Keith CampbellHomeEvolving strategies for packaging machinery specificationsPackaging machines have gone through three major periods of evolution, as have many end user's strategies for writing packaging machine specifications. Let's explore why you might consider changing your company's specification strategy.February 20, 2012HomeMy Christmas ListToday I had a long discussion with a gentleman conducting research on manufacturing and manufacturing automation. After covering a myriad of topics from the need for low cost open control systems to the negative influences of government policy on manufacturing (especially in California), he brought our discussion to a close by asking me a question; "If I could ask for any two things to improve manufacturing, what two things would they be?" I decided to share my wishes with you as my Manufacturing Christmas List.December 21, 2011HomeGet-cha vs. Got-cha CultureIn your day to day relationships, do you or your organization operate with a culture driven by a get-cha or got-cha attitude? It can make a tremendous difference in your success and effectiveness.December 5, 2011WorkforceCan we repatriate manufacturing?People are beginning to discuss bringing back to the US some of the manufacturing operations that were previously taken off-shore.November 30, 2011WorkforceHow many jobs can one technician create?In this week's FeedForward newsletter, colleague Gary Mintchell pointed me to a blog by Penney Herscher about the importance of engineers to bringing manufacturing back to America.November 9, 2011HomeThe PLC CharadeWe need to question the ongoing practice of adding an unnecessary PLC to a complex mechatronic machine while maintaining the primary control software in another control platform.October 27, 2011HomeYesterday's new technologies, today's commoditiesWhen I reflect over a decade or more of Pack Expo and Interpack trade shows, it is apparent that a new and possibly breakthrough technology from one era may become an almost overlooked commodity in another.September 30, 2011WorkforceMore progress on the education frontThe effort to refill the employment pipeline with skilled technicians took at least two more steps forward this week. If we can sustain a sequence of continuous small wins, we may be able to bring manufacturing back to its rightful and necessary place in our economy.September 29, 2011HomeEmbedded Robotics at Pack ExpoThe concept of embedding a purpose-built robotic functionality into a packaging machine is one that can add flexibility to the machine while reducing the time and cost of development.September 28, 2011WorkforceManufacturing Institute likes PMMI Mechatronics ProgramPMMI has announces its Mechatronics Certificate program has been added to The Manufacturing Institute's Manufacturing Skills Certification Systems (SCS) offerings. The Manufacturing Institute is a 501(c) (3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).September 27, 2011Previous PagePage 5 of 7Next PageTop StoriesRecyclingMRFs, Markets, and the Business of BalesAt the Packaging Recycling Summit, a panel of MRF leaders broke down what really happens after the bin, why markets matter, and how brands can design packaging that actually makes it through the system.Coding & MarkingCerveza Charro Pioneers 2D Code Adoption on Its LabelsRoboticsA3: Food, CPG Robotics Investments in Brief Lull After Pandemic SurgeRecyclingBehavioral Science Meets the Blue BinSponsor ContentSemi-automatic Liquid Drum Filler Increases Operator Efficiency