Smart Manufacturing

High performance internet rolls out in Queensland

A new enterprise-grade internet network is being rolled out in Queensland by leading telco Vastnet to provide regional businesses with an extremely high level of connectivity and security available anywhere in Australia. Vastnet is gearing-up to connect more businesses throughout Queensland to its high-speed enterprise internet network, following the installation of new advanced communications technologies in Mackay, Gladstone and Toowoomba. Businesses in regional Australia now have the opportunity to make huge digital leaps with the support of Vastnet, an innovative telco specialising in bespoke internet solutions for regional business through its own independent core network and infrastructure, as well as direct access to new types of fibre. Vastnet Director David Stevens says the rollout is a major undertaking as businesses in regional parts of Queensland were dealing with some of the slowest legacy connections he had ever come across. “These are brand new rollouts that require new fibre and microwave technologies to be installed,” he said. “Our advanced high-speed internet network utilises the latest technologies available to provide fast, reliable internet with unlimited data and scalable bandwidths that expand as our clients’ businesses grow.” National supply chain company Minemech’s regional branches in Mackay and Gladstone endured “incredibly slow” internet and regular network outages with their previous provider before changing over to Vastnet for their internet and voice services. Vastnet was able to provide an alternative, superior solution for Minemech in both Mackay and Gladstone by installing new technology infrastructure to increase internet speeds. Minemech IT Manager Sonia Williamson said Vastnet had greatly improved the company’s internet and voice services at Minemech’s regional branches. She said business in regional Australia were putting up with inferior internet and voice services because there was an impression that it was all they could get. “We would visit the branches in Gladstone and Mackay and […]

Advances in Corrosion Science and Corrosion Engineering

The Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA) will be hosting an International Symposium focusing on the latest advances in corrosion science and corrosion engineering. This two-day symposium will be held on 24-25 July 2019 at the Marriott Hotel in Melbourne. The symposium will celebrate the significant contributions of the following ACA notables: Les Boulton, Bruce Hinton, Brian Kinsella, Brian Martin, Greg Moore and David Nicholas. Featuring keynote presentations from 15 high calibre International and Australian speakers, this event will bring together leading local and global corrosion experts and showcase the latest advances in corrosion science and corrosion engineering. A panel discussion and open forum will be held at the end of each day and technical papers of high quality and substantive length will be available to delegates. Engineering Alloys will take centre stage in the first session of the symposium with a presentation titled ‘Alloy Design for Corrosion Resistance’, delivered by John Scully, University of Virginia, USA. Following this, Nick Birbilis from Monash University will discuss the latest insights into corrosion of light metals. The first day of the Advances in Corrosion Science and Corrosion Engineering International Symposium will also showcase the latest industry knowledge in Corrosion Resistant Alloys; Corrosion Modelling & Prediction; and, Cathodic Protection. In addition to the technical program, there will also be a trade exhibition and attendees will have the opportunity to network during morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea breaks. At the conclusion of the first day’s events there will be a networking cocktail function followed by the event highlight – the Symposium Dinner and Awards presentation. The second day of the symposium will have a strong industry focus. Corrosion management in the oil and gas industry will be the heart of the morning session. Topics covered will include: Corrosion Monitoring for Oil & Gas Applications; Microbiologically […]

The four factors essential to building a quality production line

-Andrew Stackpole, Assembly Shop Manager at Facteon Developing an efficient and polished machine building process can take a manufacturing company decades. What’s most important is that throughout this process, the focus is on building a quality production line that allows for the manufacturing of best-in-class product. Since beginning my career as a Machine Builder in 1994 and working through to my current role as Assembly Shop Manager at Facteon, I’ve come to learn that there are four key factors involved in developing a quality production line. 1. Quality components produce quality product By keeping the production of machinery components in-house where practical and possible, you will play a more active role in quality control. It was for this very reason that Facteon established its own in-house Build Shop and Machine Shop to cater to internal and external customers. The team retains full control over every component produced and as it’s not heavily relying on delivery by third parties, it can be certain that the component will be available on site when required. To achieve the necessary levels of precision in component manufacturing, collaboration is key – both in the initial phase of producing your components and in the build phase of the production line. Looking at opportunities to integrate the latest technologies with more traditional machining methods, will allow you to fully harness the potential of the machinery while using the latest technology to improve precision and efficiencies. Partnering with reliable external suppliers For any components that can’t be produced in-house, consider looking beyond your own capabilities and using the services of thoroughly vetted external providers. For example, Facteon uses suppliers based in New Zealand, China and the United States and vets these suppliers through a tiered rating system to ensure that our standards are met. If you’ve outsourced the […]

