Articles and News

Automation and control systems programs from ISA are developed and taught by industry experts with real-world experience.

Prior to adopting Omnify Software, Oztek utilized a manual, paper-based Engineering Change Order (ECO) system to track parts.

AutoQuiz: Standard Range for Pneumatically Transmitted Signals

The video titled, "A Guide to Wi-Fi and Frequency Hopping Antenna Selection," delves into the different types of antennas and characteristics to keep in mind, such as the antenna’s pattern, gain, and polarity.

ISA applauds the contributions of African-American automation professionals and engineers

The award is for a research project that quantified the performance of an ISA100 Wireless based safety system at an offshore operational site.

MagneMotion is a manufacturer of intelligent conveying systems.

Although net sales increased 6.6 percent to 2.1 billion euros, net income will decline around 25 percent compared to 2014.

AMC offers hundreds of standard servo drive and amplifier models, accept various command signals, communicate over several networks and operate in many different modes.

31,464 robots valued at $1.8 billion were ordered from North American companies during 2015, an increase of 14% in units and 11% in dollars over 2014.

The exhibit shows an example of how applied research confirms that Industrie 4.0 works and creates more flexibility in human-machine collaboration

Modbus book explains why this 40-year-old technology still matters.

HMS says Industrial Ethernet is growing faster than before and now accounts for 38% of the market. EtherNet/IP is in first place within industrial Ethernet globally.

Precision Products, a manufacturer of shotgun parts, wrote an Okuma machine tool app that streamlines its cutting operations, while reducing operator error and scrapped parts.

Research paper investigates controller design approaches for nonlinear boiler-turbine dynamics subject to actuator magnitude and rate constraints.

The discussion at this year’s forum will focus, among much else, on standards for communication in the Industrial Internet of Things.

The 4-page document provides an overview of the MAQ20 ndustrial data acquisition and control system and all current MAQ20 modules.

Companies form technology alliance to help shape the future of substation automation.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a not-for-profit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed in the field of engineering and a member of the Automation Federation.

For all of 2015, the year’s total orders were down 17.4% compared to 2014.

Asiatic Agricultural Industries updated its old scales to EX equipment.

The app sends real-time plant performance and notifications direct to smartphones, giving managers real-time information at their fingertips

Schneider Electric will be delivering Dream Report for CitectHistorian as a branded solution for plant reporting.

The global data center security market was valued at US$ 4.05 Bn in 2013 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% during the forecast period from 2014 to 2022

Before the term “big data” was being used as part of the Internet of Things, plant historians were handling large volumes of time-synchronized data.

By Glenn Schulz, Managing Director, FDT Group FDT Technology holds the key to integrating a wide range of devices and networks in today’s complex process automation architecture. Ongoing development of this technology, driven by growing instrumentation supplier involvement, is enabling end users to realize the true potential of decentralization, transparency, integration, and a unified view of all data and functions within the manufacturing enterprise.

By Bill Lydon, Editor The event was described as a showcase of the latest advances in manufacturing and industrial automation enabled by the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). Here are a few notable new products introduced by Rockwell Automation.

It doesn't matter the size of a container, its configuration, or from what a container is constructed. Pressure is the same.

Hint automated a metering and allocation system for ENGIE that collects all data for the allocation of proceeds from oil and gas sales.

The AVnu Alliance is a community creating an interoperable ecosystem of low-latency, time-synchronized, highly reliable networked devices using open standards

By Sina Kopacz, MB Connect White paper describes MB Connect's remote service platform that allows direct monitoring of machinery and equipment withweb-based visualization that can be displayed on any tablet, smartphone or computer with a standard browser.

Drive systems, including two 25-foot, ball mill gearless mill drive systems of 15,000 kW each, will provide high efficiency and availability at Toquepala copper mine

The third edition features more comprehensive coverage of pertinent subject matter and new calculations, sample problems and tables for improved test preparation.

