September 2018

Manufacture like a boss

Every part manufactured has a story – the story of how something is made, how much something costs, how much something can be sold for, and if you make it again. A good manufacturing story will be filled with precise detail, perfect accuracy, and guide your future based on a truthful history. And this means your customers will want more. Why? The answer is simple – if you are manufacturing you: Master the four key transactions: Purchasing Receipts, Issuing Material, WIP to FG, Shipping/Invoicing. Know your costs (freight, labour, outside services, overhead, other, material) with accurate precision. Price your parts competitively and profitably. Quote your jobs correctly with speed and accuracy. Reduce your risk by knowing and not guessing. When you are doing the above you are making parts faster, making parts better, watching it all in real time, and knowing exactly what everything costs – otherwise known as “manufacturing like a boss”. Prepare to win Manufacturing can be won or lost in how prepared your company is, not just a person. Employees must be well trained to accurately capture data. Garbage in, garbage out. Employees must hold each other accountable. If you see something, say something. Employees must understand daily processes and how each action impacts costing. If you do not know, ask first. Accurate bills and routers When a work order is generated to drive how much and how long it will take to make the parts, the accuracy of the bill of materials and routers impacts runtime, setup, lead times, and quantities. If the lead time is incorrect, it will tell purchasing to order material at the wrong times, leading to overstock of product or expedited fees to get product in. Realistic due dates If the due date on a work order (often driven by sales) is […]

How Independent Power Producers Can Improve Sustainability

When considering power infrastructure for a mine site, there are three options available to mine operators: rent temporary power solutions, build their own power supply station or contract an independent power producer (IPP). While short-term power solutions have their benefits, independent power producers offer the best of both worlds by providing mine sites with stable, energy-efficient power which is geared for long-term results. This can improve sustainability for businesses and communities while enabling the use of renewable energy innovations. Independent power producers can improve the sustainability of a mine site in a number of ways: Renewable Energy Innovations Renewable energy is an innovative benefit of engaging an independent power producer. Not only can IPPs utilise renewable energy to boost their normal power production, but these methods can also improve cost-efficiency and reduce emissions and waste. Renewable innovations such as waste heat recapture and solar/diesel hybrid technology are what set IPPs apart and can make a large difference in reducing the cost of maintenance and downtime. IPPs which have made the investment into renewable energy will be able to both reduce costs and help to conserve the local environment. Lower Implementation Costs Constructing, running and maintaining your own power station can require a vast outlay of initial capital and, depending on the specifications of a site, can even be cost-prohibitive in the long term. Contracting an IPP avoids the temporal and financial pressures process of power station construction and ownership, saving valuable capital which can be invested into further energy efficiency measures such as renewable energy. The lower initial capital investment of an IPP means that a mining company can be more flexible with their funding, taking advantage of short-term opportunities and lowering their financial risk profile. Manage Safety Independent power producers take on the costs and risks involved in the […]

Quality compressed air for trades and workshop applications

Anyone looking for a super-quiet, efficient and cost-effective supply of quality compressed air for their workshop requires a user-oriented solution. With the space-saving i.Comp 8 and 9, Kaeser Compressors introduces a completely new compressed air supply concept specifically developed with this field of use in mind. These units are tough, powerful, compact, easy to maintain, efficient and much more. At the heart of the new i.Comp family is a new drive concept, which provides a multitude of advantages. It delivers the necessary power to cover the required compressed air demand with infinitely variable control. i.Comp family reciprocating compressors can operate with 100 percent duty cycles. Intelligent solutions – such as drawing the air for compression in through the piston head – ensure exceptional filling performance and, as a result, outstanding efficiency. With a volumetric flow rate of 412 to 580 l/min, the i.Comp Towers can be used for a wide range of workshop and trades applications and assure a constant pressure of up to 11 bar with absolute operational reliability. Made from roto-moulded polyethylene to enable optimum corrosion- and impact-resistance, the attractive sound enclosure not only hides an advanced all-in-one compressed air station comprising a compressor and a refrigeration dryer, but also keeps sound levels to a minimum and helps retain system value. Kaeser’s field-proven Sigma Control 2 controller allows pressure preselection and infinitely variable speed operation, as well as connection to a master controller such as the Sigma Air Manager 4.0. Since i.Comp Tower systems deliver oil-free compressed air, no oil enters the compressed air supply itself. This in turn eliminates the potential for accumulation of oil-contaminated condensate that would otherwise have to be carefully disposed of. In addition, there is no need for oil changes or oil inspection, which of course further reduces overall service costs.

