make sure our service is always adding value; our technical expertise and attention to detail ensures the performance of the environment is optimised to maximise employee productivity; our security experts implement the latest solutions to expose and eradicate the increasing threat to print environments.

To find out more about what a managed print service from Ergo can offer your business, speak to our experts at stand 101a at the National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference on 31st January 2017.

www.ergogroup.ie/mps

Synecco to Exhibit at Dublin Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference

Synecco to Exhibit at Dublin Manufacturing and Supply Chain ConferenceSynecco, a global supplier of contract manufacture and design solutions for the medical device market, will be exhibiting in Dublin at the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition held on January 31st 2017.

Founded in 2004, Synecco offer a broad range of services to suit client’s needs including: design and engineering, component manufacture and assembly, as well as supply chain management. Synecco have a diverse commercial client portfolio, from large multinational companies to cutting edge high potential start-ups and is fully compliant to industry standard ISO 13485 and is a U.S. FDA registered contract manufacturer.

Synecco deliver key strategic advantages for their clients in the market place through:

  • Commercially attractive products – by designing the most desirable products and line extensions through medical device design excellence
  • Maximised margins – through efficient production and effective supply chain management
  • Strategic relationships – through long-term strategic commitments to client growth and profitability needs

Synecco’s experienced team together with their end-to-end design, development and manufacturing approach seamlessly integrates the complete supply chain to give clients a sustainable competitive market advantage.

For more information, visit www.synecco.com.

Sartorius Intec Rebrands as Minebea Intec

Sartorius Intec Rebrands as Minebea IntecLeading supplier of industrial measuring and inspection technology, Sartorius Intec, will now be offering its products, solutions and services under the new Minebea Intec brand. This rebranding is the next logical step following Sartorius Intec’s move to Japanese group Minebea at the start of 2015. Minebea Intec’s product portfolio includes platform scales, process vessel and silo scales, checkweighers and equipment for detecting foreign objects for the food industry and other industry segments.

“We have used the rebranding exercise as an opportunity to make improvements,” said Peter Grimley, President Sales, Marketing & Service, “from heavy investment in the area of research and development to the expansion of the sales and service footprint and a completely new brand image and intuitive product design. The company’s service commitment is unequivocal. ‘We make daily life safer’ is both a standard we set for ourselves and a promise to customers and consumers around the world. The company slogan ‘The true measure’, meanwhile, underlines our position as a leading global supplier of products and solutions and the way in which we strive to set strong standards in all areas of the company.”

A global supplier with nearly 70 years of experience, Minebea Intec offers an extensive range of innovative products, solutions and services, which are aimed in particular at improving the reliability, safety and efficiency of production and packaging lines, with a focus on helping manufacturers in the food industry to optimise their processes, so that products leaving production are of the correct quality and free from contamination. The “German quality” of the products and services lays the foundation for this in conjunction with ongoing investment in the development of cutting-edge technologies. The company’s global presence ensures customer proximity and makes it possible to support customers throughout the entire life cycle of the company’s products and solutions. This can take the form of product consulting or design-in support, and can range from installation, calibration, maintenance and repair to machine upgrades, modernisation and user training.

The parent group Minebea is a global manufacturer of precision electro-mechanical components, supplying products to various industries. Minebea was incorporated in Japan in 1951 and currently employs approximately 70,000 employees. The net turnover of the Japanese group exceeded the 600 billion yen mark for the first time in the last financial year – equivalent to around 4.7 billion euros. Minebea’s product portfolio includes miniature ball bearings for luxury wristwatches, rod-end bearings for the aviation industry and electronic devices. In terms of its products’ global market share, the Minebea Group holds the top spot in a large number of segments.

Why have you chosen this particular moment to change to the Minebea Intec brand?

Dr. Bodo Krebs: Changing the brand name is the next logical step following Sartorius Intec’s departure from the Sartorius Group and move to Minebea at the start of 2015. A complete change to a new brand name is a long process. Every step – from product approval to customer acceptance – takes time. We have already done a great deal of work on this in the 18 months since joining Minebea, but it will take at least another two years for the process to be completed. We have now reached the point in our schedule where we are going to change to the new brand name in public.

