Articles and News

Report examines the use of virtualization technology in industrial automation and control system (IACS) environments.

The White House officially confirmed on March 23, 2015 that the United States has been designated the official Partner Country of HANNOVER MESSE 2016. HANNOVER MESSE will run April 25 to 29 in 2016

Rivera brings decades of global experience in the automation industry to his new role at CSIA, having worked in six countries, primarily in regional or global roles.

Tiny scratches can occur as a result of glass being tempered without precise speed control on the oven’s drives. Glaston fixed it with Unidrive M controllers.

Masso is a manufacturer of shipboard valve remote control systems (VRCS).

The computer science master and system electronics engineer has been working as a developer for the automation manufacturer since 2009.

Subsea Pumps Market By Product (Helico-axial, Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP), Centrifugal, and Others) for Subsea Boosting, Subsea Separation, Subsea Compression, and Subsea Injection Applications - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

Continuously declining oil prices-hitting a 4-year low-have forced the oil extraction companies to optimize their spending by increasing efficiency. In line with this, the companies are increasingly deploying artificial lifts to increase output from the existing wells. As a result, the artificial lift market is expected to pick pace in next two years.

The On-Chip Software Development Kit ensures that developers can stably run both the pre-compiled SmartMesh IP networking stack and their applications simultaneously.

4 million PROFIsafe nodes and 50 million PROFIBUS devices have been installed

79% of SI websites make site visits from a mobile device difficult or impossible, alienating nearly half of their web visitors, and their websites are outdated in terms of messaging and technology.

Flowserve will supply all ball sector control valves, ball valves and butterfly valves for the new Klabin mill (Project Puma) located in the city of Ortigueira, Brazil.

PoE+ Switch now has certification for Class I, Div.2 Hazardous Industrial Locations

By Terry Nagy, Computer Aided Solutions The architecture of data acquisition and control systems which have their own DSP processors makes them well-suited for use in PID applications.

By Bill Lydon, Editor There is a great opportunity to leverage the latest technologies and compete in the global manufacturing landscape. The future lies in the convergence of product design, production planning, production engineering, production execution, and services.

To keep up with the evolving automation landscape, we have to approach industrial control system obsolescence as an opportunity for operational improvement and cost reduction.

CFSE program for ICS offers CACE and CACS certifications

APLEX Technology Inc., a global industrial computer product solution provider, today announces a new Intel Atom E3800 product family Bay Trail series in its HMI (Human Machine Interface) portfolio.

Take a look at what ISA has in store for you in April 2015.

Sercos International recorded a growth in membership of approximately 30 % in 2014.

Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd is released new forthcoming report on title "Food and Beverage Packaging - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2020".

Inspectors at Fastener Depot use a Keyence Image Dimension Measurement (IM) System to quickly and accurately check and gauge parts.

By 2018, the CHP installations all over the world are projected to produce 1,219.1 GW of power, a year-on-year increase of 15.3% between 2011 and 2018. Revenue-wise, the market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 11.7% between 2012 and 2018.

Stealth.com is a build-to-order, specialty configurator of high performance ruggedized industrial grade computers systems and peripherals.

Kaoru Sonoda is the exida Japan managing director

2015 ISA Power Industry Symposium features five acclaimed keynote speakers, an extensive technical program, training opportunities and more.

By Paul Brooks, Rockwell Automation Manufacturers around the world have adopted EtherNet/IP as their information infrastructure, and hundreds of vendors offer thousands of product lines for EtherNet/IP.

The new press at North American Tillage was automated with a GuardLogix PAC, PowerFlex VFD, and EtherNet/IP network to fit into their automated process line.

Control schemes for maximizing production rate in liquid reactors

The specification is an essential component for the successfull AutoID integration for the realization of the future concept "Industrie 4.0."

Hoppe has been President of the OPC Europe organization since 2010 and has personally choreographed many successful events throughout Europe.