James Hardie appoints Jack Truong as CEO

Louis Gries and Dr. Jack Truong. James Hardie has announced that Dr Jack Truong, currently the Company’s President – International since April 2017, will succeed long-standing CEO Louis Gries as the incoming CEO of James Hardie Industries. Dr Truong who continues to be based out of North America, will be formally appointed to the CEO role toward the end of the company’s 2019 fiscal year, at which time Mr Gries will step down as CEO and from the Board. The Board has determined that a structured transition is in the best interest of shareholders and an approximate six-month handover period has been established, during which time Mr Gries will remain in the CEO role and Dr Truong will become President and Chief Operating Officer with the responsibility of running the Group’s global business. He currently has responsibility for the operations of the Asia Pacific Fibre Cement business and the Europe Building Products business. Jack Truong offers the ideal combination of commercial expertise, operational excellence, and leadership in order to continue to grow the business and maintain the industry-leading performance, across multiple geographies, established by Louis Gries over a long period. Louis Gries joined James Hardie in 1991, becoming CEO in February 2005. During this time James Hardie delivered strong top-line growth and differentiated returns while increasing the market capitalisation from less than A$3.0 billion to A$9.21 billion.

Sludge dewatering solves environmental and disposal issues

A compact and cost-efficient alternative to conventional dewatering technologies is being introduced to Australia and New Zealand to eliminate costs and OH&S hazards associated with damper and heavier output from poultry processing and major food preparation operations. The KDS Multidisc Separator system from CST Wastewater Solutions – requires no washwater, while capturing 90-99 per cent of solids – is engineered to overcome the limitations of technologies such as screw presses, belt presses and centrifuges currently used. Applications include small-to-medium poultry, fish, meat and dairy plants as well as large-scale food and beverage kitchens and catering facilities which face the challenge not only of handling heavy, sticky wet waste, but also the volume and cost and OH&S hazards of transporting such unhygienic material to disposal facilities. Benefits of particular importance to installations for the poultry industry include: Removal of solids from waste streams Dewatering of sludges and solids Screening and dewatering of chicken processing wastes Removal and dewatering of solids from waste waters Dewatering of chemical sludges from DAF floats The largest energy saving KDS unit can handle about 100kg DS (dry solids) an hour at 98 per cent solids capture, to produce this more hygienic and more compact output that is easier and cheaper to handle and transport. Used for dewatering of dissolved air flotation sludge – a very common application throughout waste water operations – The KDS achieves solids capture of 97 per cent thickened sludge at a dryness of 17 per cent. Waste activated sludge dryness levels are typically 15-18 per cent dryness. The high quality, Japanese-manufactured technology: Uses minimal energy, consuming as little as 06kW hr of electricity Operates at low (63dBa) non-intrusive noise and vibration levels Requires minimal daily maintenance, saving cost and enhancing OH&S performance Occupies typically half the space or less of conventional dewatering […]

Eight myths about AI’s effect on the workplace

The interplay between technology and work has always been a hot topic. While technology has typically created more jobs than it has destroyed on a historical basis, this context rarely stops people from believing that things are “different” this time around. In this case, it’s the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) that is being hotly debated by the media and expert commentators. Although there is no doubt that AI will be a transformative force in business, the recent attention on the subject has also led to many common misconceptions about the technology and its anticipated effects. AI is going to be a seismic shift in business – and it’s expected to create a $15.7 trillion economic impact globally by 2030. But understandably, monumental shifts like this tend to make people nervous, resulting in many unanswered questions and misconceptions about the technology and what it will do in the workplace. Demystifying myths Here are the eight debunked myths about AI: Automation will completely displace employees Truth: 70% of employers see AI in supporting humans in completing business processes. Meanwhile, only 11% of employers believe that automation will take over the work found in jobs and business processes to a “great extent”. Companies are primarily interested in cutting costs with AI Truth: 84% of employers see AI as obtaining or sustaining a competitive advantage, and 75% see AI as a way to enter into new business areas. 63% see pressure to reduce costs as a reason to use AI. AI, machine learning, and deep learning are the same thing Truth: AI is a broader term, while machine learning is a subset of AI that enables “intelligence” by using training algorithms and data. Deep learning is an even narrower subset of machine learning inspired by the interconnected neurons of the brain. Automation will eradicate more jobs […]