Every production process introduces risk. To mitigate that risk, the 61511 standard says we need multiple layers of protection. Watch this movie about the architectural constraints of IEC 61511.

AAEON joined Microsoft Azure Certified for Internet of Things (IoT).

Hannover Messe runs from April 25-29, 2016 in Hannover, Germany.

eWON SA is a Belgian Manufacturer of innovative hardware and internet services that provide secure internet-based connectivity.

This announcement signifies that Beamex will continue to work with ISA to co-develop informational and educational resources, such as custom webinars

Smart machines market can be segmented on the basis of products, application, technology and geography. On the basis of products, the smart machines market is categorized into expert systems, intelligent assistants, neuro computers, smart embedded systems, and autonomous robots.

For ongoing cybersecurity protection, engaging a managed security service to improve your operational security posture is a good option.

The lab has been approved for gas flow calibrations by A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) which has a Mutual Recognition Arrangement with ILA.

This consulting practice concentrates on product performance issues for mitigating customer dissatisfaction, warranty problems, and product recalls resulting from the growing complexity of electronics and software intensive products.

Since the end of 2014, sinking oil prices have had a negative impact on capital equipment vendors, especially pump and compressor manufacturers. Spending on this equipment is expected to decline even further in 2016 and 2017.

The program will partner system integrators with KEB engineers and application specialists.

Girl Day is 25 February 2016

Ethernet-based networks have been installed to support the control of 225,000 mirrors at the twin La Florida and La Dehesa concentrating solar power plants.

BgB Supply now offers all of Stahlin's typically stocked products and supports drop ship directly from the manufacturer.

Rotork upgraded its website for global flow control products and services to meet the needs of visitors with mobile devices.

Rising industrialization has stimulated the pace of electrification in developing economies across the world, thereby significantly fueling demand from the global market for LV and MV switchgear.T

Manufacturing is gaining momentum, but how do we prevent the shortage of skilled workers from bringing it to a screeching halt?

By Bill Lydon, Editor "Industrial Automation Absorbed by IT," may be the future headline if the industrial automation community does not make a commitment to multivendor, open-interoperability, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. If this comes to pass it may not be the optimal solution for industrial automation effectiveness.

Energy is the leading international trade fair for integrated energy systems and mobility.

On February 18, 2016 Tibbo will participate in IDC Internet of Things 2016 Conference in Moscow. This IoT event will discuss local, regional and global state of the industry along with its progress, challenges and outlook. Keynote speakers from most innovative companies will share lessons learned from IoT deployments, technological advancements in specific domains, and future industry trends.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Schneider Electric continues a buildout of products to help users implement Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) features. The company demonstrated new products and discussed this important shift in industrial automation during the SPS IPC Drives on November 24-26, 2015 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Week of activities introduce young people to the value of STEM learning and careers. 27 February 2016

An ABB QCS controls PM12, the paper machine that produces EcoInfuse filtration paper for tea bags.

Capacitance is defined as the ability of a dielectric to store electrical charge.

For many industrial marketers, social media and content marketing are becoming “business as usual.”

Catalog 29 features CE compliant and UL Recognized static eliminators

The 260+ page catalog and design guide illustrates a wide range of products engineered for use as building blocks in sophisticated linear motion assemblies.

Commerce Department to bring U.S. companies and economic development organizations to world’s largest trade show for industrial technology.

The trade fair for industrial technology runs from 25 to 29 April 2016 in Hannover, Germany.

By John Mitchell, CP Automation Voltage distortion, caused by current harmonics can wreak havoc in a plant, its equipment and the mains power supply. Here are useful tips for mitigating harmonics.

Brochure describes the in-situ Endura AZ oxygen analyzer series for process combustion control or emissions monitoring.

A new measure of eco-efficiency, the exergy eco-efficiency factor, for control loop configuration, is proposed in this paper.

Each forklift is linked to ITAMCO’s ERP system through its GPS and an application on a smart tablet mounted in the forklift.

Sixnet series RAM industrial cellular RTUs now provide high-speed 4G LTE network support in Japan.

