Mark T. Hoske
Articles
Automation creates a better world; SCADA helps nearly 100 ways
At the 2024 ScadaFest conference keynote session, Trihedral executives, part of the Delta Group, touted the power of advanced supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software.
Available now: Control Engineering January/February 2024 digital edition
Control Engineering cover story for January/February 2024 is “Synchronized networks = tighter machine controls, precision, lower-costs,” more than 20 automation and control articles, videos, podcasts and 18 topical eBooks.
New PICMG InterEdge standard helps open, modular process control systems
A new process automation hardware standard, PICMG InterEdge, defines a vendor-neutral, open standard for edge computing and I/O module hardware. InterEdge began as part of the O-PAS (Open Process Automation) Standard from The Open Group’s Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF). See related 4-part open process automation series from Control Engineering.
Eight ways to optimize operations with industrial AI
A digital business platform can industrial customers accelerate through challenges that cross many industries. The Siemens Industrial Copilot for operations helps resolve production challenges eight ways, including with code generation, as explained at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum.
Five ways IT can accelerate digital transformation, OPAF
Part 4 in the Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF) series covers how Rockwell Automation hardware and software support open process automation and how expanded IT capabilities can influence business outcomes and digital transformation, as explained by Rockwell Automation and ExxonMobil at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum and in related news releases.
Get components, software, help for open process automation now
Part 3 of a four-part series on OPAF implementations: Strategies and tools are enabling devices and platforms using technologies aligned with Open Process Automation Standards. See O-PAS-aligned components list and some project summaries shared with Control Engineering at 2024 ARC Industry Forum.
How to use open process automation today; see video
Part 2 of a four-part series on OPAF progress provides key updates in Open Process Automation Standards (O-PAS), field trials, guidance, technologies, strategies and system integrator platforms, as explained by two longtime OPAF participants.
New cost analysis: Open process automation saves 52% versus DCS
Part 1: While COPA projects 52% hardware and software savings from open process automation, O-PAS interoperable OPAF-aligned products are in field trials, devices are being tested, an adoption guide is underway and system integrators are preparing use of open controls, as explained at the 2024 ARC Leadership Forum. Lifecycle costs are measured at half of a distributed control system over 25 years.
Get ready to upgrade process controls: 3 ways to save
End of March, Honeywell says users will find more process control system advantages in its R530 Experion PKS update, as announced at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum, which builds on decoupling control from I/O connections. Savings include up to half the controllers and system cabinets needed and up to 90% of the fiber-optic budget.
Save time in energy, automation projects: Digital twins
Case study, Shell Deepwater: Detailed digital twin model used with major industrial automation and operations projects in energy management can reduce time to find critical information by half, with other savings, said Bentley Systems at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum.
How to excel in digital transformation with strategy, software
Hexagon announced a software and business strategy at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum to help industrial companies accelerate and excel with digital transformation.
DCS of the future, cybersecurity services, integrated asset management
ABB discussed future process control capabilities, cybersecurity services and integrated asset management to help users interact with automation more easily, as discussed at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum.
New products for next-generation, open automation infrastructure controller
Schneider Electric delivers next-generation, open automation infrastructure, distributed control node (DCN) with independent software-defined controller, in collaboration with Intel and Red Hat, as announced at the 2024 ARC Industry Forum.
How to lower industrial cybersecurity risk: Help from CISA, INL, ARC Advisory Group
Industrial cybersecurity advice from ARC Advisory Group, Cybersecurity and infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Idaho National Lab Cybercore Integration Center aimed to help attendees of the 2024 ARC Industry Leadership Forum.
Upgrade cybersecurity now with ODVA; SPE demo simplifies wiring
Networking organization ODVA, governing organization for EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet and other protocols, stepped up cybersecurity efforts and demonstrated single-pair Ethernet (SPE) capabilities.
Industrial sustainability, energy efficiency advance eight ways
At Rockwell Automation Fair 2023, eight experts in two panels explained how integrating automation software and hardware with digitalization efforts help advance industrial sustainability and energy efficiency goals.
Control system integrators: How to excel with automation upgrades, part 2
Automation system integrators explain how to prioritize automation upgrades, digital transformation and control system integration projects.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2023
Think Again about the top industrial automation, controls and instrumentation article topics of 2023, the most-viewed industrial automation-related webcasts and videos and the top Control Engineering magazine covers of 2023, as the publication begins its 70th year in 2024.
How to build an industrial transformation strategy, with tips, examples
A dozen years of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing efforts have been less effective in continuing the productivity gains of Industry 3.0. Tips and examples show how an industrial transformation strategy can improve industrial productivity and meet industrial sustainability initiatives.
How to meet industrial sustainability with automation, processes, people
Measurements and information sharing are important for meeting industrial sustainability goals: If an organization is struggling to meet 2025 goals, then 2030 is at risk. Advanced technology integration of automation and control systems, artificial intelligence and digital transformation can help adjust processes and empower people to move more quickly.
Webcast examines how to revolutionize industrial automation software
How long have you wanted a vendor-agnostic automation platform to help with interoperability, compatibility and harmonization, so automation systems and devices can work together effortlessly? Learn about the power of Universal Automation in a Dec. 14 webcast, archived for a year.
Select, install new controllers in 3 steps
Few in process manufacturing are ready for digital transformation, while most say control system modernization would be useful for business. Updating control systems can boost digital transformation, operational efficiency, sustainability and other efforts.
How to improve automation: What system integrators find in plant walk-throughs
System integrators discuss how to automate and the things system integrators look for and find during plant or facility walk throughs. It’s often during initial automation project design discussions when the most savings can be identified for the least cost. What don’t you know? See advice below.
Can you avoid clean-in-place delays, risks with a new flowmeter design?
Clean-in-place (CIP), sterilize-in-place (SIP) requirements decrease when a Coriolis flowmeter uses a replaceable sensing tube, especially useful for skid-based life sciences and pharmaceutical production, as explained at Automation Fair 2023, a conference and show by Rockwell Automation.
New electrostatic motor design: 90% less copper, no magnets, ultra-efficiency
Demonstration models show enormous motor energy savings without magnets, using 90% less copper for the C-Motive ultra-high-efficiency, electrostatic motor, as shown at Automation Fair event by Rockwell Automation. See short video.
See these Control Engineering hot topics for late 2023
Most-viewed articles over the last several months for Control Engineering include stories on PLC programming languages, the Career and Salary Survey, Industry 4.0 and more.
Control Engineering 2023 SCADA research: Many wait too long to upgrade
Upgrades for SCADA software should be implemented sooner for better results, admitted Control Engineering SCADA software buyers, specifiers and integrators, according to recent research.
SPS 2023 preview: Open automation platform opportunities, applications
Bosch Rexroth expanded its drive and servo motor lines, touted increase interest and offerings in the ctrlX Automation platform, and discussed a new the modular, distributed motion control platform is available in 2024 in the Bosch Rexroth ctrlX Automation line, among SPS 2023 announcements.
Automation Fair 2023: What you need to know about AI, people, automation
Nervous about how artificial intelligence is integrating people, industrial automation and manufacturing operations? Here’s what I’ve heard lately about AI, including at Automation Fair.
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.
Automation Fair, Nov. 6-9: What’s possible with automation, productivity, resilience, sustainability?
The 32nd annual Automation Fair by Rockwell Automation opens today, Nov. 6, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center where Rockwell Automation and its partners offer more than 120 interactive exhibits, more than 325 sessions, more than 500 hours of training by more than 400 experts. More than 10,000 are expected to attend in four days.
Add bin-picking robots to increase throughput, using same software, 3D vision
Need more throughput on a line? Add another robot or two with same controller and machine vision; redesigned robot pendant adds tablet form factor, ease of use capabilities.
Industrial sustainability: Get better measurements, analytics, visibility for better results
As sustainability becomes more important for industry, facilities need better measurements, analytics and visibility for better results.
How to integrate smarter motion controls into machine designs
Integrating smarter motion controls add flexibility, safety and efficiency, as shown Festo Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 booth.
How automation, programming standards help upgrades, integration
Automation integration and programming has become easier for controls, motion and networking as result of efforts from OPC Foundation and PLCopen, as explained at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023.
Digital twin simulation software: Are your machines, robots, manufacturing lines benefiting?
Use software digital twins for smarter automation designs, simulation, integration, implementation and upgrades, as shown in short video.
Video: AI-enabled item-picking robot speeds fulfillment, is easy to integrate
Artificial intelligence (AI) improves robot performance as explained in a Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 interview.
Unified, updated control platform will migrate to, help robotics
Video: New control platform to unify Yaskawa controls, motion, robotics, as explained in a Pack Expo Las Vegas interview.
Dick Johnson, longtime Control Engineering, Plant Engineering senior editor, dies
Senior editor for Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, Dick Johnson, died in September 2023.
Learn about bridging the gap from edge to cloud MES to make automation more effective
Software experts explain how edge computing helps integrate human-machine interface and supervisory control and data acquisition (HMI/SCADA) software, manufacturing execution system (MES) software, enterprise software and industrial cloud-based applications, in an Oct. 5 Control Engineering webcast. See below: 4 ways a modern MES makes automation more effective.
Five pillars to improve operational cybersecurity: Do you need essential help?
A operational technology cybersecurity consultant provides advice in a Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 session and provides more information about how to improve OT cybersecurity. See video.
How to benefit from digital twins, new servos, machine performance advantages
Three major offerings at the Rockwell Automation booth at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 were explained by Steve Mulder, North American OEM manager, Rockwell Automation.
Five advances in motion control, communications, design to ease automation use
New products and productivity tools streamline design, ordering, application and use of Festo automation products, as described prior to Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023.
Motion control, ease of use, sustainability: Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023
First look at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 includes motion control optimization, ease of use features and sustainability among other topics. Before the Sept. 11-13 show, strong attendance was expected, organizers said.
How to automate: Best Control Engineering advice, August 2023
Tempting as it is, I won’t duplicate the table of contents, but below see some of my favorite advice from this “How to automate” issue of Control Engineering. Industrial PCs, motion control, industrial networking, PLCs, edge computing and automation troubleshooting are among topics.
Survey: How to use AI to identify, improve manufacturing production goals
A study of 500 global manufacturers identified top production goals when applying artificial intelligence (AI) and suggests how to better reach those goals. Other topics include challenges, roadblocks, sustainability, workforce, technology among others.
Industrial tours extend controls, automation intelligence
Consider site tours to broaden understanding of automation and control applications and optimize implementations. See links for more information on the industrial tours.
Lift: Advanced, automated metal forming, controls, training, optimization
Tour of the Lift manufacturing innovation institute reveals advances in automated metal forming, control design, control software, digital transformation, training and automation optimization.
CNC, robots, industrial training help Freedman Seating
Automation, CNC, robotic welding help Freedman Seating with metal fabrication, as seen in a recent tour.
4 ways to fill the manufacturing skills gap
Filling the skills gap in manufacturing requires participation. This is not someone else’s challenge to resolve. Here’s how you can help.
7 pieces of advice from automation experts on AI, edge computing
Control Engineering subscribers answering survey questions on “Edge computing and artificial intelligence technology” research also provided advice on how to use edge computing and AI technologies.
More answers on how to digitalize an OT-data infrastructure
Answers on how to digitalize the operational technology data infrastructure expand upon material presented in a March 28 webcast, archived for a year.
More answers about how to build a better HMI with collaborative, modern, cloud technology
Experts provide more answers about human-machine interface (HMI) design. The related May 11 webcast is archived for a year.
Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2023
Leading-edge automation technologies are helping solve workforce shortages and economic challenges by adding efficiency. Automation salaries increased more than bonuses fell. Worker shortages were cited as a threat by nearly half of respondents in 2023.
How to build a better HMI with collaborative, modern, cloud technology
Rockwell Automation through its 2020 acquisition of ASEM (a provider of human-machine interfaces (HMI) and industrial PCs), explains collaborative advantages of building and maintaining HMI systems using software-as-a-service (SaaS) to enable workflows, track changes and versioning. Learn more in a May 11 webcast, archived for a year.
How to get more women in manufacturing careers
A “Women in Manufacturing” event is one way Jane Addams Resource Corp. helps increase the number of women in industrial careers; JARC offers free training and certifications in workplace safety, statistical process control, CNC operation, G-code programming, welding and other areas.
Manufacturing in America 2023: Digitalization, automation, sustainability, productivity
How digital transformation and automation help manufacturing and industry was the focus of the 2023 Manufacturing in America event, in Detroit; the opening session included speakers from Siemens Digital Industries USA, State of Michigan, Automation Alley, Dasher Lawless design-construction-automation firm, and Infinite Acres, an automated vertical farming company.
ProMat 2023 exhibits show what is possible in warehouse automation, motion control
A sampling of exhibits at ProMat 2023 demonstrate advances in automation and control help warehousing, distribution centers and other motion control applications. See videos.
ProMat 2023: Motion control platform, UNIX virtualization, rugged distributed control
A sampling of exhibits at ProMat 2023 show advances in automation and control help warehousing, distribution centers and other motion control applications, including offerings from Beckhoff Automation.
ProMat 2023: Intralogistics, software and motion in focus
By forming the Siemens Intralogistics vertical, the company can focus hardware, software and services for distribution centers, warehousing and motion control and material handling for manufacturing.
Automation reliability requires reliable power: ChatGPT tips
Power protection is important to ensure the reliability of automation, controls, and instrumentation systems. See 5 tips for power reliability.
Six ways system integration unifies and optimizes automation projects
Appropriate system integration adds value to automation, controls and instrumentation projects by increasing efficiency, productivity, quality and lowering costs, said ChatGPT.
Digital twins advance digital transformation, control system integration
Control system integrators explain how simulation and digital twin software can advance competitiveness by enabling ideas, design, testing, training, installation, upgrades and optimization of automated systems. ChatGPT artificial intelligence software adds seven tips for using simulation software for automation and controls.