Frost & Sullivan says the increasing number of connected devices is multiplying the probability of cyberattacks on companies across sectors.

Vector Controls and Automation Group is now a rep for E+H products, services and solutions for all industries in the greater Houston area.

By Nancy Cam-Winget, Cisco It is critical to be able to identify all devices in the network so that the access can be controlled based on the type of device, the function it is assigned to play.

Blankenship is Industry Manager for Power, Pulp and Paper. Blankenship previously served as manager of business development for Mustang Automation and Control.

The Rotork actuators operate 26 inch, 20 inch and 12 inch ball valves installed in tandem with non-return check valves at six valve stations along the route.

The new factory will replace an existing 65,000 sq. ft. facility currently located in the Baton Rouge area.

PACTware is a consortium of 24 process control vendors who jointly maintain and distribute the PACTware FDT Frame Application to their end users.

Egemin automated six L’Oréal sites in Europe and the US with more than 100 automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

“Lubrication of Rolling Bearings” contains information for engineers who want to learn more about the principles, methods, selection and testing of lubricants for rolling bearings.

Deutsche Telekom, Infineon Technologies, Wibu-Systems and Hirschmann will deliver security Made in Germany to the entire Industry 4.0 arena.

The process of specifying, choosing and testing a process control system for an industrial application can be long, time consuming and risky.

By Bill Lydon, Editor ThyssenKrupp is using Industry 4.0 as a way to achieve their 10 year digital enterprise goal. The implementation strategy is the seamless integration of ERP, MES, automation, and control systems to achieve smart production and satisfy customer requirements.

Inspection Oilfield Services is a Houston-based supplier of non-destructive testing and inspection services for tubular products used in critical oil and gas applications.

The Schwope family are pioneers in the field of automation

Seven Head Systems for AGS End of Arm Tool Assembly

Anybus CompactCom 40-series passed certification for PROFINET Version 2.31, certified for use with the highest conformance class (C) as well as the highest netload class (III).

Endress+Hauser employs more than 700 people in research and development.

By Dino Busalachi, The Applied Group Many system integrators and OEMs – even the most experienced – lack the knowledge required to engineer a holistic Ethernet architecture on the plant floor.

Acceleration, inclination (tilt angle) and shock/vibration sensors can be custom-engineered in low-to-medium volumes to suit specific OEM, R&D or machine build applications.

SureStart mitigates financial and safety liabilities, while minimizing any negative impact to plant operations.

ISA and DMS Global will host automation conference and exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 26-27 May 2015.

In Hall 9, Booth D35, Siemens presents its extended Industry Online Support.

X–Z inverted pendulum is a new kind of inverted pendulum which can move with the combination of the vertical and horizontal forces.

CENAT is a developer of embedded computing software and solutions for additive manufacturing control systems.

Total Control Solutions specializes in embedded and industrial computer and display interface solutions.

January U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $181.9 million, down 1.7% from December’s total and up 1.9% from January 2014.

Catalog covers End-of-Arm-Tooling (EOAT ).

This will provide a platform for data-based services such as Siemens offers for predictive maintenance, asset and energy data management.

By American Sensor Technologies The terms pressure sensor, pressure transducer and pressure transmitter are somewhat interchangeable in the industrial world. Here is a quick guideline on the terms and some benefits and limitations for each.

ISA President Rick Roop spotlights ISA's strategic goals and shares details on achieving the organization's key objectives in 2015.

By Roy Kok, Ocean Data Systems It used to be that security through obscurity was enough to protect automation systems from cyber-attacks. We know from the famed Stuxnet and its derivatives that automation systems are now a prime target.

Need for automated welding in heavy machinery and metal processing will bolster the unit shipment of welding robots.

COPA-DATA is presenting solutions for Smart Factories alongside Microsoft in Hall 7, Booth C48.

Liquefied Natural Gas Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019

Are you stretching your thinking beyond the obvious to find new solutions? Changing thinking patterns can free your mind to generate new ideas.

