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« December 2004 | Main | February 2005 »
January 31, 2005
Software That Works? Go Figure.
On the heels of the Science Applications International Corp.'s (SAIC) Virtual Case File debacle with the Feds, Gensym demonstrates to the world that capitol-expenditure software systems can not only work, but win awards.
Law & Order: SBU (Special Blunders Unit)
How can a $170 million software system just not work? If it's broken, fix it. Is that asking too much?
January 28, 2005
RFID I: Identify Anything -- Anywhere in the World
According to a recent report, RFID's potential remains largely untapped due to insufficient standardization. Will the UHF Gen2 standard help?
RFID II: A Chip in My Shoulder and a Song in My Heart
RFID tag revenues are expected to grow to a jaw-dropping $2.8 billion by 2009. While most tags are headed to the supply chain and consumer goods, is their one heading for a piece of flesh near you?
January 27, 2005
Check Out the Big Brain on Brad!
Do you know what your Gen-Y kids are watching? How about Date My Mom, Pimp My Ride, or High School Stories: Scandals, Pranks and Controversies? Enter the the UK and Ireland, who have launched Einstein Year 2005 to attract young people to physics and, hopefully, the sciences and engineering. God save the queen!
January 26, 2005
On a Roll, Motorcycle Industry Hums Along
The motorcycle industry will cruise to its 12th straight year of growth. What's more amazing, 24% more units were sold in the past four years than in the entire 1990s:
Redesigning a Harley-Davidson
Making a legendary motorcycle like the Sportster even better is one tough assignment. Discover how engineers met the challenge, making the bike's ride much smoother without crimping its style:
Smart Fasteners May Mean Better Bikes
Design and assembly may never be the same again because of intelligent fasteners. Find out how they can make motorcycles more secure and easier to repair:
Fast Takes
Catch up on the latest news in the motorcycle industry, including updates about fuel cell bikes, the world's smallest motorcycle, the trend toward female bike owners, and the benefits of CAM:
Lou Dobbs: Savior or Hell Spawn?
Outsourcing has escalated from a spirited debate to an all-out war over productivity and profitability. Should we send in more troops? If so, to which side?
Box It and Ship It—to Faraway Lands
Why don't U.S. small businesses export more? It's not only about out-of-pocket costs.
January 25, 2005
"I'm Not a Paranoid Deranged Millionaire. Goddamnit, I'm a Billionaire." --Howard Hughes
Where are the deranged yet brilliant engineering minds of today? Should The Aviator be Engineering Movie of the Year?
January 24, 2005
Microsoft Grabs Lifeboat, Abandons Itanic
Confirming that Intel's 64-bit Itanium chip is not mass-market viable, Microsoft has abandoned Windows XP for Itanium. Everyone wins with this solid evidence that we will need 32/64-bit transition PCs, not a new 64 bit-only platform.
January 21, 2005
We Didn't Start the Fire(Wire)
Ethernet blazed new ground in terms of giving manufacturing-only field buses a run for their money. Is FireWire poised to be the next consumer-market bus to hit industry?
January 18, 2005
12 Press Shop Myths Debunked
Some beliefs are so widely accepted in press shops that they've achieved legendary status. But stop the presses, these statements are actually completely off the mark:
The Ultimate CAM Checklist
Looking to buy CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software now or in the future? Here's a checklist that will let you zero in on the best package for your shop:
Forming Future Machinists
A machine-tool manufacturer is making students' transition from the classroom to the shop floor much smoother. How exactly? By letting them tool around:
Welding Vs. Brazing
When it comes to creating strong, permanent metal joints, two methods--welding and brazing--usually have to duke it out. Let the sparks fly:
How to Build a Giant Lathe? Combine World War II Relics
A New York shop recently took on an enormous challenge--how to construct a huge lathe that could accommodate long ship shafts. Find out how it made the cut through an unconventional approach:
Machine Tools Use Gravity to Tame Vibration
Hailed by Industry Week as one of 2004's most notable new technologies, these radical machine tools have taken vibration control and accuracy to the next level. Discover what shops will gravitate toward them:
Recommended Reading
Nothing improves efficiency in a metalworking shop--or almost any small manufacturing concern--like a CNC (computer numerical control) robot. Now for the first time you can get complete directions for building one for a reasonable price in CNC Robotics: Build Your Own Shop Bot.
New Technology Puts It All in Your Head
Imagine your brain being integrated with a network so you can scan your e-mail or listen to music in your head. Sounds farfetched? Hardly, say experts, and advanced individual enhancement will have implications for the workforce:
Don't Go Offshore Just Yet
While shipping manufacturing overseas can be an effective strategy, companies often neglect to examine another viable option. And this alternative can bolster profits and improve products:
January 5, 2005
What Conducts Like Steel, Stretches Like Rubber?
Dubbed "Metal Rubber," this novel new material has piqued the corporate world's interest. Find out why developing applications for it is no stretch:
Make-to-Order Manufacturing Delivers Remarkable Results
For CAMCO, GE's Canadian appliance joint venture, the make-to-order process was nothing short of revolutionary, reducing cycle times from months to days. Here's how:
Recommended Reading
Seeing What's Next from world renowned innovation expert Clayton M. Christensen presents a groundbreaking framework for predicting outcomes in the evolution of any industry:
Resolve to Get Out There
Make 2005 the year you take advantage of some good ol' face-to-face contact. The trade show floor is an ideal route for discovering all that's new. Here are some of the events that are sure to lead you down the right path:
Industry Concerns Uncorked
In a comprehensive survey by Modern Materials Handling, managers in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution reveal their top-of-mind issues as well as their most important practices and metrics:
Put a Shine on the New Year
All twisted up about how to pinpoint business opportunities for fabricating and metalworking this year? Here are the bright spots:
The Future of CAD/CAM
In the world of CAD/CAM, it's all about facilitating collaboration. Get drawn into the latest developments that will allow these tools to do just that:
Economic Growth to Strengthen
Purchasing managers expect a happy new year for the manufacturing sector. Discover what their predictions are for revenue growth and employment:
What's Doin' for 2005
While economic activity will continue its expansion this year, you can expect some growing pains, say industry observers. Get a sneak peek into what's ahead for lead times and productivity growth:
