Cross-Training (Multiskilling)

Cross-Training is an important management tool for both individual and team development. If you’ve ever worked at an understaffed business, you’re probably familiar with having to cover other coworkers’ responsibilities when they are absent or overloaded—but there’s a better way! Cross-training as a business methodology has evolved far past the point where it was the […]

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the ability to offload storage and processing power to a central physical server while allowing users to virtually access those resources anywhere at any time as long as they have an internet connection. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Cloud is Internet-accessible offsite storage and processing resources for consumers and businesses Clouds can be private, public, […]

Best Practices

What are Best Practices? Best Practices are the established principle course of action within any situation. They can be used to make sure that the most efficient, cost-effective, and/or safe methods are being used. Typically, best practices are used within business applications as a way to establish the best working standards. These can come in […]

Application Programming Interface (API)

What Is an API? An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of code that enable two or more systems to connect and share data. As opposed to a user interface that serves to connect programs with people, APIs are used to connect programs with other programs. Why have APIs become such a large topic […]

Andon

What is Andon? In manufacturing, Andon is a system that enables workers to quickly notify team members and managerial staff of quality or process problems. Typically, Andon is performed by activating a light on a signboard that specifies which workstation has either noticed the quality issue or is experiencing problems. Andon is a Japanese term […]

Additive Manufacturing

smt storage

Initially developed for use in the 1970s, additive manufacturing has evolved much since its inception to allow for personal and industrial precision use in nearly every field imaginable. Examples vary in complexity from a hot glue gun to a precision-cutting electron beam. KEY TAKEAWAYS Uses CAD (computer aided design) software or 3D sensors and scannersApplies […]

Agile Manufacturing

What is Agile Manufacturing? Agile Manufacturing is a production methodology that enables companies to be agile in the face of change. As customer expectations shift and opportunities for innovations arise, Agile manufacturers are able to shift their strategies quickly and responsively. The consumer and industrial markets change quickly and very often. Regardless of the product […]

SMT reel: 5 things you should know

What is SMT reel? SMT stands for Surface Mount Technology.SMT reel is a spool of material, usually made of plastic or cardboard, that is used to hold and dispense a material such as a wire, cable, or component. In the context of SMT, a reel is often used to hold and dispense components that are […]