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Productivity is not an option

There is a disconnect between people believing they are working and those actually working. Just like on Facebook where people have a few thousand friends but have only ever met (in person) a handful of them. Because your company has the latest technology doesn’t mean it is being used properly – that the operative behind the computer screen or the cnc equipment is achieving their maximum potential. It can also be that the software and the equipment can’t perform to your expectations. The point is?…well…again…Productivity. I continually hear from soothsayers – mainly accountants and financial advisors – that the country has too many SME’s and that they all can’t make it in the business world. Now, I am not totally sure that these soothsayers have the wellbeing of the SME’s in mind – or just trying to rack up more clients, more companies to assist and save, using a fear factor. Even if we have too many SME’s – and they come and go – we continue to have – over the past years -around 94% of businesses being SME’s. What is this telling us? Maybe some of them are continuing to hang on, some are doing well and that the chopping and changing keeps the number high. So…Productivity? The latest figures show that the Productivity level is just over 50% – which is very low and that we are not doing as well as we should be. We have not been for quite a while now. When it is pointed out that European companies like Slovakia make more than we do, we know there is a problem. As an SME you need to have a definitive plan. You can’t go and open the doors every day to end the week with a few dollars in your pocket. Or treat […]

Greater focus needed on the wellbeing of business

-Leeanne Watson, CE, Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Perhaps unsurprisingly New Zealand’s first Wellbeing Budget isn’t a business budget and it’s certainly not about to transform our economy. Yes, there were pockets of funding for innovation, research and development, skills and infrastructure which will help some businesses develop at higher levels and contribute to growing the economy. This included the Government’s $300 million fund for investing in New Zealand’s venture capital markets, $157 million to assist firms in developing high-value low-emissions products, $197 million allocated to vocational education, and $1 billion earmarked for rail. At a local level we are also very pleased to see an increase in funding for the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme. However, the focus of the Budget was largely on dealing with pressure points in respect to key social issues such as education, health and housing. While investment in our most important asset – our people – is significant, it needs to be remembered that only through strong economic growth and a business sector that is willing to invest can many expenditure programmes be supported over the long term. The key aspect that has been overlooked is an explanation of how the Wellbeing Budget approach will support and enable business growth, lift productivity and reduce the burden on business. We need to focus on productivity as the main driver of economic prosperity. This isn’t news – in fact, it’s far from it. Comparative to other countries in OECD, our economy has long had the challenge of how to increase productivity. According to the OECD, New Zealand performs about 30% below the OECD average in terms of GDP per capita. While the Government seems to have skirted the whole productivity issue, for manufacturers, there is one area where the Budget did deliver – with the Future-Proofing New […]

The four factors essential to building a quality production line

-Andrew Stackpole, Assembly Shop Manager at Facteon Developing an efficient and polished machine building process can take a manufacturing company decades. What’s most important is that throughout this process, the focus is on building a quality production line that allows for the manufacturing of best-in-class product. Since beginning my career as a Machine Builder in 1994 and working through to my current role as Assembly Shop Manager at Facteon, I’ve come to learn that there are four key factors involved in developing a quality production line. 1. Quality components produce quality product By keeping the production of machinery components in-house where practical and possible, you will play a more active role in quality control. It was for this very reason that Facteon established its own in-house Build Shop and Machine Shop to cater to internal and external customers. The team retains full control over every component produced and as it’s not heavily relying on delivery by third parties, it can be certain that the component will be available on site when required. To achieve the necessary levels of precision in component manufacturing, collaboration is key – both in the initial phase of producing your components and in the build phase of the production line. Looking at opportunities to integrate the latest technologies with more traditional machining methods, will allow you to fully harness the potential of the machinery while using the latest technology to improve precision and efficiencies. Partnering with reliable external suppliers For any components that can’t be produced in-house, consider looking beyond your own capabilities and using the services of thoroughly vetted external providers. For example, Facteon uses suppliers based in New Zealand, China and the United States and vets these suppliers through a tiered rating system to ensure that our standards are met. If you’ve outsourced the […]

AI challenges revealed in book

The Future Computed: AI and Manufacturing is an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities of AI and how it’s transforming the manufacturing sector. Interviews with customers, policymakers, labor representatives and Microsoft experts shed light on how AI is driving efficiencies, enabling products and services, and allowing for safer workspaces. The book also offers a timely look at how society can respond to some of the challenges this new technology creates, and the need to develop new laws and regulations to address workforce disruption and develop AI in an ethical and responsible manner. A free download of the book is available at The Future Computed microsite, where you can also find other interesting content from the book (e.g. customer videos, case studies, and executive summary).

