1. Real-time and predictive engagement is becoming much more of a ‘must-have’, rather than a ‘nice to do’ as part of any manufacturer’s customer experience.
2. Customers expect a more personalised service. But this makes a huge difference to the analytics platform and capabilities for manufacturers and their services journey.
SME CONSORTIA
1. SMEs usually have difficulty in exporting to foreign markets: they may lack the necessary knowledge and financing, may not meet foreign regulatory requirements, or may produce products in quantities or quality that are not adequate for foreign buyers, among many other potential problem.
2. However, these problems can often be overcome through cooperation among SMEs.
3. By combining their knowledge, financial resources and contacts within an export consortium, SMEs can significantly improve their export potential and reduce the costs and risks involved in penetrating foreign markets.
1. A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a user interface or dashboard that connects a person to a machine, system, or device.
2. While the term can technically be applied to any screen that allows a user to interact with a device, HMI is most commonly used in the context of an industrial process.
3. Although HMI is the most common term for this technology, it is sometimes referred to as Man-Machine Interface (MMI), Operator Interface Terminal (OIT), Local Operator Interface (LOI), or Operator Terminal (OT).
4. HMI and Graphical User Interface (GUI) are similar but not synonymous: GUIs are often leveraged within HMIs for visualization capabilities.
5. An HMI is the centralized control unit for manufacturing lines, equipped with Data Recipes, event logging, video feed, and event triggering, so that one may access the system at any moment for any purpose.
6. For a manufacturing line to be integrated with an HMI, it must first be working with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). It is the PLC that takes the information from the sensors, and transforms it to Boolean algebra, so the HMI can decipher and make decisions.
1. Currently there are two main stream types of control systems – PLC-SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
2. DCSs were traditionally used to control large processes, while PLC systems were used to control machines. Since the introduction of PC Windows-based SCADA systems and Ethernet networks, the dividing lines between DCS and PLC-SCADA systems have become blurred.
1. SCADA, or supervisory control and data acquisition, is a system comprised of hardware and software components used to monitor and control industrial processes.
2. With a SCADA system, manufacturers are able to collect and analyze real time production data, monitor and manage alarms, and program automatic control responses triggered by certain events or system parameters.
3. There are different types of SCADA systems that can be considered as SCADA architectures of four different generations:
- First Generation: Monolithic or Early SCADA systems
- Second Generation: Distributed SCADA systems
- Third Generation: Networked SCADA systems and
- Fourth Generation: Internet of things technology, SCADA systems
DEFINITION OF "PLC"
1. A Programmable Logic Controller, or PLC, is a ruggedized computer used for industrial automation. These controllers can automate a specific process, machine function, or even an entire production line.
1. The industry has identified four key approaches for collaborative robot-human interaction:
Safety-rated monitored stop
Hand-guiding
Speed and separation monitoring
Power and force limiting
2. Developers will need to determine which approach or combination of approaches best fits their application.
1. Compact industrial robots are now available that can be cost-effectively integrated into even small production lines.
2. Part of their appeal is that such robots can collaborate with a human operator to offload repetitive tasks that would otherwise tire the operator and lead to mistakes.
3. The problem is that working in close proximity to a moving machine poses safety risks for humans.
4. The key to keeping collaborative robots (cobots) safe is to carefully consider the risks involved and configure the robot and its control system to mitigate potential hazards.
1. A bonded warehouse is a warehouse in which duty on goods stored within need not be paid until the goods are removed from the warehouse. A bonded warehouse is referred to by Malaysian Customs as a ‘Gudang Berlesen Awam’ or Licenced General Warehouse.
2. A bonded warehouse is therefore a duty free zone, akin to a port. It is usually fenced and has high security. The warehouse operator normally gives a ‘bond’ or more usually nowadays a bank guarantee (instead of a cash deposit in the old days) to customs to guarantee that there will be no loss of revenue to customs should any of the goods stored within be inadvertently released from the bonded area. In Malaysia, a license from customs is required before a public bonded warehouse can begin operatio ns.