Article Descriptions 2020

Article descriptions and general areas of coverage below provide tentative details about the 2019 Control Engineering editorial calendar. Author guidelines, online media kit, editorial calendar, and other useful information also may be found at www.controleng.com/mediainfo. Find advice on article contribution at www.controleng.com/contribute.

Article topics are based on Control Engineering reader research, although articles and subjects in the issue may differ depending on space, author knowledge, and available information. Some research, some special reports, Applied Automation, and Oil & Gas Engineering are not shown. (Please note article deadlines are considerably earlier than advertising deadlines in the media kit and editorial calendar.)

General areas of Control Engineering coverage:

– Control systems and strategy: DCSs, PACs, PLCs, industrial PCs, CNC, loop control, PID, embedded control, edge computing, machine control, artificial intelligence, instrumentation, mobile devices, analytical instruments, test and calibration equipment

– Networking and information: Ethernet, wireless, other networks, I/O modules and systems, HMI, mobility, SCADA, historians, data acquisition, alarm management, simulation, safety, asset management, cyber security, industrial IT, and enterprise-level functions, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0

– Control equipment and energy: Motors, drives, robotics, mechatronics, motion control, energy efficiency, control valves, pumps, positioners, transmitters, sensors, vision, RFID, power supplies, power protection, power distribution, enclosures, and related components

– Industry, integrators, system integration, and people

Focused delivery: For system integrators, click on System Integrators on top of www.controleng.com. In addition to monthly print and digital (with added content) editions, Control Engineering publishes online daily, research, topical e-newsletters, webcasts, and offers mobile apps, CFE Technology’s ContentStream, and has six editions globally: www.controleng.com/international.

Contribute appropriate new products into the New Products for Engineers Database at www.controleng.com/NP4E.

Control Engineering articles can be technology trends, tutorials, or case studies (problem-solution format with quantified benefits, practical advice, and lessons learned). Readers appreciate real-world, practical options (with examples) the controls/automation engineer can employ to enhance production and/or reduce costs, risks, variability, downtime, etc. We want to provide engineers practical advice for taking “next steps” or “first steps” to take advantage of the analysis. Other topics also are covered (see bottom). More than one article may be accepted on a topic. Learn more at www.controleng.com/contribute. Send article proposals to Mark Hoske mhoske@cfemedia.com.

See completed print/digital editions at www.controleng.com/magazine. Articles topics, these and others, are posted at www.controleng.com. Find webcasts under Online Training, at the top of the page. Get newsletters with much of this information, here: www.controleng.com/newsletters.

JANUARY

Editorial deadline: Nov. 1, 2019

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative. Profiles: Executive Voice/Corporate Profile; Fast Start Program; Whitepaper Connection)

Factory controller advances: Overdue for upgrades? Why replace controllers if they work? Opportunities can be lost by not doing so. Newer controllers enhance data flow for better decisions, easier information sharing with other devices and systems, reduced risk of failure and downtime, faster throughput and higher quality. (See February webcast about process control updates.)

Selecting a new network? Wired? Wireless? Yes. Information integration is critical for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0, digitalization, and other efficiency initiatives to enhance competitiveness. Each starts with a modern industrial communications architecture connecting devices, systems, people with information needed when they need it.

Critical sensor applications: Diagnostics or redundancy? For important measurements in a process that depends on high reliability, should you look for sensors with diagnostic capabilities or make them redundant? It depends on the application and sensors involved. Examples aid understanding.

Automation System Integration Roundtable, part 1: 3-D, additive manufacturing – System integrators and machine builders are integrating 3-D, additive manufacturing technologies with traditional machine tools. Another angle is looking at the automation technology integration and machine design challenges inside additive machinery. Integrators share their experiences.

