To stay abreast of industry trends, we, the editors, read countless articles and editorials written by experts from across verticals. We're always learning more about the people, technologies, and events that are making waves in the manufacturing space, and we want to share this information with you. In this brief, we’ll cite our sources and highlight columns and features that can help improve uptime at your plant. 

Asset Management 

The Basics of Reliability Assessments for Maintenance [Foundry]
Reliability assessments are an important yet often overlooked component of a successful maintenance program. These assessments are designed to prevent asset breakdowns and ensure that assets are functioning consistently throughout their lifetimes. Reliability assessments can also be used to increase productivity, decrease downtime rates, and improve the efficiency of the maintenance department. This article takes an in-depth look at reliability assessments, the relationship between maintenance and reliability, and why reliability assessments are necessary. 

Management 

In order to mitigate industrial emissions, you've got to first spot them [Smart Industry]
Decreasing carbon emissions is easier said than done, especially for manufacturers. Many manufacturers rely on spreadsheets and reports from consultants to gauge the success of their emission reduction efforts, but these methods often don’t provide a holistic view of a company’s carbon footprint. However, digital tools can offer increased visibility and help leadership make smarter, data-driven decisions to support the company’s sustainability goals. This article explores how new technologies are helping manufacturers better track, report, and curb their emissions.  

5 Best Practices for Monetizing ESG and Sustainability [Industry Week]
Companies that are trying to improve their competitiveness and perception within the industry often invest in sustainability initiatives. These efforts, however, can have monetary benefits for organizations that view sustainability and ESG reporting as strategic innovations, not merely a cost of doing business. This article outlines how manufacturers can protect the planet while still making a profit.  

Safety and Security 

Warehouse Safety: Focus on Augmentation Before Automation [EHS Today]
In an effort to keep workers safe, many companies have begun implementing automation and robotics technologies in their warehouses. These interventions, however, do not seem to be facilitating a decrease in workplace injuries and may, in fact, be making warehouses more dangerous. The solution to improving worker safety while keeping productivity high may be human-machine collaboration with technologies like wearable barcode scanners. This article highlights three ways wearable technology can help keep warehouse workers safe and happy.

Technology 

How IIoT Technologies are Transforming Power Grids [New Equipment Digest]
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) allow grids to respond to power fluctuations that are often caused by renewable energy sources. VPPs work to match supply with demand, reducing wasted energy in the process, but they require reliable, real-time data collection to make this happen. Because field devices are often located in harsh, outdoor environments, stable data transmission can prove difficult. This article details how the IIoT can help VPPs establish a more powerful and resilient power grid.