Tecno Center makes ball screw-driven actuators, and belt-driven and rack and pinion-driven gantries.

When LVDT signal cables from valve positioners were bundled together or laid close to each other in a wire trough, even for short distances, the result was a mutual interference phenomenon called heterodyning or “beating.”

Gradischnig joined the Lenze Austria team in 1993 as an application engineer

FDI specification, developer tools and common host components are now available for automation suppliers to develop products and host systems compatible with FDI.

LumiShield provides significantly better corrosive resistance and chemical inertness than that provided by traditional metals such as stainless steel and exotic alloys.

A simulator showcasing dynamic drive performance will be a centerpiece of this year’s Nord Drive presentation at the industrial fair in Hanover.

Users are able to search the database by over 30 fields, such as machine build size, material type, and material tensile strength.

New kilogram standard replaces the old platinum-iridium that is wasting away.

Network monitoring feature monitors availability of integrated IP devices, web servers, and VPN tunnels.

By Made USA Light engine manufacturer develops automated system to inspect 100 percent of LED production for consistent color temperature and brightness.

January U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $341.17, down 32.9% from December’s $508.57 million.

The OSI system replaces a legacy Siemens EMS system implemented in the 1990s.

CoriolisMaster FCB300 and FCH300 mass flowmeters have achieved DNV GL Maritime certification.

The symposium will be held 9-12 November in Houston. Abstract submissions are due by 21 July 2015

Distech, a supplier of building automation and energy management solutions, will be acquired by Acuity Brands, a provider of intelligent lighting solutions.

Board helps development of ANDY100 energy harvesting chip with RFID EPC C1G2 wireless communication and SPI master

How to set up control loops for liquid reactors to achieve their full potential.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Industry 4.0 is Germany’s initiative to achieve the vision of integrated industry by leveraging Internet technologies, and is also referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution. Read my perspective on whether your organization should "bet" on this initiative.

Zaber's ASR and ASR-E motorized XY microscope stages are now supported by MetaMorph Microscopy Automation & Image Analysis Software, the industry standard software for automated microscope acquisition, device control, and image analysis.

The PLCopen Foundation awarded the certificate of compliance at the SPS IPC Drives trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany.

Take a look at some of the program offerings that ISA is providing in March 2015.

By Leila Myers and Maurice Wilkins An effective HMI should give operators the information they need in a form they can comprehend quickly so they can make good decisions. The new ISA-101 standard helps users understand what those concepts mean and how to implement them.

In Hanover, 37 companies, research institutes and organizations from OWL will be presenting new solutions at the joint OWL stand (Hall 16, Stand A04).

Rexroth experts provide hands-on training for manufacturers and operators, helping them best utilize Rexroth electric drives and control components.

HPS will install an integrated Honeywell control and safety solution, including a new fire and gas system, to improve automation, increase cyber and physical security, and improve operator effectiveness.

ABB will invest $30 million in building a manufacturing site for its Low Voltage Products division in the Memphis, Tennessee area.

Initially, the new team will focus on Low Power AC and High Power Drives for engineered drives customer solutions.

Catalog contains information on cable sealing systems.

"The Tao of Measurement: A Philosophical View of Flow and Sensors,” by Jesse Yoder and Richard E. Morley, describes the underlying principles of flow and measurement to reveal how evolving technologies have paved the way for modern developments.

Marinelli succeeds Martin Cox, who returns to Servomex in the UK as Market Sector Manager – Sensing Technologies.

The Automation and Power Center is expected to open in the second quarter of 2015.

There is a greater transition to “smart manufacturing” environments which use standardized IP-centric networks to leverage the Internet of Everything.

The entire Deutschmann Automation UNIGATE series for Profinet is now certified according to Profinet specifications.

