One of the final posts we put up about MFG Day 2016 was a specially themed Shop Floor Man comic to celebrate the day. It received a good amount of buzz on social media, and we wanted to share it here.
Shop Floor Automations is an official endorser of MFG Day and we realize the importance the holiday has. It is so important that future generations be involved and get interested in the manufacturing industry. Be it a machinist, a programmer, an engineer, etc. – the industry must continue to thrive. We reviewed the reasons why manufacturing makes a difference for the USA in this previous post.
Shop Floor Man is our newest creation to help exemplify the benefits of upgrading your shop floor. He is a reflection of the frustrations and crazy things that happen in this industry, and we hope you enjoy his presence on the interwebs!
More about Shop Floor Automations and how we help shop floors:
Check out our archived newsletters with industry topics & event wrap-ups here
Read testimonials & see videos of what our customers have to say about us here
Check out the FAQ section about our software & hardware solutions here
See our case studies here and we have webinars coming up here
We are on social media here, and you can call us at (877) 611-5825 for more info!
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-10-11 10:41:562019-01-17 17:48:58MFG Day Comic was a Success
To celebrate this day, we share some insight below from a few of our customers and experts from this field.
To review some quick facts as to why this industry matters to America:
1) Workers in a manufacturing-related job can make about $15,000 more per year than most other job fields.
2) For every dollar spent on this industry, the economy gains an 81 cent profit.
3) Organizations like Workshops for Warriors (WFW) are able to thrive while helping those who served our country get training and jobs in the manufacturing field. PTSD and other factors can make it difficult for veterans to return to the workforce, and WFW gives them a great venue to explore a new career.
“The pay is good, and for me, I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I can turn a piece of raw material into a finished product,” says Ben Molinar, who is a Shop Operations Manager for GMI Group. “Also, knowing that the parts that I am making will go to a customer somewhere to be used in their operations is a pretty awesome feeling.”
“Something different every day, something exciting every day,” James Baker of Amarillo Gear says, of working as a machinist in the manufacturing field. “It was a blessing to be part of it, and it’s been 20 years into programming and 30 in the machinist field.”
“For me, it’s something I feel I’ll always do,” the CNC supervisor told us during this interview. “It would take a lot for me to want to leave this field.”
James encourages kids who enjoy working with math to pursue a job in manufacturing. “The machine shop is where you actually use math, trigonometry, algebra– it’s in the machine shop. I can program, understand and axis machines, and live tool equipment.”
Ben told us in his interview that there are other benefits to consider in this line of work. “I can go anywhere in the world and work. Because of my experience and background in machining, I have been able to work all around the globe.”
As a huge “PS” to this piece – we also have a 10% off promo for our entire store all this weekend as a “thank you” to shop floors everywhere (use the code “mfgday”). Share with Shop Floor Automations what you are doing for MFG Day by using the hashtag #MFGDay16 on Twitter and including @SFA_inc in the conversation.
Shop Floor Automations, an official endorser of MFG Day, has been a leader in solutions towards manufacturing shop floor OEE and Continuous Improvement since 1998. Call us today for your shop floor needs at (877) 611-5825.
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-10-07 08:20:492022-04-15 03:17:49MFG Day 2016
SFA is a firm believer that you can not only serve your customers, but you can learn a lot from them, too. That is why we love to chat with them about what they are up to on their shop floors, to help solve the problems they are having, and to also see why they chose a Manufacturing related career.
One of our customers had some great stories to tell, and we felt this would be a perfect addition to MFG Day 2016. Read on to see how being both a Machinist and Programmer for manufacturing shop floors has changed James Baker’s life:
Why did you first get into machining and why have you stuck with it? “At first, I was a young married man with three small children and I didn’t want them to be hungry. That’s what started me in the machinist’s field. I was able to go back to school. Now, I’m 52 years old and I’m still enrolled in continuing education for my career, and also for music, for math. It was my family first, and then it became very inspiring. It was something different every day, something exciting every day. It was a blessing to be part of it, and it’s been 20 years into programming and 30 in the machinist field. For me, it’s something I feel I’ll always do. It would take a lot for me to want to leave this field.”
