Why develop and SQF compliant system?

The SQF (Safe Quality Food) Institute is recognized by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) which gives companies the recognition they need to supply products to leading manufacturers and retailers worldwide. More and more food processors and food packaging manufacturers recognize the importance of becoming SQF certified to meet customer demands and to stay competitive
in the marketplace. To become certified:

• Facilities must verify and validate the existing compressed air used is clean and free of any contamination that could harm the food or consumer.

• In situations where compressed air comes into contact with food, either directly or indirectly, high efficiency filters must be in place at point-of-use.

• Facilities must have a preventative maintenance program in place to ensure proper filter maintenance as well as regularly testing compressed air to verify there is no bacteria present.

• When testing for bacteria, aseptic sample collection needs to be used. (Testing will be conducted either in-house or by contracted third party)

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piLIFT® SMART, a genuine breakthrough in vacuum lifting. Smarter, more energy-efficient, quieter, ergonomic by design, and utilizing the same principles of physics as all vacuum lifters, Piab’s piLIFT® SMART represents a paradigm shift as the market’s first Industry 4.0 ready vacuum lifter. piLIFT® SMART takes ergonomic vacuum lifting to a new and higher level, essential for meeting our customers’ needs and to ensure the continued development and success of their industries.

Smart data features based on internet connectivity enable Piab’s piLIFT® SMART vacuum lifter to deliver on the promises of Industry 4.0. Sensing and monitoring movements and responding quickly to user intentions, the user-friendly vacuum lifter will lift and weigh loads simultaneously, collect and log data, making process statistics and analyses immediately accessible to the user through web platform log-in.

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The new generation of modern consumer protection laws are becoming more comprehensive and all inclusive. As a result, the manufacturing industry is shifting safety and quality control focus from reactive damage control measures to proactive quality control implementations. It is widely recognized that most of these quality related issues arise due to faulty product or packaging, contamination or incorrect labelling.

We can all recall the many instances when companies have had to recall entire stock of food, medicine or electronic goods because they were unable to trace the cause and extent of fault for contamination. This not only causes unnecessary wastage but also deals a blow to the company reputation and consumer trust in the product, not to mention the losses to the consumer themselves.

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It can feel like a bad “case of the Mondays” all week, every week if the work environment just doesn’t work for employees. We have all experienced days that feel like we are pulled in different directions and can’t focus to get anything done. From cramped desks, to awkwardly positioned desk heights, the work environment can deeply impact everything from employee happiness to productivity and, ultimately, the bottom line.

At Brenner-Fiedler, we know our human resources are the most important resources we have. To combat the negative effects of an uncomfortable work environment – a cause of many work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)  -we created custom workstations using the trusted brand of aluminum extrusion we have used successfully in hundreds of builds – Maytec. This simple change made a world of difference. Continue reading →

Automation is a word still feared by many employees – but it shouldn’t be. Industrial automation technology decreases hard labor and improves safety while increasing productivity by as much as 2% annually. At Brenner-Fielder, we work with you to ensure you understand all of the things that automation can accomplish. Our highly trained staff partners with you to ensure you understand what industrial automation solutions are appropriate to your specified goals. Continue reading →

The Facts

Cylinders vs. Generators

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You're redesigning a piece of machinery or implementing a new manufacturing line, and you need to select a programmable safety control system to monitor all of your safeguarding devices. There are a lot of options out there, so how do you choose?

Here are the top ten things to consider when reviewing your options:

1.Number of I/O  - A good place to start is determining the number and types of Input and Output devices that will need to be connected to the controller. With outputs, you need to determine if feedback is required and whether each output is required and whether each output needs to monitored individually (this can increase the number of inputs required).

2. Safety I/O connectivity - It is important to consider the type of connection needed. Depending on the controller used and the hazard classification, the numbers of devices that can be connected to an input card or the controller itself can vary.  Continue reading →

It can feel like a bad “case of the Mondays” all week, every week if the work environment just doesn’t work for employees. We have all experienced days that feel like we are pulled in different directions and can’t focus to get anything done. From cramped desks, to awkwardly positioned desk heights, the work environment can deeply impact everything from employee happiness to productivity and, ultimately, the bottom line.

At Brenner-Fiedler, we know our human resources are the most important resources we have. To combat the negative effects of an uncomfortable work environment – a cause of many work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)  -we created custom workstations using the trusted brand of aluminum extrusion we have used successfully in hundreds of builds – Maytec. This simple change made a world of difference.

There is a danger to the extensive reaching, grasping, turning and twisting that occur with assembly work. Whether it’s testing the functionality of a smart phone touch screen or fastening the headlights of a vehicle, repetitive motion and poor ergonomic work stations have been diagnosed as the cause of many Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Cost to companies for these issues are steep; between $45 and $50 billion annually in compensation, lost wages and decreased productivity a National Academy of Sciences study reports. And for employees? These injuries can make their working life painful and often, short lived.

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