Dragon eases documentation burden for professionals

Speech recognition solutions such as Nuance’s Dragon can help professionals work better, faster and smarter because they help you power through your documentation work. Nuance’s Dragon Professional software for Windows systems understands the sound of your voice and the language you use to transform spoken words into text to create more detailed, compliant documentation, faster than ever before. By simply using your voice, you can create reports, documents and other paperwork three times faster than by keyboarding, and with up to 99% accuracy. Better still, as Dragon leverages the latest in Deep Learning technology, it constantly learns and adapts to your unique voice and environmental variations even while you are dictating to deliver new levels of personalised accuracy and productivity. The speed and precision of Dragon helps save you time and money while increasing your productivity and lets you focus on what matters most, delivering the best possible personalised client service. Improving Compliance For many professionals capturing client conversations, disclosure regarding commissions and fees, discussions concerning conflicts of interests and general client instructions is increasingly important so as to meet compliance requirements. With Dragon, client communication and instructions can be documented immediately and accurately. You can then feed the information back into your CRM systems or simply maintain it within the relevant client file. The process also creates an auditable trail to help ensure compliance. Working from Anywhere at Any time Some speech recognition solutions also let you keep up with financial documentation from any location. Powered by the cloud, Nuance’s mobile app, Dragon Anywhere, delivers the powerful, professional productivity features of Dragon desktop speech recognition to Android and iOS mobile devices. This lets you complete and share documentation – by voice – directly on your device while you are on the move. Plus, with Dragon Anywhere you can also […]

HandySCAN 3D scanner meets Boeing’s requirements

Creaform, the worldwide leader in portable 3D measurement solutions and non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, has announced that its HandySCAN 3D metrology-grade 3D laser scanner can now be used for recording physical attributes of aircraft dents and blends on all models of Boeing commercial airplanes. Boeing has released a service letter with guidance on the use of 3D scanners for measuring dents and blends on airplanes. The SmartDENT 3D solution and the flagship HandySCAN 3D scanner were used in the process of guiding Boeing’s quality requirements for the service letter. “Creaform is proud to see leaders such as Boeing, turn to 3D scanning solutions for surface defect inspection. With SmartDENT 3D, our goal is to provide the most accurate damage assessment to our customers, so they can make informed and safe decisions, while getting their aircraft back flying with minimal down time,” said Jérôme Beaumont, Global NDT Business Manager at Creaform. Overview of SmartDENT 3D benefits: Speed: 80 times faster than the pit gauge technique. It is the fastest and most reliable aircraft surface damage inspection tool available on the market. Metrology-grade measurements for aircraft maintenance: The scanner is accurate to 0.025 mm (0.0009 in.) and has a resolution of up to 0.100 mm (0.0039 in.) with high repeatability and traceable certificate. Intuitive pass/fail assessments: With its intuitive design and real-time software visualization, Creaform’s NDT solutions ensure short learning curves and minimal operator experience influence on the accuracy of results. Live visualisation and portability: Weighting less than a kilo, the handheld scanner is the perfect tool for work in hangars or directly outdoors. Users can easily perform 3D surface inspection of any part of an aircraft on which they would use manual techniques—including on and under wings. In addition to complying with Boeing’s service letter, Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanners are listed […]