5 fast facts on exclusive Control Engineering research: How to apply controllers
Five fast facts about Control Engineering research on how to apply controllers follow. See link for the report.
More sensors, despite strained supply chain
With a nearly 25% increase in new buildings and machinery, automation and measurement company Endress+Hauser delivered more sensors than ever in 2022 despite a strained supply chain. The April 4 annual media conference also noted record highs for incoming orders, sales and employment.
Advice on how to apply controllers: Control Engineering research
Controllers should have easier to use software and be easier to program, according to Control Engineering subscribers providing advice for “How to apply controllers” research.
Learning what is possible in warehouse robotics
A panel from The Robotics Group of MHI discussed “What’s possible now in warehouse robotics” at ProMat 2023, covering topics including workforce training and implementation, system integration, safety and cost.
How software helps manufacturers better manage mobile robot fleets
Mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are helping manufacturing, distribution centers and warehousing applications move materials more effectively. Software can help manufacturers with design, implementation and management of mobile robots and AGVs fleets.
What are 5 ways to digitalize an OT-data infrastructure?
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) digitalization benefits include connectivity, consolidation, context, collaboration and cloud access.
Wireless updates: LoRa Alliance LoRaWAN standard, 6G challenges
In separate wireless developments, LoRa Alliance discussed progress of the LoRaWAN standard and many organizations are sorting out challenges of 6G wireless band selection and technologies.
How control-system integration advances competitiveness
As part of the 2023 “How to automate series” of webcasts, two system integrators highlighted in the Global System Integrator Report explain how integrating automation and controls can advance competitiveness. The March 8 webcast is archived for 1 year; summary advice follows.
How EtherCAT helps industrial communications
Automation trends and applications such as need for interoperability and determinism have shaped industrial Ethernet use. EtherCAT structure, advantages, communications, functional safety, diagnostics and related information are covered by Bob Trask, EtherCAT Technology Group, in three videos with Control Engineering.
Advantages of edge computing platforms in controls-related applications
Expert interview series: Edge computing use for industrial automation and controls implementations, differences from other computing options, when to use edge computing, software and programming, projects and lessons learned were topics of a Control Engineering interview with Emerson’s Darrell Halterman.
Industrial edge helps turn big data into smart data
Industrial edge computing and cloud computing can help motion control, CNC and other applications by providing higher-level analytics for smart manufacturing applications as CNC processors focus on tool path and motion control. Control Engineering interview with August (Gus) Gremillion, Siemens, discusses edge computing advantages. See Siemens edge computing video interview for more.
How the control engineering profession helps sustainability
Visibility into the control loop (sense, decide and actuate) delivers sustainability goals.
How to determine ROI and get buy-in for workforce digital transformation
How can you gain buy-in for a digital transformation project by proving return on investment (ROI) and creating a clear case for adoption? Examine data, insights and experiences needed to empower the workforce for operations, in the field and in controls and maintenance departments. The Feb. 22 webcast, archived for a year, offers digital transformation advice and case studies.
Digital manufacturing, smart manufacturing, enable sustainability efforts
ZF Group, an automotive manufacturer, provides motion controls for automotive, industrial, wind power and is using digital transformation on the way to smart factory implementation to meet sustainability requirements.
Petrochemical company shifts attention to digitalization, optimization, sustainability
Digitalization with smarter automation and instrumentation is helping with sustainability as the energy industry faces a transition and new challenges.
More answers about how next-generation automation will help in 2023
Experts provide more answers about how next generation automation will help in 2023. As part of the 2023 “How to automate series” of webcasts, three firms selected as 2023 System Integrator of the Year explain how and what next-generation automation including artificial intelligence, integrating new technologies and cybersecurity. Presenters provide answers to audience questions not answered during the Jan. 18 webcast, archived for 1 year.
Automation, IT convergence, standards at ARC Industry Forum
Industrial digitalization can drive sustainability, energy transitions and improved performance and information shared at the 2023 ARC Industry Forum, Feb. 6-9, and online Feb. 27-March 27, aims to help with that.
System integration, edge computing tips for automation
System integrators are using edge computing platforms to create simple, scalable, repeatable and protected automation and control architectures. Jan. 25 webcast, archived for a year, offers tips and other information.
How next-generation automation will help in 2023
As part of the 2023 “How to automate series” of webcasts, three firms selected as 2023 System Integrator of the Year explain how and what next-generation automation they expect will help their clients in the coming year. A preview of the Jan. 18 webcast, archived for 1 year, follows.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2022
Think Again: Automation product awards, motors and drives, automation salary and career information, Engineering Leaders Under 40, IIoT implementation help, tutorials on HMIs, SCADA and PLC programming help were among the hot topics of 2022. See top 3 covers and top 10 articles posted prior to 2022.
System integrators: Automation glue
Control system integrators serve as the hardware, software and networking glue to help plan, design and integrate automation and controls projects.
Contribute expertise in 2023
It’s been on your career-advancement list: Share your knowledge with Control Engineering peers in 2023 on the most important topics research identified for automation and controls.
IMTS: Machine tool hardware, software, efficiency, integration tools
Siemens machine tool announcements at IMTS aim to simplify operations, increase productivity, manage machine tool resources, advance related ecosystems and digital thread, with collaboration to integrate additive and subtractive CNC machining technologies.
Networks, computing purchasing for automation
Purchasing Industrial Computing and Networking, August 2022: Control Engineering research says one-third of buyers would switch vendors; half would consider given good reason; just 15% were very satisfied. For responses to a write-in question, honesty was most important.
Digitalization, interoperability help with industrial sustainability
Think Again: Industrial challenges such as carbon emission reductions, increased capacity and skilled labor shortages require factory automation and process control users apply more digitalization and require interoperability.
15 pieces of automation advice from ROKLive 2022
Automation can help optimize industrial operations, as noted at ROKLive, a recent conference on industrial operations, maintenance, engineering, and enterprise-wide solutions automation, linking operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).
Factories born digital save 10x conversion cost
A digital-first smart-manufacturing plant to recycle polypropylene is expected to save 10 times the cost compared to facilities that convert from manual or analog in a digital transformation process.
Building interoperable control systems
Mixing control system components from different manufacturers often took more integration time than practical. Efforts from Open Process Automation Forum are leading to interoperability among controls manufacturers.
Automation helps combat labor shortages
Think Again: Are automation and controls helping to fill the growing manufacturing skills gap? Control Engineering research, “Purchasing Considerations for Automation Systems & Control Systems” shows an increase in spending for the next 12 months in most categories.
Modern machine control system design in 7 steps webcast preview
Seven steps can help with modern machine control system design: Get a preview below of a June 15 webcast providing more detail.
Use digital design tools to elevate machine design
Webcast explains advantages of designing modern machines with digital engineering software tools. Machine design concepts, proposal, system and automation design, testing training, startup, operations and maintenance all benefit from digital engineering.
Modern machine control system design in 7 steps
Seven steps can help with modern machine control system design: Get a preview below of a June 15 webcast providing more detail.
Fill the skills gap: Automation, training, retention
Think Again: Fill the growing manufacturing skills gap with more automation, training, retention, benefits and amenities, according to the Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2022, other research, related articles and a May 25 webcast, “Automation experts wanted: Hire, retain the best.”
Automation, robotics, AI, ransomware
Think Again: Applying automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) may be easier than you think. Preventing a ransomware attack may be more difficult, as explained at the A3 Business Forum in February. See upcoming conferences.
Motion plastics: Improved deliveries, investments in climate neutrality
Faster deliveries, movement toward carbon neutrality and motion control designs that decrease reliance on lubrication are among trends from igus, a German-based manufacturer of motion plastics.
Robotics, motion control, machine vision, AI
Think Again: Business is strong for automation, as explained by speakers at the A3 Business Forum in February.
Technology trends in machine vision, motion, robotics, supply chain
Advancements in industrial networking, machine vision, motion control, robotics, supply chain, and simulation were among Pack Expo Las Vegas developments.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2021
Think Again: PLC programming, AI and control system evolution, the Career and Salary Survey and HMI/SCADA design were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website during 2021. Why? See also top 3 covers, top 10 articles posted prior to 2021.
Spreadsheets for analytics
Many companies offer software for data analytics to create information and insights from data collected from automation, controls and instrumentation. Most data-gathering software also downloads in a spreadsheet format: Many users have spreadsheets for special applications or quick insights.
Advancing from industrial automation to industrial autonomous operations
A major controls vendor focuses on industry, uses cloud-based software, artificial intelligence and advanced robotics integration to move customers from industrial automation to autonomous operations.
Control Engineering November-December digital edition, Global System Integrator Report
Inventory insights, standardization help for the supply chain, cloud and edge, motion system efficiency, control systems and AI, vibration measurement are among topics in the November-December 2021 edition of Control Engineering. Global System Integrator Report, Oil & Gas Engineering, and ebooks also are included.
Single-pair Ethernet expands beyond automotive applications
Single-pair Ethernet (SPE), rated for rugged and harsh environments, is lightweight and more cost effective than four- or eight-wire Ethernet and can enable the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). See industrial communications speed vs. distance table.
Supply chain shortages encourage automation interoperability
Automation users are more likely to purchase from companies supporting standards that promote interoperability: Among findings in Control Engineering research.
Smart sensor, compressed air monitoring helps Colgate-Palmolive with net zero carbon target
Emerson’s sensors and analytics help Colgate-Palmolive save energy and optimize production processes in manufacturing facilities, decreasing its carbon footprint. Other Emerson technologies applied to food processing and packaging were shown at Pack Expo Las Vegas, including controls, augmented reality, and pneumatics.
Understand total system efficiency for motion control
Motion system efficiency, more than induction motor efficiency, also depends on electrical input power, variable frequency drives, gearboxes and transmission elements like chains and belts. Learn more in an Oct. 22 CFE Media and Technology Virtual Training Week course.
How to teach digital transformation to enable advanced manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing training can improve understanding of required competencies, Industry 4.0, Industry 4.0 technologies and use of industrial data, according to a 1-hour engineering training course available starting Oct. 18.
How safety validation is changing in an IIoT, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing world
Modern advances in controls and connectivity are increasing considerations for safety validations, according to an Oct. 20 CFE Media and Technology Virtual Training Week course.
Asset lifecycle management: Interoperability standards help digital transformation
A lifecycle approach for digital and physical asset management adds efficiency to capital projects, handover and associated maintenance and reliability management activities and in other ways.
Next-generation automation development for sustainability
Successful digitalization can enhance sustainability efforts, and Schneider Electric is helping customers with both, according to a Pack Expo Las Vegas conference presentation.
Manufacturers seek benefits of open, real-time location services
An interoperable standard for a real-time location system (RTLS) is helping industry benefit from open interfaces and ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technologies for asset tracking indoors and outdoors, according to an Oct. 20 Virtual Training Week training session from CFE Media and Technology.
AI, controls and the future of maintenance
Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are helping control and maintenance effectiveness, and an application demonstration shows how process simulation and machine teaching builds AI-based controllers to resolve industry problems, as shown in an Oct. 21 Virtual Training Week course.
Simplified electric motion, intelligent air flow control, I/O modules
Simplified electric motion, intelligent motion terminal flow control, decentralized I/O modules are among products shown at the Festo booth at Pack Expo Las Vegas, Sept. 27-29.
Smoother machine designs, better integration
Integration of motion control and robotics, along with high-powered processing capabilities enable smoother, more secure machine designs for packaging and other industries. See video from Pack Expo.
Even smarter manufacturing
I haven’t toured a manufacturing or processing facility that left me thinking, “That was a dumb manufacturing plant.” Even so, smart manufacturing is impressive. Learn from these examples.
Control Engineering August 2021 edition gets a grip on applying automation
How to apply automation is the topical focus of the August 2021 digital edition of Control Engineering. Link to the August issue articles below and to prior 2021 issues.
Inside the how-to guide for applying automation
While everything from Control Engineering helps with applying automation, more than a dozen August articles offer advice on applying automation to get the best results.
Exploring industrial wireless best practices: More answers
Learn more on industrial wireless, including wireless sensors, wireless reliability and wireless technology selection.
Advice: Exploring best practices for industrial wireless
Reasons for updating and expanding industrial wireless use are increasing. Understand how use cases can inform a corporate industrial wireless strategy.
Accelerate machine designs, speed to market via digital twin collaboration
A survey of industrial machinery companies explores the biggest issues with digital twin adoption. Machine builders are using digital twins to increase efficiency of machine design processes to get machines completed and running in less time at lower cost.
Access real-time data; avoid digital blind spots
Agile, resilient operations derive from tools that make real-time data visible and useful. See post COVID-19 pandemic advice, including from a manufacturer, Anchor Glass.
Industry standard size 25 encoder reference website, push-button programmable encoders
An encoder part number reference website, www.autotechsmartencoder.net, deciphers more than 200,000 size-25 encoder combinations, gives descriptions and replacement options with next-day delivery for orders placed by 6 p.m. CST; 10 two-button-programmable encoders are said to cover all combinations.
Ethernet-APL standard is complete, products are on the way: Two-wire, 10Mbit/s Ethernet for process industries
See 10 Ethernet-APL benefits, including technical specifications, test standards, and two-wire Ethernet physical layer components enabling deployment of high-speed communication field instruments in hazardous process automation environments, available after 3 years of work.
Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2021
Career update: COVID-19 accelerates innovative technology implementations; engineering salaries increase; job satisfaction is high. The lack of skilled workers, economy and lack of necessary materials are biggest threats to manufacturing.
Career, salary survey 2021: Advice
Respondents to the 2021 Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey research provided related advice, and education was the most-offered of six topics.
System integrators are a good investment
Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) provided benchmarking factors to improve operational and financial performance, as well as recruiting and retention for engineering and technology personnel.
Control loops benefit more than control systems
The world is filled with missing feedback loops that could improve performance if those loops were closed. Learn how your automation knowledge can help others.
