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Philippines to ride global manufacturing growth wave

With Asia well poised for future economic success, the Philippines is slated to be one of the region’s growth leaders, as long as it continues to reduce corruption, invest public monies to build key infrastructure, and solve its electric generation and transmission issues. This is a according to Competitiveness: Catching the next wave: The Philippines a report released by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (Deloitte Global). Additionally, the report projects the key industries that will likely drive the Philippines growth over the next 20 years include manufacturing, business process outsourcing (BPO), construction, transportation and logistics, and information and communications. The report also outlines steps the government can take to make the region more attractive to business, including increasing corporate governance and reducing corruption. “The strong growth in global manufacturing to 2033 will drive world growth, and this presents the Philippines with great potential to integrate into the global supply chain of high-value manufacturing,” said Gary Coleman, Managing Director, Global Clients and Industries, Deloitte Global. “If the government makes smart investments in infrastructure—including roads and harbors—that would help to boost the construction and transportation sectors and lead to higher productivity growth in the coming years as well.” While the report notes that the BPO industry will be a source of employment for new graduates, it cautions that to achieve long-term growth, the Philippines must reduce unemployment and the government must implement policies to improve the business climate. It also urges the government to reduce bribery and corruption through reform measures that include the procurement process, civil servant training and wages, and instituting reporting and enforcement mechanisms. Additional industry driving growth highlights include: Manufacturing: To help boost manufacturing initiatives, the government should introduce a number of special industrial zones that benefit from a combination of supportive government policies. The Philippines should also begin […]

Showa Denko expands utilisation of used plastic to produce ammonia

Showa Denko has completed the expansion of used-plastic gasification facility at the Kawasaki Plant. As part of its basic chemicals business, SDK is producing ammonia at Kawasaki. SDK processes used plastic to obtain part of hydrogen necessary for the synthesis of ammonia. As an industrial material, ammonia is used in the production of synthetic fibers and metal surface treatment for automotive and construction machinery parts. The demand for ammonia used for removing nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gas from thermal electric power plants and other facilities has been increasing in recent years. Furthermore, SDK’s liquefied ammonia (trade name: Ecoann(TM)) has been approved and rated high as “eco-friendly goods for procurement” by major electric power companies because the product is partly based on used plastic. In January 2015, SDK’s plan to raise the percentage of feedstock from used plastic was recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as eligible for the ministry’s interest subsidy program for the promotion of effective utilisation of resources. Under the program, SDK received a loan from the Development Bank of Japan Inc., and invested in the expansion of used-plastic gasification facility at the Kawasaki Plant*. After the expansion, the percentage of hydrogen from used plastic to produce Ecoann(TM) will increase to 65%. The method to produce hydrogen from used plastic entails significantly lower environmental burden compared to the conventional methods to produce hydrogen from petroleum-derived raw materials. By providing products indispensable for protecting the environment and improving social infrastructure, SDK will continue meeting the expectations of society and local communities. Showa Denko K.K. is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. SDK makes petrochemicals (ethylene, propylene), aluminum products (ingots, rods), electronic equipment (hard disks for computers) and […]

Vitafoods Asia Conference 2015: Translating Science into Good Business

New Expanded Content Programme & Exclusive Content from Frost & Sullivan Singapore, 20 Jun 2015 – Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries in Asia, today announces the programme for its second edition of the Vitafoods Asia Conference. Running alongside the exhibition from 2 – 3 September at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, the conference boasts a brand new format and an increase in content offering. Delegates can expect to hear from well-respected industry experts across segments and job functions during the two-day event. Speakers include professionals from A*STAR, Agence Tesla, ASEAN Food & Beverage Alliance, BrandHive, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chung Shan Medical University, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, EAS Strategies, Euromonitor International, Food Industry Asia, Frost & Sullivan, HealthBrandBuilders, The HealthyMarketingTeam Ltd, Herbalife Taiwan Inc., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Innova Market Insights, International Society for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Yang-Ming University, and NSF International. Mr Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Vitafoods Events, shared, “Building upon the success of our European event in May, the Vitafoods Asia Conference will bear a similar programme structure. We continue to highlight best practice, with market research and development in areas such as weight management and healthy ageing. The Conference also focuses more on regulatory aspects this year, in response to industry demand. Through this platform, we aim to facilitate dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and innovation within the industry, so as to facilitate the development of better and safer end-products for the consumer.” Two Streams: Connecting Science with Business With sessions that cover both commercial and science aspects of business, delegates are presented with a full picture of the production cycle from idea to retail shelves. Content is divided into two distinct, parallel streams: Your Business focuses on how […]