Yokogawa will deliver DCSes for the PP13 and PP14 combined cycle power plants that Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

By Andrea Sorri, Axis Communications Due to their superior image quality, connectivity, scalability, and scope for adding video analytics applications, network video cameras are increasingly replacing analog CCTV cameras to secure manufacturing facilities.

Visit COPA-DATA from April 13 - 17, 2015 in Hall 7, Booth C48 (at the Microsoft booth).

Is model-based predictive multivariable control the technology of choice for automated multivariable control going forward, or is a reevaluation indicated at this juncture?

Over the past year, the Institute and its partners have issued 129,084 certifications, bringing the total to 419,528 certifications issued since 2011.

Chen began his career at Spectronics in 1993 as a Mechanical Product Development Engineer.

Patti provided engineering, design and implementation of an automated temperature monitoring system.

The 2015 Analysis Division Symposium will explore the latest advances in analytical processes, techniques, and applications 26-30 April 2015 in Galveston, Texas, USA.

The problem of state feedback controller design for a class of nonlinear systems, which are described by continuous-time affine fuzzy systems.

The MDA (Motion, Drive & Automation) trade fair will be part of HANNOVER MESSE.

Sercos will present new products, innovative technologies and updates re safety at Hannover Fair from April 13 to April 17 in hall 9, booth G28.

By Jonathan Wilkins, European Automation The static days of the monolithic monitor are beginning to make way for smaller, portable interfaces that provide the user with much more freedom—and problems.

Exception EMS is investing over £300k in an improved production system based around the Aegis FactoryLogix platform.

Because digitalization is the central key to greater productivity, efficiency and flexibility, it forms the focus of the Siemens presentation at the 2015 Hannover Messe.

Microchip plans to introduce Ethernet controllers with EtherCAT.

By Brian Phillippi By making machines smarter through local processing and communication, the IIoT could solve problems in ways that were previously inconceivable. As innovation grows so does the complexity, which makes the IIoT a very large challenge that no company alone can meet.

Indiana-based team designs T-Shirt Launcher for Phoenix Contact Nanoline Contest

As part of the training process, it is important to set personal goals for employees aligned with business goals.

High Coding Level RFID Safety Sensors according to EN 14119

Xothermic used B-Scada’s Status Enterprise software to identify a failed thermocouple in a furnace at the unidentified glass plant.

In Hall 9 / Booth D28 at the Hannover Messe taking place April 13-17, the automation specialists will be presenting programmable safety technology with fast response times.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Kepware Technologies recently introduced a new Local Historian Plug-In for the KEPServerEX communications platform and a Splunk plug-in to support big data systems. The products were born from customers’ requests for an easy to install and use historian for various plant applications, including labs, test situations, and at remote sites.

Free EDR-810 firmware lets network administrators implement firewall security without time-consuming re-configuring of network subnets

The manufacturing industry has production lines and machines with old technology and custom controls that could benefit from an upgrade to newer technology.

Softing’s OPC UA Server Module for ControlLogix is now Certified for Compliance by the OPC Foundation

Verdolotti most recently worked at Parkinson Technologies as a Controls Engineer, and was also a Software Engineer and Corporate Trainer for Yushin America.

The inductive proximity, photoelectric, ultrasonic, capacitive, pressure, linear position transducers, cables, power supplies and displays are for their controls & automation and process control labs.

PIZZATO introduces NG Series, a Safety Interlock Device suitable to applications where a dangerous area or machines remain in hazardous conditions, even after tte machines have been switched off.

The PartnerNetwork program is comprised of machine and equipment builders, suppliers, distributors and system integrators.

In framework of traditional PID controllers, there are only three parameters available to tune, as a result, performance of the resulting system is always limited.

PV industry shipments grew by 15% in 2014 over 2013 to 39.3-GWp from 34.0-GWp the previous year, according to IDTechEx.

Free Online Software Training now includes Track & Trace, Web Services, and Instrument Interface courses.

By Dana Smith, Compressor World Here is what you should do if you deal in air compressors or run a plant that uses a number of different kinds of air compressors.

