Business

Enhance your customer experience with integrated CX tools

– Lindsay Brown, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific & Japan, GoTo. Advancements in automation, AI and digital transformation have created an opportunity for industry sectors to be leaders in internal and external business excellence, ultimately leading to best practice customer experience (CX). The manufacturing industry is a sector to lead the way and set the standard. Customers have become more savvy and more connected to every touch point in their supply chain, expecting more from every interaction. This newfound expectation has led to manufacturing companies increasingly focusing on quality assurance across all aspects of delivering products and services, while enhancing their business models. This inevitably results in boosting CX. In addition to product specialisation and best-in-class talent, companies are realising the urgency of unlocking the operational efficiencies that make work easier and more flexible. In Foundry’s Global MarketPulse Survey commissioned by flexible communications provider GoTo in Australia and New Zealand, 52% of businesses rated improving customer experience as a top customer support goal in 2022. Fifty-six percent also rated faster resolution times as a top customer goal, and 44% rated improving operating efficiencies and reducing costs. Yet there are challenges to overcome. Eighty-two percent of businesses surveyed rated simplifying the support experience for customers as a challenge, as well as integrated ticketing with communication channels (82%), increasing visibility into agent/technician performance/standard metrics (86%) and integrating remote support with CRM (88%). With customers at the centre of virtually every business decision, a growing number of companies are clueing into the wide-reaching benefits of flexible, cloud-based communications systems in delivering a competitive advantage through industry leading CX. The new technology is greatly assisting manufacturing companies – no matter what size or industry – to stand out by (over) delivering on their customer promises, by delivery in full and on time. […]

CSIRO to create world’s best respirator for Defence Force with Australian businesses

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will accelerate the development of ground-breaking protection for our defence force from chemical, biological and radiological agents, with an $8.6 million Defence Innovation Hub contract to further develop and commercialise its world-leading respirator technology. This is the largest contract signed by the Hub to date and will help bring the technology a step closer to being realised. The single canister device is a step change from existing technology, providing both protection for longer periods, and against more potential threats. As well as providing protection from biological and radiological agents, it will significantly reduce exposure to a broad spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals, also critical to the nation’s first responders. CSIRO will be working with Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous material’s producer, Boron Molecular, and Brisbane-based, Veteran Owned EPE Trusted to Protect, to develop the respirator, as well as Monash University. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall, said Australian innovations that protect our Defence Force personnel are a critical part of maintaining a secure Australia and region. “We are using science to create real-world solutions, working with Australian industry to build sovereign capability and turn brilliant ideas into something ground-breaking to protect our troops. “We are aiming to develop a respirator that will be the most capable in the world.” CSIRO researcher, Professor Matthew Hill, said CSIRO has been studying porous solids for around 10 years and has developed an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. “By combining our expertise in nanofibers and porous solids, we’re developing a technology that will protect our military personnel from weaponised toxic chemical gases and vapours and give them a greater chance to safely complete their mission.” Nanofibres are super-light filters that can stop particles from getting through, and combine nanofibers with some of the world’s most porous materials […]

CNC Design invests in Application Centre

CNC Design is investing more than $3.5m in the establishment of its new CNC Design Application Centre, which will feature Innomerix, within the new advanced additive manufacturing centre. Founded in Melbourne in 1984, CNC Design has established itself in recent years as a pioneer in the design and manufacture of large-volume 3D printing and machining systems. Situated in a facility close to its head office in Nunawading, eastern Melbourne, the new CNC Design Application Centre and the Innomerix facility will focus on two key areas: the development and testing of new advanced composite materials for additive manufacture; and the expanded development of CNC Design’s range of VSF thermoplastic, wax and concrete printers, including support for customer applications and training. “We’re thrilled to be announcing our new Innomerix subsidiary, which will be co-located in our advanced application centre, situated here at CNC Design,” says Bruce Rowley, managing director and owner of CNC Design. “This is one of the most exciting areas of development in additive manufacturing today, with potential applications ranging from the maritime and construction industries, to production of hydrogen fuel cells. “The launch of both the CNC Design Application Centre and Innomerix builds on CNC Design’s work in this field to date and puts us at the forefront of innovation in this area going forward.” Innomerix will be the first Australian manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic composites, producing a range of thermoplastic compounds using different additives and reinforcement materials such as synthetic fibres like carbon, Kevlar and glass. Taking its name from a combination of the words ‘innovation’ and ‘polymeric mix’, Innomerix will further advance the company’s innovative work in material technologies. The facility will specialise in creating new materials for additive manufacturing, in particular aiming to reduce the cycle-time for the development of new composite materials for 3D printing, […]