Hasemer announces new battery-powered excavator for confined spaces

Leading materials handling firm, Hasemer, has announced the arrival of the Track-O Minidozer. The purpose-built excavator has been designed for use in confined spaces and is perfect for cleaning up under conveyor belts in almost any application as well as around industrial and manufacturing plants, drainage systems, pumping stations, irrigation and construction projects, council sites and many more. The low profile and narrow width of the Track-O Minidozer ensures the vehicle can easily move in tight places to pick up and transport materials. Operated using a wireless remote-control device, the battery-powered Track-O Minidozer provides you with a running time of nearly 10 hours, more than enough for one work shift. What’s more, it features an external charger and an interchangeable battery for continuous work. Designed with safety in mind, the vehicle is battery rather than diesel powered so as to protect workers from breathing in fumes and toxic gasses while working in confined spaces. Plus, the Track-O Minidozer emits minimum radiation and noise. Very cost-effective to operate thanks to its electric drive system, the vehicle also requires little maintenance. Easy to handle and manoeuvre, the Track-O Minidozer will help you boost productivity and improve safety. The Track-O Minidozer is available in two models, the M-27 and the M-48. Both models can be fitted with a range of optional accessories to meet your needs including cameras and hose trunks. Designed and built in Canada, the Track-O Minidozer is tough, robust and durable. For further information call Hasemer on (02) 9771 9848 or email sales@hasemer.com.au

Smart technologies can improve safety in the oil and gas industry

By Gaurav Sharma, Head of Industries Business, ANZ, Cognizant Employee safety remains a key concern within the oil and gas sector. The nature of tasks and activities makes it a riskier industry than others. Workers’ fatigue is another factor increasing that risk. However, the oil and gas industry is in a prime position to take advantage of technologies such as robotics, wearables, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to minimise some of the risks, as well as drive innovation. The risks of fatigue Fatigue is a major contributor to safety incidents in the oil and gas industry. An oil and gas worker’s job includes inherently risky routine and physically demanding tasks such as positioning heavy equipment, climbing on scaffolds, and physical inspections and maintenance. Characteristics specific to the oil and gas industry are also factors increasing that risk, such as fly-in fly-out and shift work conditions, dealing with time zone changes and 24/7 operations, handling hazardous chemicals or working in extreme weather conditions. Research indicates that the injury rate of Australian shift workers is two times higher than other workers, due to fatigue-related factors such as insufficient sleep, disrupted sleep patterns, and extended working hours. Using digital technologies to predict fatigue risk There is an increasing awareness across risky industries that digital technologies have an important role to play in improving work safety. Leading oil and gas providers are now looking to improve their current standards even further through data collection, monitoring, and automation. However, there is still a long way to go to full adoption, as estimates suggest that just one percent of the data currently captured by operators is being used for improvement purposes. These technologies can provide companies with better control on workplace hazards and better training, while improving onsite communications and overall workforce and business […]

AI challenges revealed in book

The Future Computed: AI and Manufacturing is an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities of AI and how it’s transforming the manufacturing sector. Interviews with customers, policymakers, labor representatives and Microsoft experts shed light on how AI is driving efficiencies, enabling products and services, and allowing for safer workspaces. The book also offers a timely look at how society can respond to some of the challenges this new technology creates, and the need to develop new laws and regulations to address workforce disruption and develop AI in an ethical and responsible manner. A free download of the book is available at The Future Computed microsite, where you can also find other interesting content from the book (e.g. customer videos, case studies, and executive summary).

Advances in Corrosion Science and Corrosion Engineering

Why growing manufacturers should invest in customer service

By Matt Porta, APAC Product Leader – Service Cloud at Salesforce Australian manufacturing is growing rapidly, great news for the industry which also creates new challenges. The Australian Industry Group’s (Ai Group’s) Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) showed that production levels, sales, exports and employment within the industry improved at the fastest pace in the seven months to April 2019. This increased demand for product comes at a challenging time for Australia’s economy, as uncertainty in the world economy and a country-wide drought create greater complexity for manufacturers. As the manufacturing sector looks to continue its growth, industry leaders should consider an often unappreciated growth lever – customer service. Now is the time to streamlining processes and workflow and invest in new technology and training staff to fuel better customer outcomes. While some manufacturers may choose to focus investment in product, sales or marketing, it’s those who invest in delivering an outstanding service customer experience who will benefit most from the current growth cycle. Increasing customer expectations Combined with higher consumer expectations across the board, customer service within manufacturing is under more pressure than ever before. Customers’ expectations such as same day delivery services has led to audiences that expect goods faster, and of a higher quality, putting an extreme emphasis on customer service. According to the Salesforce State of Service report, more than four in five (82%) of decision makers in Australia and New Zealand service sector say their company’s customer service must transform in order to stay competitive while 67% of service teams saying that they are seeing higher case volume through digital channels. As well as increasing workload volume, the report found that the role of the customer service agent is shifting towards more complex tasks. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of agents view their jobs today as […]

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