Control Engineering hot topics, December 2023

Control Engineering’s most clicked articles in December 2023 included stories on system integration, IT/OT integration and SCADA. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By David Miller January 3, 2024
Courtesy: Velta Technology

Hot topics in Control Engineering, for December 2023, for stories posted in the last three months included stories on system integration, IT/OT integration and SCADA. Links to each article below.

1. Systems integrators apply technology to very human endeavors

As the workplace changes, the integration imperative persists and leads to innovation for the System Integrator of the Year winners.

2. The time is now for systems integrators

Labor and skills shortages justify increased automation; SIs occupy key position in today’s supply chains; SI Giants embrace the opportunities.

3. The dark side of the IT/OT integration equation

Are operations cyber-vulnerable due to lack of resources, lack of understanding or both?

4. Automation Fair 2023: Sustainability efforts require measuring and control tools, system integration

Calculating an organization’s readiness for net zero carbon emissions can help identify what needs to improve. Sensors, energy management software and system integration and analytics can help, according to experts at Automation Fair 2023 by Rockwell Automation.

5. PLC programming fundamentals and uses in discrete manufacturing

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are the main method of controlling discrete machinery in manufacturing.

6. Improving efficiency through automation with SCADA

A steel pipe maker implements supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), manufacturing execution (MES) and statistical process control (SPC) at their facility to improve operations.

7. How digitalization’s growing role, impact is changing process manufacturing

Digitalization is changing manufacturing and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is going to help fuel those changes. See video.

8. Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: November 2023

The Bundy Group reported 18 automation transactions in the month of November. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.

9. 6 AI motion control applications to improve OEE

AI offers end-users the ability to analyze information collected from machines or manufacturing lines to optimize operational performance. Below, see six common motion control applications that can benefit from AI.

10. Fundamentals of three-phase induction motors, variable frequency drives

This session is designed for technicians and engineers who want to understand the fundamental design, construction and operation of three phase induction motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs). Separate learning objectives follow for each section, though one quiz covers both topics.