Procedures, parameters, equipment phases, versions, and approvals explained for batch systems that need repeatability without hard-coding every product into the controller.
Manufacturing
General manufacturing operations, methods, and industry developments.
Why one OEE percentage is not a diagnosis, and how a loss tree turns downtime, speed loss, and defects into work the plant can actually prioritize.
A factory-floor guide to field of view, working distance, contrast, light geometry, exposure, and the validation discipline behind reliable vision.
Choose the decision, build a baseline, validate data and labels, design the human workflow, and measure whether the pilot changes plant outcomes.
A safe sequence for discovering controllers, networks, software, owners, and business criticality when the plant’s documentation is incomplete.
Optics, lighting, and pass/fail discipline matter more than the algorithm. A practical map of inspection, guidance, and identification.
What levels 0–4 actually mean for MES integration, B2MML exchanges, and conversations between IT and operations.
Fixed paths versus autonomous navigation — capabilities, fleet management, safety, and which one your material flow needs.
IndexAutomation.com — news and resources (automation.com)
Automation.com: industrial automation news, tutorials, and vendor coverage from the ISA-affiliated publication.
IndexModern Machine Shop — machining technology (mmsonline.com)
Modern Machine Shop: CNC processes, tooling, and shop technology for metalworking manufacturers.
IndexAdditive Manufacturing — production 3D printing (additivemanufacturing.media)
Additive Manufacturing Media: production 3D printing — processes, materials, and end-use part manufacturing.
Terms in this topic
- Andon system
- Visual signal for production status and immediate help.
- Brownfield
- Existing plant or system that new tech must integrate with.
- Changeover
- Switching a line or machine from one product to another.
- Cycle time
- Elapsed time to complete one repeatable production cycle.
- Discrete manufacturing
- Manufacturing distinct items on lines and cells.
- Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Structured analysis of failure modes, effects, and risk controls.
- First-pass yield (FPY)
- Share of units accepted without rework or retest.
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO)
- Energy-isolation procedure for safe equipment servicing.
- Nonconformance
- Documented failure to meet a specified requirement.
- Permit to work
- Formal authorization and controls for hazardous work.
- Root-cause analysis (RCA)
- Evidence-based investigation of why a problem recurred.
- Statistical process control (SPC)
- Statistical monitoring of process variation and stability.
- Takt time
- Required production rhythm set by available time and demand.
- Total productive maintenance (TPM)
- Operator-involved maintenance system focused on eliminating losses.
- Work in process (WIP)
- Material currently moving through production but not yet finished.
Related topics
Industrial AI · Machine Vision · MES · Additive Manufacturing · AMRs & AGVs · CNC / Machining