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

SCADA eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

Robotics eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

SPECIAL REPORT

Real-time analytics and cybersecurity effectiveness

Real-time analytics technologies can help cybersecurity effectiveness. What technologies, training and procedures do you have in place?

eBook Component: NEW Cybersecurity

JANUARY WEBCAST
Advanced process control: Past, present and future
From single-loop to multi-loop
https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1274218&tp_key=6f05b98d9e
Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 11 a.m. PT/1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET
One (1) Certified Professional Development Hour (PDH) available for all attendees.
Advanced process control (APC) has been through many changes, and more are on the horizon. This webcast will provide the audience with perspectives to understand, select and implement the various APC options available today, and prepare for tomorrow.

Advanced process control comprises a number of tools and techniques whose common characteristic is taking process automation beyond the limits of single-loop control and into the realm of multi-loop (or multivariable) control.

A shared working knowledge of APC among all stakeholders – not just control engineers – is essential for modern process automation success. This includes managers and supervisors seeking cost-effective process automation solutions, and for means to motivate engineering teams to greater process automation accomplishment. Process engineers (also known as production or operation engineers) will benefit from increased understanding of how modern control systems can be easily tapped for improved process performance and optimization. Process control and automation engineers will benefit by more readily identifying APC opportunities and selecting appropriate solutions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define advanced process control (APC) terminology
  • Review APC tools available today
  • Understand single-loop control, multi-loop control, and the matrix
  • Learn to identify APC opportunities and select appropriate solutions
  • Understand process optimization
  • Compare costs, benefits and limitations of APC tools
  • Impart a shared working knowledge of APC to all stakeholders
  • Apply insights from the past, present and future to overcome today’s challenges

Presenter: Allen Kern, PE, owner and consultant, APC Performance LLC
Moderator: Mark Hoske, content manager and moderator, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

About the Presenter: Allan Kern is the owner of APC Performance LLC. He has over 30 years of advanced process control (APC) experience and has authored numerous papers on cost-effective APC solutions. He is the inventor of patented Rate-Predictive Control (RPC®), industry’s only inherently adaptive control algorithm, and of XMC®, industry’s only model-less method of multivariable control. He is a 1981 Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Wyoming and has professional engineering licenses in Control System Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

FEBRUARY

Editorial deadline: Dec. 1, 2019

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative. Promote Engineers’ Choice Winners.)

WEBCAST: Process control system migration: Getting help from system integrators

One (1) Certified Professional Development Hour (PDH) available for all attendees.

Distributed control systems (DCSs) and process control systems (PCSs) reach the end of useful life. Operating systems are no longer supported, creating cybersecurity vulnerabilities. DCS vendors may end hardware support or require software updates old hardware cannot support. High cost of breakdowns and spare parts may contribute to the need for replacement. As experts retire, system integrators increasingly can provide migration support and advice from specification through startup and operation.

Learning objectives

-Create process control system replacement timelines, document existing hardware, connections, and networks and identify what hardware and software and networks will be replaced when.

-Identify personnel, budgetary, and project management requirements.

-Specify new devices, systems, software and networks.

-Design, simulate, test, train, migrate, operate.

Speakers: System integrator exports to be determined. (Agenda and learning objectives may change with speaker collaboration and research results.)

Moderator: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering content manager

[Up to four sponsorships are available, with lead-generation opportunities.]

Finding process controls: Too late to migrate? Is it better to do piecemeal replacement or replace the whole system? Should an extended service contract provide a bridge to a more orderly replacement or should process controls be replaced now? Don’t suffer in silence until it’s too late. (See related webcast February month.)

Cybersecurity breach! Do you know what’s next? CFE Edu, an online training platform from CFE Media and Technology, will help provide advice about what to do when the next cybersecurity breach occurs. (Or are your systems breached now and being spoofed so everything appears OK?) (See cybersecurity research in March, related article in September, and webcast in December.)

Integrating robotics: Maximizing your investment After selection, integrating new robots with people and processes involve communication, risk assessment and adherence to safety standards, best practices, attention to connected systems, training, networking, and other implementation considerations. Ensure personnel and robotic assets are advancing productivity and business goals.

