Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 16-22

Articles about things noncontrol people should know about control engineers, ASM-compliant HMIs, integrating HMIs with PLCs and PACs, career and salary survey analysis, and PID controllers were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra June 23, 2014

1. 7 things noncontrol people should know about control engineers

A few basic differences between control engineers and others in the plant can hinder progress toward optimization. Start a conversation to improve communications and controls. See examples and career advice. Send a link to these seven things other people should know about control engineers, so they understand. 

2. Creating an ASM-compliant HMI goes deeper than screen color selection

Simply adopting ASM guidelines for graphics does not create an ASM-compliant HMI. Achieving that level of effectiveness involves a range of factors that address how people interact with the control system. 

3. Integrating HMIs with PLCs and PACs

Understanding the differences among controllers is essential when designing an automation system.

4. Control Engineering salary and career survey, 2014

Control Engineering research: While slightly more is expected for salary and slightly less for bonuses in 2014 compared to 2013, concerns about shortages of skilled workers increased significantly, by seven percentage points since last year.

5. Fixing PID, Part 2

Proportional-integral-derivative controllers may be ubiquitous, but they’re not perfect.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, June 16-22, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, content specialist, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.