Hannover Messe Digital Edition: Digital transformation, international collaboration, award winner
With industrial digital transformation as the theme, the 2021 Hannover Messe Digital Edition kicked off a week of more than 1,500 program activities with more than 500 speakers, April 12-16, covering trends in industry, energy and logistics with experts from business, science and industry. See the 2021 Hermes Award winner.
Intralogistics markets expand motion control use
Huge demand in warehousing, food and beverage, and other interior logistics (intralogistics) applications expand variable frequency drive flexibility and features.
Secure remote connections
Industrial control systems require secure remote connections. Did the pandemic help IT to understand OT needs and help OT to see IT concerns about cybersecurity and remote access?
Digitalization, automation advice, benefits
A global manufacturer explains benefits and offers advice about connecting the real world of manufacturing to the virtual world, through digitalization and automation.
Interoperability best practices, integration, automation, controls
Standardization frameworks encourage more automation interoperability. Interoperability is trying to move from one or a few automation ecosystems into a wider world. See four levels of cybersecurity.
Moving toward automation interoperability
More than 30 organizations were involved in the next version of the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS). A secure, standard and interoperable process control system architecture is the goal.
PLC users can use cloud services without programming
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), machine builders and others can access a no-code Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) cloud platform, providing easy-to-use data analysis tools, other functionality for bottom-line improvements
OT, IT collaboration helps IIoT
Recent research indicates more operational technology and information technology collaboration, and 40% are spending more to do it. See a dozen bits of OT/IT collaboration advice.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2020
Think Again: programmable controller programming languages, COVID-19 acceleration of engineering, automation and digitalization, and variable frequency drive parameters were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website during 2020.
Data flow, alarms, simulation, cybersecurity, robotics
Control Engineering highlights automation, controls and instrumentation successes in every issue at www.controleng.com in between.
More answers on what you need to know about cybersecurity
Below are more answers resulting from a cybersecurity webcast on cybersecurity architectures, training, best practices, risk assessment and trends based on research.
What you need to know about cybersecurity
A webcast on cybersecurity offers information about cybersecurity architectures, training, best practices, risk assessment and trends based on research.
Best practices matter when designing control systems
When lives depend on control system design (and even when they don’t), best practices matter. Here’s what I’d like control system designers to know.
Think again about measurements, logic, actions
A world with a pandemic can benefit from control engineering to measure, apply logic, and take actions in a transparent way, then repeat and optimize. Cybersecurity, remote connections, digital twins, artificial intelligence, training, and challenging old information all can help.
Process instrumentation tips and tricks
Advances in process instrumentation extend beyond sensor accuracy. Computing, algorithms and networking capabilities add functionality.
Collaborative robot optimization with AI, for safer manufacturing during COVID-19
Collaborative robots use artificial intelligence (AI) to increase usefulness in dynamically changing workspaces. Cobot factory applications can create more space between workers, lowering COVID-19 risk for manufacturers while increasing throughput.
Control Engineering subscribers at work
Contribute your image and caption to add to this Control Engineering subscribers-at-work article; write an article for 2021 and vote for the best products.
Process sensors, wireless transmitters, help pump diagnostics
Applying vibration and temperature sensors with wireless transmitters, paired to local or cloud diagnostics, can help keep pumps running safely and reliably.
Advanced motor and generator designer, Daniel B. Jones, dies
Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates, dies at 84 after more than 60 years in the motion control industry, with decades of service to associations and involvement in more than 100 motor designs, including one for a NASA mission to Mars.
Long-time Control Engineering editor, Edward J. Kompass, dies
Ed Kompass, a Control Engineering editor from 1954 to 1987, passed away on Aug. 31, 2020, at age 93. He was a regular contributor after retirement and last wrote a column for the 50th anniversary issue (linked below), “We never could have dreamed,” in 2004.
Cybersecurity tips from subscribers
Cybersecurity advice about process, technologies, people (internal) and external threat resulted from the Control Engineering 2020 Cybersecurity Research Report. See graphic of technologies and services used online.
Hot topics in Control Engineering
Research: For 2021, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control system integration, instrumentation, industrial wireless, industrial PCs, industrial Ethernet, and advanced process control are among hot topics; 18 topics are in the top 10; 62 are in the top 20.
Automation helps with COVID-19, energy efficiency, robotics, non-contact motion control, STEM
Automation innovation has opportunities to help with COVID-19 pandemic response, energy efficiency, robotics, non-contact motion control using superconductivity, training and by creating increased interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Integrated design software lowers costs, adds flexibility
Product lifecycle management software (PLM) and service lifecycle management software enabled by integration with cloud services and applications, helps a variety of industries with digital twins, digitalization, automation design and plant design. See five attributes of a digital twin.
Robotic software improves robot health
Industrial robotic software, industrial networks and cloud-based technologies are helping to improve industrial robotic health, improve robotic uptime and better manage robotic assets.
Research: Controller programming methods, advice
Control Engineering 2020 research on industrial programmable controllers said ladder logic continues to dominate programming, software integration and simulation capabilities are increasing, and survey respondents seek programming flexibility. See six software-related programmable controller changes since 2018 and nine programmable controller bits of software advice.
What is radio frequency identification? What can RFID products do?
RFID wireless communication technologies enable many applications across industries include identification and access; people, asset and product tracking; safety and machine tools, among others.
Cybersecurity requires asset updates
Age of existing assets are the greatest cybersecurity risk factor, 67% in 2020 Control Engineering research, up from 46% in 2016. This is of particular concern with remote operations increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and manufacturing starting up again.
Seven ways automation design software helps IIoT
Electrical and automation design software can help with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) automation implementations in seven ways. See product examples.
Top products since COVID-19 pandemic relate to air control, cleaning
In the New Products for Engineers Database by CFE Media and Technology, 5 of the top 6 products cover control of air or cleaning, since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11.
Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2020
Career update: Many subscribers work in critical industries; half of non-salary compensation relies on profits, some changed by COVID-19. Lack of skilled workers continues to be the top threat to manufacturing for the survey period ending March 16, before more recent COVID-19 impacts.
Education, attitude, communication are top tip topics from 2020 salary survey respondents
Career update: Top areas of advice offer by respondents to the 2020 Career and salary survey from Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, cover education, attitude, communications. Advice also includes engineering tips, project management, and workplace strategies.
Engineering impact on COVID-19
How are engineers applying what they’ve learned to help during the COVID-19 pandemic? See six ways automation and control engineering industry knowledge can help.
How to quickly start a robotic pick-and-place application
Moving parts from a bin to a precise location has required repetitive human agility or talent to address vision, programming and robotic integration challenges. A pre-integrated kit can shorten time to productivity, helping machine tending and pick-and-place robotic applications. See May 12 live webcast and 7 tips below.
Poll results, week 2: Doubled adverse COVID-19 impact on engineers, industry
Research analysis, advice: Adverse effects of Coronavirus more than doubled in just a week for visitors to Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, Oil & Gas Engineering, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer websites taking a survey on COVID-19 impacts on engineering. For respondents answering March 11 to 19 and March 20 to 25, 13% felt a “great deal” of impact in the first week and 35% the next week.
Poll results: Coronavirus, COVID-19 impact on engineers and industry
Coronavirus impact data was collected from March 12 to 17 from visitors to Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, Oil & Gas Engineering, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer websites. Half of respondents’ business have negative effects; half have supply chain problems. Results cover impact on business, company responses, travel, future outlook, government strategies and other topics.
More answers about robotic applications
Success of robotic applications requires putting the right robot with the right application. Learn more from system integrators from the webcast, “Robotic applications: What robots should and shouldn’t be doing,” including collaborative robots, motion, pitfalls, and more.
COVID-19 impact on engineering, engineers
Engineers like facts and seek credible information sources on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) effects to the engineering-related world. Engineers also have technologies, processes and expert advice that can help. See Control Engineering highlights.
How to compete and win with automation
With automation at an inflection point, a variety of technologies and interoperable standards efforts are bringing higher levels of flexibility, integration and optimization.
Which applications can benefit from a robot?
When should a robot be used for what industrial applications and why? Learn from and ask your questions of expert speakers. Share your challenges in a live webcast poll. A PDH credit is available for this RCEP webcast.
What kind of redundancy: Mirrored server or edge devices?
This advice will help with the decision between an industrial mirrored server or twin edge devices when designing a new computing system or control system architecture. Short video gives three edge computing tips.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2019
Think Again: Engineering salaries and career tips, object-oriented programming, rate-predictive control, Internet of Things (IoT) and career advice were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website during 2019.
Industrial HMI migrations: Help with Microsoft Windows 7 expiration
Microsoft Windows 7 expired on Jan. 14, and manufacturers’ human-machine interface (HMI) software may still need help migrating to a supported operating system. System integrators can provide migration assistance to lower cybersecurity risk.
How clear were 2020 automation predictions?
Think again: Did you have 2020 vision? How clear were your foresights? Predictions of automation, controls, and instrumentation for 2020 were spot on, though perhaps closer to the ideal than to where most are. Are you making these changes quickly enough to stay competitive?
Ethernet for process and discrete devices
Think Again: Separate efforts aim to extend Ethernet to process and discrete devices. Standards can promote interoperability for devices and software if standards are specific enough.
Five control panel building tips
Software, data management, and decreased wiring are among control panel design benefits, when digitalization is integrated in design.
Cannot find enough welders? Could a collaborative robot welder help?
Technology Update on robotic welding: Learn how a collaborative robot could help with welding applications.
Eight IIoT project tips
If you’re stalled with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementations or haven’t begun, consider these eight expert tips.
Survey respondents offer motor drive advice
Motor drive advice was offered in a write-in question in the Control Engineering motor drive research, summarized in the September issue.
Packaging system integration advice
A vegetable processor packaging project included integration of weighers, baggers, robotic case loaders, case formers and closers, robotic palletizing and conveyors. Packaging, records and raw materials were updated and automated across eight sites. Seven bakery lines converge in one packaging area that fills 20 cases per minute.
Control Engineering 2020
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), process and machine control systems, automation and instrumentation are among the topics Control Engineering will advance in 2020, a year that suggests perfect vision and hindsight, as we mark 65 years in September 2019.
Leonard W. Moore, founder of Moore Industries-International passes away at 85
Leonard (Len) W. Moore, P.E., founder and owner of Moore Industries-International Inc., an industrial and automation control company, passed at the age of 85.
Continuing education advances process control, instrumentation productivity
Process control productivity requires education for optimal technology specification, integration and use. Industrial suppliers are among those doing the educating.
Motors, fans, pumps, compressors: IIoT avoids downtime
Think Again: Remote monitoring, sensors, analytics and real-time intelligence is helping those who manufacture, use, and repair motors and attached critical assets to avoid downtime with prescriptive maintenance technologies, says EASA and Plant Engineering research.
Collaborative robotics deliver faster ROI
Technology update: Collaborative robots used in industrial applications can be easier than traditional robotics for set up and redeployment, producing rapid return on investments (ROIs) in many diverse applications, according to one robot manufacturer.
Digitalization advantages
Think Again: Major automation companies tout next-generation tools offering digitalization advantages, mobility and flexibility, for greater speed to higher profits.
Envisioning more at Ford
Plans are underway at Ford to use machine vision with robotics to increase quality and throughput, as explained at Automate 2019. See video.
Why collaborative robots need plug-and-play peripherals
Faster startup, redeployment and return on investment (ROI) are among the key reasons for using plug-and-play peripheral effectors and sensors with collaborative robotics.
Research: More skilled workers are needed; outsourcing, STEM initiatives may help
Think Again: The 2019 Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey includes questions on topics of concern, such as outsourcing, workforce, process improvement, cybersecurity, automation, and threats.
Don’t ignore these automation trends
Think Again: No one wants to miss the next big thing. What if the next big thing in automation for your applications has been here all along, and you haven’t noticed?
Automated test equipment attributes
What attributes are needed in automated test equipment (ATE)? What automation should be considered for ATE designs? See 10 questions to ask when applying automation.
10 best practices for edge computing
When choosing, installing, and using an edge computing device for a manufacturing or process facility application, these 10 best practices can help.
Automation trends, insights from a new company president
Companies need to be open to new technologies to see fundamental paradigm shifts in productivity, beyond incremental improvements. Rapid increases in productivity, visibility, flexibility, and agility are needed.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Digitalization
Technology update: Digitalization was are among key trends for manufacturing and process facilities highlighted in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Cybersecurity
Technology update: Cybersecurity remains a key concern for manufacturing and process facilities as explained in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Optimization
Technology update: Optimization is among key trends for manufacturing and process facilities highlighted in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Up next: More open process automation?
Process automation systems need lower lifecycle costs, easier integration with third-party components, better scaling, intrinsic security, flatter architecture, and interoperability. Multiple, broad-based efforts are underway to create cooperative, rather than conflicting, standards.
Help for automation design, selection, implementation
Automation product design, system integration, and application advice follows from some of the 2019 Engineers’ Choice winners.
Use the positive effects of automation to plan ahead
Automation helps manufacturing employment, aids exports, and adds productivity. Key concerns include attracting and retaining a quality workforce, price increases in raw materials, trade uncertainties, and rising health care and insurance costs.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2018
Think Again: Engineering salaries and career tips, neural network advances, ladder logic, cybersecurity, and autotuning were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website in 2018.
Software helps industrial network communications
Industrial network stacks and other industrial connectivity software work to enhance connectivity among devices and systems. OPC UA, MTConnect, EtherNet/IP, and CC-Link are among software that organizations provide. Middleware also provides connectivity between the plant floor and other systems.
System integration in the automotive industries
Automotive industries are addressing competitive challenges with automation-related upgrades. A review of some technologies being integrated and why follow.
Industrial robot safety requires industrial risk management
Five ways to lower robotic system risks: Industrial safety, while a widely used term, is a misnomer; nothing is without risk. When something is declared safe in an industrial setting, those involved should think again about risk assessment and determine if the risk is acceptable.
Five reasons to appreciate the new www.controleng.com site
Think Again: Website redesigns can cause user discomfort, but you’ll like the new Control Engineering website in five major ways.