The sense test

~ How human senses are revolutionising industrial robots ~ As season two of the critically acclaimed TV show Westworld ended in summer 2018, the conversation around what the robot of the future will look like continues. While many believe we will have human-like robots soon, such as those depicted in sci-fi blockbusters like Blade Runner, it will be functionality that dictates the appearance of these machines. Here, John Young sales manager at industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains how allowing manufacturing robots to see and feel is enabling them to step out of the cage. When we think of robots, we often think of either clunky metal frames that complete menial tasks or something so human, it is almost indistinguishable to the person standing next to you. Both appearances have their uses though, whether it’s for picking, packing and palatising in a manufacturing plant, or entertaining guests at an amusement park. Traditionally, robots have been large and noisy pieces of equipment, often posing potential safety risks to the workforce. A new breed of collaborative robots has changed this though, allowing machines to work side-by-side with human employees. This type of robot is now becoming increasingly commonplace on the plant floor, revolutionising the manufacturing process. In a study carried out by the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville Global Supply Chain Institute, robotics was identified as one of the biggest supply chain disruptors. Paul Dittmann, executive director of the Global Supply Chain Institute and author of the paper, said: “Robotics have been around for more than 50 years, but they have become dramatically more dynamic in the last five. They are no longer stationary, blind, expensive and unintelligent, but can work alongside people and learn as jobs change.” The evolution of the humble robot One of the biggest advances in robotics […]

HandySCAN 3D scanner meets Boeing’s requirements

Creaform, the worldwide leader in portable 3D measurement solutions and non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, has announced that its HandySCAN 3D metrology-grade 3D laser scanner can now be used for recording physical attributes of aircraft dents and blends on all models of Boeing commercial airplanes. Boeing has released a service letter with guidance on the use of 3D scanners for measuring dents and blends on airplanes. The SmartDENT 3D solution and the flagship HandySCAN 3D scanner were used in the process of guiding Boeing’s quality requirements for the service letter. “Creaform is proud to see leaders such as Boeing, turn to 3D scanning solutions for surface defect inspection. With SmartDENT 3D, our goal is to provide the most accurate damage assessment to our customers, so they can make informed and safe decisions, while getting their aircraft back flying with minimal down time,” said Jérôme Beaumont, Global NDT Business Manager at Creaform. Overview of SmartDENT 3D benefits: Speed: 80 times faster than the pit gauge technique. It is the fastest and most reliable aircraft surface damage inspection tool available on the market. Metrology-grade measurements for aircraft maintenance: The scanner is accurate to 0.025 mm (0.0009 in.) and has a resolution of up to 0.100 mm (0.0039 in.) with high repeatability and traceable certificate. Intuitive pass/fail assessments: With its intuitive design and real-time software visualization, Creaform’s NDT solutions ensure short learning curves and minimal operator experience influence on the accuracy of results. Live visualization and portability: Weighting less than a kilo, the handheld scanner is the perfect tool for work in hangars or directly outdoors. Users can easily perform 3D surface inspection of any part of an aircraft on which they would use manual techniques—including on and under wings. In addition to complying with Boeing’s service letter, Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanners are listed […]

Gamma helmets new benchmark for welder safety

Kemppi has launched its new Gamma range of helmets for welders The personal gear offers welders the best protection for the eyes, face and respiratory system, and it also integrates work lights for clear vision and safety in low light working conditions. The Gamma range reduces work fatigue, increases comfort, and helps guard against welding related health hazards. Designed to deliver maximum protection and safety for welding professionals, the Gamma family now sets the global benchmark. Intense light and heat from the welding and cutting arcs are known hazards in welding workshops. However, welding also contaminates the surrounding air. Welding and cutting fumes, which contain dangerous elements that are generally not visible to the naked eye, pollute the breathing air and can pose serious health risks. Typically, welders can breathe 4,000 litres of air in an 8-hour work shift, and if the lungs are unprotected, tiny fume particles can pass deep into the lung structure and can cause serious health risks through long and short-term exposure to the contaminated air. The new Gamma series protects welders from 99.8% of airborne fumes and particulates. ‘The Gamma series, when used together with the new powered filter unit, meets the highest European Total Inward Leakage (TIL) classification for respiratory performance, class TH3 as well as Australian and New Zealand standards,’ said David Green, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia. “This places the Gamma series in a category all of its own when it comes to delivering maximum overall protection for the welder.” Powered from either a battery powered filter pack or an airline breathing source, the Gamma GTH3 respirator models work on the ‘positive air pressure’ principal to exclude dangerous welding fumes, and supply clean and fresh breathing air into the breathing zone. These helmets ensure the welder enjoys a safe, cool and comfortable breathing […]

