In Depth -

Features

Engineered safety

Given the scope, complexity and dynamic nature of the regulations behind safety systems for automated production equipment, enlightened manufacturers are increasingly seeking help. Brian Tinham talks to Rockwell about some of the issues.

IT Shortlist 2013

No one relishes ripping and replacing major business systems, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet. Brian Tinham looks at recent developments as part of WM's IT Shortlist 2013 guide

Pole position

ERP has grown massively in functionality in recent years.

Miracle on the Mersey

A bankrupt owner, a bad rep and a crisis of confidence – Ellesmere Port was down and very nearly out 18 months ago. But a radical flexible working deal between bosses and unions has delivered a stunning turnaround.

Sense of purpose

It's instructive to find that, even in 2013, new sensing technologies are being developed that can transform industrial measurements.

Getting your priorities right

When Hillier Nurseries' existing ERP system started to creak at the seams, it sought out a new solution that would be reliable, flexible and meet its every requirement.

Check, act, plan, do

Deming's 'plan, do, check, act' is best revised as 'check, act, plan, do' for maintenance professionals. Brian Tinham looks at the role of CMMS/EAM systems in making that happen.

Planning ahead

Advanced planning and scheduling systems have been around for years but, as the technology is refined and their reputation spreads, transformational improvements are still being achieved.

Opinion

Overcast or bright clouds?

There are easy ways to experiment with the power of cloud computing, says WM's Brian Tinham

Big data or in-memory computing?

Brian Tinham, WM's technology editor, asks what is big data and how can it help manufacturers

Politics and language matter

Are IT providers doing enough to banish hype and jargon, asks WM's Brian Tinham

Cloud lined with solid silver

There are moves afoot to make cloud computing more resilient and scalable, says WM's Brian Tinham

Cathartic power of process modelling

WM's Brian Tinham says focus new ERP projects on the business, not on the software

Time to tackle cloud’s demons

Overcome worries about data security and compliance to make the most of cloud-based services, urges WM's Brian Tinham
Image 1 comment

Cost, complexity and value

WM's Brian Tinham says software licensing could do with an overhaul if it's to deliver better value

Can you see the threats for what they are?

WM's Brian Tinham on keeping electronic secrets safe with the right security measures

Interviews

Stepping up to the Mark

Manufacturers say the job market is saturated with a generation of the illiterate and unemployable. So what's Mark Prisk, the man behind future industry policy, going to do about it? The WM Leaders Forum – our think-tank for the sector – takes the minister to task. Max Gosney reports
Image 2 comments

American idol

The UK has long been a follower of US fashion. Bob Davis of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence tells Max Gosney about the latest manufacturing trends heading our way across the Atlantic