Accelerating Development Of Electrical Panels With SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic Professional

Select Technologies, Inc. has been featured on the Solidworks website: Accelerating Development Of Electrical Panels With SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic Professional

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“The level of automation that we have been able to achieve via SQL integrations with SOLIDWORKS Electrical has allowed us to save significant amounts of time. Our designers report drawing speed increases ranging from 25 to 50 percent, and a detailed look at our projects over a five-year period revealed that we are saving an average of 2,033 man-hours per year.”

4 Best Practices for Efficient Material Handling

An effective material handling process is the key to achieve warehouse efficiency. It requires management of available resources and adoption of best practices in material handling process to enjoy maximum productivity at minimum cost. The following are four practices to implement for effective material handling processes.

Focus on Automation

Automation is the key to driving productivity and efficiency in the warehouse environment. Many companies use automation and material handling strategies to suit the needs of their business. Automation tools and devices include conveyor systems, RF devices as well as automated storage and retrieval systems.

Direct Put-away Processes

This practice bypasses the staging process and relocates the products to their destination as soon as they are received. It also makes it easier to pick and ship a product, improving the order-fill rates. It also reduces and avoids space issues, transaction errors, and damage.

Radiofrequency Identification

Radiofrequency identification is a technology that helps to spot and track products using electromagnetic fields. For example, a tag is attached to each product with pertinent information, which can be changed upon relocation. Companies also use sensors in combination with radio frequency identification for real-time tracking and maximum warehouse efficiency. 

Organize

The efficient material handling process is only possible in a clean, well-organized warehouse. For all the latest technology and practices to be effective, the workplace needs to be clean and organized in the first place. Unoptimized work conditions and warehouse environment lead to product damage, loss of production, and safety problems.

Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

The Significance of Automation in Meat Processing

Automation has taken the world by storm one industry at a time. As a result of the increase in the demand for meat products, manufacturers continue to use and update automation in meat processing to meet consumer needs.

Traditionally, most of the work in meat processing is manual. This work includes deboning, cutting, and shredding various types of meat including pork, beef, and poultry. However, these tasks are physically draining, strenuous, and can cause injuries. By adapting automation in meat processing, these issues are alleviated.

The benefits of updated automation in meat processing
It is crucial for meat processing manufacturers to maintain updated automation to provide safe and quality products to the end user. Utilizing the latest automation in meat processing offers many benefits, such as:

Updating infrastructure and USDA certification

Automation and upgrading of systems can help meet the standards required by the USDA. In addition, it continues operation of equipment at the high specifications required of food grade level processing lines.

Production quota

When using advanced automation in meat processing, it decreases cycle time to increase the production rate. This factor enables the manufacturer to reach a higher capacity and meet consumer demands at a faster pace.

Improvement in safety

You can improve safety because the decrease in contact with human hands significantly reduces the chance of meat contamination, leading to a more hygienic end product. It also results in a significant decrease in injuries because workers are less exposed to moving mechanisms.

Sanitation

Automated Process lines that are designed with sanitation in mind can reduce sanitation time requirements and increase hygienic effectiveness. Consequently, automation in meat processing protects both the product and consumer better from contamination.

Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

Tips for Enhancing the Efficiency of Your Food Processing Packaging Line

Want to improve the overall performance and efficiency of your food processing packaging line?

We understand how below-par performance can cut down production efficiency in today’s time-sensitive industry. With these helpful tips for improving production, it’s time to ensure that your food processing packaging line keeps running at optimal performance.

Expert installation and setup

The installation and setup should be on point. It’s crucial that you hire experts who genuinely understand your equipment as well as your production requirements and goals. Improper installation and setup of your food processing packaging line will be likely to give way to unnecessary and unexpected interruptions. Without the proper installation, you may be subject to further costs.

Regular maintenance for food processing packaging line

Well-maintained machines tend to work better and faster. Therefore, it’s essential that you schedule regular maintenance sessions to maintain productivity and reduce the risks of frequent breakdowns. This program will also help prevent any equipment damage, increasing the longevity of the machines. Furthermore, be sure you keep a record of the maintenance sessions, highlighting the reasons and the duration of the repair. Documenting the details helps to improve maintenance sessions by providing in-depth insight into your packaging line processes.

Keep a parts inventory

It’s always best to keep essential parts and equipment in stock, as problems often occur unexpectedly. Having extra change parts also helps to establish a maintenance plan. These parts need to be of good quality and easy to install and adjust.

Simple changeovers

To achieve maximum efficiency of your food processing packaging line, you should try to keep changeovers precise and straightforward. They should be repeatable so that you may track, automate, and adjust the systems to keep it running at peak levels during changeovers.

Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

Lean manufacturing and user-friendly PLC and HMI systems

How HMI and PLC systems enhance lean manufacturing

In the first place, let’s define HMI and PLC systems. Human-machine interface (HMI) offers a graphic representation of a control system. The design of a programmable logic controller (PLC) is able to withstand the rigorous conditions found in many industrial facilities while monitoring and controlling processes.

It is important to realize that the combined implementation of an HMI and a PLC is essential to a lean manufacturing system. Introduced in 1919, lean manufacturing is recognized as a way to increase the effectiveness of manufacturing processes. Overall, the practice of lean manufacturing reduces waste, including needless equipment and process phases. When in use, its principles can apply to the planning, building, and support of automation solutions. Because of these solutions, you can potentially increase production and consistency, resulting in improved quality and profitability. Consequently, the integration of user-friendly PLC and HMI systems offers a number of advantages that align with lean manufacturing:

Lower cost
Less space
Better user interface
Improved machine control
Waste reduction
Increased productivity
Improved worker satisfaction
Enhanced networking for remote control and monitoring
Data recording for troubleshooting

How are all these advantages achieved?

Today, most control systems use a PLC to control motors, pumps, and valves as well as any and all other parts used in the process. When you add an HMI to the system, the worker now has the ability to interact with the PLC control system. The integration of these two systems create a way for a worker to better monitor information, react to alerts, respond to changes, and make repairs more efficiently. With the advantages offered by PLC and HMI integration, food processing manufacturers can implement the principles of lean manufacturing more easily and realize its benefits more quickly.

Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system, even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information, contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

The importance of air balancing in food processing manufacturing

Air handling in a commercial or residential infrastructure is entirely different than air balancing in food processing manufacturing. In food manufacturing factories it is crucial to maintain air quality to avert or prevent possible adverse health issues associated with the factory environment. To maintain overall healthy air quality, it is important to realize that temperature, humidity, and proper air filtration are of the utmost importance. An effective food processing air balancing system keeps air pollutants and any negative conditions that could impact workers or products under control.

 

 

TAB in air balancing for food processing

Properly balancing a ventilation system has three vital steps – testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB).  At Select Technologies our specialists use specially calibrated equipment to evaluate pressures, temperatures, velocities, rotational speed, electrical characteristics, air quantity, and water quantity for a detailed diagnosis of system performance. When adjusting the final settings of air balancing devices, we consider valves and dampers, fan speeds, thermostats, and pressure controllers. Finally, we balance the valves and grills air flow, completing the process of adjusting the ventilation system. By closely following this systematic approach, we can assure the facility reaches optimum results from its operating ventilation system.

 

Professionals can only perform these steps for effective results. (TAB) professionals measure air and hydronic on ventilation systems and adjust the air flow according to the organization’s design flow needs, to deliver satisfactory results.

 

 

Benefits of air balancing in food processing

In order to eradicate the probability of contamination, air flow in food processing plants must be firmly controlled. Distribution of correct air balance is mandatory to prevent any health risk or slowdown in productivity. The following considerations are prime benefits of obtaining and maintaining proper air balance.

 

 

Controlling condensation

The food industry’s number one priority is the safety of the food it produces. If moisture and condensation seep into sanitized areas, the damage can be devastating. Bacterial growth can be a problem because moisture can accumulate in the crevices of the equipment. Balanced air prevents the problem of unwanted moisture accumulation.

 

 

Removing airborne contaminants

Air balancing and controlling air flow inside a food processing facility will minimize the threat of dust particles or contaminants entering the plant environment and air handling system. Meat processing facilities have a higher tendency for attracting harmful airborne pollutants. Because of this danger, air flow frequency and direction are critical in these facilities and others.

 

 

Maintaining temperature

In order to adhere to mandatory sanitation and safety standards, it is essential for food processing companies to strictly control room temperature.  Air balancing for food processing systems maintains the desired temperatures in individual locations and rooms.

 

 

Lowering energy costs

Correctly installed air handling systems, monitor, and provide conditioned air which can be heated, cooled, humidified, and dehumidified cost-effectively. Unbalanced air flow, however, can put an excess burden on your HAVC systems and exhaust fans resulting in your system consuming more energy over extended periods of time.  Naturally, this increases energy costs in your overall food processing air balancing system.

 

Select Technologies effectively works to eliminate the problem of food contamination via our expertise in food processing air balancing services. We are a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

Why Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are essential to the food processing industry

Since its inception in the 1980s, SCADA has changed the face of industrial operations. In fact, food manufacturers that have integrated a SCADA system have found it enhances efficiency and increases profitability. In this article, we will discuss the many advantages SCADA systems offer for food processing industries.