Four ways to encourage manufacturing expansion
In a positive example of collaboration to encourage manufacturing growth, Harting announced a $6 million expansion inside existing Elgin, Ill., facility. Community colleges, government officials, and various organizations worked with Harting and encouraged that growth in four ways.
Digital advantages for design, automation
Digitalization benefits include speed to market, flexibility, efficiency, consistent quality, cybersecurity, and lower lifecycle costs.
What is an embedded system?
The meaning of an embedded system varies depending on the application; system integrators, end users, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may have different views.
Automation startups for robotics, vision, machine monitoring, and talent
Start-up automation-related companies at the 2018 A3 Business Forum include a lightweight robot arm, a vision-guide robot, robotic gripper options, simple machine monitoring, and talent assessment and development software.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2017
Think Again: Control Engineering readers choose hot topics of 2017 based on online traffic at the automation industry website. What can you learn from these top Control Engineering articles of 2017? Also see the top three covers of 2017.
Renewable energy opportunities
Biofuels, hydrogen and fuel cells, solar, wave energy, wind, advanced vehicles and others offer opportunities for applications of automation, controls, and instrumentation.
Logical, useful help from Control Engineering
Think Again: Control Engineering redesigned its print and digital edition for October, presenting trusted information in a fresh, yet familiar, format to help those with interests in automation, controls, and instrumentation do their jobs better.
Research delivers a dozen drives tips
Respondents of the motors and drives survey from Control Engineering give 12 tips related to motor drives. Online see more advice.
Hot topics for Control Engineering, July through June
Think Again: Hot topics in Control Engineering, from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, include PID topics, System Integrator Giants, motor power, and programming help, among other topics.
Control Engineering career assistance
Think again about career relevancy: Control Engineering’s purpose is to help subscribers and others in our global audience to do their jobs better and accelerate their careers; CFE Media and CFE Technology help. (CFE stands for Content for Engineers.) See resources for automation, controls, and instrumentation.
Ease of use: Programmable controllers
With “ease of use” blowing like wind through the branches of automation and control, standard programming has abstracted into configuration, as wizards become more intelligent, and libraries of code are embedded into intuitive objects. Controller hardware touts modularity, flexibility, and connectivity.
Women engineers on bias, inspiration, mentoring
Think again, if you don’t think you’re biased. Even women engineers say they must guard against unintended biases. Other important points at the NIWeek Women’s Leadership Forum panel: share inspiration, be a mentor, and, as appropriate, call out bias.
Advice from integrators on HMIs, wireless, cloud use, thin clients
System Integrator of the Year roundtable: Tips follow on human-machine interface screen design, wireless and cloud technologies for Industrial Internet of Things, and thin-client use from representatives from two 2017 System Integrator of the Year companies.
Get integrated human-machine interface hardware, software; cautions
HMI Research advice: Control Engineering’s new human-machine interface hardware and software research respondents advise others to get HMIs with software pre-loaded, use standards, collaborate on planning, train, look for flexibility and ease of use, and pay attention to implementation timing. Watch out for a long list of cautions, regular cybersecurity updates among them.
Controls for additive manufacturing, 3-D printing
Cover Story: The software tools for 3-D printing, also used for additive manufacturing, are getting more sophisticated and integrated to increase speed, quality, limit material waste, and accommodate material diversity. How are automation and controls helping to advance additive manufacturing?
New graphical programming platform accelerates understanding
National Instruments LabVIEW NXG 1.0 software, the next generation of LabVIEW, aims to deliver LabVIEW productivity to nonprogrammers with an easier workflow. NI continues LabView 2017 development and support. See video demo.
Control Engineering Salary and Career Survey, 2017
Control Engineering salary and career survey research shows an average salary of $96,045 in 2017, up slightly from the 2016 results; job satisfaction continues among respondents. Life-long learning remains critically important. To get youth interested in engineering, more investments in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and high-profile projects need to be made, respondents said.
Robotic safety: What you don’t know
With robotic safety, what you don’t know CAN hurt you. Get what you need to know about robotic safety, terms, and standards affecting robotic implementations. See knowledge and references below from a robotic safety class.
Automation careers: Inspire, engage, teach
Think again: To develop a workforce for an automated future provide inspiration about automation, engage youth and teach the next generation and others about how rewarding automation careers can be, including robotics, said advanced technology professionals at Automate 2017 in April.
Improve CMMS implementation in 10 ways
Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) implementation doesn’t have to be complex if you follow these 10 steps. Standard procedures, new technologies, and performance metrics can ease the path to condition-based maintenance.
Ethernet cuts automation hardware, labor costs, errors
Think Again about digital networks: A redesigned automated industrial process with the goal of improving safety and efficiency saved $106,654 in hardware, design, and installation costs by using an industrial Ethernet protocol instead of hard wiring, not counting a two-thirds reduction in potential errors or other project benefits.
System integration of mobile controls and monitoring: Questions and answers
Cover Story: Reliable wireless capabilities are facilitating mobile monitoring and control. Experts explain why and how mobility helps automation and control applications.
U.S. manufacturing is strong, improving
U.S. manufacturing economy is strong and getting stronger, according to the “The Global 2017 Economic Outlook & Forecast” at the 2017 A3 Business Forum in January.
Robots and automation save jobs; standards help
Manufacturing competitiveness, expansion of embedded machine vision, and greater collaboration among humans and automation are hot technology topics, according to representatives for industry associations for robotics, machine vision, and motion control in advance of the annual A3 Business Forum.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2016, 2017
Think Again: Control Engineering readers choose hot topics of 2016, and that online traffic points to key trends in Control Engineering in 2017. What can you learn from these top Control Engineering articles of 2016? New: See related articles of 2017 and top graphics of 2016.
Finding IIoT benefits
Think again, smarter manufacturing: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with smart applications of automation can include process optimization, higher quality, safer processes, lower energy use, regulatory compliance, higher profits, and more sustainable operations. These real benefits in real money are worth the investment; see examples.
Test beds for smart manufacturing: Affordable, accessible, innovative, collaborative, connected
The Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC) is working on test-bed demonstrations, which can help analyze optimization, energy efficiency, safe and sustainable production, and improved supply chain connectivity. The Coalition’s efforts include toolkits for smart manufacturing deployment, and open, advanced platforms, analytics, controls, and sensors. See related RCEP webcast.
Engineer, inspire, empower, lead
Think Again: Leaders in automation and control engineering need to focus their time, about four to one, on leadership, rather than management because of a long-standing bias toward managing. See tips, benefits, and examples showing why agile leadership tops traditional management.
Controlling the Smart Grid
Think again about electricity flow: How is the U.S. Grid Modernization Initiative progressing? Read eight things you should know about controlling the flow of electricity on the Smart Grid and why. Monitoring and control are at the core.
Machine vision lessons learned from applications
Inside Machines, vision tips: Machine vision isn’t as challenging as it used to be. Setup, testing, and start-up can be easier and faster than prior technologies, as this application advice shows, shared at NIWeek 2016.
Six steps to reliable integrated machine vision systems
Inside Machines, vision tips: Machine vision technology advances have made machine vision implementations easier than before, and track and trace inspection applications can offer high speed and high accuracy. Other technologies can be integrated to extend functionality, according to information from a 2016 System Integrator of the Year, Matrix Technologies.
Engineering education in Webcasts
Think again about back to school: Getting continuing education credits to maintain an engineering license (or as required by certain employers) can represent a time-management challenge, on top of everything else an engineer reads to keep up on technologies and trends. Here’s help with that, in 10 one-hour bites.
Project management tips for system integration
Seven tips: Practical advice about project management can help with a control system integration project. Project management for system integration differs from project management in other areas.
Tablet-based augmented reality helps predictive maintenance for pumps
IIoT Video: sensors on critical pumps can feed a system to help technicians or operators identify when failures are pending and improve energy efficiency. A major U.S. refinery will host a pilot pump diagnostic project, similar to an NIWeek 2016 stage demonstration held on Aug. 2. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) demo highlighted collaboration among Flowserve, PTC ThingWorx, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and National Instruments. It builds on a 2016 NIWeek augmented reality demo using a highly instrumented mountain bike.
Engineer your best effort, today
The most powerful human emotion is regret, so don’t procrastinate in doing important things with your engineering teams; instead “pre-crastinate,” getting important, nonurgent things done early, according to Mike Lipkin, a motivational speaker with the Environics Research Group, at the 2016 Connect conference from Schneider Electric in May.
Help with IIoT, digital manufacturing
Why organizations are helping with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industrie 4.0, and digital manufacturing: No one wants to miss opportunities to accelerate.
Advice on integrating legacy technology with IIoT
Think Again: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) methods can help increase quality, throughput, and cybersecurity, while decreasing unplanned downtime, according to the opening panel discussion and keynote at the Industrial IoT USA conference in Chicago. This includes benefits for connecting to legacy equipment and predictive maintenance.
Control Engineering Salary and Career Survey, 2016
Control Engineering research shows nearly a 5% increase in salaries among respondents to an average of $94,747; analysis of salaries by years with employer shows upward salary pressure for engineering new hires. Respondents continue to indicate they like their jobs, by more than 80% this year, but financial compensation is becoming more important, as the economy is seen as the biggest threat by far to manufacturing today.
Engineering career advice from the 2016 Control Engineering salary survey
Many subscribers taking the 2016 Control Engineering salary survey provided write-in advice about engineering careers; education, workplace strategies, and project management are among engineering tips and reminders.
Think Again: System integration, networking for machine tools
Application examples: Machine data integration saves time and increases throughput, according to Mazak; technologies being demonstrated in the plant may be offered on future machines for better asset utilization, among other benefits.
Building a 2020 control room
Think Again about this application example: a control room designed for 2020 attracts young engineering prospects, among other benefits. See five control room design challenges and three control room design tips.
Disruptive opportunities
Think again: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 models bring disruptive opportunities to manufacturing and other increasingly automated industries, augmenting human productivity. Five years from now, will you be grinding in first gear while your competitors innovate in overdrive?
Enabling IIoT requires communication protocol translation
As implementations of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 frameworks commence, network communication protocol translations are needed; Hilscher is providing network gateways and other communications from the plant floor to the enterprise and cloud for manufacturing data analysis, as company executives explained to Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, and Oil & Gas Engineering publications recently.
What we learned about engineering communication
Think again about engineering communication and advice: Listening attentively is a learned skill; key phrases such as “what we learned” provide clues about where special attention is needed. Heed this advice on knowledge creation, automation investments, and cyber security from automation and control experts.
Automation vendors: Connect and interoperate, or someone else will
Automation and controls vendors need to connect and interoperate in ways that will quickly facilitate benefits touted by the Industrial Internet of Things and Industrie 4.0 frameworks, or other suppliers will make automation functions increasingly irrelevant, according to several end users and analysts at the ARC Advisory Group Industry Forum.
Quantified benefits of Industrial Internet of Things implementations
Automation experts already have been implementing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architectures for years, prior to calling it IIoT; benefits of digital manufacturing including less downtime, fewer defects, energy savings, and more new product introductions, as explained by Douglas Bellin, Cisco Systems Inc., at the A3 Business Forum, the day after the Cisco spent $1.4 billion for a cloud-based service company, Jasper Technologies Inc.
Engineers: Be disruptive in thinking, innovation
To really move ahead of the pack in engineering, encourage disruptive thinking. A lot is gained by creating new markets; little is gained by promoting incremental improvements, noted Luke Williams, New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business, at the A3 Business Forum.
When engineering a culture of service excellence, demonstrate the message
Engineering firms need to “inculturate” service excellence into their organizations by demonstrating important values through vision, involvement, and accountability, according to Dennis Snow, consultant and 20-year employee of Walt Disney Co. at the A3 Business Forum.
Top Control Engineering articles of 2015
Think Again: Salary survey and career advice, variable frequency drive help, process control tutorials, and help with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) are among the top 20 Control Engineering articles of 2015. Also see the top 20 rankings for 2015 and prior.
Webcasts for PDH credit
Control Engineering hosted nine Webcasts for PDH credit in 2015. Learn more about the Webcasts below and the topics that are becoming more and more relevant for engineers everywhere.
Get engineering-related professional development hours
No one I know waits until the last minute, but if they did, they might take advantage of nine free PDH Webcasts from Control Engineering offered in 2015 to satisfy year-end engineering training requirements.
How to select a controller
Think Again: Applications and controller options vary widely. Take care in selection, especially in the overlapping areas. Functionality matters more than a name. Do you need a programmable logic controller (PLC), programmable automation controller (PAC), industrial personal computer (IPC), or distributed control system (DCS)?
Universal programming software allows control of robots, servos, drives
The ability to program and control robots, servos, and drives with one software package is available with the Yaskawa Singular Control concept. Yaskawa’s MotionWorks IEC development platform uses IEC 61131-3 programming languages and motion function blocks that conform to PLCopen standards. The software was shown at Pack Expo 2015 in Las Vegas, demonstrating a Robotic Case Packing application.
Caution: Automation opportunities ahead
Think Again: It’s easy to be overwhelmed with data when trying to analyze input to create actionable information. Gather, analyze, and discuss, and then do. Let’s help each other along the way.
Automation system integration project management: Extra answers from the webcast
Back to Basics tutorial: Questions and answers follow related to the “Tips for automation system integration project management” webcast. Additional audience questions provide added advice and answers about automation system integration project management from experts in control system project management. See links below for a related story and the archived webcast.
CNC capabilities, simulations advance, with up to 30% time savings
Advanced controls and related software for computer numerical controls (CNC), used in planning and design through commissioning, can result in considerable time savings. One pilot project reduced three weeks work to three days.
Cyber-physical integration, saving children, 5G
Think Again: Automation, controls, and instrumentation are used for cyber-physical integration, saving children, and developing technologies for 5G wireless communications. Get inspired at an engineering conference and share what inspires you. See photo gallery, video link, and extra insights.
