Robotics and Manufacturing
November 7, 2022
Robots in The Workplace
“Industrial robots are mechanical machines programmed to automatically perform production-related tasks in industrial environments.” These machines are beneficial in many different industries and applications. These robots come in a wide variety of models. The biggest company in the industrial robotics market is FANUC. They’re headquartered in Japan. Their robot machine selections vary. They have different reach distances and payload capacities. Robots also contain specific numbers of an axis of travel of their jointed arm. FANUC offers many different robot series, all serving different purposes.
These include:
- Collaborative robots
- Articulated robots
- Delta robots
- Palletizing robots
- Arc welding robots
- Top mount robots
- Paint robots
- SCARA robots
Of these, collaborative robots are the most buzzworthy. They're the latest technology to train and program robots with ease. They have enhanced safety features too.
What Do Industrial Robots Do? What Can They Do?
As already mentioned, different manufacturing robotics have different purposes in the workplace. Robots can perform assembly, pick/place, and testing/inspection. They could also perform dispensing and packaging processes. They can even perform painting and coating applications. What they are capable of depends on which model or models you choose. Manufacturing robots have fast-operating speeds and precision. They come with an accuracy that no human worker can match. This accuracy will reduce cycle times. Reducing cycle times reduces total production time, saving you time and money. These robots are here to enhance the careers of the current workforce. They are here to collaborate with workers, not replace them. Your employees will enjoy working with and managing these machines. Manufacturing robotics help to increase capacity and meet customers' demands. FANUC robots for manufacturing are easy to train and operate. They provide flexibility due to a range of application-specific options. They have straightforward integration and payloads of up to 2,300kg. They also have reached up to 4.7m.
Benefits of Using Robotics in Manufacturing
- Cost Savings- Companies begin using automation projects to save money. These minimize the time employees spend on dull and dirty tasks. Savings come from improved efficiencies and reduced risk of injuries. Manufacturers who invest in automation and robotics have higher efficiency rates. They also have better work environments.
- Improved Quality- Automated systems come programmed, meaning they usually don’t make mistakes. This eliminates potential human error too. Have your employees manage the robots instead of performing the manufacturing hands-on. This helps improve quality, consistency, and reliability.
- Enhanced Insights- Watching and recording jobs performed by the systems can be helpful. Process audits of the data collected from these robots push transformation. Companies with access to data are able to make improvements and reduce costs.
- Improved Employee Retention and Satisfaction- Train them to manage the robots. Those who oversee robotics instead of performing manufacturing tasks appear happier. This allows them to focus and work harder on other important tasks.
- Common Solutions- This allows manufacturers to use these solutions throughout the company. The same automation solutions can perform similar processes across the company. Common solutions make it easier to upskill the workforce. They also reduce spare parts and speed up deployment compared to customized systems.
- Center of Excellence- CoEs use data. They build common structures for all automation projects. This includes selecting the right automation partner. It also includes knowing the system design and how to put it in place it throughout the company. CoEs can also manage how to identify a new automation project. They ensure a quality structured process.
A Conversation with A FANUC Certified Operator
Richard Landals is our Sr. Project manager of Electrical Engineering here at Seifert. He is also a FANUC-certified operator. In a recent interview, Richard had some incredible insight into manufacturing robots. He gives us an inside perspective of how these robots are changing not only the world but also our company. Here's what he had to say:
Q: In your opinion, how are robots changing the manufacturing industry?
"Robots are able to perform repetitive motions, normally accomplished by multiple employees. With the use of Robots, we are able to increase production while reducing overhead expenses associated with today’s labor force. A robot can also operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without compromising quality."
Q: Seifert is currently setting up an R&D lab to enhance Robotics and IIOT integration. How will this process benefit the company once it's completed? What will you use the lab for? Do you believe it will improve operations?
"The R&D lab Robot will benefit both our internal engineers, as well as our customers, who have unique applications. We can setup and test their application and show them the benefits of using this technology. Once we have their confidence, we can develop our relationship and provide future opportunities to them. We are still developing the first application and specific operation is still in process.”
Q: What sparked your passion for manufacturing robotics? What pushed you to become FANUC certified? What's your favorite part about using this technology?