What exactly does your new slogan ‘The true measure’ refer to?

Peter Grimley: Our new brand slogan ‘The true measure’ refers to two things: firstly our core market position as a leading global supplier of products and solutions for industrial measuring and inspection technology and secondly our goal of setting strong standards in all areas of our company and also setting the benchmark for every aspect of our industry.

You are continually investing in the research and development of new technologies and products. Can you give us any specific examples of this?

Dr. Bodo Krebs: We will be presenting an extremely good example of this investment at Fachpack in Nuremberg; Our Concept Scale CS5000 will be accessible to the public for the first time at this trade fair. Just like concept cars in the automotive industry, the CS5000 was developed exclusively to present new technologies to customers and to be able to talk to them about the benefits of its features in terms of the reliability, safety and efficiency of production and packaging processes. This scale will also showcase the new design on which all new Minebea Intec products will be based in the future. When developing the Concept Scale, a particular emphasis was placed on wireless technology, hygienic design, an intuitive user interface and the use of mobile devices for setting up and monitoring production processes.

You brand yourselves as a premium supplier. What does that mean in real terms for your customers and will that remain the same under the Minebea Intec brand?

Peter Grimley: For us, being a premium supplier means that we continuously orientate ourselves to the actual needs of our customers. In all that we do, whether it is product quality, innovation or customer service, we must strive to achieve the very highest standards. In our understanding “The true measure” of a premium supplier is as follows: working hand in hand with the customers, understanding their needs and going beyond expectations to support their business.

Co-Founder of TrasferMate to Discuss Brexit Impact

Co-Founder of TrasferMate to Discuss Brexit ImpactFounded in 2010, TransferMate Global Payments is the market-leading, international choice for businesses worldwide that send and receive foreign currency payments. TransferMate are are driving change across the global payments and wider FinTech sector alike. TransferMate’s unique portfolio of global regulation has enabled them to build one of the world’s most extensive networks of bank accounts in over 50 countries, delivering 3 key benefits to their clients: savings, speed and the removal of costly administration.

The impact of Brexit on Irish Importers and Exporters

Barry Dowling, co-founder of TransferMate will take to the stage to discuss the impact Brexit is having on Ireland, in particular the effect on the Irish manufacturing industry. Barry holds over 20 years’ experience within the payments and online business sectors and has spearheaded the business growth strategy for TransferMate since inception. This is set to be a very relevant discussion from an industry expert and it is one not to be missed.

For more information about TransferMate and our solutions contact our trade expert Jules on joloughlin@transfermate.com or 01 6353700.

Masterlift Ireland Ltd.

Masterlift Ireland Ltd.Masterlift Ireland Ltd is a leader in the forklift and material-handling solutions industry in Ireland.  Masterlift was established in 1986 by Dermot & Anne Carroll, and 30 years later employs over 30 staff nationwide across four Centers of Excellence which together allow Masterlift to provide the highest quality sales and service in Ireland.  Masterlift has branches, in Dublin, Galway, Sligo and Waterford offering sales, service, parts and hire.  Masterlift is unique in Ireland in that all facilities are purpose-built, we have the only forklift showroom in the country.  With the coverage afforded by these four Masterlift regional centres, they are perfectly poised to serve Irish customers nationwide.

Masterlift’s professional highly skilled staff can offer solutions to our suppliers and customers and keep setting the bar for industry standards.  Masterlift are delighted to announce Yvonne Gillick will bring her 25 years of experience in the forklift business to their sales team.

Masterlifts mission is to provide the highest standard for quality of service and safety in the material handling industry, providing maximum value and tailor solutions to all their clients.  They are continuously evolving and improving our operations to become more efficient, agile, lean and sustainable.

Masterlift are proud distributors for Hyundai, Combilift, JCB, Bravi, Mariotti, Kalmar & Midac equipment.

Masterlift strives to take care of your business as well as they take care of their own.  Masterlift is the total solution for sales, service, rental and parts.  It is the combination of placing the right vehicle in the right situation backed by guaranteed after sales service and customer care that keep Masterlift Ireland’s number one.

Modula Storage Systems

Modula Storage SystemsModula manufactures automated storage and retrieval systems featuring one of the most advanced vertical lift modules in the world.

