Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) managers can expect an increased emphasis by regulators on the manufacturing, handling and disposal of hazardous materials this year. The fast-rising awareness of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will drive the overall expansion of compliance efforts for these so-called forever chemicals. Keeping pace with expanded compliance requirements expected to emerge requires a comprehensive, digital system that can produce relevant data and digital documents in a timely manner. LLumin’s READYTrack operations software suite covers all aspects of hazardous material handling tracking, from their arrival to their location and disposal using automated workflows.

The departure of manufacturing operations staff for any reason underscores the need for an AI-based system that captures and maintains the knowledge of maintenance management to eliminate any potential disruption or downtime going forward. News that Apple is losing a pair of key operations and supply chain executives should serve as a reminder to companies that their operations management software must support these tasks. The departure of skilled managers for positions elsewhere, retirements, etc. need not disrupt asset maintenance. LLumin’ s READYAsset suite provides the capabilities and functionality needed to meet the departure challenge.

There has been much discussion of the state of manufacturing in America, with many pundits seeing gloomy times in industries such as automotive. Other forms of manufacturing are starting to show signs of a comeback. In January 2020, some industries have rebounded, and eight out of the 18 industries reported growth, according to research cited in a Seeking Alpha report. Listed in order, these are Furniture & Related Products; Wood Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Learn which manufacturing industries have contracted.

The group’s goal is to increase compatibility for consumers and simplify development for manufacturers of IoT products. It could also increase demand for home devices from consumers and makers. The initiative, titled "Project Connected Home Over IP," will take shape as a working group with other industry stakeholders, and also involves the ZigBee Group, an organization that pushes for more open and universal standards as it relates to the Internet of Things. The resulting standard will focus on addressing connectivity and could streamline the production of these increasingly used home devices.