--- title: Blog description: Polytron's Industrial Automation and Manufacturing Intelligence Engineers post regular updates and articles on trends, news and insights in the industry. --- [Polytron Named Top Work Place   Learn More](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-receives-back-to-back-top-workplace-honors) [![Polytron Tagline Logo 350](https://polytron.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Polytron-Tagline-Logo.png)](https://polytron.com) - [Services](https://polytron.com/services/) Close Services Open Services - [Industries](https://polytron.com/industries/) Close Industries Open Industries - [Resources](https://polytron.com/resources/) Close Resources Open Resources - [About Us](https://polytron.com/about-us/) Close About Us Open About Us [Packaging](https://polytron.com/services/packaging/) [Process Control](https://polytron.com/services/process-control/) [Industrial Network and Security](https://polytron.com/services/industrial-network-and-security/) [Automation and Controls](https://polytron.com/services/automation-and-controls/) [Machine Safety](https://polytron.com/services/machine-safety/) [Capital Projects](https://polytron.com/services/capital-projects/) [Predictive Maintenance](https://polytron.com/services/predictive-maintenance/) [Obsolescence Upgrades](https://polytron.com/services/obsolescence-upgrades-and-modernization/) [Mechanical Engineering](https://polytron.com/services/mechanical-engineering-services/) [Front-End Engineering](https://polytron.com/services/front-end-engineering-services/) [Simulation and Emulation](https://polytron.com/services/simulation-and-emulation/) [Smart Manufacturing](https://polytron.com/services/smart-manufacturing/) [![Mega-Menu_Food-Beverage-v2-300x200](https://info.polytron.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mega-Menu_Food-Beverage-v2-300x200.webp?width=300&height=200&name=Mega-Menu_Food-Beverage-v2-300x200.webp)](https://polytron.com/industries/food-and-beverage/) ## [Food & Beverage](https://polytron.com/industries/food-and-beverage/) [![Mega-Menu_Consumer-Packaged-Goods-v2-300x200](https://info.polytron.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mega-Menu_Consumer-Packaged-Goods-v2-300x200.webp?width=300&height=200&name=Mega-Menu_Consumer-Packaged-Goods-v2-300x200.webp)](https://polytron.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/) ## [Consumer Packaged Goods](https://polytron.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/) [![Mega-Menu_Chemicals-v2-300x200](https://info.polytron.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mega-Menu_Chemicals-v2-300x200.webp?width=300&height=200&name=Mega-Menu_Chemicals-v2-300x200.webp)](https://polytron.com/industries/chemicals/) ## [Chemicals](https://polytron.com/industries/chemicals/) [![Mega-Menu_Life-Sciences-v2-300x200](https://info.polytron.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mega-Menu_Life-Sciences-v2-300x200.webp?width=300&height=200&name=Mega-Menu_Life-Sciences-v2-300x200.webp)](https://polytron.com/industries/life-sciences/) ## [Life Sciences](https://polytron.com/industries/life-sciences/) [All Resources](https://polytron.com/resources/) - 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[![Picture of David Hettesheimer, PE, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Headshots/David%20Hettesheimer.webp) David Hettesheimer, PE, PMP May 21, 2026](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/david-hettesheimer-pe-pmp) [![Emulation: Reduce Project Risk and Increase Certainty in Outcome](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Emulation%20Blog.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/emulation-reduce-project-risk-and-increase-certainty-in-outcome) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) 3 Min Read ### [Emulation: Reduce Project Risk and Increase Certainty in Outcome](https://info.polytron.com/blog/emulation-reduce-project-risk-and-increase-certainty-in-outcome) To remain competitive, manufacturers need to invest in updating and upgrading operations. Common issues that ... [![Picture of Andrew Lawrence](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Headshots/andrew%20lawrence.jpeg) Andrew Lawrence March 11, 2026](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/andrew-lawrence) [![How Accurate Is Your Downtime Data?](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/How%20Accurate%20is%20Your%20Downtime%20Data_Featured.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/how-accurate-is-your-downtime-data) [Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/smart-manufacturing) 4 Min Read ### [How Accurate Is Your Downtime Data?](https://info.polytron.com/blog/how-accurate-is-your-downtime-data) As a manufacturer, you need to track downtime data to identify inefficiencies, plan for maintenance, and ... [Arun Madangarli November 12, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/arun-madangarli) [![Set Your Project Up for Success with the Right Systems Integration Partner](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Set%20Your%20Project%20Up%20for%20Success_Featured.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/set-up-your-project-for-success) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) 2 Min Read ### [Set Up Your Project for Success with the Right Systems Integration Partner](https://info.polytron.com/blog/set-up-your-project-for-success) Choosing a systems integrator is one of the most critical decisions a manufacturer can make when pursuing ... [![Picture of Ron Rich, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Headshots/Ron%20Rich.webp) Ron Rich, P.E., PMP October 22, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/ron-rich) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Richard%20Phillips%20Promotion_Team.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/richard-phillips-promoted-to-vice-president-of-smart-manufacturing) [News & Events](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/news) 1 Min Read ### [Richard Phillips Promoted to Vice President of Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/richard-phillips-promoted-to-vice-president-of-smart-manufacturing) We are proud to share an exciting leadership update: Richard Phillips has been promoted to Vice President of ... [![Picture of Ron Rich, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Headshots/Ron%20Rich.webp) Ron Rich, P.E., PMP October 8, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/ron-rich) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Unified%20Mechanical%20and%20Controls%20Team%20627.