Articles and News

The book features interviews with industry experts from around the globe who give insight in to the future of manufacturing. The book is available to order in print.

As Executive VP of Weidmuller North America, Mr. Hodgson has full responsibility of Weidmuller operations in the US, Canada and Mexico. His primary focus is the Weidmuller USA market and organizational areas of Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, P&L and Operations

The TEC is the company’s first engineering center in the United States devoted to the life sciences. The choice of the United States for this engineering center was based on this country’s leadership in the global life sciences industry.

The training center features a classroom with interactive technology, an equipped workshop and a field bus training lab. It offers practical, hands-on training programs designed to impart knowledge on measurement technologies and process control systems that are in demand by the hydrocarbon, power and water & wastewater industries.

CC-Link IE TSN was developed to meet future market demands and has added Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology,which areadditional standards related to IEEE Ethernet,to integrate Operational Technology (OT) and IT while further strengthening performance and functionality.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com The buzz continues to grow in anticipation of TSN’s turn to mainstream. Yet, the big missing piece that continues to hinder that key evolution is a lack of complete solutions for time management.

IIC-member participants TE Connectivity and SAP SE, with supporting participants OPC Foundation and ifm, developed a solution that enables operators of decades old manufacturing facilities (brown-fields) to connect sensors to an IT system using existing infrastructure without affecting real-time operations.

The three partners are working together to provide online access to free, validated electrical component data to users of Zuken’s E³.series electrical design tools

By George Walker, Novotek UK and Ireland It’s no secret that data collection is important for generating valuable insight that helps plant managers improve efficiency in industrial systems. However, what seems unknown to many in the industry is the importance of understanding the context of the data being analysed.

On December 1, 2018, Thomas Wenzel will take over the management of the IXS division from Matthias Barz, who has led it since July 2018 as interim manager and who will continue to assist with the initiated measures until their completion

IIC-member participants TE Connectivity and SAP SE, with supporting participants OPC Foundation and ifm, developed a solution that enables operators of decades old manufacturing facilities (brown-fields) to connect sensors to an IT system using existing infrastructure without affecting real-time operations.

IEC 61131-3 software standards improve the quality of applications and the efficiency of building applications. Structured modular software improves the reuse of applications.

Cascade control does very little to improve upon control loops that were previously stable. Examples are liquid level and gas pressure control loops.

The agreement will ensure customers have access to standard solutions on a global scale, backed by a local presence. The initial focus of the partnership will be on assembly systems and end-of-line testing for automotive batteries.

The program, which may be taken as a 3-day or 5-day program, is appropriate for industrial companies that are considering PLM or are already implementing PLM, and to PLM solution providers.

Dominique succeeds Giovanni Barra, who has been at the helm of the company since 2013.

By Kelsey Rzepecki, Graphic Products Before beginning work, it’s crucial to evaluate your facility for safety hazards. Consistent and effective labeling, in accordance with OSHA and other industry regulations, is essential to prevent workplace injuries, costly downtime, workers’ compensation claims, and fines.

Sometimes the design will need to change during a step test as you learn more about the process.

The Automation Federation (AF) was invited by the US Department of Labor (USDOL) in 2007 to be the first industry-related technical society to create a competency model using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) pyramid framework for advanced manufacturing.

The certification confirms that Rockwell Automation product-development processes adhere to the security requirements in the IEC 62443-4-1 standard. Rockwell Automation is now using the certified SDL at all global development locations to support the development of all hardware and software products.

By Joshua Hernandez, Emerson Automation Solutions All processing facilities have goals to operate their facilities safely, in compliance with regulations, and profitably. Safety is paramount among these objectives; thus, it is important to measure, alert when abnormal, and understand the hazards that could negatively impact the facility or personnel.

TXOne Networks will focus on the security needs present in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments, including smart manufacturing, smart city, smart energy and more.

Weinhofer will help lead the OPC Foundation in its mission of creating standards that allow multi-vendor industrial IoT technologies to securely and reliably work together.

A modern batch system enables visibility and accessibility to all stages of production, supporting better decision making.

The upgrade will include a fully integrated ABB Electrical, Control and Telecommunication (ECT) solution with 45 power and capacitor bank skids, as well as centralized and localized automation systems.