33rd Engineers’ Choice Awards (Staff written: nomination deadline for the following year is first week in August; enter at www.controleng.com/EngineersChoice): Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Awards highlight some of the best new control, instrumentation, and automation products as chosen by Control Engineering’s print and online subscribers. Survey respondents are asked to select products based on technological advancement, service to the industry and market impact. Winners submit design or application advice.

Automation product design and application advice

Product design teams of the winning Engineers’ Choice Award products will be asked for advice in designing and implementing systems with the winning products. End users and system integrators also can contribute.

Inside Machines and Robotics: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots.

IIoT Cloud eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

MARCH

Editorial deadline: Jan. 2

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about how CFE Media an d Technology’s ContentStream and ContactStream software as a service can help.)

RESEARCH Cybersecurity: November 2019 sponsor; December 2019 survey; January report; March issue. Benchmark research with subscribers can provide a comparative assessment of your readiness. How cybersecure are your sensors, controllers, actuators, networks, software, systems and people? Survey respondents also provide advice and share knowledge of vendors in the marketplace. (See cybersecurity articles in February and September and webcast in December.)

WEBCAST Robotic applications: What robots should and shouldn’t be doing

One (1) Certified Professional Development Hour (PDH) available for all attendees.

Traditional robot applications are expanding, and what used to be outside of a robot’s reach may be within the grasp of robotic automation. Learn from experts in robotics.

Learning objectives

-Review related Control Engineering and Plant Engineering robotic research results and advice.

-Identify new robotic applications and the enabling robotic advances.

-Learn how to avoid the gee-whiz effect when deciding if new robotic capabilities are right for your applications.

-Receive tips and tricks about robot and robotic system applications.

Speakers: Robotic system integration experts to be determined. (Agenda and learning objectives may change with speaker collaboration and research results.)

Moderator: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering content manager

[Up to four sponsorships are available, with lead-generation opportunities.]

Edge computing: Terms and skills – Taking advantage of edge-computing technologies, which may incorporate some information technology advances, requires understanding of some terms and application integration skills. Processing power, communications and other features can add cost. Should you buy what you need or grow into advanced features?

Software readiness for data analytics, Big Data: Different software packages provide varied levels of readiness for data analytics and Big Data acquisition and analysis. Many people don’t have data-scientist-level expertise available, but they want to make smarter decisions by turning gathered data into information.

Evaluating hot advances in process sensors: Sensing you’re under pressure to take advantage of hot new advances in temperature, pressure, level, flow, and other sensing technologies? We’ll do our level best to put puns aside, but please don’t miss the application advantages that can result from increased process sensing capabilities.

Industry standards: Updates you can use – Standards bodies help shape how new and emerging technologies get applied. Those involved in making the standards share information, advice, and best practices you can use.

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

IIoT for Engineers supplement to Control Engineering includes editorial topics related to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as detailed in the CFE Media Interactive Media Kit. Learn more at www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Motors and Drives eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

APRIL

Editorial deadline: Feb. 3

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Whitepaper Connection and Harvey Ad-Q Study.)

WEBCAST IIoT cloud series: Making data fit for purpose – More information will be available at www.controleng.com/webcasts.

Understanding advanced controls: Knowing how advanced control algorithms, strategies, and software work can help in understanding how process react (or don’t) to changes in process parameters. This tutorial continues Control Engineering’s efforts to review control theory with understandable examples.

Digging into digitalization: Switching from analog to digital data one step in realizing digitalization benefits. Digital transformation offers other benefits including smarter use of data, greater efficiencies, better simulations, environmental compliance, training and upgrades with use of digital twins, and more.

Motor innovations: Advanced motor technologies influence motor form factors, performance, and efficiencies. Examine how these technology advances can help with your next set of applications.

Power quality and automation reliability: Power quality gremlins can influence automation reliability. Grounding, design and location of power supplies, networking signal electromagnetic interference, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are all considerations.