Kemppi releases new MasterMig range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its new MIG/MAG MasterMig welding machine models 353 and 355. The 358 model is scheduled for release later this year. Designed in conjunction with professional welders, the new MasterMig range delivers a range of features to help enhance industrial welding productivity and quality. Faster set-up for greater productivity The new, compact and powerful Kemppi MasterMig range comes with Weld Assist as standard. This feature lets users set-up welding parameters quickly and easily to save time and improve productivity levels. By simply selecting the joint type, welding position and material thickness, users are ready to weld. Equipped with memory channels, the MasterMig range also lets users save chosen parameters for fast retrieval. The ability to save customised settings means welders do not have to go through an initial setup for every job. At the turn of a knob, they can highlight the desired setting and proceed to weld. Highly convenient, this feature saves precious time, while helping to increase productivity. Better Arc Performance Delivers More Productivity For greater welding productivity and control, the MasterMig 355 and 358 models can switch on the new MAX arc performance welding processes. MAX Cool, MAX Position and MAX Speed are new Kemppi welding processes that offer solutions for challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminum welding applications by increasing productivity, minimising spatter and speeding up welding without compromising quality. The MAX software options easily integrate with the MasterMig 355 and 358 models. A choice of models Suitable for use on site or at the workshop, the MasterMig range delivers real choice. It includes the 353, 355 and 358 models in the compact MIG welding category. These are available as manual, synergic (Auto), and pulse (Auto Pulse) welding options. Users can also choose to weld with gas-cooled guns or […]

Normet Group to buy Garock Pty Ltd

Normet Group Oy has entered into an agreement to acquire Garock Pty Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of ground support systems for the mining and civil industries in Australia. With the acquisition, Normet strengthens its portfolio in dynamic ground support in underground mining and construction infrastructure projects. “This is a strategic acquisition for Normet in the Asia-Pacific market with impact on our global ground support business. With Garock, Australia will become Normet’s Global Centre for Rock Reinforcement R&D with ability to innovate in the future”, comments Ed Santamaria, President and CEO at Normet. Garock Pty Ltd will trade under the Normet Group from 1July 2022. Garock Pty Ltd, founded in 2012, offers highly innovative ground support systems that are fundamental to modern, safe underground mining and civil construction operations. Garock has a manufacturing presence in Western Australia and New South Wales and have 18 employees.

Crucial role for gas for decades

Gas will play a crucial role for decades as a stabliser for the electricity grid in a cleaner energy future, according to a new 30-year roadmap by the national energy market regulator. The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) today said the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) had confirmed the long and enduring value of natural gas partnering with renewables with the release of its 2022 Integrated System Plan (ISP). APPEA Acting Chief Executive Damian Dwyer said the Plan showed the key role of gas as the world decarbonises by citing the mid-2040s as a time when gas would back up electricity largely powered by renewable generation after the retirement of coal-fired power. “As a sector strongly committed to economy-wide net zero by 2050, the oil and gas industry recognises the growth of renewables and the importance of multiple energy sources working together to ensure the power generation sector can continue to decarbonise,” Mr Dwyer said. “The plan confirms the central role of gas in that future as a reliable and flexible stabliser for renewable power generation when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. “Coal won’t get you to the goal and this plan details how gas will step up and take over from coal and also be a cleaner source of energy in the grid.” Mr Dwyer said this firming role was exemplified in the Plan’s modelling showing how gas would be needed during low and high outputs of renewables during peak demand periods. “Even at a period of high renewable output, AEMO says gas will be required to firm renewables during high demand just after sunset and through the night to cover wind variability,” he said. Mr Dwyer said the need for rapid gas during recent energy system pressures – when coal outages combined […]

RS PRO grow their IoT range

RS Components have responded to growing demand for Industrial IoT solutions and launched another 300 products in their RS PRO IoT range this June. IO-link sensors, data cables and HMI displays, including antennas and network testing equipment, are just some of the new products in the range. This brings the RS PRO IoT offer to over 8400 IoT enabling and smart connectivity products. “We’re helping our customers embrace the IoT revolution”, says Scott Philbrook, Managing Director RS Components AU/NZ. “From wireless pressure transducers, to help safely monitor pressure in hazardous or inaccessible locations, to sensor boxes, which are compatible with all sensor brands, our Industrial IoT range has what our customers need to improve their operational efficiency.” Each RS PRO product is backed by the RS Seal of Approval, which represents industry standards for audit, inspection, test and certification. This – combined with longer than average product warranties – reflects RS confidence in the quality and longevity of their products. According to Scott, the expansion in the range is meeting demand in the market for affordable options for engineers looking for a choice. “We’ve seen an upswing in the sourcing of our current IoT product range and due to interest in other product verticals we have gone to work on this expansive range,” he explained. RS PRO makes IoT practical and accessible for everyone, providing a dedicated range with a wide variety of smart objects and elements needed to connect them together. The enhanced Industrial IoT range will be welcomed by RS PRO’s loyal customer base. These people recognise that as demands on productivity increase, only the smartest workplace, with the smartest tools, will win the race of efficiency. Check out the RS PRO guide to the Internet of Things here: RS PRO IoT range