 

 

Optimizing time management

SCADA systems aid in streamlining all supervisory operations in food processing facilities. Because it enables manufacturers to make better use of their time, they are able to improve production and reduce downtime. When introducing a SCADA system, you are bale to maximizes productivity and efficiency. SCADA systems work to collect and analyze data to detect obstacles or hurdles, which can affect productivity to mitigate the risks they pose. The system aids in resolving the problem and suggests suitable measures for quick solutions.

 

 

Increasing ROI

Every business wants to increase revenue generation with minimal cost. In today’s fluctuating market and cutthroat competition, it is critical for food manufacturers to automate their processes and facility management for optimal results. If you want to make the most of your investment and harness profits to the maximum, then SCADA systems offer many automated procedures to remove inefficiency from your processes.

 

It has been proven that the integration of SCADA systems in the food processing industry adds value throughout its operations. At Select Technology we recognize the fact that each factory’s need varies from another, which is why we design custom-made solutions for each client. Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a comprehensive and coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. If you are interested in a SCADA system, we would be happy to speak with you. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

Process Expo 2019

October 8 – 11 2019

Chicago, Illinois

Select Technologies will be attending Process Expo 2019. See our display in South Hall, booth 631

The Benefits of Food Processing Automation

Process Automation has been around for decades, and many facilities have benefited from it. Still, more facilities can prosper from the cost savings and efficiency afforded by careful control and monitoring of process lines. Now let’s have a look at some of the ways automation can benefit your food processing production.

 

Food processing automation improves information sharing

Customers are increasingly looking to collect viable data to assist in making informed decisions. Through process automation, your organization can monitor a production line. It allows users to view the status of the whole process instead of dealing with multiple systems and long waiting times for information. In fact, integrating this technology delivers a faster information delivery system, resulting in higher levels of analytics efficiencies for information.

Food processing automation helps process information more efficiently

Given today’s strict compliance requirements, it can be an enormous job to gather the necessary information. When required, the organization must collect and validate data, extract relevant information, and keep the data updated. It’s a time-consuming process if left only to workers. A unified trend system can reduce the time-consuming steps of the data-monitoring cycle and boost accuracy, leading to improved overview of data points.

 

SCADA improves trackability

A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system gives supervisory management control at a single point of access. As a result, this system offers users the ability to keep constant track of the status of critical processes and settings of multiple production lines.

It is a fact that automated processes can improve efficiencies and reduce costs. In addition, food processing automation keeps customers satisfied.

 

Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.

process automation project

How STI keeps customer satisfaction healthy throughout a process automation project

Maintaining customer satisfaction can be the most challenging aspect when managing a process automation project. Keeping a close watch on budget and schedule are critical for success. However, they are not enough to ensure the project is a success in the eyes of a customer. In fact, the customer’s view of the performance of the process integration team is a complex element that can be difficult to measure accurately. To succeed, one must understand and relate to the customer’s pain points. The four points below highlight the critical characteristics of managing complex process automation projects and identify essential attributes to help manage the experience.

  1. Process automation project oversights can be detrimental to its success.

One common misconception is that the current work responsibilities can be maintained while taking on additional project loading activities. Another common oversight is underestimating the detailed knowledge required to provide accurate data or review/approvals required.

  1. Don’t be afraid to over-communicate about your process automation project.

Doing business is easy when the project is within schedule and budget. However, when deadlines are looming and stakes are high it can be a different matter. In this case, it is better to understand how to work together to address issues and concerns before a high-stress situation. To provide honest, fair, and open communications with all stakeholders is always the best policy. For this reason, act in the best interest of the customer and lead by example.

  1. Uphold accountability across all aspects of your process automation project.

Collective synergy and commitment from all stakeholders will result in the success of a process automation project. When schedules become tight, most people search for ways to cut corners. Be sure to fully evaluate the impact or potential impact of all actions and trust the proven process to lead to success.

  1. Don’t fear feedback.

It needs to be a two-way street for all stakeholders in a process automation project. Embrace continuous improvement by discussing positive and negative aspects. Both customer and contractor should have an open discussion because all have responsibilities to meet. Solutions that are developed together result in fair resolutions and not a one-sided answer.

Generally speaking, more interaction is needed with customers on the front and back-end of project phases. The planning stage also requires accurate and timely delivery of data from the customer to progress into the execution stages. These customer demands put pressure on clients to produce information and can be a bottleneck for the entire process automation project. As an industry leader in process integration and automation, we will help you throughout your project and listen to all your concerns and ideas every step of the way.

Select Technologies is a systems integrator specializing in design-build installation, production line automation, process systems, material handling, and plant facility/utility systems. We deliver a total coordinated, holistic approach to projects. This thorough methodology creates a cost-effective, detailed, and reliable system even in the most challenging circumstances. For more information contact us at 1.844.785.9506 or select-technologies.com.