The ‘New Normal’ (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
In China, scientists are reporting significant declines in carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide emission and in Los Angeles, California, the notorious fog has lifted. While these changes are likely to be short-lived, they do provide for us a snapshot of what our environment like- ly looked like during the pre-industrial age and, most im- portantly, what it could look like again in a post-pandemic industrial era driven by sustainability. So, hold that thought for now. Nobody really knows what will be asked of us in the post-pandemic new normal. We should expect that some lessons learned from the pandemic such as social dis- tancing and disinfection will be in play but it may take a while to re-engage with friends and clients with a simple handshake. The only thing we know for sure is that we will need to change our behavior in some way, shape or form. While we still have some time to self-reflect and before the powers that be regulate our future behaviors, why not take some time now to re-boot our thinking and lay out a plan that will define how we would like to see ourselves post-pandemic. Let me explain what I mean using an example with which I have some familiarity-the new normal for small manufacturers. If you are a small manufacturer (less than 500 employ- ees), it is likely that you are already thinking about how you might need to re-configure your factory floor in the new normal to meet any new social distancing requirements. Allow me to suggest that while you do so, you also take this time to insert some sustainability into your thinking. Here is what I mean. First, reach out to local experts who can work the is- sue with you within the context of what we call a lean and green sustainability assessment. Every state can provide this service through its Manufacturing Extension (MEP) program. Visit www.nist.gov/mep/centers . The MEP is a national network with hundreds of spe- cialists who understand the needs of America’s small manufacturers. The MEP can provide services and access to public and private resources to enhance your growth, improve your productivity, reduce your costs, and expand your capacity. They are funded in part by both the Feder- al government and your state government, which allows them to provide these services at a reasonable cost to you. Second, as you think about re-configuring your floor, reach out to your local university system to see if they offer free energy assessments. Some do and some do not. The MEP can also help you in this regard. Usually, the assess- ments are led by a certified energy expert from the Uni- versity who uses his or her students to collect data from you on your energy usage. Within a few weeks they can provide you a list of recommendations that, when imple- mented, will optimize your energy use and compute for you how their recommendations can translate to cost sav-
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a flexible and comprehensive sys- tem to address the business management needs of the in- dependent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale packaging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inven- tory and accounting, this scalable system supports packag- ing plants that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase displays, assembled partitions, paper- board products, foam fabrication, as well as distribution of packaging supplies. Advantzware has been in operation for over 25 years and continually enhances our system to ad- dress the needs of the industry. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfi lter.com Air Conveying Corporation has been designing, manufac- turing, and installing state of the art trim removal systems for the Corrugated, Folding Carton and Printing industries for more than 49 years. Contact us today.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com
Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.
AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com
For a wide variety of new and used equipment on today’s market, visit our website. You can e-mail us directly from the site for all your corrugated needs.
AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com
Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and compre- hensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated sched- uling software, and engineered automation technology. For over 30 years, Amtech has remained at the backbone of successful businesses from the independent box makers to the largest integrateds. We keep our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with options such as custom- er digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and ship- ping, proactive roll stock and inventory management, and so much more in an integrated, single vendor environment. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apex-groupofcompanies.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.
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June 8, 2020
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