Bill Dehner

Articles

Courtesy: AutomationDirect
PLCs, PACs February 8, 2022

Product advice on easy, affordable modern control, IIoT implementation

Next-generation programmable logic controller (PLC) platforms inexpensively and securely deliver reliable and familiar functionality for basic automated control, combined with advanced features like Wi-Fi and data logging, and increased security measures for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, according to a company with a Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Award product.

By Bill Dehner
Courtesy: AutomationDirect
Mobility December 21, 2021

Industrial access on the go

Adoption of industrial automation mobile access continues to increase, as technologies improve, and user concerns are addressed.

By Bill Dehner
Figure 1: This IIoT maturity model depicts how companies progressively digitalize their operations, in order to more effectively access and act on operational data. Courtesy: AutomationDirect
Analytics September 22, 2021

Exploit IIoT to improve operations

Off-the-shelf IIoT solutions use intelligent routers and associated cloud services

By Bill Dehner
Automation May 6, 2021

Automation built for resiliency

Resilient automation products and practices are a necessity for most industrial applications using sensors, wiring, power distribution, controllers, networks, actuators and software integrated into an automation system.

By Bill Dehner
Ethernet January 29, 2021

How to choose between managed and unmanaged switches

Industrial automation systems need hardened networking equipment to deliver required performance and cybersecurity, and designers also must consider whether unmanaged switches are sufficient, or if the step up to managed switches is warranted

By Bill Dehner
HMI, OI August 5, 2020

Embedded HMIs excel in automation applications

Delivering the right human-machine interface (HMI) experience is critical whenever people need to interact with automation.

By Bill Dehner
PLCs, PACs May 4, 2020

Open-source benefits for industrial controllers

New controller options make it possible to add open-source features to industrial-grade automation. Think of industrial versions of Raspberry Pi or Arduino controllers.

By Bill Dehner
HMI, OI January 31, 2020

Configure intuitive HMI screens to simplify automation

Design standards and best practices for human-machine interfaces (HMIs) continue evolving, but simplicity and clarity never go out of style.

By Bill Dehner
PLCs, PACs July 1, 2019

Benefits of connecting a PLC to the internet

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are now gaining information technology (IT) abilities to interact directly with the internet, creating new automation and information possibilities.

By Bill Dehner
HMI, OI June 10, 2019

Choosing the right HMI

Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are available with many hardware and software features and users should work backwards from the target application to make sure all needs are addressed.

By Bill Dehner
Mechanical May 28, 2019

Specifying performance instead of parts

Specifying performance instead of parts when purchasing machines and process skids will cut costs, reduce lead time and guarantee operation.

By Bill Dehner
PLM, Control Design July 7, 2017

Controller embeds programming efficiency

Cover Story: PLC programming: Selecting the right controller and accompanying programming software adds efficiency to the controller programming process.

By Bill Dehner
PLM, Control Design January 21, 2015

Efficient controls require feedback

Control design: Closing the feedback loop with the appropriate sensors improves equipment and process efficiency. Identify areas where feedback can improve and optimize machine operation and process control. Carefully select from available process control and measurement sensors, and ensure each loop is programmed with the right parameters. See 7-point feedback selection checklist.

By Bill Dehner