Making the most of the Christmas shutdown
Jan 10, 2024
Making the most of the Christmas shutdown Buying presents, writing cards to long-lost relatives and stocking up on food and drink — these all need to be done before you can enjoy the festive break. For manufacturers, this time of year is also a good opportunity to prepare for the year ahead, by ensuring that their machines and inventories are ready for the challenges of 2024. Obsolescence management in a manufacturing facility means maintaining systems by sourcing obsolete components in a timely and cost-efficient way, and the festive period will provide breathing space for this process. During this time, manufacturers can inspect parts, carry out the necessary upgrades, and if required, order replacements early so they can arrive in time for the new year. All these steps can be carried out during planned downtime when operations cease, meaning manufacturers can save having to do these during normal working hours. Not all legacy machines need replacing and, for those that can be retained, manufacturers can upgrade them in line with emerging technology by retrofitting more advanced technologies. Drives, sensors and PLCs are the bread and butter of any factory and manufacturers can integrate older editions with smart capabilities to improve data collection, communication and interoperability. Although factory floors will be closed over the festive period, many smart technologies can continue running throughout without requiring human interaction. For example, smart sensors can measure temperature changes, pressure and vibrations, and then make this data available across the whole factory network. These sensors can also tell manufacturers if a piece of machinery is likely to break down, giving them time to order a replacement. Manufacturers can simply program the sensors and monitors before shutting shop, leaving them to collect data on processes and equipment and generate valuable insights. This will give plant managers a head start in the new year, since having a couple of weeks’ worth of data can support strategic decisions on how to future-proof processes in the upcoming months. As manufacturers look forward to a well-earned Christmas break, there are many ways they can make use of the festive period. Implementing a thorough obsolescence management plan and carrying out vital upgrades, like retrofitting smart technology to legacy machines, is a good starting point. SNAT617CHC 61037136 SAMC11POW 57171847 SAFT185TBC 58119687 07KT92 GJR5250500R0262 DSQC679 3HAC028357-001 SAFT121PAC SAFT112POW DSMB144 57360001-EL DSQC639 3HAC025097001 BRC-100 P-HC-BRC-10000000 07AC91 GJR5252300R0101 IMDSI22 SPDSO14 PHARPS62200000 DI811 3BSE008552R1 FI830F 3BDH000032R1 AI830 3BSE008518R1 DI821 3BSE008550R1 DO801 3BSE020510R1 DASA110 3ASC25H705/7 SAFT188IOC TP854 3BSE025349R1 DSQC662 3HAC026254-001 1756-L55M12 1756-L55M13 1756-L61S 1756-L63 1756-L63XT 1756-L64 1756-L65 1756-L71S 1756-L72 1756-LSC8XIB8I 1756-LSP 1756-OB16D 1756-OF6VI 1756-PA75R 1756-PB75 1756-RIO 1756-...
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