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/why-having-a-unified-mechanical-and-controls-team-is-the-secret-to-faster-smarter-project-delivery) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) 2 Min Read ### [Why Having a Unified Mechanical and Controls Team is the Secret to Faster, Smarter Project Delivery](https://info.polytron.com/blog/why-having-a-unified-mechanical-and-controls-team-is-the-secret-to-faster-smarter-project-delivery) Projects that involve modifying manufacturing equipment and processes are inherently complex. This is ... [![Picture of Todd Walter](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Todd%20Walter%20%20(1).png) Todd Walter August 20, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/todd-walter) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/blog_header.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-receives-back-to-back-top-workplace-honors) [News & Events](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/news) 1 Min Read ### [Polytron Receives Back-to-Back Top Workplace Honors](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-receives-back-to-back-top-workplace-honors) I am so proud to announce that, for the second consecutive year, Polytron has been identified as a 2025 Top ... [![Picture of Ron Rich, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Headshots/Ron%20Rich.webp) Ron Rich, P.E., PMP August 13, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/ron-rich) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Is%20Your%20Plant%E2%80%99s%20Infrastructure%20Ready%20for%20Modernization%20627.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/is-your-plants-infrastructure-ready-for-modernization) [Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/smart-manufacturing) [Obsolescence Management](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/obsolescence-management) 2 Min Read ### [Is Your Plant’s Infrastructure Ready for Modernization?](https://info.polytron.com/blog/is-your-plants-infrastructure-ready-for-modernization) For many manufacturers, modernization promises greater efficiency, data-driven insights, and improved ... [![Picture of Creighton Fearrington](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/WP%20Headshots.png) Creighton Fearrington July 23, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/creighton-fearrington) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Mitigating%20Automation%20Technology%20Risks.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/mitigating-automation-technology-risks) [Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/smart-manufacturing) 4 Min Read ### [Mitigating Automation Technology Risks](https://info.polytron.com/blog/mitigating-automation-technology-risks) Operating legacy technology beyond end of life (EOL) is a common choice for manufacturers; but selecting ... [![Picture of Damian Stahl, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Damian%20Stahl.webp) Damian Stahl, P.E., PMP July 9, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/damian-stahl) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/FDA%20Dyes.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/staying-ahead-of-new-and-evolving-ingredient-regulations) [Process](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/process) [Packaging](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/packaging) [News & Events](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/news) 2 Min Read ### [Staying Ahead of New and Evolving Ingredient Regulations](https://info.polytron.com/blog/staying-ahead-of-new-and-evolving-ingredient-regulations) The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent announcement regarding plans to phase out certain ... [![Picture of Scott Richards, PE, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/1549646439948.jpeg) Scott Richards, PE, PMP May 21, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/scott-richards) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/KCF%20Release%20Predictive%20Maintenance%20.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-and-kcf-technologies-collaborate-to-deliver-innovative-machine-health-monitoring-solutions) [Machine Safety](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/machine-safety) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) 1 Min Read ### [Polytron and KCF Technologies Collaborate to Deliver Innovative Machine Health Monitoring Solutions](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-and-kcf-technologies-collaborate-to-deliver-innovative-machine-health-monitoring-solutions) Polytron is excited to announce a strategic relationship with KCF Technologies, a leading provider of ... [![Picture of Rande Allen, MBA, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Rande%20Allen.webp) Rande Allen, MBA, PMP May 7, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/rande-allen) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Every%20Worker%20Has%20the%20Right%20to%20Return%20Home%20Healthytting%20a%20Safety%20Zone.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/every-worker-right-go-home-safe-healthy-everyday) [Machine Safety](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/machine-safety) 9 Min Read ### [Every Worker Has the Right to Go Home Safe and Healthy Everyday](https://info.polytron.com/blog/every-worker-right-go-home-safe-healthy-everyday) If you are a bottom-line type of person, you should know that your business’ greatest asset is its employees, ... [![Picture of Polytron](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/LI%20Newsletter%20Icon.png) Polytron April 24, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/polytron) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Obsolete%20Technolog%20in%20Mfg.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/your-guide-to-justifying-an-obsolete-technology-upgrade) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) [Obsolescence Management](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/obsolescence-management) 3 Min Read ### [Your Guide to Justifying an Obsolete Technology Upgrade](https://info.polytron.com/blog/your-guide-to-justifying-an-obsolete-technology-upgrade) When technology goes beyond its useful life cycle, it becomes a business risk for a multitude of reasons ... [![Picture of Scott Richards, PE, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/1549646439948.jpeg) Scott Richards, PE, PMP March 12, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/scott-richards) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Predictive%20Maintenance%20.