Artificial intelligence in manufacturing
Ask Control Engineering: What does artificial intelligence have to do with control engineering? Link to resources on artificial intelligence and situational awareness are provided below.
IIoT video: See on-machine sensor values in real time via Apple iPad
In an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) demonstration using a mountain bike tricked out with sensors and instrumentation, ThingWorx, a PTC business, revealed how an operator might see an industrial machine’s metrics in real time by looking through a mobile human-machine interface (HMI) or a head-mounted display. The NIWeek demo on Aug. 5, 2015, used myRIO embedded hardware programmed with NI LabVIEW.
Legal advice for system integrators, manufacturers
Think again about legalities: Attorneys provide company-saving advice for system integrators, automation firms, and manufacturers at the 2015 Control System Integrator Association (CSIA) Executive Conference.
Working with robots and without enclosures
Ask Control Engineering: What’s going on with collaborative robotics? Collaborative robots work in proximity to humans, often without enclosures. Robots can be retrofit with sensors or designed from the start to operate without enclosures, depending on the application and end effectors used. A number of examples were shown or demonstrated at the Automate 2015 show in March.
Data services, cloud platform, manufacturing analytics
Think Again: Increase data flow and analytics while decreasing risk of cyber security intrusions, by using services, according to experts in cloud-based manufacturing services, cyber security, and digital factories. These are building blocks of Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things.
Industrial robot trends and types
Cover story: Diversity of robotic trends, types, and programming advances make the use of robots attractive to consider in more applications and industries, and resulting innovations should benefit manufacturing. See 10 robotic software trends and 9 robot types.
Motion controls inside Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ
Application Update: Motion control with instantaneous redundancy backup propels the Cirque du Soleil production of KÀ, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The production includes a 140-ton stage that rises from below ground level, tilts 180 degrees, and rotates 360, while acrobatic actors fly, flip, dance, climb, fight, fall, and operate puppets while the stage is in various positions from horizontal to vertical.
What will automation, controls, and instrumentation look like in 2020?
CFE Media 5th anniversary: Representatives from the three 2015 System Integrators of the Year firms offer advice, looking 5 years ahead, in honor of CFE Media’s 5-year anniversary. These system integration experts share visions of where automation, controls, and instrumentation will be in 2020 and how to increase competitiveness along the way.
Four tips on automation and control integration
Think Again: Spend money on the right things, hire the right people, develop a common infrastructure, be nimble or die: these were among best bits of advice from the 2015 CSIA Executive Conference. See related video: "Redesign processes first, then apply automation to solve problems."
Create value with automation: Redesign processes first
Automation profitability tutorial: As controls and automation address the world’s greatest challenges, don’t just throw new technologies at tired processes. Redesign processes first for the greatest value, said Dr. Peter Martin, vice president business value consulting, Schneider Electric, at the 2015 CSIA Executive Conference. Control system integrators need to make value measurable, help industry focus on value, use automation to drive value, and consider automation’s real value. See related video: "Redesign processes first, then apply automation to solve problems."
Vision standards update: nine criteria help with standard selection
Inside Machines: Machine vision standards advance at the spring G3 meeting of the EMVA, AIA, JIIA, and VDMA machine vision associations; nine criteria help with selecting standards.
Control Engineering salary and career survey, 2015
Control Engineering research: While slightly less is expected for salary and significantly more for bonuses in 2015 compared to 2014, concerns about shortages of skilled workers remained highest on the list of challenges. This online report has additional graphics and details, with links to past research and related articles. NEW: Salary by engineering education, discipline, years, age.
Engineering career advice from the 2015 Control Engineering salary survey
Think Again: Many subscribers taking the 2015 Control Engineering salary survey provided write-in advice about engineering careers. Keep learning and mentoring, learn effective project management and communications, including the benefits of automation and controls engineering, are among tips and reminders.
ICS-CERT provides cyber security update on industrial control systems
When industrial control systems (ICS) are compromised by cyber security threats, the U.S. government provides a confidential way to share knowledge of the threat and get help. ICS-CERT helps mitigate cyber risk in control systems and embedded systems including vendor testing, on-site assessments, and training. Jeff Gray, with the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, outlines the latest industrial control system security issues and cyber security recommendations from the Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), at the 2015 CSIA Executive Conference.
How to get an automation project approved
Build a case to get an automation and controls project approved. Here’s how to gain approval for automation project capital expenditures. Such investments can reduce inventory, obsolescence, and expense; improve throughput, information visibility, and regulatory compliance; create faster return on investments (ROI); and enable world-class manufacturing, said Tom Braydich, Matrix Technologies, formerly with Campbell Soup, at the 2015 CSIA Executive Conference. See a 15-point ROI checklist.
Enabling efficiency in continuous control
These 7 signs of a continuous process could indicate that the ISA 106 standard may offer effective and efficient help for continuous control operations beyond the scope of ISA 88 (originally written for batch, but applied well beyond that) or ISA 95 (used to connect operations with enterprise systems), according to a Dow Chemical Co. representative. ISA 106 may be particularly useful for applications that may go years between restarts, such as various chemical and petrochemical operations.
ICS cyber insecurity: Not if, but when
Think Again: A major cyber security incident will happen to industrial control systems (ICS): not if, but when. Are you and your coworkers ready? Is your organization ready? Do you have the technologies, processes, and procedures ready at every level?
Future of machine vision for robotics
Engineers from Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. discussed technology advances needed for next-generation machine vision to help robotics and motion control. Suppliers in the room were listening, suggesting that this wish list of automotive robotic machine vision capabilities may be among future features, according to a presentation at the 2015 A3 Business Forum. Faster machine vision setup and recovery, better 3D tools, and offline simulation were among advances mentioned.
FieldComm Group collaborates on Foundation fieldbus, HART technologies, FDI
Post-merger planning of the Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation organizations focuses on reassuring members and users that support and investments in both communications technologies will continued and that the board, working group committees, and end-user council will balance interests of HART, FF, and FDI for devices, systems, and interface suppliers.
Motor and drive systems: Advanced motors, encoders, applications
Advanced motor and motion systems were discussed at the 12th annual Motor & Drive Systems 2015 conference and exhibition, Jan. 21, in Orlando, Fla., including an axial variable flux permanent magnet motor, dual axial gap wheel motors, electric 2-wheelers, intelligent encoders, magnetic encoders, and inductive encoders.
Engineer leadership with 8 pillars of trust
Use these eight pillars of trust to engineer more output and higher retention, greater productivity and innovation, higher revenue and lower costs, less skepticism, and better market positioning, according to David Horsager, business strategist for Horsager Leadership Inc., at the 2015 A3 Business Forum. See video with more tips online.
3 ways to tap millennial talent to engineer a next-generation workforce
Communication differences and workplace challenges have increased as more millennial generation talent integrate in traditional workplaces that have top-down organizational charts and unwritten rules about how things are done. Try to think more like a 3D networking grid with leaders in the middle, rather than a hierarchical chart, according to Seth Mattison, founder and chief movement officer for FutureSight Labs, and opening speaker at the 2015 A3 Business Forum.
Making better industrial connections in North American markets and globally
Harting, known globally for rugged industrial connectors, continues to expand into North American markets with radio frequency identification (RFID), industrial Ethernet switches, I/O connectors, board-level connectivity, custom 3D board level designs, current sensors, and cable sets.
Top Control Engineering articles for 2014
Think Again: What noncontrol people should know about control engineers, inside the competition to create the first PLC, PID tuning for a faster response, the future of PLCs, Microsoft Windows XP, and System Integrator Giants were among the top 20 Control Engineering stories posted during 2014, based on online traffic for the year. See article titles and descriptions below. Link online to each top 20 article, including 20 more most-read articles in 2014 that were posted in 2013 or before.
Software maturity levels can help improve software related processes
Ask Control Engineering: How can software maturity levels help improve software related processes?
Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things tools help streamline factory automation
Factories can become smarter through the application of tools used for Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things initiatives, according to Aurelio Banda, Beckhoff Automation. Banda, named president of North American operations (Beckhoff Automation LLC) effective Jan. 1, 2015, spoke to Control Engineering and Plant Engineering recently about manufacturing automation trends and tips.
Using control engineering to optimize processes
Did these 10 Control Engineering predictions or suggestions help optimize your processes in 2014? If not, why not? What’s in the way, and how can we help? We want to know. Online, link to a set of visions for the next 25 years.
Ethernet hardware webcast questions and answers
The Control Engineering webcast, Ethernet Hardware, Nov. 12, is available for archived viewing, and the system integrator who provided advice on industrial Ethernet hardware answered additional questions from the audience, below. This webcast is a Control Engineering Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP) accredited for 1 professional development hour (PDH).
Get a 20-year vision
Developments to watch: Manufacturing needs a wider view, well beyond next year. Do you have a vision of what things could look like 20 to 25 years from now? Do your competitors?
Advice on industrial Ethernet hardware and its application
A system integrator provides advice on industrial Ethernet hardware, infrastructure, design, devices, assessment, installation, and start-up, among other topics. See the information on industrial Ethernet hardware below and in a Control Engineering Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP) accredited webcast, where registrants can receive a professional development hour (PDH).
Fail on your way to a satisfying engineering career
Think Again: Youth, especially girls, need extra encouragement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. Are you doing your part to help girls fail in STEM? (“Did he really just say that?”) Let them know failure is OK on the way to a successful engineering career in manufacturing.
Control Engineering advice: 60 years and beyond
Think Again: Wisdom from the past helps us innovate for the future, adapting to educational needs of control, instrumentation, and automation systems, worldwide.
Changing face of the automation system integration industry
Growth and changing demographics of the automation system integration industry have influenced how system integrators have grown, specialized, and concentrated in specific regions and industries over time. Control Engineering 2014 System Integrator of the Year winning companies (Cogent Industrial Technologies Ltd.; Insist Avtomatika LLC; and the Automation and Control business unit at Wood Group Mustang) responded.
Thriving companies invest more in technologies, McGladrey report says
Thriving companies invest more in information technology, machinery, equipment, and research and development compared to companies holding their own or those in decline, according to Karen Kurek, partner, McGladrey LLP, citing “The 2014 McGladrey Monitor” report, at the Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit (GAMS), part of the Industrial Automation North America show at International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).
Use industrial Internet of things to propel automation investments, higher productivity
Interest in the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) seems likely to spur greater automation investments and, with that, greater manufacturing productivity, suggested Dr. Richard Soley, Industrial Internet Consortium executive director, at the Moxa Global Distributor Conference.
Industrial Ethernet physical layer design: Questions and answers
Additional answers about an industrial Ethernet network case study and about industrial network design are provided below, after the archived, 1-hour webcast: “A Network Foundation – Applied Case Study in Deploying a Reliable Physical Infrastructure for Process.” A link to the Ethernet network design webcast presentation is provided.
Nano sensors, everywhere
Think Again: Micromachining techniques are shrinking sensors, making devices less expensive with more capabilities. Microelectrical mechanical systems (MEMS) will evolve into nanoelectrical mechanical systems (NEMS).
Motion control and robotics integration
Controls for line-based motion control can be separate or integrated with robotics, depending on technologies used, connected networks, and sophistication of those involved.
Ethernet for automation
Get network infrastructure help, choose the right Ethernet protocol, get along with IT, and integrate. This Control Engineering July print and digital edition article integrates five online articles offering industrial Ethernet advice; link to each article here.
Most used Ethernet protocols
Table provides governing organizations and websites for the most-used Ethernet protocols among 200 respondents to the Control Engineering Mobility, Ethernet, and Wireless Study, November 2013. See also bar chart showing 16 protocols.
What resources could help with an engineering-related job hunt?
Ask Control Engineering blog offers links to resources that could help a subscriber with a engineering-related job hunt.
Pervasive sensing increases business visibility
Control Engineering International: Sensing technologies have a new role in business critical applications in process industries, suggested Peter Zornio, chief strategic officer at Emerson Process Management, at the recent European Emerson User Exchange, according to a recent Control Engineering Europe article.
Manufacturers can do a better job of planning for the future
Digital Edition Exclusive: A futurist said manufacturers could do a better job of planning, to lower risk and increase opportunities to gain competitive advantage. Proliferation of robotics, 3D printing, demographic changes, climate change, and government debt are among under-anticipated high-impact trends, suggested Richard Worzel, author of “Who Owns Tomorrow?” during his presentation at the online 2014 ABB Automation and Power World conference.
Developments to watch: Mobile microrobots
Future robots much smaller than Lincoln’s smile on a penny may locate cancer cells, enter, and deliver anti-cancer agents, or self-assemble into a structure, providing science-fiction-like advances in medicine, manufacturing, and other industries. At present, power and control remain two significant challenges, according to Dr. Igor Paprotny, assistant professor, University of Illinois at Chicago, speaking at Sensors Expo on June 25.
5 trends in wireless motion control
Robotics can be one of the beneficiaries of reliable wireless communications, according to a discussion with Rob Snyder, Rockwell Automation product manager, at RSTechED in Orlando.
Mobility apps should provide self-direction, portability, freedom
Mobile app design tips: Don’t replicate industrial human-machine interface (HMI) screens in mobile apps, advised Rockwell Automation. Enable, simplify, and do things you couldn’t do before when creating mobile app screens, according to presenters at RSTechED USA. See three pillars of user enablement for mobile apps and related video.
Microsoft Azure cloud platform connects with Rockwell Automation as first industrial partner
Microsoft Azure Intelligent Systems Service selected Rockwell Automation as an early adopter, the first partner in the industrial space, as part of Microsoft’s effort to bring greater connectivity to its customers, according to Barb Edson, general manager of Microsoft IoT commercial. Edson was the RSTechED keynote speaker for June 17. She said it’s not about billions of connected devices in the Internet of Things; it’s about connecting your things.
Rockwell Automation reworks production systems globally
Using its own products in 20 production facilities globally, Rockwell Automation is implementing SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) and Rockwell Automation software, replacing disparate customized, homegrown manufacturing execution systems that previously reported to as many as 5 ERP systems, at one location. Improvements are seen across the supply chain with 4%-5% gains in productivity per year expected, the company representatives said at the RSTechED USA conference.
