Top 5 Control Engineering articles, December 1-7: Controls project requirement framework, automation upgrade for networks, PID loop tuning, more

Articles about using a framework for controls project requirements, an automation upgrade for communication networks, PID loop tuning advice, machine builders decreasing manufacturing time, and modernizing automation were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra December 8, 2014

Control Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Dec. 1-7, covered using a framework for controls project requirements, an automation upgrade for communication networks, PID loop tuning advice, machine builders decreasing manufacturing time, and modernizing automation. Link to each article below.

1. Using a framework to define controls project requirements

This 6-point framework for defining requirements for a controls project helps save time and effort while ensuring the project stays on track. Understand control project requirements, tie them to business goals, and stay true to your design to improve project success. 

2. Can your communication networks support an automation upgrade?

Before you deploy a new HMI, install new software to support mobile devices, or add a loop tuning utility-make sure your networks can handle the increased traffic without bogging down. 

3. Learning PID loop tuning from an expert

Hands-on experience helps accelerate the PID learning curve. 

4. Machine builder decreases manufacturing time

Application Update: Matrix Design increased the speed of manufacturing, simplified troubleshooting, and achieved cost savings while producing more efficient and flexible robotic tending stations, reducing panel building, in some cases from 2 days to 2 hours. 

5. Modernizing automation for competitive advantage

Technology Update: Modernizing equipment and facilities to take advantage of the newest trends that optimize efficiency is called intelligent modernization. Big data access and analysis from the plant to the enterprise are key to any automation and controls modernization. See 3 steps to intelligent modernization. 

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, December 1-7, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


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