Food container has long life

Sæplast has extended its range of rugged and hygienic reusable plastic containers for the food processing industry with the introduction of a further size. The new Sæplast 300PE is a square 800x800mm container with a height of 770mm giving it a net volume of 268 litres. This can be increased to 298 litres with the removal of the handle openings. For ease of access and transportation, the container features fork lift entry on all four sides. Like all Sæplast containers, the 300PE offers important hygiene, safety and convenience benefits to ensure the highest food processing standards. The one piece, seamless triple-wall design and closed cell core provides excellent durability, meaning Sæplast PE containers last on average between five to seven times longer than single wall bins. The solid inner core prevents absorption of liquid and the tubs do not have easily broken joints or hard-to-clean crevasses, preventing the harbouring of harmful bacterial growth and making them easy to clean, maintain and repair. The avoidance of splintering, metal tearing or corrugated boxes collapsing delivers safe and easy handling for users. The Sæplast 300PE is available in a variety of colours. Company logos can be incorporated for individual branding, and tracking options include barcode, QR code and RFID technology.

SYSPRO Australasia appoints new sales manager

Global ERP solutions provider SYSPRO, has appointed Greg Urand in the role of Sales Manager with immediate effect. Greg will be responsible for driving sales aimed at increasing market presence across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands. Greg has over 20 years of sales management and business development experience in technology having worked for companies including Exact, CCH, Travelport and Targus. He is passionate about empowering multi-faceted teams to drive extensive revenue growth, performance improvements, and business expansion to exceed KPIs and corporate objectives. SYSPRO is a global, independent provider of industry-built ERP software designed to simplify business complexity for manufacturers and distributors. Focused on delivering optimized performance and complete business visibility, the SYSPRO solution is highly scalable, and can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or accessed via a mobile device. SYSPRO’s strengths lie in a simplified approach to technology, expertise in a range of industries, and a commitment to future-proofing customer and partner success. SYSPRO has more than 15,000 licensed companies in over 60 countries across six continents.

Phebra unveils $10m upgrade of Sydney manufacturing plant

Leading Australian pharmaceutical firm Phebra has boosted the size and production capacity at its Sydney manufacturing plant with the installation of new European-designed machinery, which can aseptically fill up to 7,500 vials with critical medicines every hour. The Bosch aseptic-filling machine, designed and purpose-built for Phebra, is the centrepiece of a $10 million upgrade of the company’s multi-purpose sterile manufacturing facility at Lane Cove West. Phebra CEO, Dr Mal Eutick, said the new machinery would significantly expand the company’s range of critical medicines produced for local and overseas markets. “Our investment in this state-of-art machinery and ancillary infrastructure, delivers additional production capacity and allows Phebra to meet the demands of future growth, especially export opportunities,” Dr Eutick, said today. “The machinery is supported by a newly approved microbiological testing laboratory and other critical support systems and infrastructure and will ensure we maintain high-levels of compliance along the production line in accordance with Phebra’s best practices and focus on the highest quality.” Dr Eutick said technicians from Bosch spent three months installing and testing the machine with Pheba’s local staff. “The machinery has expanded technical capabilities and skills development for our existing staff and will create new employment opportunities as we ramp-up our production across the range of our critical medicines,” he said. “The new machinery has been successfully installed and secured and testing and validation is currently underway.” *Phebra is an Australian based specialty pharmaceutical company which develops, manufactures and markets critical medicines in Australia and across the world.

DECO has new manufacturing facility

Australian-owned Decorative Imaging Pty Ltd (DECO) has announced it has signed agreements to acquire a new manufacturing facility in Airds Road Minto, New South Wales. The new facility, which is currently operated by metal finishing specialist Impreglon Australia Pty Ltd, will be available for operation by DECO from 2 October 2018. This facility will considerably increase DECO’s ability to offer a wider range of surface finishes for architectural and industrial applications and will support the further expansion of this rapidly growing, family-owned Australia manufacturing business. The facility’s current powder coating operation will also be upgraded to Qualicoat standards, so as to enhance DECO’s capability to provide excellent quality and service to its valued customers. DECO will relocate its business operations to the new site in January 2019.

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News Ticker

September 2018