All Industries

• Testing Throughout an Automation Integration Project is Key to Success

  Testing Throughout an Automation Integration Project is Key to Success For any size automation integration project, testing is vital to a success. Planning for testing in the design phase and developing your code to allow for proper testing will lead to well-executed factory and site acceptance tests, as well as successful startups. This article will […]

  Read MoreBill Warnke / FAT / HMI Programming / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Operations Management / Manufacturing Process Control / Programmable Logic Controller / Site Acceptance Testing / Planning / Integrations /

• Digitizing Field Data Collection Provides Instant Access to Information

  Digitizing Field Data Collection Provides Instant Access to Information Paper records present a challenge to manufacturers, especially when performing maintenance checks and rounds. Filing paperwork or performing data entry when some notes are illegible, the pen ran dry or the paper got weathered just makes things difficult and sometimes inaccurate. Using a digital device with […]

  Read MoreJohn Lee / Data Analysis / Data Collection / Industrial Automation Engineering / Information Technology / Maintenance / Manufacturing Operations Management / Mobile Data Logging / Operations Technology / SQL Server Express / Improvement / Microsoft /

• Managing a Decaying Industrial Utility System

  Managing a Decaying Industrial Utility System Manufacturing, refining and specialty chemical facilities across North America are facing utility infrastructure challenges. Large campus sites and facilities have utility networks that are comparable to small municipalities, complete with sewer, water distribution, power, communications, natural gas and water/wastewater treatment systems. On top of the basic utilities, most manufacturers […]

  Read MoreTodd Green, PE, SI, CFPS / Chemical Plant / EPC / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Operations Management / Planning / Process Design / Utility System Design / Renovation / Manufacturing /

• Process Management and Improvement Rely on Analytical Decision Support

  Parsec-Certified Partner Matrix Technologies Helps Chemical Client Analyze Data and Improve OEE For many manufacturers, it is difficult to identify causes of low performance and lost capacity without a good and consistent overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) performance tracking solution. Many variables can contribute to unreported downtime or misinformation on blocked and starved conditions. Add in […]

  Read MoreJohn Lee / Digital Transformation / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Execution / Manufacturing Process Control / Smart Manufacturing / Data Management / Parsec / TrakSYS /

• Pandemic Necessitates Virtual Risk Assessment

  Matrix Technologies provides machine safety risk assessment and training from a safe distance Risk assessments are key to identifying safety hazards revolving around equipment, operations and the production environment. During times of physical separation, such as those required during the COVID-19 outbreak, risk assessments may still be required to mitigate risks to essential workers. In […]

  Read MoreMackenzie Coughlan, MBA / Carl Bohman, PE / COVID-19 / Essential Workers / Industrial Automation Engineering / Machine safety / Manufacturing Engineering Consultants / Manufacturing Operations Management / Manufacturing Process Control / Risk Assessment / Safety / Improvement / Safety /

• Electronic Logging Improves Access to Documentation for Pharmaceutical Company

  Logging matters in regulated environment. The pharmaceutical industry is a Food and Drug Administration-regulated industry that is required to track processes and procedures using detailed log books. Many companies opt to use paper log books that are difficult to maintain, require lots of physical storage space, and are nearly impossible to query for valuable information. […]

  Read MoreJohn Lee / Food and Drug Administration / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Operations Management / Manufacturing Process Control / Software Engineering /

• Building a Business Case

  Building a Business Case – How to achieve that Go/No-Go decision and avoid killing a project before it begins Problems are the driving force behind projects that demand business solutions. Company leadership recognizes this need and relies heavily upon cross-functional teams to study feasibility and determine if a business case can be developed. Management uses […]

  Read MoreRyan Courtney, MEM, PMP / Feasibility / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Operations Management / Process Design / Planning / Improvement /

• Planning, Coordination and Risk Mitigation Dramatically Cut Downtime

  Planning, Coordination and Risk Mitigation Dramatically Cut Downtime Matrix reduces outage for complex pharmaceutical manufacturing project A major dilemma that most industrial manufacturing facilities are challenged with is balancing system maintenance with production demand. Oftentimes, the production schedule will allow only a small window of opportunity for the site to perform preventive maintenance activities and […]

  Read MoreRob Goldsmith / 4-20mA HART Protocol / Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing / Design-Build / Electrical Design / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Automation Solutions / Manufacturing Process Control / Process Engineering / Risk Mi / Management / Controls /

• Batch Recipe Viewer

  Batch Recipe Viewer Custom applications often fill a gap where no off-the-shelf commercial software meets a specific set of requirements for a business case. In this example, a batching system was developed with FactoryTalk Batch from Rockwell Automation, however the customer struggled to get the specific information they needed from the base system. They were […]

  Read MoreJohn Lee / Application / Batch Recipe / Batch Systems / Digital Recipe / Digital Solution / Manufacturing Intelligence / Manufacturing Solution / Software Design / Virtualization / Factory Talk / Rockwell Automation /

• Personal Protective Equipment, The Last Line of Defense

  Personal Protective Equipment, The Last Line of Defense – Education is key to employee safety At Matrix Technologies, safety is at the top of our core values because we know our employees are our most valuable resource. We owe it to them and their families to ensure they return home each and every day injury […]

  Read MoreBrian Thomas, COSS / Industrial Automation Engineering / Manufacturing Operations Management / Manufacturing Plant Safety / Manufacturing Process Control / Management / Safety /