Articles and News

Yokogawa’s FlowNavigator is a software tool that is used to configure the flow parameters for multivariable transmitters and vortex flowmeters and thereby ensure the precise measurement of mass flow.

By Glenn Schulz, FDT Group and Katherine Voss, ODVA The following article describes efforts by the automation industry to develop next generation standards and technology, which enhance security throughout the lifecycle of industrial control devices in today’s connected world.

The best way to determine potential ROI is by tracking some vital key performance indicators or KPIs.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation A shocking amount of capital is tied up in inventory. Along with accounts receivable and accounts payable, inventory represents $1.1 trillion in cash – equivalent to 7 per cent of the United States GDP. This article explains the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in accessing this cash.

The output from a magnetic flowmeter is a linear signal that is proportional to the velocity of the flowing fluid.

The following article describes how ongoing technology developments by FDT Group will help optimize industrial organizations and their maintenance departments by enabling cloud-based enterprise data access, device diagnostics, mobility applications, and the use of augmented reality in asset management and predictive maintenance programs.

For suppliers of industrial control products and solutions, implementation of the FDT standard is a forward-looking strategy supporting the new era of automation.

The following article describes how technology collaboration between two open, automation industry standards organizations is changing the paradigm for integrating control systems, applications and devices within a unified architecture – all aimed at optimizing information exchange throughout the industrial enterprise.

The industrial revolution now underway, commonly referred to as Industry 4.0, is powered by advancements that include smart manufacturing, advanced analytics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The mission of the IoT Breakthrough Awards program is to recognize the innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the globe in a range of IoT categories, including Connected Home and Home Automation, Industrial and Enterprise IoT, Smart City technology, Connected Car and many more.

To become a HEIDENHAIN ATP, CCD staff completed several rounds of advanced training on the 5-Axis HEIDENHAIN TNC machine controls and successfully passed an extensive exam.

As the cobot market is experiencing an increasing number of competitors – both from the established industrial players and start-ups – it is vital, however, to keep ahead of the curve.

By Antony Bourne, IFS A new generation of point AI solutions will prove themselves in 2019. They’ll build new trust, urgency and understanding of what ‘AI’ actually is, and just how much it can deliver. Here are 3 key predictions for manufacturing for 2019—and beyond.

TrendMiner was selected upon rigorous test case analysis. In a first stage TrendMiner’s smart self-service analytics solution will be rolled out to the engineers and production experts to support operations with a “big data” approach.

By John Fryer, Stratus Technologies Manufacturing professionals looking to implement IIoT and edge computing need to ask themselves the following questions to identify underlying challenges and figure out how to address them.

Gräff assumed the position of Managing Director at HARTING Technology Group at the beginning of 2015, and was initially responsible for the Market and Development area at HARTING Electric and the Development division at HARTING Electronics.

Smart, flexible robots allow manufacturers to shift to market demands far more quickly and efficiently and without advanced programming.

Kaizen is a continuous improvement approach to work that seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes to improve efficiency and quality.

A valve positioner adjusts the pneumatic output to a valve actuator so that the requested position of the valve from a controller is achieved.

Pulsar’s products provide solutions related to level, open channel flow, pipe flow, sludge interference measurement, and pump control for water utilities and industrial customers worldwide.

Chattering alarms are the most found nuisance alarms that will probably reduce the usability and result in a confidence crisis of alarm systems for industrial plants.

Learn about the methods of state-based control as it applies to models defined by ISA-106.

By Stefan Reuther, COPA-DATA Industry 4.0, the Fourth Industrial Revolution or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Regardless of the phrase used to describe digitalization in manufacturing, there’s no denying that a shift has already taken place. This article gives three predictions for industrial automation in 2019 — no buzzwords included.

This database, called FLUIDAT, is used by the company for configuration and calibration of its portfolio of flow meters and controllers, and for calculating pressure differences, valve seats, etc..

A process stage in the process model can be mapped to a unit procedure in the procedural model, which in turn is mapped to a unit in the physical model.

The support for PROFINET @ TSN technology will be on its portfolio of netX multiprotocol network controllers. netX is a single-chip ASIC that provides a master and/or slave communication connection to all Industrial Ethernet systems, fieldbuses and Industry 4.0 protocols.