Modula’s automated storage and retrieval solutions are designed to optimise space and improve your picking and storage operations. Modula’s products help your company to recover up to 90% of valuable floor space while improving picking accuracy, increasing productivity and enhancing security.

The Vertical Lift Module (VLM) utilises the full ceiling height of your facility thereby maximising the storage potential. Items are stored in systems up to 14.1 m high, in a safe, secure environment and automatically delivered to the operator, avoiding unnecessary walking, bending and stretching.

Modula offers one of the most advanced picking systems in the (VLM) market. It is possible to combine Modula’s industry exclusive external dual delivery picking bay with any one of Modula`s pick to light systems, for example our laser pointer system pinpoints the SKU by mapping it on an X,Y axis. The result is an increase in picking rates and pick accuracy along with higher productivity for operators between tray deliveries.

All of this is combined with the highest tray load capacities, up to 990kg, and very fast pick cycle times.

Part of the automation specialist System Group, we provide high density, cost saving storage solutions from 58 locations worldwide. Offering a consultative approach, we work closely with our customers to provide one of the most cost effective and innovative solutions.

If you have a requirement to save space, save time and save money then why not contact Modula for a free survey and consultation?

For more information: www.modula.com

 

Is EPR Still Hot?

Is EPR Still Hot?Business software, accounting, workflow, process management and MRP. There was a time when we’d shout it from the rooftops, but nowadays, we’re less inclined to make that much noise. For some of us, these terms, albeit, part of our lexicon, are enough to make us dizzy, or perhaps even put us to sleep.

It was probably a decade ago that everyone dreamed of fortune and glory. Those who dreamed big, got there and those who dreamed small, graced the back pages of PC Magazine. No matter what, one thing was certain – the industry’s top developers and creative thinkers were rarely lured away from lucrative and exciting positions by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software companies. That’s right. Back then, nothing was particularly hot about ERP. Hot was a faster download, a one-click-away, a 3D virtual over-the-top online game where first prize meant that you lived through an attack on your planet.

Fast-forward 10 years. What’s changed? Nothing. Nothing and everything. But with world economies still teetering towards recovery and companies streamlining their business processes, everybody’s looking at ERP software solution providers. They’re still looking to abide by best practices, reduce operational costs, trim resources and manpower and let ERP pick up the slack, as it were. Since developers are still challenged to create better products, incorporate new features and give customers better-stronger-faster options, little by little…

ERP is kinda’ still… hot. And for corporations, developers and consumers, that’s what sells.

What makes software or technology hot? Historically that would be design and technology, but for business software, it’s different. Software’s focus has always been and, still is, based on four distinct traits: functionality, reliability, stability and availability. No, we’re not saying anything new. In fact, we’re not saying anything at all. But more and more ERP developers are tapping new technologies and incorporating them more quickly than ever before. This is driven by better tools, enhanced technology and customer demands – especially customer demands. With more people using VoIP and social networking for business, for example, it was just a matter of time before vendors added functionality to support these tools in their ERP systems.

ERP quickly rose to center stage, right up there with cloud computing and SaaS, not to mention an overwhelming welcome to first cousin, hybrid. With non-stop new design and graphic options, more intuitive UIs and an enhanced user experience, ERP software has become more attractive and easier to use. Now, with some, that it’s mobile, on the web, in the cloud, on your phone, it’s forever accessible anywhere, any time.

Even as this post is being typed, ERP is becoming hotter with more options. Some have said that ERP options are only limited by as far as you can think. As long as you can vouch that the traditional aspects of the system are sound (functionality, reliability, scalability and availability), you can look for a product that literally excites users and promotes adaptation within your organization. Employees who can control their own experience will have a personalized sense of ownership in the system and they’ll be more inclined to use it and make the best use of it.

Companies should look for vendors who are excited about their products, not only for what’s in place on the day you evaluate it, but in terms of what innovations and developments they have in the pipeline. ERP vendors should listen to their customers and help them manage the processes they’ve already honed in on, but more importantly, they should be able to challenge them to do things better. ERP should be about empowering companies and individual users and not forcing them to make do with inferior technology and products that look and feel outdated.