Internet of Things Top Trends

Old products will be re-invented and whole new ventures will emerge overnight to focus on the analysis part, and define service on top of it. Software AG has released its picks for the top trends for the Internet of Things (IoT). The overarching theme highlights the need for better regulation and security for widespread adoption. The Internet of Things is a revolution. There will be serious threats to those who are not prepared and profitable opportunities for those who are. Issues such as security and governance will need to be addressed as IoT begins to impact more and more of our daily lives. Software AG’s Top Internet of Things (IoT) Trends: 1. Don’t Gamble with IoT: Untrustworthy Things will be treated like gamblers in a casino – under close surveillance and approved until they misbehave. Traditional methods of on-boarding Things using explicit authorisation will be insufficient as IoT proliferates. 2. Intelligence on Things gets up close and personal: As intelligence on the Internet of Things becomes critical to decision-making, it will become necessary for analytics to reside close to the Things being analysed. Analytics will evolve both in the cloud and on the “outer edge”— either on the Thing itself or on a gateway nearby. 3. Say hello to your virtual assistant: IoT will enable consumers to adopt a “virtual assistant,” which will act in a semi-autonomous manner in the home — monitoring sensor-enabled Things to replenish light bulbs, order prescription medicines or buy groceries online. But consumers will demand assurances of security and privacy before embracing the trend. 4. Pay-as-you-go Things: The Internet of Things will accelerate the pay-as-you-go model for products. All products will be sold with something “smart” embedded within them. For example, a washing machine could be offered cheaply, or even for free, with the consumer […]

Adapting to the new frontiers in the manufacturing industry

Increasing operational effectiveness generally translates to process improvement initiatives. Best steps towards an efficient project community through recognition of the most definitive drivers at a time when PM and project portfolio management is gaining prominence Over the past decade, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a complete transformation across the globe. With large developing economies effectively handling competition against mature markets and transforming into first-tier manufacturing powerhouses, the changes have been unprecedented. Manufacturers have also experienced spontaneous growth in unstable markets around the world and skilled talent has remained in short and unbalanced supply in different regions. The entire evolutionary process has seen manufacturing organisations focus on demonstrating business value, with project governance and metrics playing an increasingly important role in keeping management informed about project performance and its impact on the bottom line. In an industry as diverse as manufacturing, project management as a management discipline has emerged as an important channel in highlighting much economic activity. Increasing Strategic Role of Project Management Manufacturers in recent years have discovered that project management’s reliable methodologies fit together ably with the overall processes and in every area of production. As business leaders continue to adapt to the increasing market volatility, project management is playing a big step closer to business strategy. A fully aligned programme and project portfolio management strategy includes the entire organisation, mandating project execution at every level and aiming to deliver value at each step. Best Steps to an Efficient Project Community Recognising the most definitive drivers that critically impact the skills requirements and competencies development of the project community in the manufacturing industry is essential. Identifying these four drivers and implementing the right measures respectively is paramount to achieving project success. Given the dynamics of the manufacturing industry, the pressure to produce, to gain or retain competitive advantage […]

Rockwell Automation simplifies model predictive control with Pavilion8 software

Rockwell Automation Pavilion8 Model Predictive Control (MPC) software now delivers a more user-friendly configuration environment, step-by-step prompts, warning diagnostics and flexible work flows to simplify building, maintaining and adjusting highly complex process models. Pavilion8 software has long been known as being among the most powerful software for solving highly challenging control problems, and it is now also among the easiest to use. The solution builder tools within the software now offer MPC configuration in a modern Windows environment, giving users a more familiar and streamlined experience. For example, users can now execute right-click mouse operations and complete copy-and-paste-type actions to develop applications in the software, helping them deploy their solutions faster and reduce training and adoption times. Pavilion8 MPC v5.0 software remains control system independent, but smoothly integrates with the PlantPAx process automation system from Rockwell Automation and includes four key enhancements. Windows-based configuration and support – An improved overall user experience for expert and inexperienced users alike begins with the updated, Windows-based solution builder tools, which improve work flow by enabling users to create a customized working environment and providing access to online help. For example, problems that arise during configuration will now prompt helpful, context-sensitive warning and error messages. Users can simply click on these messages to receive detailed model-creation steps that will guide them toward a resolution. Users can also more easily modify past work to simplify model maintenance and re-use. Multivariable run-time controller – Users will also discover new time-saving features in version 5.0. The robust run-time controller has been updated to allow users to add new predictive disturbance measures in half the time as the previous version, and easily compare differences in MPC application versions. Users now can easily sort, re-name, add, delete, compare and copy MPC variables and software supporting a flexible work flow, […]

Delcam makes Learning Zones available as a free iPad app

Delcam’s new Learning Zone App contains videos demonstrating the latest developments in the company’s CADCAM software. Delcam has made the Learning Zones for its full range of CADCAM software available as a free App for iPads. The App can be downloaded from the Apple App store at https://itunes.apple.com/app/id988414798 The Delcam Learning Zone App comprises tutorials for the latest releases of all Delcam software, including the company’s CAM programs, PowerMILL, FeatureCAM and PartMaker; the PowerSHAPE Pro CAD and reverse engineering software; the PowerINSPECT inspection system and the ArtCAM range of artistic CADCAM programs, plus the Delcam CRISPIN range for the design and manufacture of footwear. A selection of case study videos from the Delcam.tv website is also included, in which a number of customers talk about their relationship with Delcam and the benefits they get from using the software. Users with suitable internet connections can stream the videos using the Learning Zone App. Alternatively, the videos can be downloaded and then viewed offline at any time. The videos can be filtered by product and/or by industry category to help viewers find the content that is relevant to them. In addition, any of the videos can be made a ‘favourite’ so that it is easy for users to go back to their preferred material. While the Learning Zone App is intended mainly for existing customers, it will also help companies interested in adding Delcam software to see the latest developments in the programs. New tutorials for new product releases will be added to the Learning Zone App as they are developed to help users make the most of each new version of their Delcam software. The current version of the Learning Zone App can only be used on iPads but an Android version is also being prepared that will be released shortly.