The Dematic Meat Buffer storage and handling solution will work to provide better visibility of product flow and accuracy at the meat processing facility.

By Jonathan Grech, JMartans Automation While safety should always be a priority, newer technologies like these are making it easier for manufacturers to find and integrate the right device for their facility. This reduces risk to the final product, employees and equipment.

For a turbine flowmeter, the rotor is supported by the hubs and bearings inside of a flowmeter body, and as the rotor spins, the number of revolutions is determined with a magnetic pickup.

Engineers will be able to implement CIP Security in their systems through Rockwell Automation products and firmware updates to existing products such as Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controllers, communication modules and Kinetix servo drives.

Heilind is a specialty distributor of connectors and electromechanical components. With the partner Heilind, HARTING would like to continue the partnership in North America now also in other countries worldwide.

By separating the PV from full integration, end users can get their process back online without the need for a Device Description (DD) or other engineering staff.

The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded based on the candidate’s potential for leadership and his or her interest in engineering with a focus on instrumentation, fluid mechanics and flow or pressure measurement.

ACE enterprise has been a technology partner of Bentley Systems, and the ACE EnterprisePlatform is used for the Bentley AssetWise connector that is certified for both SAP ERP and SAP HANA.

By Dean Ferrando, Tripwire From large industrial control systems to one-man organizations, everyone is talking about security these days. And while the industry jargon they use may differ, all share four areas of security concern.

David Bain joins TIA from the Technology Safety Council, promoting safety and sustainability best practices to technology users, suppliers, and regulators.

By separating the PV from full integration, end users can get their process back online without the need for a Device Description (DD) or other engineering staff.

Researchers develop an inferential control scheme based on adaptive linear neural network soft sensor for the control of the fermentation process.

The mission of this initiative is to identify, support and nurture companies and entrepreneurs whose innovations will transform the way we live and work, how we produce and consume energy, and how we run buildings and factories.

The expanded Catalog 32 introduces Super Air Scraper Nozzles, Soft Grip Super Air Scraper Safety Air Guns and Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems.

These personnel bring collaborative robotics experience in engineering, product development, and customer applications, which will combine with UR’s expertise to continue to drive new collaborative robotics solutions.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com An open system can impact all phases of a project from inception, through its entire lifecycle including: project design, configuration, operations, and lifecycle maintenance in order to create tremendous savings and value.

By providing integrated networks with tested interoperability and documented in validated reference designs, the two companies help to ensure that integrated OT/IT systems can be installed, operated more securely, and supported efficiently.

InnovaGel, a manufacturer of vitamins and supplements in the nutraceutical and OTC market, was in need of solution for its soft gelatin encapsulation machine application. Endress+Hauser was able to provide a level measurement solution that best fit InnovaGel’s application needs.

Workshop participants will get hands-on experience using Future Electronics' Nebula reference design board, Cypress’ CYW4343W Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Classic/BLE chipset radio, the WICED SDK, and Murata's 1DX module.

As a member of the PartnerNetwork, Harpak-ULMA is teaming with Rockwell Automation to facilitate the development of smart, connected packaging solutions.

Understanding the challenges of batch process control can lead to solutions that offer much higher levels of efficiency and capacity.

Clippard designs and manufacturers over 5,000 standard and custom products including electronic, control and isolation valves, cylinders, manifolds, FRLs, actuators, custom assemblies and much more.

By Martin Grune & Patrick Kraus, infoteam Software AG How can production be optimized, where can improvement opportunities be found, which processes may even indirectly slow down operative business from the background? Overall Equipment Effectiveness (GAE) or Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) has established itself as the key performance indicator for this.

The certifications are based on the IEC 62443-2-4 and IEC 62443-3-3 standards, which lay a foundation of cyber defense mechanisms for automation system networks and cover the specific requirements for developing and designing secure systems.

Power is generated by hydro plants located in the northern and western areas of the country and by wind farms located along the east coast. It is then transmitted over long distances to urban load centers located in the southeast.

As of now, product manufacturers can use the seal to promote their battery-free, wireless switches integrating EnOcean’s energy harvesting technology for wireless standards in the sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz range.