Leveraging technologies to make people smarter: From software wizards to help with specifications and setup to inline contextual video and live remote support, technologies enable just-in-time learning opportunities for engineers with fewer on-the-job experiences as well as seasoned professionals.

Inside Machines and OEMs: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines.

SCADA eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

Robotics eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

SPECIAL REPORT

Edge computing: Real-world benefits

Distributed automation designs can place computing resources on or closer to the edge, where process measurements and actuation are taking place. Less lag time in communications compared to centralized controls is one benefit, but there are others inherent in edge-computing designs.

eBook Component: IIoT Cloud (co-brand)

MAY

Editorial deadline: March 2

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about what CFE Services can do to help.)

RESEARCH: Control Engineering Salary and Career Survey, 2020: Feb. sponsor and survey; May issue and report – As engineering retirements continue to challenge organizations, new engineers aren’t stepping in quickly enough. Get help from smarter automation, controls, instrumentation, and targeted training. Research and articles provide benchmarking and advice. See also www.controleng.com/research.

PLCs versus PACs: Who won? (You have) – Competition between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs), with some extra pressure from industrial PCs (IPCs), brings a variety of software and hardware features to make all industrial controllers more capable. Learn what’s new and how these features help.

Industrial Ethernet vs Ethernet: Which, when, and why – IT professionals chuckle a little when they see so many Ethernet standards in the industrial space. Will Ethernet do, or does your application require one of the major industrial Ethernet protocols?

Reduce risk: Identify unexpected robotic hazards – Robots and robotic systems have more features designed to reduce risk and standards can help. Look at your robotic work cells through the perspective of everyone authorized (or not) to be there. (See also July webcast.)

Career advice from Research, Leaders Under 40 Class of 2019, other experts: Control Engineering subscribers answering the salary survey also provide career advice, along with Leaders Under 40 Class of 2019. Close the loops on optimizing your career development.

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

IIoT for Engineers supplement to Control Engineering includes editorial topics related to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as detailed in the CFE Media Interactive Media Kit. Learn more at www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

IIoT Cloud eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

JUNE

Editorial deadline: April 1 (no kidding)

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Innovations from the Industry.)

WEBCAST IIoT cloud series: Subject matter experts and analytics – More information will be available at www.controleng.com/webcasts.

Seven ways automation design software helps IIoT: Automation used to be designed, then thrown over the wall to operations. Now, integrated design and development feeds simulation, training and operations directly, shorting time to productivity. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) takes advantage of these developments.

HMI software, SCADA: What else can it do? – Human-machine interface (HMI) software and supervisory controls and data acquisition (SCADA) software have advanced beyond visualization to offer capabilities beyond original intent. What else could this software offer to various applications?

Advantages of integrating process safety, controls: Some process safety cannot be integrated, but for systems that can, should they be? What are the advantages? What cautions should you be aware of?

Which applications need an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)? How do you define a critical application? With the costs and capabilities of today’s UPS technologies, perhaps more applications should receive these benefits. Look again.

Control System Integration Roundtable, part 2: Oil and gas – Control system integrators with oil and gas application experience provide advice and tips based on those implementations.

Inside Machines and Robotics: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots.

Motors and Drives eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

JULY

Editorial deadline: May 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Whitepaper Connection.)

RESEARCH Controllers: March sponsor; April survey; May report; July issue.

Benchmark research with subscribers can provide a comparative assessment of your controller knowledge. How today’s controller technologies help your applications? Survey respondents also provide advice and share knowledge of vendors in the marketplace and advice about controllers.

WEBCAST Robotic safety, productivity and efficiency: What you need to know

One (1) Certified Professional Development Hour (PDH) available for all attendees.

Safety standards, risk assessments and shared best practices all reduce risks inherent in quickly moving robots and slower ones with dangerous effectors. Integrated safety functions and attached sensors provide newfound opportunities, but don’t make assumptions. Learn from experts in robotics.

Learning objectives

-Review related Control Engineering and Plant Engineering robotic research results and advice.