"I guess my passion for robotics started over 30 years when I became involved in Industrial Automation. For years, I’ve been applying the latest technology to our customer’s applications. Today. while using Robots for high-level operations, we can also capture productivity levels and push that data to IT services. In today’s environment, business is constantly evaluating their production throughput. My favorite part of using robotic technology has evolved over the years. Creating a specialized solution for our customers has always inspired me, providing a solution that few understand. As manufacturing challenges increased, I’m able to apply past success with future technology.
‘A problem is just an opportunity waiting for a solution.'"
Q: If You’re Considering Robotics for The First Time
If you're looking at implementing manufacturing robots, take a tactical approach. Take time to develop a strategy based on the advantages robotics can bring to your company. Look at the different robotic options for your company's needs. FANUC offers robotics brochures to showcase their different robots and their capabilities. Let us help you do these things and decide if robotics integration is the right choice for your company. Our team has knowledge in industries of automotive, tire and rubber, steel mill, pulp and paper, utilities, refining, plastics, and food processing. We will work together to upgrade processes and deliver improved products and efficiency. We strive to build a relationship and provide opportunities for your company.
Contact us today to learn more!
AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore, and it’s not just for Fortune 500 companies. It’s quietly reshaping how businesses—especially small and mid-sized ones—manage their IT, protect their data, and improve productivity. Yet for many business owners, AI still feels like something out of reach. Maybe you’ve heard of ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, but you’re not quite sure how it fits into your world. That’s where we come in! We’re breaking down what AI means for your IT operations today—and how Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs) like us are helping businesses like yours get ahead without getting overwhelmed. What AI Is Doing for IT Management at SMBs (Right Now) From cybersecurity to automation, AI is already making IT faster, smarter, and more secure. Here’s how: 1. AI-Powered Cybersecurity AI tools are becoming essential to detect and stop threats to your business before they become disasters. 24/7 threat detection : Tools like SentinelOne and Microsoft Defender use AI to monitor your systems in real-time and spot suspicious activity—even before a human could. Phishing protection : AI analyzes emails and links to catch impersonation attempts and scam messages. Automated response : If a threat is detected, AI tools can automatically isolate infected systems and prevent spread—within seconds. This is key, pairing your 24/7/365 threat detection with 24/7/365 action! 2. Smarter IT Automation AI isn’t just about fighting cybercrime—it’s helping businesses save time, reduce manual work, and operate more efficiently. Here are some examples of how AI is automating key IT functions behind the scenes: Predictive maintenance : AI can flag hardware or software issues before they cause downtime. User behavior analysis for better permissions control : AI tools can monitor how employees use systems and flag risky access patterns—helping prevent accidental data exposure or insider threats. Intelligent alert prioritization: Instead of flooding your IT dashboard with noise, AI filters and ranks alerts by severity—so real issues don’t get buried under false positives. Self-healing systems : In some cases, AI can detect and fix common problems (like restarting a frozen service) without any human involvement. These aren’t hypothetical tools—they’re already in use by MSPs and IT platforms supporting businesses like yours every day. 3. Productivity Gains with Tools You Already Have If your business uses Microsoft 365, you already have access to AI—and probably aren’t using it fully yet. Microsoft Copilot (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams): Draft emails, summarize meetings, or create reports with just a few clicks. Summarize long threads and documents Build presentations or clean up Excel data without formulas or formatting headaches. Outlook Suggestions : AI can suggest meeting times, draft responses, or flag important messages. Teams AI features: Transcripts, highlights, and action items from meetings—delivered directly after the call. These tools don’t require a tech degree to use—they just need someone to turn them on, configure them properly, and show you how to use them. That’s where we come in. Our job is to make it easy, secure, and practical for you so you can focus on what you know best…your business. Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Wait AI isn’t going away. And for businesses that get ahead of it, there’s a real opportunity to: Outpace competitors with faster decisions and smarter tools Protect against modern cyber threats Reduce costs through automation and efficiency Empower employees with tools that make work easier, not harder The good news? You don’t need a full-time IT team or a PhD in machine learning. You just need the right partner to guide you. Let’s Talk About AI for Your Business Curious about what AI could do for your business? Overwhelmed by options and don’t know where to start? Let’s fix that. Schedule a call with our team to discuss your business, your systems, and where AI could make the biggest difference—today and in the future.