Wellbeing Budget 2019 delivers, but not for business

The EMA was not expecting much for business from the Wellbeing Budget 2019, but it was still disappointed it did not tackle some of its members’ key concerns. Chief executive Brett O’Riley says the 8500-strong member organisation’s focus is primarily on employees and their workers. “Nobody would argue that people’s overall wellbeing is important, and there is no doubt that a happier, healthier community is a more productive one. We do welcome the investment in mental health as it is a cost to everyone in different ways, including business, and any improvement in this area would benefit everyone,” says Brett O’Riley. “However, greater recognition could have been made of wellbeing in the business sector as a healthy economy provides the funding to deal with the difficult and complex social issues the Government is tackling,” he says. From an EMA member point of view, the best news for business probably came ahead of today’s budget with the decision not to introduce a capital gains tax. Mr O’Riley says two positives were the $300m of expansion capital for start-ups will be able to access in order to grow, and $197m to tackle homelessness through Housing First, a social housing initiative that could further the construction sector. With a key part of the economy’s success linked to being competitive in the digital age, and the EMA welcomes today’s announcement of $6.8m over four years to future-proof New Zealand’s manufacturing industry, as well as the additional $157m for research and innovation linked to low emissions. This ties in to another of the major challenges for members is getting the people they need. While the EMA is pleased to be involved in the crucial Future of Work project, more focus is needed to achieve an employment framework that supports future growth. In addition, the immigration […]

Budget overlooks business wellbeing

Budget 2019 largely overlooks one of the key drivers of people’s wellbeing – their livelihoods, says Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Leeann Watson. Budget 2019 utilised the Treasury’s Living Standards Framework to inform the Government’s investment priorities and funding decisions. “This is not a Budget that will transform our economy,” says Ms Watson. “While it will go down in history as the first wellbeing Budget, it does not go far enough in terms of supporting businesses to enable growth. “We are generally supportive of the concept and impetus behind the wellbeing framework, but it doesn’t work if we don’t have the financial wherewithal to fund those wellbeing initiatives. The key aspect that has been overlooked is an explanation of how the wellbeing Budget approach might assist business growth and reduce the burden on business.” Ms Watson says that while this was not a ‘business Budget’, there were aspects of the Budget that would be welcomed by the business community. “It was positive to hear the Government’s $300 million fund for investing in venture capital markets, with a particular focus on mid-sized businesses, as well as the $157 million allocated to help support start-ups focused on innovation to promote low-emissions. We also welcome the investment in infrastructure through the $1 billion earmarked for rail over two years. “At a local level we are very pleased to see the increase in funding for the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme, which will make a significant difference to our community. We also look forward to hearing how the confirmed funding for the Reform of Vocational Education will be parcelled out.”

Obsession drives latest purchase for Shot Darts

A new piece of machinery has firmly positioned Katikati’s Shot Darts as a leader in the international darts industry. The recently purchased titanium plating plant is behind the vibrant colour coatings on the company’s darts. It also ensures a durable coating that doesn’t chip and helps keep a dart’s edges and grip intact, supporting the quality and flair the company is well-known for in international darts circles. Managing Director Peter McCormick says the purchase speaks to the company’s obsession with darts, which goes back almost 50 years to when his father, John McCormick, took over the business. “To the best of my knowledge, we’re the only precision darts manufacturer in the world to manage the entire manufacturing process in-house. From initial concepts, to packing our beautifully finished tungsten darts by hand ready for shipment, we get it all done here at our factory in New Zealand. “It gives us complete control, from woah to go. Not just over quality, but also lead times and consistency of supply. Mr McCormick says customer expectations for lead times are getting shorter and shorter, and he expects bringing the entire process in-house to shorten turnaround by at least two weeks. “It enables us to be more flexible, to respond quicker to customer needs.” The company has backed up its investment by hiring a machine operator with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry, a role Mr McCormick says is expected to have a strong research and development focus. “We want to see what the machine is really capable of. We’re excited about continuing to push the envelope. And getting our ideas out there, into the hands of players, faster.” However, the process of getting the machine to Shot Darts Katikati factory and up and running hasn’t been without its difficulties, he says. “There have been challenges, […]

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