With autonomous operation of stackers and reclaimers, Binxin Steel will be able to achieve full utilization of the stockyard area, and optimized energy consumption. Siemens’ automation solutions secure autonomous operation of the end customers’ stackers and reclaimers.

Founded in the early 1940’s, MCAA has been serving industry organizations for seventy-five years. MCAA is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of instrumentation and systems associated with the Measurement, Control & Automation Industry.

The top process industries grew at a faster rate than the top discrete industries in 2017, and this trend continued in 2018, according to the “Low Voltage Motors Report” from IHS Markit.

Under the agreement, the IIC and GlobalPlatform will work together to align efforts to maximize interoperability, portability, security and privacy for the industrial Internet.

You may become nerdy programming PLCs, but once you get into it, you won't care. This post is about programming PLCs. Specifically programming PLCs with Ladder Logic. This is what I've done almost daily for my job for the past several years.

The 2019 product catalog features performance data, sizes, specifications, and technical references for the company’s portfolio of current sensing switches, transducers, transformers, and ground fault protection products.

Bernardin succeeds Jim Cooper, who is moving on to become the full-time CEO of DigitalEd, a company Maplesoft spun-off in early 2018.

Previously, Bishop was the Vice President of Finance, Planning, Analysis, Reporting, and Process Improvement for Macy’s Logistics. He also has experience as the Senior Vice President of Logistics at Levitz Furniture, Vice President of Supply Chain at Giggle, and Director of the East Region Distribution at Toys R Us.

By Nick Boughton, Boulting Technology Engineering giant Rolls Royce pioneered servitization in 1962 with its Power-by-the-Hour approach to jet engine maintenance management. This article discusses what servitization can offer other industries including high-volume, low-margin manufacturing.

Learn the benefits of knowing your process and PID capability, with a focus on process behavior, loop objectives and different industrial applications.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com Based on discussions at the Rockwell Automation Fair, this article explores Rockwell Automation and PTC's committment to building out software into an integrated Industrial Digitization solution, in order to fully achieve the goals of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing.

By combining each party’s strengths, the resulting joint solution will provide real-time measurement of ore grades and byproducts by MineSense’s BeltSense in combination with a single material and quality management system, Siemens Simine MAQ

ISA's success depends on its ability to seize key opportunities while continuing to deliver value, both to individual members and to the global automation community.

CP Technologies will continue with its Computer Hardware Solutions but will also be providing OEM solutions along with expanded system integration solutions, Datalinks and services for customers.

By Bob McIlvride, Skkynet The IIoT is all about connecting data sources, integrating their data, using it to power analytics, and possibly doing supervisory control on selected equipment or systems. There's no reason that can't be done on-premise.

The combined memberships will continue to drive the momentum of the Industrial Internet including the development and promotion of industry guidance and best practices for fog and edge computing. The organizations expect the details to be finalized in early 2019.

By Ashley Hills, EU Automation Given the low number of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) roles, it might surprise you to find out that Angela Merkel has a PhD in physical chemistry. This article discusses the different initiatives in place to encourage women into STEM roles across Europe.

Dead time is the source of the ultimate limit to control loop performance.

Having posted an increasing annual growth figure of over 2 million every year for the past four years, the governing body - the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) - is predicting that number will comfortably exceed 24 million sometime during 2018.

As part of this partnership, AppNeta Performance Manager now runs on AAEON’s new hardware platform based on the Intel Denverton series with QAT technology.

In conjunction with its expansion and investment in the U.S. market, Tacton is also announcing capabilities in its cloud-based CPQ platform. The new features include augmented reality (AR)-powered visualization and expanded integration with Salesforce for manufacturers to design, configure and sell complex products.

Having posted an increasing annual growth figure of over 2 million every year for the past four years, the governing body - the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) - is predicting that number will comfortably exceed 24 million sometime during 2018.

Cable shield, connected to an isolated zero potential, is required to prevent nearby inductive loads and EMF fields from altering the low-level voltage or current levels in the signal wiring.

The addition of A.E. Valves supports Emerson’s Main Valve Partner initiative to be a supplier of final control solutions for the LNG industry, and complements its Vanessa triple-offset valve range to create a solution for process isolation in critical cryogenic and severe service applications.