-Identify applicable safety standards that can help reduce risk and increase uptime.

-Learn how robotic designs and implementations are changing human-robot interactions.

-Receive tips and tricks about robot and robotic system risks.

Speakers: Robotic safety experts to be determined. (Agenda and learning objectives may change with speaker collaboration and research results.)

Moderator: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering content manager

[Up to four sponsorships are available, with lead-generation opportunities.]

Automation software programming best practices: Software makes programming automation devices and systems easier. Techniques and methodologies help. Learn these tips and tricks about programming.

I/O modules and systems: Smarter connections – Input/output (I/O) modules and system embed intelligence that can perform basic control functions closer to the processes they serve. Rugged form factors enable a wider away of applications.

Control valve sizing, testing: Two of the most contentious control valve topics are addressed in one article. Performance and reliability require appropriate valve sizing. How often should valve stroke tests be performed? How can technology developments help?

Radio frequency identification (RFID): Digital factory impact – RFID can be used to gather information about source components and product assembly. It can improve quality and help with track and trace requirements.

Avoid these system integration mistakes: System integrators share their nightmarish experiences so you can avoid making the same mistakes.

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.) 

SCADA eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

Robotics eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

SPECIAL REPORT

Drives: Save energy, add quality, preserve assets

Three key attributes of industrial drives (also called variable-speed drives or variable-frequency drives) are energy savings, process quality improvements and improved asset management using process and motor information inherent in the drive.

eBook Component: Motor & Drives (co-brand)

AUGUST

Editorial deadline: June 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Educating engineers and the deadline for 2021 Engineers’ Choice Award products.)

WEBCAST IIoT cloud series: Edge, Fog and cloud – More information will be available at www.controleng.com/webcasts.

Do you need an industrial PC or HMI? A rugged industrial PC (IPC) may or may not have a screen and can connect to a thin-client touch screen, but a human-machine interface (HMI) can have enough processing power to handle what an IPC or other controller was going to provide. When designing a machine or line, ask these questions about how much processing power is needed and where.

Augmented reality: The best industrial applications – Case studies provide insights into how augmented reality provides real value. Look through smartphones and tablets to see critical machine or process parameters in real time without connecting leads. Use video-enabled glasses to simulate a repair right before doing so or verify the next step during the repair, shortening downtime. Connect with a technician half a world away to show what’s happening and quickly collaborate on resolution.

5G for industry: Industrial opportunities may develop more quickly for 5G wireless implementations compared to prior wireless generations. High-bandwidth advantages, cloud-based industrial apps, and ability to install reliable in-plant coverage more quickly, along with demographic and training pressures may help incentivize application development. How can 5G help automation and process controls?

Your robot is offering advice: Are you listening? Today’s robots are integrating advanced diagnostic capabilities that could indicate when operators need more training, if motion should be optimized, and, yes, when maintenance can be scheduled to avoid unplanned downtime.

Prioritizing 2021 control system integration projects – Look ahead to 2021 projects with insights from system integrators to prioritize upcoming projects. A facility walk-through with an outside expert may reveal opportunities you didn’t know you had.

Inside Machines and OEMs: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines.

IIoT Cloud eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

SEPTEMBER

Editorial deadline: July 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about how to use New Products for Engineers database to your advantages.)

RESEARCH HMI hardware and software: May sponsor; June survey; July report; September issue.

Benchmark research with subscribers can provide a comparative assessment of your HMI effectiveness. How useful is your HMI software and hardware? Survey respondents also provide advice and share knowledge of vendors in the marketplace and advice about HMIs.

Understanding advanced controls: Knowing how advanced control algorithms, strategies, and software work can help in understanding how process react (or don’t) to changes in process parameters. This tutorial continues Control Engineering’s efforts to review control theory with understandable examples.

Cybersecurity: How much is enough? Tips from cybersecurity risk assessments – Like safety, it’s hard to know how much cybersecurity spending is enough to lower risk to an acceptable level. How many upgrades, how many changes in architecture, how much training, how many tack-on technologies are enough? (See article in February, research in March, and webcast in December.)