Solving business problems and streamlining are the driving forces behind most ERP sales, but there’s no reason that ERP can’t be exciting and inviting – and the user experience empowering. And that’s hot.

Is your head in the cloud?

Is your head in the cloud?Rising material costs, extended supply chains and stricter regulatory controls and food safety standards have put ever increasing demands on the food and beverage industry.

You may begin to wonder what the way forward could be for a food and beverage business looking to keep up with customer satisfaction and regulatory demands, as their business continues its march forward. The answer may be closer than you think. The rise in popularity of Cloud-based ERP systems, such as Business One and S/4HANA from SAP, allow food and beverage companies the flexibility of a cost per user, subscription model that can grow and expand as and when the business requires, giving the kind of flexibility that many businesses need in such a demanding sector. This new breed of ERP systems provide a single source of information for businesses in the food and beverage industry who need to maintain extensive information about the quality and traceability of their products across both single and multiple plants or operations, critical if you ever suffer the misfortune of a product recall or audit.

With a Cloud based ERP system, you are able to access your system or data from any device, as long as you have an internet connection. This can help to improve your decision process by increasing the visibility of what your business is doing and helping you to understand where the gains and losses might be, where you might be able to optimise and how you can improve efficiency and collaborate better within your supply chain.

Of course, let’s not forget about food safety and regulation. Using an ERP to improve your ability to deal with any potential threats and reduce risk is another important reason to make sure your systems are up to date. Integrating government and safety regulation into your process via your ERP system can help with everything from packaging to food ingredient and nutrition labelling as well as health & safety. Given that not only will your quality and process improvement help with food safety, it will also aid your customer facing folk too. Imagine walking into a client meeting and being able to access real-time knowledge and inventory information via a smart phone or tablet app. Imagine how impressed those customers will be when they can get historical information on your operations performance and definitive, data-based estimates on pricing and delivery.

So is it for you? Many companies could be at risk of a failed audit or a product recall because they just can’t access the information they need from outdated or disparate systems. Recent legislation and tighter restrictions now mean that recalls are on the rise and that will only mean even greater restrictions in the future. With that prospect in mind, companies involved in the food supply chain need to look for more agile software and Cloud options for their ERP software to help support best practice and repeatable processes.

Whether its global growth or production diversification, SAP running in the Cloud could be exactly what your business needs to stay ahead in an ever more competitive industry. Aside from the flexibility and scalability, it can also allow you to see the future just a little bit clearer.

SAP from Edenhouse will work with you to deliver an integrated business platform that can help to better improve your business and run Live!

For further information contact: marketing@edenhousesolutions.co.uk

 

Omni Digital Microscope & Measurement System

Omni Digital Microscope & Measurement SystemThe Omni is an integrated full HD (1080p) digital microscope and measurement system that operates without a PC. Omni’s custom platform incorporates a highly configurable and upgradeable set of inspection and measurement applications such as focus stacking, 2D measurement, side by side and overlay image comparison, custom on screen reticule/graticule and lens distortion correction.

The Omni platform has a powerful image processing and control engine that delivers superb full HD live video image quality at 60 frames per second enabling it to be utilised as a solution in a broad range of quality control, testing, rework, assembly, inspection and documentation tasks.

The Omni GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a custom designed mouse controlled Interface delivering intuitive and efficient operation and control of the full application suite.

Its unique ability to stay in calibration over the entire zoom range is one of many features that differentiate the Omni from other digital inspection systems.

Camera control functions (auto and manual focus, exposure, gain, brightness, white balance) ensure ultra-sharp, high contrast imaging. Omni’s quick release cable free interchangeable illumination module with intensity and quadrant control ensures shadow free illumination and glare reduction.

See a video here.


Industry 4.0 finds increasing application in production

Industry 4.0 finds increasing application in productionDigitalisation is the key to networked, flexible production of the future.

The implementation of Industry 4.0 is an ongoing process that involves challenges, but also offers great potential for the automation industry – Festo recognised this at an early stage. The key elements of industrial digitalisation are the individual components, which communicate with each other within the overall system and can control and regulate themselves. The tasks of the human employee are also changing from merely operating machines to solving complex problems. In shaping the production of the future, Festo is therefore strategically concentrating on a triad comprising new technologies, state-of-the-art training and further education, and the human at the focus of attention.

