by Julie Fraser
on December 29, 2016
in Industry Insights
The hype around big data analytics has reached epic proportions. It does have the potential to radically improve not only business processes, but outcomes. It can be a tasty addition to the IT menu. Unfortunately, for many manufacturers, the value has not matched up to the promise. Why Big Data Analytics Is Challenging Why aren’t […]
by Julie Fraser
on May 12, 2016
in Industry Insights
Can you understand and solve a broad or large-scale problem with a high-level, low granularity view? Usually the answer is no. That makes for some major challenges, as we have only a limited capacity to work with many items at the same time. Granular detail across a broad scope is very difficult to fathom. Fortunately, […]
by Julie Fraser
on December 11, 2015
in Industry Insights
Think about the most complex, carefully controlled and fine-tuned systems on the planet. Where did that thought take you? To a high-mix specialty chemicals process? A semiconductor fab? Automotive assembly line? A VOIP system? An industry 4.0 “smart factory” with smart products, equipment, and materials? BZZZZ. Incorrect. These don’t hold a candle to what your […]
by Julie Fraser
on October 14, 2015
in Industry Insights
If smart materials are talking to smart machines to become smart products, do you still need MES/MOM to coordinate plant activities? This is the picture of Industry 4.0. After due analysis, I believe the answer is clearly yes. I know not everyone agrees. Some think yes, others no, and many are simply not sure. Industry […]
by Julie Fraser
on June 8, 2015
in Industry Insights
The old adage is “every cloud has a silver lining.” Finding the positive in what is typically considered a negative can be powerful. Can you do it with compliance? Most manufacturers rebel against compliance requirements. Whether the demand for compliance is from a customer or a regulatory body, if the company views it only as […]
by Julie Fraser
on May 27, 2015
in Industry Insights
Do you have any visions from 30 years ago that are still not quite reality? I do. A vision that product and process design data (virtual reality) will connect in a closed loop system with actual data from production, supply chain, and in-field use (physical reality). I think many in manufacturing have this one. Are […]
by Julie Fraser
on April 24, 2015
in Industry Insights, Personal Paths
When I say ‘collaboration’ do you think of working as a team, conspiring with the enemy in WW II, or software applications designed for sharing information and ideas? These are perfectly legitimate definitions. We use the same words to mean so many different things… and that’s the terminology danger zone! Much of the time, we […]
by Julie Fraser
on December 8, 2014
in Industry Insights
Have we learned enough to succeed consistently? It’s the age-old question for manufacturing execution systems and operations management systems (MES/MOM). The technology is mature enough, but the practices for selecting, implementing, adopting and sustaining them… well that’s still an outstanding question. Tomorrow I have the good fortune to moderate a MESA International webcast where Rick […]
by Julie Fraser
on November 20, 2014
in Industry Insights
What can you imagine? Does it show in what you do? Every company stands for something, and Bill Taylor, the founder of Fast Company, encourages business people to think of strategy as advocacy. Do you and your company stand for something compelling? Some companies truly do have a big and exciting vision and others can’t […]
by Julie Fraser
on October 2, 2014
in Industry Insights
For years, those in manufacturing have used 2D drawings to annotate and show critical product information such as tolerances, finishes, materials, etc. While 3D product design has been the norm for many years, the models were simply too challenging for manufacturing and non CAD-trained people to use effectively. Until recently. Model-based definition (MBD) is not […]