Industrial network assessments
Industrial network assessments, tips, and advice: Is your legacy industrial network infrastructure ready for Ethernet, wireless, mobility, and other demands of today and tomorrow? Take this 4-question assessment, see 8 cabling issues, heed 3 implementation steps, avoid these pitfalls, and get help, if needed.
Ensure network availability in an industrial environment
These 9 tests show why you need industrial cables, rather than commercial-grade cables. Control Engineering International: Industrial grade cables can improve the long-term performance and reliability of industrial networks, explained Loredana Coscotin, product marketing manager for Industrial Cable EMEA at Belden, in a Control Engineering Europe article.
Developments to watch: Google Glass
Intelligence in your eyeglasses: Readability, interface, and batteries may take some getting used to and could benefit from improvements. Still, the idea behind Google Glass has a lot of potential. Have you tried them? Do you have a pair? See photos, short video clip, and add your comments.
ERP can improve project controls and bottom line
CSIA Executive Conference 2014: Plant floor automation and connected systems can be more efficient with mobile, social, and cloud technologies, using enterprise resource planning (ERP) as a enabling architecture, suggested Erik Johnson, vice president technical strategy, Epicor Software Corp.
Borrow, invest, expand, grow: Advice for system integrators
Manufacturing economics: System integrators should borrow until it hurts, invest in good employees and systems, and use this time of prosperity to expand, advised Alan Beaulieu, president, Institute for Trend Research, at the CSIA Executive Conference in April in San Diego.
Internet of things creates control engineering resources for distributed control
See extensive summary of Internet of things coverage from Control Engineering.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles: Microsoft Windows XP
Should Microsoft think again? The end of Microsoft Windows XP support and related topics remained hot among the Top 5 Control Engineering articles posted weekly on www.controleng.com in April.
Developments to watch: Will one super network end Ethernet wars?
Could the IEEE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) effort unify industrial networks and fractured Ethernet communications? If it succeeds, it could boost productivity significantly to refocus time, effort, and resources on more productive things.
Industrial safety networks, security
Networked safety: Unify your design. You can do without a separate safety architecture. Industrial safety networks lower risk as needed, while simplifying automation for the plant floor or within a machine. Don’t forget security, which can impact safety.
World’s largest wind turbine test facility aims to resolve stresses of more wind generation
Clemson University created what it calls the world's largest 15-megawatt (MW) Wind Turbine Drivetrain Test facility to create new technologies for the energy market. The facility, which opened November 2013, uses National Instruments (NI) integrated hardware and software tools.
Remote device connectivity enables the industrial Internet of things
CSIA Executive Conference 2014: Internet of things (IoT) has grown to include all kinds of devices, internal and external to a manufacturing operation, according to a speaker at a CSIA Executive Conference session on April 24. Webcasts provide information on related topics.
Wireless mobility: architecture, apps, and tips
Webcast on wireless mobility covers infrastructure, hardware, software, and applications. Ask questions about wireless mobility in the last 10 minutes of the live webcast. Earn a professional development hour. The webcast and Q&A will be archived for viewing afterward. Link to related resources.
CSIA names award winners at 2014 Executive Conference
CSIA Partner of the Year Award, Rising Star Award, and the Charlie Bergman Remember Me Award were presented April 25 at the 2014 CSIA Executive Conference in San Diego.
CSIA 2014: Everyone has responsibilities for cyber security
Product suppliers, project service providers and system integrators, asset owners, and operators all need to be involved in cyber security, said Johan Nye, control systems commercial technology leader at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering, Fairfax, Va. Nye presented at the 2014 CSIA Executive Conference in San Diego on April 25.
ODVA suggests EtherNet/IP for process industries
ODVA advises process industries to migrate toward unified communications using the EtherNet/IP Ethernet protocol.
Software to go provides wireless mobility
Think Again: Mobile applications are allowing those in the control engineering profession to take software with them in smartphones and tablets. What kinds of mobile apps are available?
What if some machines still use Microsoft Windows XP after support ends April 8?
Ask Control Engineering blog: After April 8, Microsoft support for Windows XP ends. If you're still using it on April 9, there are extra precautions.
Developments to watch: Engineering can save train engineers
Control engineers should offer railroads simpler and more cost-effective systems to automatically slow or stop trains as needed to lower risk.
Getting to interoperable automation and controls
ExxonMobil is working with automation suppliers, incorporating standards, delivering interoperability, and lowering costs. You should do the same. Virtualization can help.
Dow Chemical site in Texas is named 2013 HART Plant of the Year
HART Communication Foundation names the Dow specialty chemicals plant in Deer Park, Texas, as 2013 HART Plant of the Year, citing improvements plant operations and capabilities for proactive maintenance, instead of reactive maintenance.
Use total cost to justify automation for reshoring
Video: Companies may be considering moving manufacturing abroad or reshoring manufacturing to produce closer to demand. Either way, ensuring that automation and other benefits and costs are factored in is critical to getting the numbers correct. Many companies may have missed criteria in their calculations, said Harry C. Moser, founder and president, Reshoring Initiative. Moser spoke at the January A3 business meeting and the 21st Annual Robotics Industry Forum.
Think again: Robotic expansion, efficiency, safety
If robots aren’t helping to expand your profitability, quality, and safety, why not?
What are you doing for eWeek?
Engineers celebrate their profession with eWeek activities, many aimed at exciting youth about what engineering can do for them, and for the world.
Mechatronics adds machine safety
Integrated machine safety: The study of mechatronics includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, control engineering, and computer engineering. Original equipment manufacturers need to manage the design process, integrate safety, and recognize mechatronic trends to stay ahead of the technology curve.
2014 ARC Industry Forum: Applying programming standards to system integration
Certified integrators are important for the implementation of PackML, according to Jeff Shiepe, project engineer at Nestle. In his presentation at the 2014 ARC Industry Forum, he toplined some integration challenges and lessons learned in a recent Nestle factory expansion.
Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: An explanation of the NIST framework
NIST’s Vicky Yan Pillitteri, at the 2014 ARC Forum, discussed the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and today’s release of the Executive Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
2014 ARC Industry Forum: Executive panel on millennials in the workforce
Industry-leading executives from Siemens, BASF, Emerson, Dow Chemical, and Comau Body Welding tackled an industry-wide challenge: attracting future engineers.
Developments to watch: Google gallops into robotics
Google expansion in robotics closes the control loop, bringing integrated sensing and actuation to the logic based in Google algorithms and other Google-owned businesses.
Invensys: advanced process control
Tom Kinney, vice president for optimization at Invensys, introduced the company’s new advanced process control (APC) offering, SimSci APC 2014, that extends the capabilities of traditional APC tools. The software adds Director, a powerful calculation language that allows the control engineer to add and build custom controller support functions. Kinney made the Feb. 10 announcement at ARC 2014 Orlando Forum. See video.
GE Intelligent Platforms manufacturing software
Bob Gates, market director of manufacturing, announced significant updates to GE Intelligent Platforms’ suite of Proficy manufacturing software and explained how these apply to the new realities of business potential enabled by the industrial Internet, at the 2014 ARC Forum.
Top Control Engineering articles, January 2014
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during January 2013 included: understanding pressure instrumentation, Schneider Electric’s acquisition of Invensys, Control Engineering predictions for 2014, using PID tuning to improve process efficiency, avoiding the worst control system ever, HMI display guidelines, 13 machine safety terms to know for functional safety compliance, and System Integrator of the Year, among other articles.
Engineering customer service: 3 ways tech companies can improve the customer experience
While most of us know great customer service when we experience it, learning how to improve it can be less obvious, especially for those involved in engineering and technology. A customer service consultant and former Disney employee provided advice in the opening session of the annual business conference for A3, RIA, AIA, and MCMA organizations.
Growth expected in 2014 manufacturing sector
The 2014 manufacturing outlook is positive, according to Dr. Helmuth Ludwig, CEO, Siemens Industry Sector U.S., who discussed manufacturing trends, such as digital manufacturing and big data, and strategies for continuing challenges, such as developing engineering talent.
How to maximize technology trade show investments
Analyze available data to help with booth design, plan far enough ahead, and use available organizational tools and advice from others, according to AMT and others involved with the 2014 IMTS trade show.
How can we get more young engineering talent?
Dear Control Engineering: How can we get more young engineers interested in applying for positions at our location?
Control Engineering predictions for 2014
Think Again: 10 predictions follow for Control Engineering subscribers in 2014.
Top Control Engineering articles for 2013
Award winning Control Engineering products, system integration, salary and career survey, PID and advanced control, cyber security, human machine interface of the future, optimization, sensing, motor sizing and efficiency, PLC programming, and motion control were among top 25 Control Engineering stories for 2013, based on online traffic. See the titles and description of each article below. Link online to each article, including 20 more most-read articles in 2013 that were posted prior to 2013.
Robots should be doing more than 2 or 3 tasks
If tools aren’t enabling more flexibility in use and expansion of robotics, then we need better tools. That’s what’s behind the ROS-Industrial effort from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). How does setting up a factory in a day sound?
Top Control Engineering articles, December 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during December 2013 included: building diversity in the engineering profession, System Integrator of the Year, tutorials on flowmeters and optimizers, project planning, data acquisition, control panel troubleshooting, automation tips, and more.
Top Control Engineering articles, November 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during November 2013 included: Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Award Finalists, PID math, artificial intelligence tools for sensor systems, SCADA technology, automated guided vehicles, plant-to-enterprise integration, technical training advice, cyber security, and more.
Control Engineering Digital Edition Exclusives, December
Control Engineering Digital Edition Exclusives provide additional information not included in the paper edition, this month with information on isolating high-speed data interfaces, crane controls, and automated guided vehicles.
Using the Automation Integrator Guide
2014 Automation Integrator Guide: How to use the guide to system integrators in print, online. At bottom, link to all the articles in this year's guide.
New options for material mixing
Application Update: Shaken, not stirred: drives and controls enable novel, impeller-free acoustic mixing. Benefits include wider variety of mixing actions, fewer components, servo motor regeneration and near power factor unity for energy savings.
Automate, integrate, optimize, and protect
Think Again: Automation needs to be interconnected, optimized, and protected. Here’s why.
Top Control Engineering articles, October 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during October 2013 included cyber security, Engineers’ Choice Awards, reasons high school students should choose engineering, Wonderware owner Invensys acquires Indusoft, PID math, robotics, and more. See links to each, below.
More industrial Ethernet spending, more productivity
Control Engineering research on industrial Ethernet shows that half of respondents expect to spend more and be more productive in the next 12 months. Ethernet is highly integrated with controls, automation, and instrumentation, according to 40% of respondents. See more Ethernet research details.
Ethernet case study advice: Take care with cabling and infrastructure, improve poor existing designs
A system integrator advises on the importance of correct cable installation and verification, Ethernet infrastructure design, and how to minimize the impact of an existing poorly designed network, based on three case study examples. See additional photos in webcast.
Enable floor to enterprise integration
Think Again: Automation and controls increasingly are being integrated with enterprise-level applications through the manufacturing execution systems (MES) and manufacturing operation management (MOM) systems.
Calendar 2013: shows, events, conferences related to Control Engineering
Shows, events, and conferences, through 2013, that may be applicable or of interest for Control Engineering readers include the following.
Greater manufacturing connectivity, communications
Harting connector systems and cables, circuit board connections, Ethernet switches, RFID systems, and circuits printed on 3D molded plastic were shown at the Harting annual press conference and customer event, highlighting current and future capabilities of the third-generation family business. See photo gallery at bottom.
Future of CNC
Beyond next-generation computer numerical controls (CNC), there may be virtual reality for CNC programming, advanced CNC intelligence, and advanced automation and programming for additive manufacturing and robotic assembly of microstructures. Each article has more information and images online.
Top Control Engineering articles, September 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during September 2013 included: Alarm management standard, IT vs. OT, automation upgrade help, Invensys acquires InduSoft, thermowell selection, motor shaft grounding, machinery directive help, help from IT, big structures from small interlocking pieces, human-robotic collaboration, automation justification, modular PLCs, and more.
Inspiration may take awhile
NASA says to persist in telling youth about the personal, professional, and global benefits of engineering. Think Again: Message synchronization with the intended targets may have unexpected latency.
Machine safety compliance: Who is responsible?
Who is on the hook for machine safety compliance? What standards apply? How will merging standards affect machine safety? What tools can help? A functional safety expert answers these and other machine safety questions.
Additive manufacturing used for hydraulic workholding
James Tool Machine & Engineering Inc. uses 3D printing for workholding manufacturing. North Carolina shop uses additive manufacturing to assist in the engineering and building of hydraulic workholding. The company president said the days are numbered for subtractive manufacturing processes (most cutting machine tools).
Top Control Engineering articles, August 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during August 2013 included: HMIs of the future, safety and collaborative robotics, servo sizing, additive manufacturing (3D printing), IT vs. OT, panel building, HMI alarms, industrial networks and PLCs, lean automation, and virtual reality for CNC programming, among others.
Automation justification
Automation ROI: For maximum return on investment (ROI) when deciding to automate, ensure systems can scale with an operation, evolve, and be redeployed for maximum return on investment. For a productivity boost, follow 6 key steps for determining when and where to apply or upgrade automation. Don’t automatically think commercial-off-the-shelf technologies are better than a lean customized solution. Finally, economical controllers and universal programming software can ease the point of entry.
3D design software top 10 features, simulation, visualization, electrical; helps with robot design
Dassault Systèmes announces SolidWorks 2014 enhancements including improvements in shape control, sketch enhancement, visualization control, sheet metal, features, simulation, and electrical project features. Rethink Robotics uses SolidWorks for development of content, design of parts for manufacturability, and to conduct design reviews, simulations, and stress analysis studies.