Time-saving quoting automation at AMW

ipCompute product manager Mark Washington, left, gives a demonstration at Australian Manufacturing Week, where he showed enthusiastic young industry professionals the time saving potential of automated laser quotation software, which allows laser and plasma cutting job shops to quote more jobs, win more work, and grow the business A company bringing laser and plasma cutting quotation automation to Australia and globally has drawn strong interest at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) as the industry feels the bite of labour shortages. ipCompute, which includes ipLaser and Tempus Tools, spoke with industry professionals, who were typically taking 15 to 30 minutes to produce a quote, depending on the complexity of the job, and the quality of the drawings provided by the customer. With ipCompute’s latest ToolBox quoting automation software suite, each quote can be done as quickly as 90 seconds. “People are usually sceptical that quoting can be done that quickly, but once they have a demo, then they can see the power of the ToolBox software suite. Completing so many more quotes in an hour is particularly useful, given the average win rate of a laser job shop quote is about 30-40%,” says ipCompute Co-Founder and CEO, Ivan Cooper. “Our research shows that you can win an additional 5-10%, without extra costs, by providing the quote within an hour,” he said. Mr Cooper and his ipCompute’s co-founders have a combined 100 years of experience in the laser industry, from operating job shops to designing and installing machines across the globe. They have used this practical, hands-on experience to shape the development of their quoting automation software, to ensure it responds to the real needs of job shops in Australia and around the world. With all this experience behind them, they have brought together highly experienced young code writers to make the most […]

Educational space program takes off from Adelaide

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is launching its primary and high school programs to introduce space science and technology into the classroom, with the intention of taking the innovative courses national. Piloted in 2021, these programs are two of the nine educational scholarship and award opportunities on offer from the Foundation in 2022 and approach space innovation and education in unique and interactive ways. Andy Thomas Space Foundation Chair, Michael Davis AO, said the importance of supporting space education initiatives in schools is evidenced by the response of the students to the learning and problem-solving challenges they are presented with. “Space-related projects are a wonderful source of inspiration for students, and they also assist to shape tomorrow’s space workforce,” Davis said. The primary school program is in collaboration with the South Australian education technology company Makers Empire and utilises design challenges to expose students to space innovation with the assistance of 3D printing and app-supported development resources. Two to five teachers from each school will train with subject-matter experts who will share how space technology is being used to solve problems on earth. Co-CEO of Makers Empire, Jon Soong, said the program helps young students develop an interest in space. “It engages them in STEM learning connected to real-world problem-solving to gain an understanding of some of the pathways to a career in space,” he said. The secondary school program is coordinated by Hamilton Secondary College and facilitates the use of the Aldrin Foundation’s Giant Mars Map to engage students in a deeper understanding of space travel. Principal of Hamilton Secondary College, Peta Kourbelis, said she was excited to see that the range of projects proposed by schools is increasingly innovative. “More rural schools are involved, allowing students from throughout South Australia to find out about the amazing opportunities available in the rapidly […]

End-of-life plan needed thousands of wind turbine blades

A new study led by The University of South Australia indicates tens of thousands of wind turbine blades will end up in landfill by the end of the decade unless end-of-life programs are established soon. The study, led by Professor Peter Majewski, highlights the challenges of recycling wind turbine blades, which are made of either carbon fibre or glass fibre composite material, both of which are expensive to break down, with the recovered materials having minimal market value. “The same features that make these blades cost-effective and reliable for use in commercial wind turbines make them very difficult to recycle in a cost-effective fashion,” Prof Majewski says. “As it is so expensive to recycle them, and the recovered materials are worth so little, it is not realistic to expect a market-based recycling solution to emerge, so policymakers need to step in now and plan what we’re going to do with all these blades that will come offline in the next few years.” In many parts of the world, wind turbine blades are currently dumped in landfill, but this practice has been banned in some European countries, and with estimates suggesting there will be more than 40 million tons of blade waste worldwide by 2050, alternative solutions are urgently being sought. Professor Majewski says that, while there is some very limited potential for reuse of blades in niche construction settings and a small market for some of the reclaimed materials, it is likely the costs of disposing of the blades in a sustainable fashion will need to be factored into their production and running costs. “Our research indicates the most likely viable option is a product stewardship or extended producer responsibility approach, where the cost of recycling the blades is factored into either the cost of their manufacture or the cost […]

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