Spend any amount of time in manufacturing, and you’re certain to hear the term ‘OEM’ thrown around. In simple terms, OEM – shorthand for original equipment manufacturer – traditionally refers to businesses that build and produce specific parts for other companies. These companies then go on to use these components in the manufacture of their …
What Is OEM? Definition, Relationship with VARs, Benefits & More 
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Modern HVAC systems are often a complex arrangement of equipment such as chillers, boilers, heat pumps, ductwork, and air handling fans. Since every commercial location is unique and has specific needs, facility managers must carefully consider all aspects of each system. Some equipment recommendations that were once considered optional have become a necessity in order …
4 Ways Variable Frequency Drives Can Improve Commercial HVAC Efficiency Read More
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are responsible for labeling equipment in a way that supports safe product operation. In many aspects, a labeling program is an extension of other corporate practices such as safety management, quality assurance, and product development. When done properly, product labeling is a beneficial practice that adds value beyond traditional instruction manuals …
Product identification and traceability are accepted best practices in industries worldwide including aerospace and pharmaceuticals. Keeping detailed records for an entire supply chain can be an incredibly large task and often requires input from nearly every department in an organization. The consequences of failing to develop reliable product lifecycle management practices can range from poor …
The defense industry, along with aerospace and healthcare, is one of the most heavily regulated business sectors in the world. Many public and private entities on a national and international level define specifications that help protect public interests and maintain safe working environments. One such program, created by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), …
Everything You Need to Know About UID Labeling Requirements and Compliance Read More
Choosing tactile buttons is an important step for interface designers and component manufacturers. The selection of a particular button mechanism will often be based on several factors including the intended applications, user preferences, and design requirements. One of the most popular button styles for modern interfaces is the tactile button, which has a perceptible physical …
Fleet management is an important practice used by manufacturing, logistics, and other supply chain partners to organize the movement of transportation vehicles and cargo. In today’s modern fleet management systems, a centralized fleet tracking software is combined with GPS vehicle monitoring devices to create a complete monitoring system for mobile assets. These systems can often …
5 Ways Real Time Vehicle Tracking Protects Your Mobile Assets Read More
Fleet management today requires careful oversight of facilities, vehicles, drivers, and cargo trailers. Since trucks are often on the road for long periods of time, many companies are using fleet management systems to monitor the routes and status of each vehicle. In addition, Yard Management Systems (YMS) can help control the efficiency of each loading …
Custom graphic overlays can be found just about everywhere. They’re used to augment machines, control panels, and interfaces as a convenient way to share information. These overlays are often branded with company logos and seamlessly designed to fit with the control panel and the equipment. A graphic overlay can also include text, images, and other …
Defense suppliers must conform with military packaging specifications and standards to ensure smooth shipments for their products. Securing military contracts can be a complex process that requires a great deal of due diligence and auditing. In many cases, a Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) from the military will be assigned to perform inspections of identified packages …
How to Comply with Military Packaging Specifications and Standards Read More
The United States Navy contains hundreds of individual ships that are deployed to locations throughout the world. It takes significant time and effort to maintain these vessels and keep them in optimal operating condition. Navy personnel are organized on each ship based on individual roles and responsibilities, with signs and references charts provided to communicate …
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are used throughout the manufacturing and logistics world to transport large quantities of material in an efficient manner. These IBC totes were first used in 1992 as an alternative to the 200-liter (55-gallon) drums that were the primary bulk storage solution at the time. Since then, these containers quickly evolved to …
Guide to IBC Totes: Types, Storage & Shipping, Tracking & Identification, and More Read More
Military products are used in some of the most demanding conditions in the world including marine, desert, and arctic environments. Manufacturers and supply chain partners for the defense industry must design their products to meet stringent specifications for quality and performance. In addition to ruggedized equipment, there is also a need for item-level serialization and …
How to Choose Materials That Comply With Military Specifications Read More
Printed electronics are created using advanced printing technologies and novel materials to produce high-density electronic films. These components can then be used to create modern electronics such as RFID tags, flat panel displays, and sensors. As a rapidly expanding technology, the printed electronics market is expected to grow to over $20 billion by 2025 at …
What to Look for When Choosing Printed Electronics Read More
Capacitive touch technology is increasingly used in user interfaces for a variety of devices. A capacitive touch display is created by attaching a capacitive layer on top of a glass panel substrate. These components are then covered with a protective outer layer, and the surface of the device will maintain a static charge. As a …
Manufacturers who supply products to the defense industry must remain compliant with state, federal, and international regulations. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) manages a large portion of the process for awarding government supply contracts and tracking military assets. Included in the DoD asset management resources is the Item Unique Identification (IUID) program that includes …
Digital Freight Matching (DFM), also called digital load matching, is an “on-demand” freight service that uses automation to match shipments with carriers. These platforms take the concepts developed in the sharing economy, through companies such as AirBnB and Uber, and apply them to freight. Software technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics are …
The Unique Identifier (UID) global asset tracking program developed by the U.S. military has transformed the management of relevant equipment, inventory, and parts. The U.S. government maintains a centralized database for the UID program that includes all military assets that meet certain requirements. Any assets supplied to the military that meet the requirements must be …
Military labels and tags are used to properly identify defense equipment and other assets that are used by the U.S. military. Because many military assets can be deployed almost anywhere in the world, it’s important that labels and tags are durable enough to survive frequent transportation and withstand conditions in a wide range of different …
Custom graphic overlays are a critical design component in many industries including automotive, aerospace, and medical. Creating an effective overlay design requires the consideration of several factors and deep knowledge of equipment operation and component construction. Because graphic overlays are customized, it’s important for each designer to capture application requirements prior to choosing the desired …
5 Best Practices to Simplify Graphic Overlay Design Read More
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