The Real-World Benefits of Keeping It All In-House
For many businesses with up to 100 employees, in-house IT management is a constant balancing act for leadership. You need reliable technology, strong cybersecurity and fast support, but hiring an in-house IT team can be expensive and difficult to scale. Plus, simply making a quality IT hiring decision can be challenging when you or your team don’t possess excellent IT skills yourself. The key decision to keep IT in-house vs. outsourcing is often a financial one. Many business owners assume that keeping IT in-house is more affordable than hiring an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP)—but that’s not always the case. In fact, outsourcing IT to an MSP can provide real cost savings while also delivering substantial incremental value. Let’s break down the numbers of the outsourced MSP vs. in-house IT decision so you can make the best choice for your business. The True Cost of Hiring an In-House IT Team If you're considering hiring an internal IT person, it’s essential to understand the full cost of employment, not just the salary. Here's what you can expect to pay for a single IT manager (estimates only, may vary by geographic location):
In today's competitive market, efficient design and build processes are crucial for manufacturing and maintenance success. Partnering with an engineering services firm that utilizes the latest technology, software and tools can offer significant advantages.
Seifert Technologies recently partnered with the Stark Education Partnership (SEP), Fairless High School and Perry High School and provided a career day for the students. The objective was to provide an insight to local area high school students on the careers and opportunities available right here in Stark County. Our presentations focused on the services which we provide to our clients related to Engineering, IT, and Staffing. We featured interactive displays on Robotics, Machine Design, 3D CAD, PLC Motion Control, IT Infrastructure, Power BI, Software Development, and Career Services. Jaecey Hudson holds the position of Career Champion at Stark Education Partnership (SEP). Her role places her within several local High Schools including Fairless and she counsels the students on their career paths. Jaecey was instrumental in scheduling the day with Fairless High School. SEP is a catalyst, engaging and collaborating with education, business, civic and community stakeholders to drive sustainable improvement and innovation to provide all students with education and career success. SEP serves education, business, and community organizations in the Stark County region as a connector and partner. SEP collaborates with local foundations to ensure a continued focus on meeting emerging needs and works in complementary fashion with other nonprofits throughout the region. Stark Education Partnership’s vision to build generations of successful individuals who fulfill their potential and grow roots in Stark County is brought to life by engaging students in real-world workplace experiences. We also worked closely with the Robotics / STEM department at Perry High School to plan the day for these students. Stephanie Laskey and her team from Perry were the high school coordinators for the event. The Perry Local Project Lead the Way classes emphasize various engineering aspects, spanning from introduction to engineering design, computer manufacturing, digital electronics, aerospace engineering, to principles of engineering. Students were enthusiastic and actively involved in witnessing engineering principles in action at Seifert Technologies. They gained insight into the structure of engineering firms and the key attributes of successful engineers. They left Seifert Technologies with new information, eager to apply their newfound knowledge in the world of engineering. To learn more details about the services of Seifert Technologies, contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com for more information on our full range of capabilities. For more information related to SEP, please visit www.edpartner.org .
Manufacturing can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution changed the way that manufacturers worked all over the world. There were inventions of new machines and technology. The new production made manufacturing cheaper, faster, and more efficient. The Industrial Revolution changed manufacturing for the modern world. In the First Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18 th century was a significant change in human history. It transitioned to industrial societies, fueled by innovations in textile manufacturing, steam power, and iron production. This period increased efficiency in the mass production of goods. The invention of the steam engine led to the increase of railways. The First Industrial Revolution was the first step in modernizing the world. The Second Industrial Revolution is known as the Technological Revolution. This happened in the mid-19th century and was known for the adoption of electric power. This transformed the manufacturing process in steel. It led to the invention of the telegraph, telephone, television, and radio. Advancement in transportation was drastically improved leading to increased urbanization. The Third Industrial Revolution is known as the Digital Revolution. It happened in the late 20 th century with digital technology. This was the rise of the internet and digital computers. This changed the way people interacted with each other. The World Wide Web was developed. This led to the digitalization of every known modern aspect of life. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is referred to as Industry 4.0. This revolution is known for technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and robotics. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to have impacts on society to increase quality, production, and drive economic growth.
Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing are all ways that people try to get sensitive information from other people. They are all done in similar ways, but they have different ways of getting this information. It is important to know the difference between the three and how it looks when someone is getting targeted. Phishing Phishing is an online scam that gets sent to email accounts. It consists of getting sent a link or attachment from an unfamiliar email domain. When a user clicks on the link or attachment that is when the sender gets access to data. There are many different types of phishing to watch out for. Some of include spear, email, and whaling. Spear phishing is when someone specifically targets one person. They do this by adding their name, job, or social life. Whale phishing is when someone targets a big target like a manager, owner, or celebrities. They target these people since they have a lot of information on companies or other people. Smishing Smishing is a scam that gets sent as a text message (SMS). Scammers send a text to a target. The text that the target receives looks like a text from a trustworthy company. The scammers make the message look like it is the real company, and they send a link that they want the target to click on. There are different ways that these messages look. It can look like you won money or a prize. It can also look like a tax report or bank statement. Vishing Vishing is a scam where the target gets called over the phone rather than receiving a text message or email. The target is selected, and they call trying to convince them to download software for their device. How To Protect Yourself from All Three There are many ways to prevent these things from happening. Most importantly, do not click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Report suspicious emails, text messages, or calls that you receive. When you report these, you protect yourself and others from getting information taken. Seifert Technologies’ IT Division is your source for cybersecurity awareness. We are a registered agent of KnowB4 Products ( www.knowbe4.com ). These products implement sate of the art programs which: Send fully automated simulated phishing attacks, using thousands of customizable templates with unlimited usage Train your users with access to the world's largest library of always-fresh awareness training content AI-Driven phishing and training recommendations based on your users' phishing and training history Use Assessments to gauge proficiency of your users in security knowledge and security culture attitudes Easy user management using Active Directory Integration Contact our IT Service Team To learn more details about cybersecurity training contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com/itservices for more information on our full range capabilities.
For over 10 years the team at Seifert Technologies has participated in the Toys for Tots program. Every year, our employees show their support by donating new toys which are then delivered to local area families. It is an awesome way to give back to our Stark County community. We also want to thank all of our employees for their wonderful donations. Way to go team!
Last month we celebrated a very special evening. Leslie Callahan, who has been with our firm since the beginning years, celebrated her 30th year with the organization. Team members from both our offices in Massillon and Nashville gathered to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment.
At Seifert Associates, we have been meeting the challenges of hiring technical talent for decades. Finding the right candidate for the right position can be a challenge. Thus, we have put together a list of the top questions we get from HR and give ideas on how to overcome the challenges we face in today’s job market. What Are the Top Hiring Challenges Today? First, we must talk about current hiring challenges. Today, employers encounter new recruitment hurdles as the job market progresses. Employers' obstacles and difficulties arise when it comes to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates. These challenges can come in many forms, such as a shortage of skilled workers, a highly competitive job market, or a lack of diversity and inclusion in the hiring process. The rapid changes in both technology and the evolving job market also contribute to these hiring challenges. Employers must overcome these hiring challenges to attract and retain top talent, as well as build a thriving workforce to drive organizational growth and success. Here is a List of the Top Concerns for Hiring: Finding Quality Candidates Attracting the right talent for a technical position is an employer's foremost concern. The more skilled the requirements are, the more the employee is sought after. With a limited workforce and intense competition for top-tier candidates, employers struggle when it comes to finding technical talent. Along with that, employers struggle to engage with candidates who are not actively seeking a new position. We spoke about the importance of collaborating with a recruiter who has strong experience with finding technical candidates in a previous blog, which you can review HERE . Attracting the Right Technical Talent Another challenge that employers face is attracting the right talent for a technical position. Highly skilled candidates today look for more than just a competitive salary. Candidates want to collaborate with a company that has a quality work culture. But they also want to seek employment with companies who share the same values, as well as have great benefits and a good understanding of work life balance. In fact, 46% of job seekers cite company culture as very important when choosing to apply to a company, and a shocking 47% of employees cite that company culture is the driving factor when looking for a new job. Skills Gap and Training
