For many process plants, there are three distinct tasks with respect to their control, instrumentation and information systems—otherwise known as the automation system. The first task category is operations and maintenance. The plant must be kept up and running with minimal downtime, with maintenance performed as needed. The second task includes continuous improvements. The existing automation system must be made to increase throughput, reduce downtime, cut energy costs, improve quality and make other enhancements to the production processes. Third, capital projects must be pla...

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Friends in manufacturing: I often say that at MAVERICK Technologies, industrial automation is in our DNA. It’s more than what we do; it’s what we love. In fact, the collective talent of MAVERICK translates to more than 12,000 man-years of experience in industrial automation. Our 500+ professionals share a passion for automation and a process for problem solving. The combination of people, process and passion give us the ability to truly effect change — and positive change is our mission. I am happy to announce that MAVERICK has signed a Premier Strategic Partnership with the International Society of Automation (ISA). This multi-year ...

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Engineering disciplines, just like may other disciplines, have become very narrowly focused. At some level this is a necessary trend, since to be expert in every aspect of a field has become something that is almost impossible to accomplish. Very few mechanical engineers are experts in metallurgy, hydraulics, machine design, HVAC design, thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, strength of materials, metal cutting operations, metal forming operations, and, well, the list goes on. An engineering student attempting to delve deeply enough in every aspect of his or her chosen discipline to be an “expert” would never finish college. What's more, most colleges don’t even ...

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You can tell a lot about a company, by taking a quick look at their annual report and website. In today’s economy, it’s the results that count — that’s easy to understand —but leading companies take a more holistic approach to measuring safety. If you can only find results or lagging measures, look elsewhere; the lagging measures are functionally useless when it comes to evaluating a company’s future success. Instead, look for companies that provide results along with proactive or leading measures. When you find one, you’ve likely found a company known for its product or service quality, customer service, productivity and financial success. There are many ways to measure success, but I believe quality, service, productivity, financial, and environmental, health and safety are all linked through a company’s systems and culture. Break one link, and the company will exper...

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Everybody talks about quality. It’s job number one. It’s what drives the company. And so on. But when it comes to manufacturing, what does that really mean? In most cases with manufacturing and the shop floor, it can mean a lot of things — probably way too many things. It’s easy to get confused, and by trying to do too many different things on the quality front, you can become your own worst enemy. On the other hand, the many different ways to approach quality on the shop floor can be a good thing. You have a lot of options, and, they’re all good ones. The key is to pick the options that make sense for you and your manufacturing environment. If you try too many, you’re sunk. But, if you pick a couple of the right options, you really can have a big impact on quality on your shop floor. So, here are some options for you to consider, tools for you to use and ideas to get y...

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