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/4-surprising-benefits-of-predictive-maintenance-in-manufacturing) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) 2 Min Read ### [4 Surprising Benefits of Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/4-surprising-benefits-of-predictive-maintenance-in-manufacturing) Predictive maintenance (PdM) is revolutionizing manufacturing and is best known and sought out for benefits ... [KCF Technologies February 5, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/kcf-technologies) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/WP%20Promo%20Blog%20Featured%20Image%20Start%20Up%20Planning%20(1).png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/ensure-project-success-with-proactive-start-up-planning) [Process](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/process) 1 Min Read ### [Ensure Project Success with Proactive Start-Up Planning](https://info.polytron.com/blog/ensure-project-success-with-proactive-start-up-planning) While start-up and commissioning may be the final phases of executing a manufacturing project, these critical ... [![Picture of Damian Stahl, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Damian%20Stahl.webp) Damian Stahl, P.E., PMP January 28, 2025](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/damian-stahl) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_417950162.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/mitigating-manufacturing-project-risk-with-3d-modeling) [Process](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/process) [Packaging](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/packaging) 3 Min Read ### [Mitigating Manufacturing Project Risk with 3D Modeling](https://info.polytron.com/blog/mitigating-manufacturing-project-risk-with-3d-modeling) Whether you’re upgrading aging equipment or adding a new line to keep up with demand, we know you can’t ... [![Picture of Lee Huynh](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Lee%20Huynh.jpeg) Lee Huynh October 9, 2024](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/lee-huynh) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Top%20Workplaces%20orange%20banner.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-named-seventh-on-atlanta-top-work-places-list) [News & Events](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/news) 1 Min Read ### [Polytron Named Seventh on Atlanta Top Work Places List](https://info.polytron.com/blog/polytron-named-seventh-on-atlanta-top-work-places-list) I am so proud to announce that Polytron has been named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 2024 Top Work ... [![Picture of Ron Rich, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Headshots/Ron%20Rich.webp) Ron Rich, P.E., PMP August 15, 2024](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/ron-rich) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Obsolescence.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/managing-obsolescence-by-capitalizing-on-planned-downtime) [Automation and Controls](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/automation-and-controls) [Obsolescence Management](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/obsolescence-management) 2 Min Read ### [Managing Obsolescence by Capitalizing on Planned Downtime](https://info.polytron.com/blog/managing-obsolescence-by-capitalizing-on-planned-downtime) Unless you’re operating a new plant, chances are you’re running a variety of PLCs, VFDs, DCSs, and HMIs that ... [![Picture of Damian Stahl, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Damian%20Stahl.webp) Damian Stahl, P.E., PMP July 31, 2024](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/damian-stahl) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Achieving%20Results.png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/best-practice-for-a-successful-mes-strategy-part-4-achieving-results) [Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/smart-manufacturing) 3 Min Read ### [Best Practice for a Successful MES Strategy Part 4: Achieving Results](https://info.polytron.com/blog/best-practice-for-a-successful-mes-strategy-part-4-achieving-results) In the first three parts of this series, we covered the following key parts of developing a successful MES ... [![Picture of Richard Phillips, PE, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Richard%20Phillips.webp) Richard Phillips, PE, PMP July 16, 2024](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/richard-phillips) [![](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/partnership%20(1).png)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/best-practices-for-a-successful-mes-strategy-part-3-identifying-a-trusted-digital-transformation-partner) [Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/smart-manufacturing) 3 Min Read ### [Best Practices for a Successful MES Strategy Part 3: Identifying a Trusted Digital Transformation Partner](https://info.polytron.com/blog/best-practices-for-a-successful-mes-strategy-part-3-identifying-a-trusted-digital-transformation-partner) Multiple surveys have shown that roughly 80 percent of MES-type projects fail to move forward past the ... [![Picture of Richard Phillips, PE, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Richard%20Phillips.webp) Richard Phillips, PE, PMP June 6, 2024](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/richard-phillips) [![Best Practices for a Successful MES Strategy Part 2: Proper Planning for Implementation](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Best%20Practices%20for%20a%20Successful%20MES%20Strategy%20Part%202%20Proper%20Planning%20for%20Implementation.webp)](https://info.polytron.com/blog/best-practices-for-a-successful-mes-strategy-part-2-proper-planning-for-implementation) [Smart Manufacturing](https://info.polytron.com/blog/tag/smart-manufacturing) 3 Min Read ### [Best Practices for a Successful MES Strategy Part 2: Proper Planning for Implementation](https://info.polytron.com/blog/best-practices-for-a-successful-mes-strategy-part-2-proper-planning-for-implementation) You’ve taken the time to review and understand the business challenges you’re facing, and how, at a high ... [![Picture of Richard Phillips, PE, PMP](https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Richard%20Phillips.webp) Richard Phillips, PE, PMP May 22, 2024](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/richard-phillips) [1](https://info.polytron.com/blog) [2](https://info.polytron.com/blog/page/2) [3](https://info.polytron.com/blog/page/3) 3097 Satellite Boulevard | Building 700, Suite 200 | Duluth, GA 30096 Phone: (855) 794-7659 [Terms](https://polytron.com/terms-of-use/) | [Privacy ](https://polytron.com/privacy-policy/)| [Sitemap](https://polytron.com/sitemap/)