Sinn’s core focus will be helping companies, leveraging the MonarchFx ecosystem, to build customer-centric fulfillment systems.

Intended for basic ICS security monitoring, this version is free of charge and easy to configure. No special technical knowledge is needed. Downloading and getting started with PT ISIM freeView Sensor takes minutes.

Executives at respondent companies, ranging from manufacturers to trade contractors and oil and gas companies, are collecting more data from connected devices, integrating it with other systems in new ways, and making IoT more central to their businesses.

A thermocouple contains two different conductors that produce a voltage proportional to a temperature difference between the ends of a pair of conductors.

The Connected Mine helps mining companies collect and aggregate data to gain end-to-end visibility into their operations and make informed business decisions to improve mining operations.

The release of these two systems comes as FieldComm Group works to simplify the experience users have with industrial standards and their integration across systems and enterprises, for the industry’s transition to IIoT and Industry 4.0.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation This article explains how autonomous maintenance, one of the pillars of total productive maintenance (TPM) requires the whole manufacturing team to take responsibility for maintenance.

ISA has created a continuous improvement culture that sets a framework for sustainable growth and value for members, automation professionals, and customers.

This online tool is designed for a range of industries and applications, including industrial/manufacturing, food, chemical, water and other processing environments, oil refining and petrochemical processing, and others that have become dependent on microprocessors, PLCs, and VFDs.

With built-in security protecting valuable information and operating data, the FITS platform will enable cloud, enterprise, on-premise, and a single-user desktop deployment method meeting the needs of the process, hybrid and discrete manufacturing sectors.

Power/mation has warehouses and sales offices in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Heitek Automation will now be distributing the full line of Festo pneumatic and electric automation components and systems in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.

By Nick Boughton, Digital Lead, Boulting Technology It has only been in the past five years where augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have made their way into industrial environments. This article explains how AR and VR are re-defining plant maintenance.

To control an industrial process you have must see it, and usually measure it, so that enough resolution to enable the underling picture to be seen.

By Patricia Mattsson, Emerson Automation Solutions The widespread departure from manual measurements to automated solutions has helped improve worker efficiency while providing more accurate measurements. New level measurement technologies can do even more.

ABB will take up a designated seat on the board of the OPC Foundation in 2019 to further help accelerate development of the new technology.

The goal of this initiative is to deliver an open, cohesive approach to implement OPC UA including TSN and associated application profiles. This will advance the OPC Foundation providing vendor independent end-to-end interoperability into field level devices for all relevant industry automation use-cases.

By Mike Devine, Zebra Technologies E-commerce is booming globally. The increasingly higher expectations of smartphone-savvy, always-connected consumers have urged retailers, manufacturers and logistics companies to collaborate hand in hand to meet the growing shoppers’ needs in the on-demand economy.

This catalogue has been specifically developed to support automation and manufacturing markets and includes products of Koganei, a user and reseller of Automation Studio

In its role, Emerson will update control and safety systems, fire and gas systems, field instrumentation control and isolation valves, and other equipment to improve production efficiencies.

The additions to the machine safety portfolio are all designed to communicate over EtherNet/IP and are tested against machine safety standards to ease compliance. The products will also be included in the next release of the Safety Automation Builder software tool.

The competitive award is for students enrolled in a CNC machinist, CNC operations, engineering or manufacturing certificate or degree program. As part of the award process, the scholarship recipient's school will also recieve a $500 donation made to their machining or manufacturing department.

The goal of this initiative is to deliver an open, cohesive approach to implement OPC UA including TSN and associated application profiles. This will advance the OPC Foundation providing vendor independent end-to-end interoperability into field level devices for all relevant industry automation use-cases.

Despite IIoT, Industrial Ethernet and Industry 4.0 initiatives, digital networks are still not used everywhere. Organizations stuck in an analog world should look carefully at what they are missing.

During the workshop, featured experts reported that the rapid pace of digital technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber tools at the disposal of foreign entities are making it more difficult to protect critical infrastructure and the industrial control systems that operate them.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation Technology has rapidly caught up with the human ability to read faces, progressing to a stage where facial recognition could improve industrial security.