What areas of interest would be appealing to the new generation for entering the manufacturing field?“I encourage all the young people out there that the machine shop is where you actually use math, trigonometry, algebra– it’s in the machine shop. I can program, understand and axis machines, and live tool equipment. We have 35k programs online. It’s a big deal.”
“It’s not me that’s done it – it’s the help I’ve had” -James on his career success
Other than going back to school, what other benefits have you seen from working in the manufacturing industry? “The machine shop business has helped put my kids through college and provided for us a wonderful home. Two of my children are in IT. The oldest son works for LinkedIn, our daughter has her Bachelors in business administration, and our youngest son is a restaurant manager, while also teaching tuba and low brass for middle school students. They are all great with technology.”
Were your kids naturally inclined towards technological or educational pursuits, or did you have to encourage them a little? “I started my kids on computers when they were in elementary school and they were quite talented, even as children. I also love teaching my grandkids math. One granddaughter is 11 and I help her with the math they are giving her. Pre-algebra work programs like “this train leaves at that time, etc.” I love working with my grandkids on pre-algebra. I have a math problem on my fridge at home and my grandson wrote a long division question in the quadrillions, and he is 10 years old! My scientific calculator errored out when I tried to replicate it, so I did the equation on paper, and he was right!”
It sounds like you’ve already done a lot for the future generation, in terms of getting them interested in manufacturing, mathematical or technological pursuits, but does your shop have any MFG Day 2016 plans?“We have done things where Boyscouts come out to the shop for MFG Day in the past. We also do plant tours on a reoccurring basis of our shop floor for all the middle schools, high schools and colleges that desire to go through the plant every year. We work very closely with local area schools. We care very much about manufacturing in this area and want kids to advance with the field.”
Do you have any advice for the future generation, in terms of your success? “It’s not me that’s done it – it’s the help I’ve had.”
Shop Floor Automations is an official endorser of MFG Day 2016. Interact with us on Twitter at @SFA_inc and use the hashtag #MFGDay2016 and you may also fill out our contact form.
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-10-06 10:45:492019-01-17 20:05:59Why MFG Day Matters
The manufacturing industry is a big boost to our economy.
The Manufacturing Institute reports that 47 percent of exports from the United States come from our manufacturing sector alone, which is a big deal.
The NTMA (National Tooling and Machining Association) states that for every dollar invested into American manufacturing, $1.81 is gained by the economy. It may seem small, but it’s still a profit – if a Million dollars were put into the manufacturing sector just this week, it would make back that Million, plus turn a profit of $810,000! You can see more facts about why this industry matters to our country by reading our the infographic in this post.
Shop Floor Automations cares a great deal about the manufacturing sector, as well. Our goal is to help our customers, who work on the shop floors and produce these goods, communicate better with their machines and get the most use out of them. We work with machinists, engineers, programmers – we speak to many different people in the manufacturing industry on a daily basis.
One such customer that we have helped is Ben Molinar, who is a Shop Operations Manager. Here is some of his story below:
What inspired you to get into manufacturing? “My reasons for getting into manufacturing are pretty simple. The pay is good, and for me, I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I can turn a piece of raw material into a finished product. Also, knowing that the parts that I am making will go to a customer somewhere to be used in their operations is a pretty awesome feeling.”
It seems like you are very inspired by manufacturing!“Manufacturing is happening every day, all over the world. The technology is always changing, so there is always something to learn and ways to improve.”
If you could say anything else about manufacturing to try and convince the future generation about why it’s a great job field, what would you say? “I can go anywhere in the world and work. Because of my experience and background in machining, I have been able to work all around the globe.”
Ben Molinar is a Shop Operations Manager at GMI Group, formerly Gulf Manufacturing, which has locations in Texas and Louisiana.