Dassault Systèmes acquires fatigue simulation software company
Safe Technology, based in the U.K., specializes in fatigue simulation technology to test and predict product durability. The software firm had worked with Dassault Systèmes’ Rhode Island-based realistic simulation brand, Simulia, for more than 15 years and is expected to enhance customers’ ability to predict and analyze product life quickly and accurately. Dassault Systemes also owns Solidworks. Purchase price was not disclosed.
System integration survey results show increase in spending for next year
Think Again: Control Engineering research report shows most survey respondents are involved in system integration, and they’ll be spending more next year. Survey respondents provide advice about system integration, below.
Control Engineering site redesign announced
Changes improve look and feel, moving more content above the fold, providing easier access to information of interest to the audience at www.controleng.com.
Human-robotic collaboration: What will OSHA say?
Safety lifecycle approach is best when robots and humans work in the same areas, say automotive and safety experts from Rockwell Automation.
Top Control Engineering articles, July 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during July 2013 included: System Integrator Giants of 2013, temperature sensor selection, future human-machine interfaces, Invensys sales talks, programming methods, top articles in June, when to automate advice, and industrial network selection, among others.
Integration, software advance product lifecycle management
Cover story on system design: Smarter project designs result from system integration and planning, collaborative software tools, systems-driven engineering, and agile, integrated programming. Descriptions and links follow.
Control panel before and after: Gain productivity with lean automation, connectivity
Get wired for efficiency. This video, photos, and text explain how a cabling system can speed control panel design and construction, with build-time control panel assembly savings of 60% or more.
Additive manufacturing: Disruption or evolution?
Either way, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) needs controls and materials engineers and technologies to increase speed, quality, and material properties related to these rapidly advancing machines, so think again.
NASCAR driver, an engineering major, appreciates high technology, charity donation
Vecoplan donated to a NASCAR effort that aims to deliver 500,000 lb of food and supplies to families in U.S. racing communities; the driver, an engineering major, and team owner of the #23 Vecoplan Ford Mustang toured a Vecoplan plant and noted appreciation for its high-tech biofuel and bioenergy products.
Lessons, opportunities from NASA
Think Again: Learn how to avoid failures and innovate, according to NASA experts involved in the Space Shuttle program and the in-progress Mars Curiosity robotic mission.
Top Control Engineering articles, June 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during June 2013 included: System Integrator Giants of 2013, SIS standards, PID math, industrial networks, human process control, industrial wireless networks, and switch selection, among others.
5 proactive CNC maintenance tips for holiday weekends
Avoid costly CNC equipment repairs. Perform these five simple, proactive maintenance steps during the holiday shutdown, advises Mitsubishi Electric Automation.
Top Control Engineering articles, May 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during May 2013 included: PID math demystified, lambda tuning, motor repair and replace advice, industrial Internet of things, maintenance strategy, safety integrated systems, mechatronics, project management, and robotics, among others.
Manufacturers seek benefits from increased connectivity
Rockwell Automation touts the value of the “Connected Enterprise” at its RSTechED event, a user and partner conference designed to highlight discrete manufacturing and process control collaboration tools and technologies, in San Diego, June 9 to 14.
Robots serve many industries
ABB Robotics Technology Days highlight broad range of automation technologies.
Industrial networks
Non-Ethernet networks might be specified for an industrial project for various reasons. See advice from five sources, including two system integrators, on what to consider when choosing an industrial network, including wireless.
Mechatronic designs blend power, electronics, mechanical systems
Pre-integration: Mechatronics pre-integrates power, electronic, and mechanical systems, using hardware, software, and networks to simplify design, lower costs, and speed time to market.
I’m having a ball at work
Think Again: Does that mean you are wearing a ball and chain, are juggling many things, or are having fun? See video summary of advice from Ted Garnett, president, Performance Resources Consulting, from the 2013 CSIA Executive Conference.
Will your automation business survive, thrive?
Accounting for engineers: Beyond engineering, system integrators and other automation and controls companies rely on non-operational skills, like finance, to stay afloat. Accounting can be obtuse, and a mid-market business can sink—unseen—into insolvency, without attention to key metrics, said Nick Setchell, CEO, Practice Strategies, at the CSIA 2013 Executive Conference. Video gives more advice.
Manufacturing in America targets next U.S. industrial evolution
Manufacturing advocates say manufacturing drives innovation; more than 70% of manufacturing leaders are optimistic about their own company’s future; mechatronics graduates start at $50,000; liberal arts average $43,000 to start.
Mechatronics designs can decrease the 25% cost of engineering for OEMs
Use of mechatronics—the convergence of power, electronics, mechanical systems—helps reduce the cost of engineering, which for many machines can account for 25%-30% of their cost.
Build OS-neutral, mobile interfaces for automation, monitoring, control applications
Opto 22 groov is a new system for building simple, effective web-based interfaces to monitor and control systems and equipment using computers and mobile devices. With only a Web browser, Opto 22 groov allows fast building and deployment of Web-based automation, monitoring, and control applications that work on most computers and mobile devices regardless of operating system. Optional app optimizes performance on mobile devices.
Book: ‘The Automation Legal Reference’ provides legal advice with wit, wisdom
A new book, a guide to legal risk in the automation, robotics, and process industries, by Mark Voigtmann, expands upon his legal wisdom, sound advice, and humor from the Control Engineering “Legalities” column.
Machine vision speed, quality, innovation
Advanced applications for machine vision in automotive, robotics, quality, and safety use hybrid technologies, vision for robotic or machine guidance and in-line part inspection, and 3D imaging. Technology and imaging standard advances help.
Safety: Risk management
Risk assessment and risk management plans help with industrial safety and machine safety efforts, using standards, processes, hardware, software, and continual education.
Achieve a higher safety performance level with EN ISO 13849-1
If you do not consider yourself as one of the early adopters of ISO 13849-1, is there still time to change to comply to the machine safety standards current requirements, and what does it involve?
Top Control Engineering articles, April 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during April 2013 included the following topics: PID tuning rules, April Fool’s Day article, salary and career survey, lower PLC software costs, remote I/O, robotic innovations and safety, lambda tuning, motion control, cyber security, and energy efficiency, among others.
Laser light sensor helps quality control
Pepperl+Fuchs laser light section sensor LineRunner LR300 can track corrections, do edge or gap measuring, provide volume determination, and do tolerance checks.
CSIA names officers, directors, award winners
Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) named a new chairman, directors, and award winners, at the CSIA annual executive conference. Piercarlo (PC) Romano was elected chairman of the CSIA board. Awards were given to Jeff Miller, Randall Powell, and MatrikonOPC.
Manufacturing competitiveness, innovation: National and personal
Think Again: Science, technology, engineering, and math professions earn 26% more than average; manufacturing contributes more innovation to the economy and accounts for 60% of exports, with 9% of the employment.
Control Engineering industrial wireless coverage
Wireless resources: Years of wireless industrial technology, tutorials, and case history articles from Control Engineering are gathered in one place for easy reference. Bookmark this page! Updated April 16, 2013, with more articles.
Hannover Messe 2013: Kuka introduces lightweight robot, gives rides
Kuka Robotics LBR iiwa, a lightweight robot that is “sensitive and yielding,” makes its debut at the Hanover, Germany, trade fair. Hannover Fair 2013 (Hannover Messe in German) has an integrated automation theme, and Kuka is integrating attendees in its exhibit, with rides on its latest version of Robocoaster (see video).
Top Control Engineering articles, March 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during March 2013 included the following topics: PID tuning evolution, salary and career survey 2013, remote I/O, model-based control, Statue of Liberty motion control, virtualization, robotic survival checklist, and cloud-based APC, among others.
Marketing for engineers
Think Again: 7 tips can improve how engineers market products, services, companies, and themselves. Link to Control Engineering videos with more advice.
Top Control Engineering articles, February 2013
Most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during February 2013 included the following topics: Plant-floor virtualization, robots vs. jobs, PLC vs. PAC, servodrive control, dynamic process simulation, intelligent field device standard, and cyber security, among others.
Control Engineering salary and career survey, 2013
Average annual base salary was $92,918 among respondents to the 2013 Control Engineering salary and career survey, with 70% expecting an increase and average bonus of $10,486. Best skills to get ahead are engineering skills, project management skills, communication and presentation skills, and computer skills. Other career advice follows.
Statue of Liberty rescue elevator project information
Grand reopening: Superstorm Sandy damage to the base has been repaired, and the Statue of Liberty reopens July 4. It was closed since November 2012. The Statue of Liberty rescue elevator project, part of a $30 million renovation, included the following project participants and product components.
Motion control: Statue of Liberty rescue elevator
Application Update: At the Statue of Liberty, the new fast, efficient rescue elevator features a smooth ride to the top, ensured by a motor drive, to improve safety, emergency access, and evacuation for the crown jewel of U.S. statues and tourist destinations.
New robotic safety regulations are pending
Robotics, subject to many safety regulations, are about to get a few more, addressing some technological advances for robots. See video summary.
Borrow now to invest, expand, economist says
To prepare for the next five years of growth technology, companies should borrow and invest to become more competitive. See video summary, with more advice included below.
System integration firm joins OMAC
Control system integrator, Patti Engineering, joins OMAC (Organization for Machine Automation & Control), an organization that provides expertise for machine automation, machine performance, quality, and reliability in manufacturing.
Rapid expansion of embedded systems helps manufacturing
Time-efficient design, greater energy efficiency, and higher machine vision performance are among embedded system advances that help manufacturing and other markets, said the National Instruments Embedded System Outlook 2013.
Career survival tips
Think Again: Automation design, economic, and career survival tips were among useful advice heard recently.
Checklist for robotic survival
Roboticists who ignore one or more of three principles when designing robots will fail, and many do. Six systems require attention for mobile robotics.
Hot technology jobs: computers, telecommunications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics
Next generation of innovative technology jobs will involve computers, telecommunications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics, according to Dr. Michio Kaku, American theoretical physicist, best-selling author, TV host, and keynote speaker at the 2013 Robotics Industry Forum.
CNC advances: Small grinding center offers big productivity boost
Machine design integrates efficient, error-free machining processes with integrated automation to produce small chucked components and help support an expanding automotive industry, Emag said about its VLC 100 G Vertical Grinding Center.
What’s the best engineering-related gift from or for an engineer?
Engineers can give good (or bad) gifts like anyone else. We want to hear about good engineering-related gifts you have given or received for various gift-giving opportunities.
Top Control Engineering articles, January 2013
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during January 2013 included the following topics: U.S.-manufacturing of medium-voltage drives, decentralized process control, a new engineering research center, 5 ways to enable the next generation workforce, automation programming, and Ethernet communications, among others.
Robots vs. jobs: Jobs win
Think Again: Smart applications of automation and robotics save and create jobs. Proposed Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation could advance manufacturing more quickly.
Universal Robots collaborate outside enclosures
Since Universal Robots launched in North America in September 2012, the user-friendly, lightweight robot arms from Denmark have been met with overwhelming interest from distributors and customers, the company said. Return on investment is 3-8 months; 80% operate without enclosures. Link to videos.
ROS Industrial aims to open, unify advanced robotic programming
Video: Multiple robots can be operated within one open-source programming environment, explains Shaun M. Edwards, senior research engineer, robotics and automation engineering section, Southwest Research Institute.
Eaton dedicates new innovation, engineering center
Electrical reliability, efficiency, and safety were key points of emphasis during a Jan. 9 ribbon cutting, tour, and lunch for Eaton employees, media, and other selected guests at the new Menomonee Falls Innovation Center. See photo gallery and video clip, below. Updated Jan. 16.
Top Control Engineering articles for 2012
Think Again: Control strategies, optimization, safety and security, and system integration were among top Control Engineering articles for 2012, based on online traffic. What advice here will help your 2013 be more productive?
Top Control Engineering articles, December 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during December 2012 included the following topics: best products, fixing PID, mobile apps, System Integrator of the Year winners and prior winners, System Integrator Giants, feedback controllers, VFD selection, HART communication, level control, and lean manufacturing, among others.
Yaskawa commemorates first U.S.-manufactured MV1000 medium-voltage drives
The Kagami-Biraki sake ceremony celebrates the start of U.S. manufacturing of the Yaskawa MV1000 medium-voltage ac drives, first in that series of drives to be built in Oak Creek, Wis., with an investment in manufacturing and testing in excess of $3 million. See photo gallery from the ceremony and plant tour, below.
Industrial computer company acquires system integrator
Mergers and acquisitions: Axiomtek USA expands North American operations with acquisition of the Suntron Embedded Computing Solutions (ECS) business unit.
Automation budgets: more than automation
Think Again: When considering an automation, controls, or instrumentation project, look beyond the price of equipment, software, and networks toward many extended, often unquantified, benefits.
Top Control Engineering articles, November 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during November 2012 included the following topics: Leaders Under 40, best products, mobile apps, feedback controllers, machine commissioning, System Integrator Giants, fieldbus project help, level control, project management, and lean manufacturing, among others.
Top Control Engineering articles, October 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during October 2012 included the following topics: Best products, HMI, mobile apps, motors, level control, system integrators, safety, PLCs, energy efficiency, and project management, among others.
PI North America meeting: Profinet growth, Ford Powertrain integration
Ford Powertrain expanded standardization of automation systems over the past five years; greater Profinet communications were part of the mix, said Mike Bastian, global controls manager of Ford Powertrain at the 18th General Assembly Meeting (GAM) of PI North America.
Headset computer, RFID system, rugged tablet computer
Motorola Solutions products, including a headset computer, radio frequency identification system (RFID), and rugged tablet computers, were among plant-floor and automation productivity tools at Rockwell Automation’s Automation Fair 2012 in Philadelphia, Pa.
Servo motor versus induction motor systems
Cover story tutorial: Choosing between permanent magnet servo motor or induction motor systems depends on application performance criteria. Consider this advice for the best fit. See more information and photos online, including comparative table.
