The Shortlist, August 28: Honeywell Bulks Up its IoT Offering and KFC Ditches the ‘C’

Hands-on immersion has become a defining advantage in modern biomanufacturing, and programs like NC State’s BTEC exemplify why experiential learning matters as much as technical knowledge. By stepping through a full upstream and downstream bioprocess in a simulated environment, the Benchmark team gained firsthand insight into the real-world pressures, decisions, and constraints their customers…

In modern warehouses, what looks like a minor issue at receiving can quickly escalate when a lot lacks the right certifications or falls out of spec, triggering quarantine, added paperwork, and intense traceability demands on quality teams. As supply chains grow more complex and regulated, these friction points quietly drain time and increase the…

Contamination control failures rarely stem from complex science; more often, they’re the result of everyday practices that haven’t evolved with modern cleanroom demands. Simple shifts—like cleaning in a strict top-to-bottom flow, choosing materials that trap submicron particles instead of redistributing them, and standardizing tools so operators aren’t improvising—can dramatically reduce risk while improving efficiency….

In an era where supply chain volatility can stall production overnight, smart inventory strategy has become a competitive advantage. Benchmark’s no-cost inventory reserve model flips the traditional risk equation by letting manufacturers lock in dedicated stock—on their own timeline—without tying up capital or warehouse space. It’s a practical reminder that reliability isn’t just about…