Motion control safety pitfalls: Lock-out tag-out (LOTO) failures, blind spots, dropped tools or materials, incomplete or improperly connected repairs, stored kinetic energy, unexpected jams and “it’ll just take a second” are among hazards related to motion control system safety. Don’t be the reason for the next safety video.

Evaluating pneumatics: Whether it’s a new design or retrofit, ask these questions before beginning the next pneumatic installation. Proper sizing, force and speed are not the only considerations.

Engineering Leaders Under 40 (June deadline): The Engineering Leaders Under 40 program recognizes manufacturing professionals under the age of 40 making a significant contribution to their plant’s success, and to the control engineering and/or plant engineering professions. The goal of the Engineering Leaders Under 40 program is to call attention to successful young engineers in manufacturing and to highlight the next generation of manufacturing professionals. www.controleng.com/LeadersUnder40

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

IIoT for Engineers supplement to Control Engineering includes editorial topics related to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as detailed in the CFE Media Interactive Media Kit. Learn more at www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Motors and Drives eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

OCTOBER

Editorial deadline: Aug. 3

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about White Paper Connection. Promote your Engineers’ Choice Awards finalists.)

WEBCAST IIoT cloud series: Machine learning and pattern recognition – More information will be available at www.controleng.com/webcasts.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Gaining knowledge – Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are accelerating in use and abilities, bolstered by smarter software, more capable computing resources, cloud architectures, and wireless technologies. How can your AI software help your machines and learn from their “mistakes” to improve your processes?

Industrial wireless reliability question and answers: Industrial environments present challenges for wireless technologies, but different standard and specialized protocols can provide reliable and secure wireless service for a variety of industrial communication applications. If you’ve avoided wireless implementations because of reliability concerns, don’t miss this expert advice.

Human-machine interface software: New IIoT-friendly features – Human-machine interface (HMI) software upgrades can help introduce users to the benefits of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies. Is your HMI software helping to advance your competitiveness?

Pump diagnostics, intelligence: Run to failure in a critical application can result in many more times the cost of installing a pump with built in diagnostics and intelligence. Identify those applications where pumps should be telling you when they need attention well before anything happens.

Top 10 reasons for mobile robots / Automated guided vehicles (AGVs): Logistics inside a plant or facility may be improved with the latest mobile robot or automated guided vehicle (AGV) technologies. When do you need an AGV instead of a conveyor? When do you need a robot instead of an AGV? Review these reasons to move along your decision-making.

Automation System Integration Roundtable, part 3: Packaging – Control system integrators with packaging application experience provide advice and tips based on those implementations.

Inside Machines and Robotics: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots.

SCADA eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest. 

Robotics eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

SPECIAL REPORT

Use of robots in material handling: Maximizing investments

Robots can help improve productivity and maintenance of traditional material handling technologies, such as conveyors. How should the technologies interact and complement each other to maximize investments?

NOVEMBER

Editorial deadline: Sept. 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative. Promote your Engineers’ Choice Awards finalists.)

RESEARCH IIoT, Industry 4.0: July sponsor; Aug. survey; Sept. report; November issue.

Benchmark research with subscribers can provide a comparative assessment of your IIoT readiness. Are your technologies and people ready for the next level of competitiveness IIoT investments bring? Survey respondents also provide advice and share knowledge of vendors in the marketplace and advice about IIoT topics.

WEBCAST Hot topics in robotics

One (1) Certified Professional Development Hour (PDH) available for all attendees.

Advanced features of robots will be explored. Capabilities inherent in existing robots could make operations even more efficient. Certain highly useful features aren’t getting enough attention. Robotic system integrators will share secrets, tips, and tricks to make your implementation even more productive.

Learning objectives

-Review related Control Engineering and Plant Engineering robotic research results and advice.

-Identify new features available in recent robot introductions.