Sercos International celebrates its 25th anniversary as well as 10 years of Sercos III technology.

Encoder configurator supplies a configured data sheet

SAFESERIES SIL relays include single and dual channel DIN-rail mounted modules suitable for switching safety related circuits up to SIL3 level as per IEC61508.

The cable and connector catalog app is available in both iOS and Android

Inertia Dynamics Spring Applied Brakes are for Servo & Stepper Motors.

Fleming will be in overall charge of product management ─ improving, researching and innovating new products.

Access and usage of the Industrial Data Space will be safeguarded by a set of uniform standards.

IDX Academy is the first certified Foundation Fieldbus training site on the African continent.

By Dan McGrath, Industrial IP Advantage The industrial network switches found in many plants tend to fall into two categories: unmanaged and poorly managed. But the success of the deployment is not about the manager – it’s about the plan.

By Darren Halford, European Automation Which country do you think is the most energy-efficient in the world?

Honeywell’s Assurance 360 Program will provide ongoing services and support to Sasol synthetic fuels and chemicals plant

Nearly 130 professionals within the automation and control field and the pharmaceuticals and food industries gathered in Philadelphia.

The SCADA system was installed for a water and wastewater infrastructure automation project at the city of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX.

Since implementing CodeMeter protection, Faceware Technologies has not detected any counterfeit copies of the current software release on the open market, thus protecting and maximizing their license revenues.

Many government-focused cyberattacks originate from entities in developing countries interested in growing their critical infrastructure.

By Jean Carl, Macro Sensors With improved stroke to length ratio (now up to 80%), the LVDT Linear Position Sensor becomes a viable position measurement device for hydraulic cylinder positioning.

Paul Tanner joined the company as Vice President of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

M&M Software elevated its membership status to that of sponsoring member of the FDT Group.

Guide covers DC/DC converters, AC/DC power supplies, high brightness LED drivers, POL switching regulators and IGBT drivers.

Curtis Assemble & Test installed a non-contact confocal chromatic sensor from Micro-Epsilon on an automated assembly and test machine that checks the alignment of a precision disc pin assembly, part of an automotive fuel injector valve.

Global Shop is a supplier of ERP software. William William has been selected to oversee the office.

Best practices to get the most out of the inherent capability of a temperature sensor.

By Bill Lydon, Editor The FieldComm Group was formed and became operational on January 1, 2015, by combining all assets of the former Fieldbus Foundation and the HART Communication Foundation. The new group will further intelligent device technologies and their adoption. Ted Masters, President and CEO provided insights into the value of the new organization.

The group will connect young engineers and surveyors with NCEES decision makers to provide feedback and discuss topics concerning the licensure process.

Pressure instrumentation maintenance is a critical and daily task, yet proper procedures for managing and calibrating these instruments are often overlooked or not understood.

Team8 launches with a USD $18 million A-round investment from Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Investments, Marker LLC, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Innovation Endeavors.

Daifuku is a provider of material handling solutions.

For overview analysis, the report introduces Temperature Indicator basic information including definition, classification, application, industry chain structure, industry overview, policy analysis, and news analysis, etc.

December U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $168.2 million, up 7.2% from November’s total and up 20.3% from December 2013.

“The Value of Automation: The Best Investment an Industrial Company Can Make” contends that the immense capabilities of automation systems are untapped because their true potential value is not adequately measured or recognized.

Iconics achieved OPC UA Client Lab Certification from the OPC Foundation for its GENESIS64 V10.85 Platform Services.

Beamex, FDT Group, Eaton and Ultra Electronics renewed their partnership contracts with the Society.

Connectors conform to UL 508 (508 A, 508 C) for “Industrial Control Equipment.”

ISA President Rick Roop details the Executive Summit meeting and shares how deeper involvement from key leadership is key to ISA's strategic goals.