With Industry 4.0, Festo is adopting an integrated approach to factory and process automation that takes into account technologies, the human operator and education to an equal extent.

For further information on Industry 4.0, click here.


Contax to Exhibit Robots at National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference

Contax to Exhibit Robots at National Manufacturing & Supply Chain ConferenceContax Production Automation Ltd. will be showing showing a Yamaha orbital scara robot, the fastest, most robust and accurate of its kind on the market, capable of transferring payloads up to 5KG with an accuracy of 0.01mm, at the the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on January 31st. The use of a magnetic resolver instead of an encoder makes this robot immune to shock and electrical noise. Yamaha scara robots start at prices around €10K and can be equipped with an integrated vision option.

Contax are also showing an mta TR300 table top 3-axes Cartesian robot used for many semi-automatic processes including accurate soldering and liquid dispensing applications.

Contax also supply a wide range of conveyors, aluminium profile assemblies and other customised equipment solutions.


Dolmen and Ash Technologies Celebrate 20 Years of Collaboration

Dolmen and Ash Technologies Celebrate 20 Years of Collaboration20 years of collaboration between Dolmen and Ash Technologies has led to design awards for every single product developed.

Last November 2016 Dolmen was delighted to have been awarded the highest National Design Award for industrial design. The IDI Awards are an annual event that celebrate the best of design coming out of Ireland. Dolmen won the Industrial Design category for their partnership with Ash Technologies in the development of the Omni, a digital microscope for the industrial market.

Dolmen have partnered with Ash Technologies for over 20 years and, as a testament to the excellent working partnership, the collaboration has led to national and international design awards for every single product designed.

Managing Director of Ash Technologies Hugh Maguire said:

“Engaging with Dolmen has delivered the “design equity” that sets us apart with our product solutions. This design equity is a catalyst for value creation through our evolving business models and has enabled Ash to sustain core platforms in markets and industries significantly longer than we originally anticipated.”

Dolmen and Ash Technologies are looking forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration.

You can find Dolmen at stand 7 and Ash Technologies at stand 4 during the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference, City West, January 31st, where you can learn more about the cutting edge technologies that Ash Technologies are developing as well as learn more about the award winning product design work that Dolmen produces for a variety of clients.

Read more here.


Interroll to Exhibit at Dublin Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference

Interroll to Exhibit at Dublin Manufacturing & Supply Chain ConferenceInterroll, a worldwide leading producer of high-quality key products and services for internal logistics, will exhibit in Dublin at the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition held on January 26th 2017.

Interroll’s products include easy-to-integrate drive solutions such as drum motors for belt conveyors, DC-powered and non-powered rollers for roller conveyor systems; energy-efficient flow storage modules for compact pallet/container racking systems in distribution centres; crossbelt sorters, belt curves and other user-friendly conveyor modules for cost-efficient material flow systems.

Interroll’s comprehensive range of compact, energy efficient, hygienic drum motors provide the ideal drive solution for numerous industrial applications. Available in asynchronous and synchronous designs, Interroll drum motors are perfectly suited for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries because, with protection class IP66/ IP69K, they meet the highest hygiene requirements.

The high torque Synchronous Drum Motor is the most powerful and eco-friendly energy efficient hygienic conveyor belt drive ever developed by Interroll – providing a one drive system to suit all needs and speeds (0.01 m/s up to 4.5 m/s). Manufactured with EHEDG approval, as well as FDA recognition and an IP69K protection rating, the Interroll Synchronous Drum motor requires zero maintenance and can be installed and operated in wet and high pressure wash down applications. Its capabilities now expand into applications previously reserved for servo-drive technology.

Combined with an integrated encoder or other feedback system, the Interroll Synchronous Drum Motor can accelerate from zero to 100 percent of the maximum speed in milliseconds. It can be precisely controlled at both extremely high and ultra-low speeds with fast and timely exact positioning.

Interroll’s IP66/ IP69K hygienic drum motors can be covered with FDA approved profiled lagging, or fitted with stainless steel sprockets to provide excellent drive performance for all makes of modular plastic belting. Independent tests showed Interroll drum motors guarantee energy efficiency rates of up to 83% and eliminate the risk of product contamination compared with conventional external geared motor drives. 