Have a great story to tell about why you got into manufacturing or are you doing something special for MFG Day? Contact us on social media, or call (877) 611-5825 to talk about what is happening on your shop floor.
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-10-05 08:27:292019-01-17 20:05:37Manufacturing is Happening Every Day
Shop Floor Automations (SFA) will present to our audience a week-long celebration of MFG DAY, which takes place October 7th. The National Holiday is a celebration of how the industry has evolved in recent years, with a heavy focus on pulling in a future generation to keep the job field thriving.
SFA will roll out the red carpet for MFG DAY by providing followers a day-to-day parade of content relative to the Holiday the week it occurs. Informative blogs, a video, maybe even an infographic, will be just some of the fun content to experience. We may even give out one of their hilarious G-code T-Shirts, but definitely, count on a discount to celebrate the Holiday in our online store!
Could an MFG DAY related strip from our new comic series called “Shop Floor Man” (which is pictured to the top left and may be clicked on to magnify) be coming? We are also reaching out to some of their amazing customers in the Manufacturing field to get their stories and insight from the work they do, which will hopefully be included in these celebrations.
Follow what we will be up to on Twitter at both @SFA_inc and @ShopFloorHumor. We are also on Instagram and Facebook under the username ShopFloorAutomations. Look for all of our MFG Day related content on our website blog. Fill out our contact form, so we can get in touch with you on your time.
Remember – when tweeting about MFG Day, please use the tag #MFGday16 or use it to keep up with the fun events on this momentous day!
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-09-26 15:53:492018-12-21 22:55:32MFG Day 2016 is Coming
There are some great changes on the horizon for DataXchange from Scytec. Shop Floor Automations, an authorized reseller of the program, would like to take the time to quickly highlight previews of changes to come.
Enjoy OEE machine monitoring with a real-time shop floor layout. New OEE charts, views from a real-time dashboard, plus multiple part-time analysis reports, a shop floor layout view in the dashboard, and various equipment status comparison charts that will analyze equipment utilization across a span of different days will be included in new updates.
For a quick window into what you get from Scytec’s DataXchange, via theproduct page:
Pay $45 monthly per machine – no long-term contract
We house the servers for an unlimited number of users
Real-time data collection from CNC controllers & equipment
Unlimited reporting & charting licenses
View & report on data results from anywhere
Track multiple cycle time types
System is supported under Windows 10
Check out our main page for what we will be up to at IMTS 2016, and call (877) 611-5825 for machine monitoring, and other shop floor solutions.
To quote Bob Dylan – “the times, they are a-changin‘”. This also applies to the manufacturing industry and a serious demand for skilled workers in this field.
With today’s generation of youth, it seems as if they all want to be YouTube stars, singers, actors, artists – anything creative to get fame and to make a lot of money is the appeal. Many organizations are working hard to peak the interest of today’s youth into the manufacturing industry, which falls into the realm of more technological or scientific trades (AKA: STEM). They are trying to convey to this upcoming generation of workers that they can find creativity, the possibility of prominence, and good pay with jobs in the manufacturing sector.
There are notable efforts from multiple organizations to combat the very near future’s need for skilled manufacturing workers. One example is the SME Education Foundation, who in a genius move also own the domain ManufacturingisCool.com.
You may remember a piece we did on Workshops for Warriors, which focuses on getting well-deserved military veterans into manufacturing jobs. We also tip our hats to NIMS (the National Institute for Metalworking Skills), the ML Council, The Manufacturing Institute, NAM (the National Association of Manufacturers), AMT (the Association for Manufacturing Technology), and NTMA (the National Tooling and Machining Association) for helping to close the skills gap in this area.
What more can be done? Recently, the Haas Technical Education Center has been encouraging those in any aspect of the manufacturing industry to let Congress know that the need currently ranges from moderate to serious for these skilled positions. With the help of NAM and the Manufacturing Institute, they are looking for help in passing H.R. 5587 AKA the Strengthening Career & Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-08-24 09:48:392022-11-28 05:48:11Closing the MFG Skills Gap
You can see your machine manufacture something in real time. What about monitoring the data of what your machines are doing in real time? It’s possible!