CD-adapco is a simulation company with software solutions covering Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Solid Mechanics (CSM), heat transfer, particle dynamics, reactant flow, electrochemistry, acoustics and rheology

By Dave Hammond, M.A.C. Solutions For machine builders that offer remote access support and diagnostics for their installed machines, security is obviously a major concern.

Skills shortages within the UK manufacturing and engineering sector have increased over the past three years. Some believe that a more committed support programme would help alleviate these skills shortages.

The stainless steel control valves market was valued at US$240.0 mn in 2014 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5% and reach US$371.6 mn by 2023.

There are several methods for eliminating or controlling the proportional step and derivative kick in a PID output resulting from a change of setpoint.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Automation Fair 2015 was described as a showcase of the latest advances in manufacturing and industrial automation enabled by the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). Here are highlights of a few interesting Encompass Partner products.

The lubricant oil-blending plant of Total Oil Asia Pacific in Singapore uses Egemin AGVs to transfer pallets from the four filling lines in the production area to the distribution zone.

D8009 standard helps shippers, laboratories, regulators and others who need to safely take samples of volatile crude oils in transit.

Barnes has been a key member of the Microscan management team and has held increasingly responsible positions in Engineering in his 21 years with the company.

By Moazzam Shamsi, Emerson Process Management The self-configuring capabilities of WirelessHART networks simplify the installation and configuration of WirelessHART field devices. This article walks through the steps required to successfully install and configure a WirelessHART network.

MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association) International has identified Savigent Software as a MESA-Recognized Business.

Tibbo engineers successfully deployed a communication channel and emergency notification monitoring system for the EMERCOM of Russia.

What Does Hydrostatic Head Mean?

The two will collaborate to bring industrial IoT training to wider audiences

BP will use SimSci Spiral Suite software across its global refinery portfolio.

ISA and CSIA will collaborate on a web-based project management course customized to meet the specialized needs of system integrators.

A Rotork IQ3 intelligent electric actuator will improve flood protection in a vulnerable area of a coastal town in west Wales.

The app makes it possible for users to easily measure a tool’s radius and length and then directly send the offsets to the Okuma OSP-P control to update the local tool offset table.

Elite adds Vibration Monitoring and Profibus Network health checks to its support services.

This extraordinary engineering feat was achieved by slicing the ship in half by following a line marked out with accurate sandblasting and disconnecting over15,000 electric cables. The Movicon software to used to help synchronize moving and lifting operations and stability control of the two halves.

SMARC and Qseven computer-on-modules (COMs) now have the latest Intel Pentium and Celeron Processor N3000 Series (codename Braswell).

By Brigg Patten Advanced robotics perform complex or difficult tasks so that workers can focus on strategic and operational functions and decision making.

By Jonathan Wilkins, European Automation Five years after the Stuxnet attack, all SCADA and PLC systems across the manufacturing industry are vulnerable, no matter how small.

PDVSA selected HIMA as the safety systems provider to implement turbomachinery control at the Planta de Compression Tiajuana 3 on Lake Maracaibo.

Blayson Olefines uses the laser sensor to measure the distortion and contraction of wax materials used in investment casting.

Siemens provides calibration and verification services for field devices such as the Sitrans flowmeters, pressure transmitters, temperature measuring devices and belt scales.

infoteam has its own subsidiary in China with its own selected experts, who can implement your services in a competitive and straightforward manner for you on-site.

New ISA President Jim Keaveney details the priorities for 2016: alignment, leadership, globalization, and the voice of the customer.

Cornerstone provide SCADA/HMI software solutions in the southeast Unites States

Unison robots help Walsall Wheelbarrow increase production capacity from 1800 to 3500 ‘barrow in a box’ wheelbarrows per day.

exida to provide functional safety and cybersecurity assessments.

Yokogawa wil supply control and safety systems for thermal power and desalination plants that are to be constructed for Umm Al Houl Power, a Qatari company.