Sensors that automatically collect and report data are being attached to systems at nearly every step of the manufacturing process and within support systems throughout the factory today. Production machines, forklifts, HVAC systems, conveyors—any piece of equipment with such devices as heaters, chillers, pumps, pressure vessels or throughput sensors—are able to monitor and communicate temperature, throughput, flow rates, pressures, energy consumption and other critical parameters, and in many situations address issues automatically, and much more quickly and accurately than ever before.
These automated and connected devices can be found in some form in most industrial facilities today ranging from automotive assembly to plastics injection molding to textile fiber spinning factories. Once these devices become connected, the emphasis here is on the word ‘automated.’ You won’t see anyone monitoring many of these devices manually. Rather, computers maintain everything in the background and take process adjustment action within the system almost real-time taking into account many elements of inter-related process data.
For example, in a sophisticated fiber spinning factory, thousands of spinning heads might be equipped with a variety of sensors that all feed back to a single process management center in order to allow related process variables to be controlled in a coordinated way. Recordings will show what process parameters need to be adjusted, such as when temperature is getting below process standards, the computers will make process adjustments without human intervention.
THE FUTURE OF INTERNET CONNECTED DEVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS
While sensor technology has been around for years, it is the rapid growth of internet connected devices driven by the expansion of wireless networks, both Wi-Fi and cellular, with their increasing coverage areas and data transfer speeds, that is allowing efficient inter-connection of process sensors throughout the factory, and equally important, in between inter-related sites that may be located far apart. In addition, advances in the reduction in size of sensors is allowing them to be put into smaller spaces without having to do significant redesign, and allowing cost effective retro-fitting of equipment and facilities.
Costs are also going down. Ten years ago, if you bought a Wi-Fi card for a PC, you would have paid $100. Now you can almost get one free at Staples. The cost of sensor has also dropped dramatically. For example, some motion sensors now cost under a dollar and this cost is dropping 2% a year. This will greatly increase their use.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