-Learn how those features can make robots operate more effectively in their applications.

-Receive tips and tricks about robot integration, startup and operations.

Speakers: Robot system integrator experts to be determined.

Moderator: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering content manager (Agenda and learning objectives may change with speaker collaboration and research results.)

[Up to four sponsorships are available, with lead-generation opportunities.]

Process instrumentation tips and tricks: Advances in process instrumentation extend beyond sensor accuracy. Computing, algorithms and networking capabilities have added functionality. For new and existing process instrumentation, learn these tips and tricks.

Industrial Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, cloud applications that work: Beyond trends or technologies, look at these Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0 and cloud applications delivery real benefits to those involved. Case studies provide insights.

Drives (VFDs, VSDs) appropriate for your applications: Size the drive appropriately for an application, of course. Beyond that, will a general-purpose drive suffice, or do you need a drive with embedded intelligence suitable for the application? Set-up and troubleshooting advances will help, too.

Understanding automation help from operational technology (OT) experts: Depending on the size of your facility, automation experts may work in separate department from the operational technology (OT) team. What can OT experts teach the automation experts?

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

IIoT for Engineers supplement to Control Engineering includes editorial topics related to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as detailed in the CFE Media Interactive Media Kit. Learn more at www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

IIoT Cloud eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.

GLOBAL SYSTEM INTEGRATOR REPORT

Supplement to December Control Engineering and Plant Engineering

Editorial deadline: Aug. 15

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about promoting system integrators to the Control Engineering and Plant Engineering audiences.)

The Global System Integrator Report provides information about and advice from automation and control system integrators. It includes:

-System Integrator Company Profiles (online updates)

-System Integrator of the Year for 2021 (August deadline)

-System Integrator Giants 2021 (September deadline)

-Advice articles from system integrators

-How to find a system integrator

-System integration applications

-How to learn more about integrators in the Global System Integrator Database; click at the top of www.controleng.com

DECEMBER

Editorial deadline: Oct. 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about effective ways to finish your year-end budget to exceed this year’s marketing goals.)

WEBCAST Cybersecurity: What you need to know

One (1) Certified Professional Development Hour (PDH) available for all attendees.

What do you need to know about cybersecurity related to controls, automation, and instrumentation? Capabilities inherent in existing cybersecurity design methodologies and technologies will be explored along with what should be covered in cybersecurity training. When was your last cybersecurity risk assessment?

Learning objectives

-Review related Control Engineering cybersecurity research results and advice.

-Identify architectures for cybersecurity designs for controls, automation, and instrumentation.

-Learn what should be covered in cybersecurity training.

-Receive tips about cybersecurity best practices.

-Review elements of a cybersecurity risk assessment.

Speakers: Cybersecurity experts to be determined. (Agenda and learning objectives may change with speaker collaboration and research results.)

Moderator: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering content manager

[Up to four sponsorships are available, with lead-generation opportunities.]

Embedded controllers: What does your machine need? Assess controller capabilities required in your machine. How many axes of motion? Do jobs or recipes vary? Are there artificial intelligence (AI) or diagnostic capabilities onboard? What are communications needs? How many I/O points? Will firmware or application software be updated? What about operating system patches? Will intelligence be centralized or distributed? Is the human-machine interface included or mobile or both? Know what questions to ask.

Digital twins: Simulation and automation design – As automation is developed, the digital twin used in development can evolve through the lifecycle for configuration, training, testing, startup, operations and upgrades. Digital models started as a way to help with computer-aided design (CAD) and has extended their value significantly.

Evaluating very large robots and other motion control options: If you need to move large things from here to there, how should that happen? Can a very large robot help or should other motion control options should be considered?

Automation help from information technology (IT) experts: IT experts may not understand the language of automation and controls, but do have knowledge that can help. Don’t dismiss help from IT out of hand.

Inside Machines and OEMs: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines.

Motors and Drives eBook – An article collection updates this topic. Register and download to learn the latest.