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Lean And Green: It Starts With MRO
3/3/2011
Lean manufacturing is defined as an operational strategy oriented toward achieving the most operational efficiencies by eliminating waste. So, if we look at that definition, where should our focus be when attempting to achieve this goal? Simply put, operational strategies are focused on process, yet often we ignore the processes associated with indirect material, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) supplies, and tooling. By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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RFID Tool Management — People, Processes, And Positions
2/7/2011
Tool tracking and tool management has forever been a challenge for many operations. Over the years, responsibility for tracking and managing tools has spanned the responsibilities of many people within an organization. Sometimes it is the responsibility of the tool crib manager; other times it’s the plant manager, the purchaser, the operations manager, or the department supervisor. Why do you think so many people, with completely unique titles, end up with this responsibility? By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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RFID Tool Management: People, Processes, And Positions
2/7/2011
Tool tracking and tool management has forever been a challenge for many operations. Over the years, responsibility for tracking and managing tools has spanned the responsibilities of many people within an organization. Sometimes it is the responsibility of the tool crib manager; other times it’s the plant manager, the purchaser, the operations manager, or the department supervisor. Why do you think so many people, with completely unique titles, end up with this responsibility? By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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Measuring Inventory Management Success
1/24/2011
When it comes to managing MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) inventory using RFID, the answer to the question, "How do you know when you’ve reached your goal?" can be elusive. Just as managing tool and MRO inventory is sometimes forgotten during the pace of everyday business, measuring what makes a successful tool and MRO management program can also be overlooked. Often, we go down the road of improving our MRO management because we simply know we aren't doing a very good job. We forget to benchmark, we neglect to set measurement tactics, and we lack an understanding of all the areas of possible impact. If we start without an overall understanding and measurable information, how can we gauge success? By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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MRO Magic: Is RFID An Art Or A Science?
1/5/2011
“Abracadabra!” is a common term used when performing the art of magic. It is usually spoken during the climax of an illusion to emphasize the mystery the magician is about to reveal. In fact, at this point in the act, the illusion is uncovered. Although the process to create the illusion seemed very simple to the audience, years of practice perfecting the art of magic was needed to accomplish the end result. The magician's experience of performing that particular magic trick is what makes the illusion believable. The process of performing the magic trick is an art that can only be perfected by practice. By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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MRO Magic: Is RFID An Art Or A Science?
1/5/2011
“Abracadabra!” is a common term used when performing the art of magic. It is usually spoken during the climax of an illusion to emphasize the mystery the magician is about to reveal. In fact, at this point in the act, the illusion is uncovered. Although the process to create the illusion seemed very simple to the audience, years of practice perfecting the art of magic was needed to accomplish the end result. The magician's experience of performing that particular magic trick is what makes the illusion believable. The process of performing the magic trick is an art that can only be perfected by practice. By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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Passive Transactions: The Real Benefit To Managing Tools
11/29/2010
Let's face it… When it comes to tool tracking, what is asked of those who use the tools goes against their human nature. If I had a dime for every time I heard "put it back where you got it," I would have retired by the time I was 15 years old. By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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Passive Transactions: The Real Benefit To Managing Tools
11/29/2010
Let's face it... When it comes to tool tracking, what is asked of those who use the tools goes against their human nature. If I had a dime for every time I heard "put it back where you got it," I would have retired by the time I was 15 years old. By Robert Holmes, WinWare, Inc.
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Could RFID Help Support Electronic Health Records?
11/10/2010
Electronic health records EHRs would provide healthcare professionals with electronic access to an individual’s medical history, even when that history has been recorded by multiple providers. Therefore, the EHR system necessitates inter-operable communication of standardized data between hospitals and physicians. In our view, RFID could play a potential role in the development of these health records, particularly given the tight timeframe that needs to be followed. The Department of Health and Human Services needs to issue its Interim Final Rule by December 31, 2009 and legislative incentives begin in 2011. By Reik Read, Robert W. Baird & Co.
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RTLS Providers Cite Strong Demand From Hospitals
11/10/2010
Vendors of real-time location systems say they experienced growth in the first quarter of 2009, though a survey suggests a lack of knowledge is hampering uptake. By Claire Swedberg, RFID Journal