Managing the “Internet of Things”

Many existing systems lack an IoT management platform. Researchers have developed a software platform designed to manage and control devices for “Internet of Things” (IoT) systems. The platform can be tailored for everything from city management sensors and devices to controlling home appliances. The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology in which smart devices are interconnected and communicate via the Internet. A limitless range of devices could be incorporated into the IoT, from refrigerators and TVs to cars and solar panels. However, there is currently no universal system for managing these devices and the data that is transferred between them. “Many vendors focus on device manufacturing and provide good technologies for wireless connectivity between devices,” explains Dr Billy Chan, senior manager of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI). “But many existing systems lack an IoT management platform.” There is also no standard platform to leverage the development of IoT applications, which means that designers need to start from scratch with each new application. This is time consuming and costly. ASTRI has developed the “IoT Management and Application Platform” (IMAP), which allows the connection of a local network of devices to the Internet, and provides remote management of devices and data through a simple and customisable web-based graphical user interface. The system supports several technological standards for communication between devices, web interfaces and network architecture. This means it can be used on different platforms to support a diversity of devices and the development of IoT applications. To demonstrate IMAP’s capabilities, ASTRI has developed several “Smart City” applications. These include “Solar Street Light Management”, a system designed to provide real-time monitoring and remote control of more than 3,000 street lights in target to reduce maintenance costs. This system has been implemented in partnership with two companies […]

RS Components introduces DesignSpark Mechanical add-on modules for 3D design tool

Two new optional premium modules available for intuitive 3D design software, adding new functionality to make the tool more powerful to support engineers in the rapid development of product concepts. SINGAPORE, 10 June, 2015 – RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, today announced the expansion of DesignSpark Mechanical with two new optional premium modules that significantly extend the functionality of the existing version of the tool. Developed in conjunction with SpaceClaim, the leading provider of flexible and affordable 3D modelling software for engineers, DesignSpark Mechanical is an advanced 3D direct modelling tool that can be downloaded free of charge. Notwithstanding the availability of these optional premium paid-for modules, which can now be purchased from RS, very importantly the fundamental software that is available today will remain free to all users with continued support, new versions and updates from RS into the foreseeable future. DesignSpark Mechanical is a key element of the initiative by RS to provide tools for engineers that enable them to rapidly develop prototypes in the product concept design stage. For example, the software’s STL-output format enables the direct export of designs to 3D printers. The first premium module available is DesignSpark Mechanical Exchange, which adds advanced import/export capabilities and enables the import, modification and export of industry-standard STEP and IGES file formats, which allows full exchange of design data with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Catia, ProEngineer and AutoCAD. The module can enable engineers to integrate DesignSpark Mechanical into a product development toolchain that works across various software platforms, moving beyond concept creation to a seamless workflow for producing final designs. It means that companies can pass designs to their mechanical department or outside contractors for final design creation and manufacturing and do not have to invest in […]

16th China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair in Zhongshan City in October

The 16th China Guzhen International Lighting Fair (Autumn Fair) will be held from 22-26 October, 2015 at the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province. Guzhen, which is home to large industry clusters of lighting production and trade and has an annual output valued in the billions, is one of the world’s four major professional lighting production bases and sales markets. This year, the number of visitors to the 15th Guzhen Lighting Fair (Spring Fair) reached new highs, attracting a total of over 250,000 domestic and foreign visitors. After two years of development in the new procurement model of “One Exhibition Hall + Five Trade Marts”, the fair will bring together more than 1,800 high-quality lighting industry exhibitors covering lighting, lamps, LED lighting and electrical products and provide buyers a 700,000-square metre one-stop, highly cost-effective sourcing platform. The Guzhen Lighting Market has always been known to the world for its high quality, best wholesale price, trade convenience, high integrity and highly competitive market. This session of the Fair will launch lighting pavilions featuring creative decoration and an electrician’s fitting area. The 2015 edition of the Guzhen Lighting Fair will integrate the resources of the local lighting industry to roll out a special ‘Business Matching Service’ for overseas buyers and local premier suppliers. An experienced team of business matching specialists will offer this service with on-the-spot meetings for overseas buyers looking for anything from lighting components to end products. Onsite registration will incur a 100 RMB registration fee, which will be waived for pre-registration; pre-registration also allows visitors to enjoy VIP services provided by the organizers. During the Guzhen Lighting Fair, organizers will also open the first session of the Guzhen Lighting Culture Festival, where designers from different parts of the world will contribute to a cultural event to […]

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