Visitors to the Fraunhofer IOSB stand at this year’s Research & Technology show will have the opportunity to learn about a cutting edge Industry 4.0 project dubbed “SecurePLUGandWORK

Oilfield Equipment Market (Drilling Equipments, Field Production Machinery, Pumps and Valves and Other) - Global and U.S. Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018

UniSim Competency Suite provides realistic training experiences for console and field operators in the process industries.

The application specific curriculum is targeted to customer engineers, technicians and programmers interested in earning official certification

Girl Day is an annual celebration of girls’ interests and aptitude in STEM education and potential in STEM-related career fields.

You may have to follow the path of a cross-platform, multigenerational upgrade or migration to upgrade your automation system.

Proseal UK is now able to securely access, diagnose and quickly resolve issues on its tray sealing machines located anywhere in the world, via secure Broadband connections.

By Jonathan Wilkins Putting aside the traditional and universal signs of something going wrong, such as programme bugs and wiring errors, here are the top five things that can go wrong with a PLC.

Research Beam adds a report titled “Global Forklift Trucks Market 2014-2018” that provides detailed information of the Forklift Trucks Market. The report is an excellent piece of study for investors who are looking towards the market.

Version 2.0 of the Matrikon OPC UA Embedded Software Development Kit (SDK) has been certified by the OPC Foundation’s Independent test labs to be compliant with the Embedded OPC Server profile.

The three companies will proceed over the next three years with the implementation of SecurePlant at around 50 Shell plants globally.

Egemin's system includes three automated warehouses and three automated guided vehicles that transport goods between warehouses and production.

U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $506.89 million, up 32.7% from November and up 4.7% when compared with the total of $484.08 million reported for December 2013.

Icon Labs’ Floodgate security software runs with Mentor Graphics’ Nucleus RTOS and Mentor Embedded Linux.

Orion flies with 16 radiation-hardened ICs, where they are used to support subsystems for mission critical applications in power distribution, navigation and flight control.

Underwriters Laboratories confirmed that B&R products comply with IEC 61508, IEC 62061 and ISO 13849.

Encompass Supply Chain Solutions provides forward and reverse logistics for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts.

Why you should consider templated manufacturing systems when investing in a new factory solution.

For around 50 years, Festo has been a partner to Indian industry, which is relying to an increasing extent on automation technology.

The individual steps including RFQ, layout, quotation and CAD design, for which 10 to 15 days were required in the past, have been shortened to a 20 minutes by the Handling Guide Online.

At the Hannover Messe 2015 trade fair, Festo will once again be showcasing three new, innovative application concepts.

Sensor Specialist to Exhibit Again at Hannover Industry Fair

The MV motor market revenue in China fell by 6.6 percent to nearly $1.8 billion from 2013 to 2014 and IHS says it will continue to drop.

QYResearchReports added latest market survey report on Global And China Robotics Automation Sensors Market 2014

During 2014, Dr. Koon served as President of the International Society of Automation (ISA), which is the founding entity of the Automation Federation.

An ISA technical paper investigates a new fault detection and diagnosis problem via the output probability density functions for non-gausian stochastic distribution systems is investigated.

By Bill Lydon, Editor I believe the growth and application of new technology is a stimulus for the development of new automation system solutions and architectures. These new technologies include, but are not limited to, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and cloud analytics.

The consolidation was approved by the Boards of Directors for ASHRAE and IAQA at ASHRAE’s recent 2015 Winter Conference in Chicago.

A total of 27,685 robots valued at $1.6 billion were ordered from North American companies during 2014, an increase of 28% in units and 19% in dollars over 2013.

Abstract submission deadline moved to 20 February 2015

BP will use PAS inBound to help manage critical operational limits in their refineries and petrochemicals assets.

The global market for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), valued at US$38.1 billion in 2012, is projected to reach US$516.7 billion by the end of 2023.

In 2014, Endress+Hauser increased net sales by approximately 11 percent, exceeding the 2 billion euro mark.