The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation aims to develop cutting edge manufacturing technologies. In his FY 2013 budget proposal, President Obama announced this interagency initiative. It aims to unite federal agencies, community colleges, and university engineering schools in order for innovative manufacturing technologies to be commercialized.
The United States has a manufacturing sector that plays a pivotal role in the economy. American workers have access to good jobs in this sector. To stay competitive, manufacturing firms invest in technological innovations that increase productivity and reduce labor costs. These innovations include green energy sources and automation. Companies are also looking for ways to decrease machine downtime. These innovative products include autonomous mobile robots that reduce labor costs and increase productivity. Additionally, companies invest in technologies that reduce the waste of resources, such as smart sensor technology.
The "Maker's Economy", which will transform the way products are manufactured, is anticipated to make a significant impact on society. This economy allows manufacturing users to take an active role in creating and constructing new products with readily available technologies. These innovations are expected to be used by the manufacturing sector to increase productivity, operational efficiency, and improve decision-making. It is expected that it will also contribute to the nation's overall productivity. The United States has a history of being a world leader in manufacturing.
The "Maker's Economy," relies on a variety technologies, including smart factories or artificial intelligence. These innovations increase manufacturing productivity by increasing worker efficiency, and decreasing the time required to produce a product. The Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT, uses sensors and data as a guide for tasks. It allows for continuous monitoring of industrial assets. Secure connectivity is essential to the IIoT. Data transmission must also be fast. It is expected that it will improve warehousing efficiency as well as supply chain visibility.
The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNNMI) will be composed of at minimum fifteen manufacturing institutes. This network is expected to assist in the rapid development of new manufacturing technologies. This network will also be comprised of public/private partners from government entities, as well private companies.
There are currently 14 American manufacturing innovation institutes. Another three will be funded in May 2013 by the Commerce Department. In addition, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is expected to fund two Institutes. This will provide a total of up to $70 million per institute over five to seven years.
Each Institute for Manufacturing Innovation will have its own research focus. These Institutes will be manufacturing innovation hubs for local and state economies. These Institutes will also help manufacturers integrate their capabilities. These institutes will offer manufacturers access to cutting-edge equipment and technologies as well as opportunities for workforce training. They will also help manufacturers solve cross-cutting challenges in advanced manufacturing.
The Network for Manufacturing Innovation is a broad-based program that aims at accelerating the commercialization, application and transfer of innovative manufacturing technologies. It also seeks to strengthen the state's and local economies. The institutes will be operated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the program will be funded through the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology.
FAQ
Can some manufacturing processes be automated?
Yes! Yes. Automation has been around since ancient time. The Egyptians discovered the wheel thousands and years ago. We now use robots to help us with assembly lines.
Actually, robotics can be used in manufacturing for many purposes. These include:
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Automated assembly line robots
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Robot welding
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Robot painting
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Robotics inspection
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Robots that make products
Manufacturing could also benefit from automation in other ways. 3D printing is a way to make custom products quickly and without waiting weeks or months for them to be manufactured.
How can manufacturing prevent production bottlenecks?
The key to avoiding bottlenecks in production is to keep all processes running smoothly throughout the entire production cycle, from the time you receive an order until the time when the product ships.
This includes both planning for capacity and quality control.
This can be done by using continuous improvement techniques, such as Six Sigma.
Six Sigma management is a system that improves quality and reduces waste within your organization.
It seeks to eliminate variation and create consistency in your work.
What is manufacturing and logistics?
Manufacturing is the process of creating goods from raw materials by using machines and processes. Logistics covers all aspects involved in managing supply chains, including procurement and production planning. Sometimes manufacturing and logistics are combined to refer to a wider term that includes both the process of creating products as well as their delivery to customers.
Why automate your warehouse
Modern warehouses are increasingly dependent on automation. E-commerce has increased the demand for quicker delivery times and more efficient processes.
Warehouses have to be flexible to meet changing requirements. To do so, they must invest heavily in technology. The benefits of automating warehouses are numerous. These are some of the benefits that automation can bring to warehouses:
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Increases throughput/productivity
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Reduces errors
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Increases accuracy
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Safety increases
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Eliminates bottlenecks
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Companies can scale more easily
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Increases efficiency of workers
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The warehouse can be viewed from all angles.
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Enhances customer experience
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Improves employee satisfaction
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Reducing downtime and increasing uptime
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This ensures that quality products are delivered promptly
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Removes human error
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Helps ensure compliance with regulations
Statistics
- Many factories witnessed a 30% increase in output due to the shift to electric motors. (en.wikipedia.org)
- It's estimated that 10.8% of the U.S. GDP in 2020 was contributed to manufacturing. (investopedia.com)
- According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), China is the top manufacturer worldwide by 2019 output, producing 28.7% of the total global manufacturing output, followed by the United States, Japan, Germany, and India.[52][53] (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the United States, for example, manufacturing makes up 15% of the economic output. (twi-global.com)
- You can multiply the result by 100 to get the total percent of monthly overhead. (investopedia.com)
External Links
How To
How to Use 5S to Increase Productivity in Manufacturing
5S stands for "Sort", "Set In Order", "Standardize", "Separate" and "Store". The 5S methodology was developed at Toyota Motor Corporation in 1954. It improves the work environment and helps companies to achieve greater efficiency.
This method aims to standardize production processes so that they are repeatable, measurable and predictable. It means tasks like cleaning, sorting or packing, labeling, and storing are done every day. These actions allow workers to perform their job more efficiently, knowing what to expect.
Five steps are required to implement 5S: Sort, Set In Order, Standardize. Separate. Each step requires a different action to increase efficiency. Sorting things makes it easier to find them later. When you arrange items, you place them together. After you have divided your inventory into groups you can store them in easy-to-reach containers. Finally, when you label your containers, you ensure everything is labeled correctly.
This requires employees to critically evaluate how they work. Employees must be able to see why they do what they do and find a way to achieve them without having to rely on their old methods. To be successful in the 5S system, employees will need to acquire new skills and techniques.
In addition to increasing efficiency, the 5S method also improves morale and teamwork among employees. They feel more motivated to work towards achieving greater efficiency as they see the results.