Software can be utilized to collect and analyze machine activity data such as MTConnect, Fanuc FOCAS, plus custom macros, and the aid of certain hardware devices. An easy-to-view dashboard, as well as charts and historical reports, can help your shop floor monitor downtime, runtime, and OEE data.
As discussed in a previous blog, you can get email notifications when there are any production delays due to your machines. You can also get text messages.
These different messages can also be targeted to specific operators who work different shifts, which means one employee who is off for certain shift doesn’t have to hear about a machine that is down when employee two can handle it.
Options for machine monitoring you can take advantage of range from a convenient application, a permanent license you own, or a month-to-month license that does not require on-site servers. Be sure to call us if you want more information at (877) 611-5825, or ask us questions on social media!
https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpg00Greg Mercuriohttps://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SFA-Site-Logo-300x138.jpgGreg Mercurio2016-08-22 05:00:332018-11-29 20:39:01Machine Monitoring is a Must
Predator Touch HMI, a relatively new application, is a favorite here at Shop Floor Automations. We wanted to take the time to do an in-depth piece on its benefits.
What can best be described as a big button interface, Touch HMI is an application that operators to use to simplify sending and receiving programs to and from machines. For shops employing machine data collection, they can put in downtime codes that the operators can choose, such as setup or preventative maintenance, for example.
Touch HMI can be accessed from any Windows-based platform, such as a compatible tablet or cell phone, as well as a network PC. Touch HMI can communicate over a network, wired and wirelessly, as well as via a serial connection.
This time-saving interface consolidates multiple automation platforms with features like data collection, DNC, plus other types of document control platforms. You can automate processes on the machine, and really any third party software can be integrated with it. It acts as one common place for the operator to interact with that looks visually pleasing and is easy to understand.
Predator DNC is one tool used to communicate with and network CNC machines. Touch HMI makes communicating easier than all the different alternatives currently available. You can use it with a bar code reader, but it can also replace what a bar code does, too! Custom color coding is also an option SFA has for customers to make the system easier to read.
Another great feature of TouchHMI that you may not have thought about? Because the Internet of Things is such an influence in the manufacturing industry, a button can be customized on an individual client’s interface that is a supplement to their daily schedule.
Want a button that goes to a web browser, so your operator can order lunch and have it be ready for pick up when they go on break? Or a button where a tech can request time off? A button on the interface that can report work hazards is also a possibility. Anything you can think of to put on that extra button is likely a can-do by our creative technical team, so call us to learn more at 877-611-5825!
You rely on emails heavily in today’s technological world. Imagine being able to receive an email when your CNC machine goes down.
DataXchange from Scytec is a machine monitoring solution we highly recommend if this sounds appealing to you. DataXchange connects to your newer CNC equipment through an ethernet port, or for legacy machines and non-CNC equipment, SFA adds a hardware solution to compliment DataXChange that can monitor your machines.
Configure downtimes you want to be notified about, and an email automatically sends to anyone on your specified distribution list. Set custom parameters for timing or hierarchy of the emails, too.
Picture this: if a machine alarm goes off, you can set the system up to wait for a set period of time before it emails you – this eliminates an email being sent out for every small event. Or you can set it to send an email to John Smith at the company if the alarm happens during first shift, while if the alarm happens during second shift, the email is sent to Jane Doe. This eliminates unnecessary emails to people that might be at home asleep!
Instant access to shop floor data and productivity is a valuable tool. Correct problems faster and increase up-time with solutions like these. Call us at 877-611-5825, send a message to our Sales team, or come find us on one of our social media channels.
Happy MFG Day! 
Why MFG Jobs are Important
MFG Day 2016 is Coming
Closing the MFG Skills Gap
Predator Touch HMI
CNC Machine Email Notifications