Interroll’s Magnetic Speed Controller MSC 50 significantly reduces the risk of damaging goods conveyed on gravity roller conveyors and spirals or the end sections of sorters. Like all other Interroll products, the MSC 50 is maintenance free, easy to install and highly efficient.

Featured also will be details of the Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP) that can be flexibly applied in entire conveying systems and is unique in that it can be scaled to meet a wide range of requirements.

To discuss possible drive or material handling solutions, visit Interroll on Stand: 91 or visit the website – www.interroll.co.uk

Press Release

Technical Status: 26.06.2016 Filename: PR_mvBlueGEMINI_SK_EN.docx

Subject: mvBlueGEMINI – starter kit for smart camera

Keyword: Smart Camera

Category: Machine vision, automation, smart camera, image processing software

Picture: mvBlueGEMINI-Starterkit Inhalt H1 CMYK 300dpi.jpg

Company: MATRIX VISION GmbH D-71570 Oppenweiler Talstrasse 16

Internet: www.matrix-vision.de

E-Mail: info@matrix-vision.de

Contacts: Karin Ehinger/Marketing karin.ehinger@matrix-vision.de +49 7191 9432 312

Andy Ward / UK Sales andy.ward@matrix-vision.com +44 7899 410 824

Subsidized starter kits for mvBlueGEMINI smart camera

Following the introduction of the mvBlueGEMINI smart camera twinned with its intuitive and flexible mvIMPACT-CS software package MATRIX VISION has now added a starter kit to help new users take their first steps in smart camera machine vision. At the heart of the starter kit is the mvBlueGEMINI camera itself which comes preloaded with the mvIMPACT-CS application software. No additional software installation is needed; the camera is accessed using a web browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, typically from a PC or laptop. This interface allows customers to set up for many common quality inspection and data tasks including part present/absent, 1D and 2D code reading plus OCR text reading and verification.

Also included in the starter kit is a C-Mount lens suitable for the camera’s 1.3 megapixel sensor along with a diffuse white ring light which fits around the lens using the integral thread and can be triggered by the camera each time it captures an image. Further, the starter kit has a power supply and cables to connect the camera plus a useful workshop I/O box. This can be used to easily connect the camera’s inputs and outputs onto local terminal strips with LED indicator lights. It also features an adjustable pulse generator which can be used to provide an external trigger signal to initiate image capture in the mvBlueGEMINI camera. Finally a mounting bracket plus adjustable clamp allow a quick installation on the office desk or workshop, or even provide a temporary installation in the manufacturing environment. All this is presented in a sturdy carry case.

The mvBlueGEMINI smart camera features a high resolution images 1.3 megapixel image sensor. The 1280 x 1024 format offers 4 times as many pixels as most currently available smart cameras allowing optimum field of view and excellent image resolution for each installation. The mvIMPACT-CS software package offers a wizard driven web interface for set up and monitoring. This combines and distills powerful image processing algorithms from HALCON’s huge suite into simple commands such as “Find Object”, “Read Code” or “Read Text”. This greatly simplifies the majority of set ups saving time and allows user’s with only limited experience to create effective inspection and label checking programs.

To celebrate the launch of the mvBlueGEMINI smart camera family this starter kit is being offered at a substantially subsidized price. Please note that purchase is limited to one starter kit per customer.

MATRIX VISION are a German manufacturer of industrial CMOS and CCD cameras along with their associated electronics, software and accessories. Product ranges include board level cameras for OEM applications, Genicam compliant machine vision cameras and smart cameras with onboard image analysis and decision making. Interfaces cover USB2.0, USB3.0 Vision and GigE Vision. The products can run in both Windows and Linux environments using freely downloadable drivers, plus additional support for specific software packages such as DirectShow®, HALCON®, LabVIEW®, NeuroCheck® and third party machine vision SDK’s. For more information visit www.mvbluegemini.com or contact Andy Ward on +44 7899 410 824

The “mvBlueGEMINI” smart camera starter kit from MATRIX VISION – everything you need to get up and running