Indonesia is working to become Southeast Asia’s biggest digital economy by 2020. The “Making Indonesia 4.0” initiative was developed to revitalize the Indonesian manufacturing sector through the adoption of Industrie 4.0. It focuses on five sectors for the initial implementation: food and beverage, textiles, automotive, chemicals, and electronics.

The constant between pipes of differing diameters is the flow rate (and other fluid properties) is the same in both pipe lengths.

Founded in 1989, Primary Systems Inc. is based in Old Bridge, N.J. The company is a system integrator that helps its clients produce products while meeting all compliance requirements. PSI designs, implements, and troubleshoots systems for the process and manufacturing industries.

Approximately 100 students visited Phoenix Contact’s U.S. headquarters in Middletown, Pa., on Monday, October 29, to kick off the second annual “Think BIG!” program. The partnership with Harrisburg School District is a yearlong curriculum designed to get elementary-age students excited about STEM careers.

By Chuck Cimalore, Arena Solutions With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and centralized data management platforms like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technology, companies can create a closed-loop, data-driven DfR program to improve predictability and reliability and achieve better-performing products.

The robotic system will be used to piece pick inventory items for retail store replenishment using a “goods-to-robot” configuration. The order fulfillment system will support replenishment of approximately 50 retail stores and is scheduled to start up during the 2nd quarter of 2019 in a new distribution center building.

The Linear MOTIONEERING tool retains the Thomson engineering calculations for design engineers and has added new product families, interactive navigation, expanded global support and mobile access.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation Remote monitoring is not a new phenomenon. The technology has already established itself as standard part of control in manufacturing. This article explains how manufacturers can optimize their supply chain with remote monitoring.

Mr. Burke will remain as an officer on the Board of Directors and will continue his widespread evangelism for OPC UA adoption across various domains. Stefan Hoppe took over the operational activities and responsibility for worldwide adaption of the OPC standards and the further development of the organization.

The City partnered with Indegy to implement an industrial security solution that provides visibility, protection and control to detect and prevent threats before they can impact the operation and safety of its water supply systems and utilities.

The complexity of modern automation systems requires partnership and collaboration with an expanded set of industrial and technical disciplines.

By Brith Isaksson, ABB Food & Beverage Commissioning a new system for a food manufacturing plant requires software assistance to plan effectively and with digital twinning, manufacturers can optimize its ongoing operations.

The Norland products will be incorporated into Thorlabs’ existing Vytran business unit, a 20,000 square foot facility located in Morganville, New Jersey.

The investment will include the addition of a lab and showroom to the on-site warehouse and distribution center as well as increasing capabilities for injection molding and die-casting processes. The project is slated to create at least 50 new jobs.

Siemens’ MindSphere is a cloud-based, open IoT operating system that connects products, plants, systems and machines, enabling businesses to harness the wealth of data generated by the Internet of Things with advanced analytics.

Automation.com has worked with several industry leaders to compile this Control Systems ebook, designed to help you stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in control system technology.

Working with Cognex, engineers at automotive manufacturer General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) developed a chain drive stretching system that measures every link in real time and automatically marks non-compliant links without slowing or stopping the line

The scope of supply includes 69kV high voltage air-insulated switchgear, UniGear medium-voltage switchgear, MNS low-voltage switchgear, power and distribution transformers, a capacitor bank, soft starter, IS-limiters and a process power management system.

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the IEC 61508 requirements needed to ensure functional safety for electrical/electronic and programmable electronic systems.

HARTING is the first component vendor to actively support the CADENAS-Zuken interface, providing component information for ECAD applications to customers.

The building focuses on a sustainable energy concept, including a photovoltaic system installed on the roof that provides enough electricity to completely power the basic production load.

By John Mitchell, CP Automation In modern computer numerical control (CNC) machines, there may be less need to replace cutting tools in these machines, but there’s more complexity to their upkeep. This article explains how poor power quality can cause recurrent issues for CNC machines.

First principle models can be used to gain a deeper understanding of cause and effects, process relationships, process gains, and the response to abnormal situations.

Using elements of Emerson’s Project Certainty methodology, North West Redwater Partnership reduced global automation engineering complexity and completed the instrumentation and control scope for refinery automation.