RTU use expands, must make full use of advantages
Control Engineering International: Use of remote terminal units began in the U.S. oil and gas industry in 1980s and has expanded to electricity, environmental protection, heating networks, water conservancy, and long-distance pipelines. It expanded into transportation, metallurgy, petro chemistry, logistics, and agriculture. Control Engineering China asks a Chinese expert about RTU trends.
Automation supplier launches series of dedicated sites
Mitsubishi Electric Automation launches websites serving machine tool, automotive, packaging, and robotics industries.
Motor lineage, design knowledge help when choosing servo or induction motors
Webcast: In the Control Engineering RCEP Accredited webcast, “Servo vs. induction motors: Which should be considered for what applications?” information presented suggests that understanding motor lineage and motor design help with motor specification. See graphics.
Top Control Engineering articles, September 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during September 2012 included the following topics: mobile software applications for engineers, direct-drive rotary motors, industrial Ethernet article and webcast, best automation products, servos versus induction motors, PLC developments, danger of what you don’t know, largest system integrators, and level control, among others.
Automation service contracts: Extend in-house engineering
Remote support, distribution or direct, upgrades, and software are among key automation service contract considerations.
Trial by Fire: Behind the Iron Curtain, in the early industrial computer age
Stephen M. Buck tells of the early struggle to bring computer technology to behind-the-Iron-Curtain Communist Poland, in the book, “Trial by Fire: Tales from the Dawn of the Computer Age.” Excerpt follows.
Technologies inside: Power regeneration system, power not heat
Case study technologies: Briggs & Stratton worked with Rockwell Automation to develop a new power regeneration system that captures wasted energy, expects to save $50,000 per year, and modernizes data collection and control system using variable frequency drives, programmable logic controller, industrial energy management software, human-machine interface, and historian software from Rockwell Automation.
Video: Motion systems drive robotic dolphin
Case study: Quicksilver Control developed special motion control system software to control a robotic dolphin; 14 actuators were driven by a closed-loop step-motor controller. Link to videos.
Help wanted in manufacturing
Think Again: Why are 310,000 manufacturing technology jobs unfilled? If science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) positions are too difficult for the U.S. workforce, others will take those high-paying careers in manufacturing, and the U.S. will decline.
Applying industrial Ethernet
Cover story: Control Engineering, September 2012
IMTS 2012: Integrated motion of robotics, CNC
Siemens demonstrates Kuka Robotics integration for workpiece handling at IMTS 2012. Motion is controlled by Kuka mxAutomation software through the Siemens Sinumerik CNC, easing integration and operations.
Top Control Engineering articles, August 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during August 2012 included articles on the Mars Rover Curiosity, industrial Ethernet essentials, System Integrator Giants 2012, Engineers' Choice Awards 2012, PLC developments, simulator training helps operators, good motor decisions, level control optimization, among others.
Engineering industrial PC-based growth
Industrial PC-based controls in embedded PCs, HMIs, or integrated I/O modules will help manufacturing serve needs of expanding global middle class.
Inside the box
Think Again: Think out of the box, we’re told, but for many engineering applications, thinking inside the box might be more scalable. Learn what six pieces of automation design wisdom can mean for you.
NEMA standard helps with motor, generator selection
Motor and generator performance, safety, testing, construction, and manufacturing of ac motors, dc motors, and generators are covered in ANSI/NEMA MG 1-2011.
What’s the SIC code for Industrial Automation and Control Systems Integrators?
CSIA has advocated for a NAICS code for automation and control system integrators.
Automation to the rescue
Think Again: Productivity, resource management, energy efficiency, skilled workforce shortage—with many challenges, the cure remains smart applications of automation, controls, and instrumentation. See software usability poll results and advice.
Top Control Engineering articles, July 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during July 2012 included articles on system integrators, mobile device security, pneumatic actuation, a PLC Product Exclusive, video game influence on HMI, and industrial wireless communications, among others.
Operator interface in redesigned machine uses icons
A major machine redesign and automation upgrade included an icon-based human-machine interface that eased training and simplified machine operation, according to CMD Corp., an original equipment manufacturer of bag pouch and film converting equipment.
New Mars Rover Curiosity is bigger, better, more efficiently designed
NASA enters a new era in space exploration: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) using Siemens software shows how modern software technology is being employed to enhance competitiveness in the aerospace industry. See images; link to videos.
How legislation, politics affect automation, manufacturing
Siemens lobbyists explain how current politics and legislation influence manufacturing, automation, and controls, and how they’re trying to help make it easier for businesses to partner with clients. Collaboration to overcome uncertainties would be good for business. Discussions of taxes, trade, cyber security, Smart Grid, and other policies, follow.
Fighter pilot likes fight-and-win partners
Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, former combat decorated fighter pilot and businessman, told Siemens Summit 2012 attendees how it’s necessary to prepare for every mission, build courage to adapt to change and adversity, promote one team and one culture, and commit to excellence in business and in life.
Malt-O-Meal integrates safety, assessment process
Malt-O-Meal implements an integrated safety system and standard assessment process to help protect workers and enhance its commitment to sustainability. The food manufacturer used a safety PLC, adjustable speed ac, motor starters, energy management software, and an industrial Ethernet network to help reduce downtime and cut costs.
Technologies used for Malt-O-Meal integrated safety project
Safety PLC, adjustable speed ac drives, motor starters, and energy management software from Rockwell Automation, along with EtherNet/IP communications from ODVA helped reduce downtime and cut costs.
Top Control Engineering articles, June 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during June 2012 included articles on HMI and PLC integration, video game influences on HMI design, motor-driven systems efficiency update, wireless instrumentation video, and tutorials on thermowells and boiler drum level controls, among others.
Technologies used: Motion control system for Boeing 787 assembly
Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) worked on a Boeing final 787 body join assembly project, applying Siemens high-level Sinamics drives platform and Simotion motion controller system, failsafe CPU, and distributed I/O, running over a Profinet industrial Ethernet network.
Motion control system for Boeing 787 assembly
Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) uses advanced motion controls on Boeing final 787 body join assembly project. It uses a high-level drives platform and motion controller system, failsafe CPU, and distributed I/O, running over Profinet network.
Outstanding industrial wireless
From sensor networks to long-haul wireless, industrial wireless technologies bring outstanding savings to industrial automation and process control applications.
Industrial Ethernet switches: trends, applications
Control Engineering International: In February 2012, Control Engineering China sent control engineers a questionnaire about industrial Ethernet switch applications and trends; 375 readers from 20 industries responded; 63% expect to purchase Ethernet switches this year; factors hindering purchase included...
Modular, managed industrial Ethernet switches
Control Engineering International: Industrial Ethernet switches that are modular and managed include the following, according to a Control Engineering China March 2012 article.
Trends in automation software: Smarter, safer, more sustainable productivity
An integrated software architecture can help bring a machine online 30% faster. Production engineers can use one control platform for multiple processes and reduce switchover time by 25%, according to Rockwell Automation executives at RSTechED 2012.
Determination, preparation in software engineering
Sugar Ray Leonard offered advice for automation software users, system integrators, and engineers, as a guest keynote at the Rockwell Automation RSTechEd conference.
Flowmeter trends, applications
Control Engineering International: Control Engineering China (CEC) polled its online visitors about flowmeter trends, application, and use; 82% of respondents’ companies are buying flowmeters this year; better stability was the primary consideration. Next most important factors were...
Terepac, Rockwell Automation to deliver micro circuits, support Internet of Things
Rockwell Automation boosts Terepac micro circuit production for Internet-enabling small devices.
Holding company to acquire Intelligrated
Permira has acquired Intelligrated in a deal said to be worth more than $500 million. The investment will allow Intelligrated to expand North American and global operations, the company said.
Engineers gather at Sensors Expo
2012 Sensors Expo & Conference, June 6 and 7, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, offers engineers new technologies and training in sensors and sensors-related industries. The event has more than 150 exhibitors, more than 60 technical education sessions, and experts and innovators, with keynote addresses.
Top Control Engineering articles, May 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during May 2012 included articles on a video-game-like human-machine interface, process control and safety systems, data packets, VFDs, and engineering project management, among others.
Eaton Corp. to acquire Cooper Industries for $11.8 billion
Complementary products and markets in power management are expected to create opportunities for growth in the global electrical industry, Eaton said.
Video: Machine vision-motion system draws a line on quality
Pencil production via National Instruments shows synchronized integration of machine vision and motion systems.
Engineering project management: How Microsoft SharePoint and dashboards can help
Aggregating and sharing information from multiple sources helps motivate teams and deliver projects on time and budget, according to DMC Inc., at the CSIA Executive Conference.
Top Control Engineering articles, April 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during April 2012 included articles on process control and safety systems, mobile engineering applications, alarm rationalization, machine control, industrial energy savings, and machine guarding, among others.
Video: Tips for engineering maintenance and service contracts
Brief video outlines key advice for engineering maintenance and service contracts for automation, controls, or operations engineering, offered by Mark Voigtmann, general counsel for Control System Integrator Association (CSIA), and attorney with Faegre Baker Daniels.
Your best day today – Engineers get advice on communication, leadership
Think Again: Engineers shouldn’t downplay their communication skills or abilities to be dynamic business leaders, said Michael Allosso, communication specialist, at the CSIA 2012 meeting. Living your best day can inspire those around you to do the same.
Backlights evolution for human machine interface (HMI) panels
Technology Update: White LEDs show high-temperature advantages for touchscreen HMIs or operator interface backlighting compared to cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlit liquid crystal displays (LCDs).
Video: Productivity, networking, cyber security, energy efficiency
Raj Batra, president, Industry Automation Division, Siemens Industry Inc., explains (in the 2:45 minute video) key concerns and opportunities for manufacturers today.
Video: Integrated system benefits, screwdriver leads to design changes
By integrating systems, designs can be less complex and more energy efficient. Here are examples. Also learn how a screwdriver resulted in design changes that decrease downtime later.
Plant tour: Gaining efficiencies in mechanical drives
Look for operating and energy efficiencies and how to add customer value throughout the product lifecycle. These were among bits of advice for manufacturers gleaned from Siemens Mechanical Drives plant tours.
Factory tour advice
Think Again: Recent factory tours offer critical advice to help manufacturers gain efficiency, quality, and more.
Video: Proper context for automation modernization
Mike Caliel, president and CEO of Invensys Operations Management, explains what to consider when prioritizing automation modernization opportunities.
Field programmable power supplies have readouts, maintenance alarm
Product Exclusive: New AC Autotech Smart Power field programmable 30 W, 60 W, and 90 W power supplies from AVG Automation include built-in displays for current and voltage readout and pushbuttons for setting current limit. They can show operating life left, based on usage. See a video demonstration.
Top Control Engineering articles, March 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during March 2012 included articles on salary survey, mobile applications for engineers, field device networks, project management, and energy savings, among others.
Top Control Engineering articles, February 2012
The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during February 2012 included articles on best products, motor sizing, robotics, programming with UML, cyber security, PID loop tuning, career and salary survey among others.
Automation to go
Think Again: I’ll take my automation to go, please, and throw in a big helping of continuous improvement, productivity, quality, and optimization, with a side of safety and industrial energy management, thanks.
Control Engineering Salary and Survey, Advice
Career Update: The 2012 Control Engineering salary and career survey showed enthusiasm for automation, controls, and instrumentation professions. Pay is up, and survey respondents encouraged those interested in engineering to continue learning. Strategies for workplace success follow.
Industrial mobility: Information where needed
Industrial-strength mobility is happening with the manufacturing and IT workforce today. Embrace it, guide it, make it secure, or it may dictate how your business will change, suggested experts at a recent industry conference.
Robotics at Frito-Lay: Flexibility, adaptability needed
Salty snacks have different motion profiles than automobiles, and snack food manufacturing differs significantly from automotive manufacturing. Robotics can do much more for consumer goods and food and beverage applications, says a Frito-Lay engineer, formerly of General Motors. Robotic palletizing at Frito-Lay requires half the space and 25% lower cost than prior methods.
Nanosensors for machines
Back to Basics: Lower-cost nano sensing technologies are making their way into pressure, position, and motion sensors, transmitters, and power supplies.
If your 2011 was good, 2012 will be better
Outlook for automation growth in the U.S. is healthy for 2012, suggests Alan Beaulieu, president, Institute for Trend Research (ITR), a Jan. 19 presenter at the Robotics Industry Forum, AIA Business Conference, and MCA Business Conference, Jan. 18-20, Orlando, Fla.
Digital edition: Control Engineering upgrades to more interactive digital magazine platform
Control Engineering upgraded its digital edition software in January 2012 for faster and more intuitive navigation on more devices and platforms, delivering a more interactive subscriber experience.
Top Control Engineering Articles of 2011
Think Again: Most-read articles for 2011 on the Control Engineering website, www.controleng.com, include Engineers’ Choice Awards highlighting best products, plant performance reporting, advanced motors, controllers, human-machine interfaces, control panel safety, loop drawing, a major motor acquisition, DCS screen design, and direct-drive wind turbines, among others. Links follow.
Top Control Engineering articles, November 2011
Tutorials, cases studies, new products: What do you peers consider important reading on the Control Engineering website? What haven’t you read yet that you should? The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during November 2011 included articles on best products, robotic bowling, iPhone as and HMI, control panel safety, induction motor energy efficiency, and a fuzzy logic tutorial.
Think Again: Tax less, export more, educate technically
Council on Competitiveness recommendations also suggests leveraging R&D, and promoting energy and efficiency initiatives.
Think Again: Encourage smarter manufacturing policies
Manufacturing is the innovative lifeblood of U.S. economic prosperity. Tell policymakers that. Send them this link today.
Top Control Engineering articles, October 2011
Most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during October 2011 included how control engineers may not be following NFPA rules, Coriolis flowmeter market, getting parts for aging control systems, a control tutorial, PLC design trends, and surviving control system failure, among other articles.
Career advice for engineers
Think Again: Improve the next step in your engineering career and make your current job more fulfilling.
Think Again: Lead with interest, determination, faith
Educate our youth, be productive, invest in tools and training, show interest in those on your team, and engage in the political process, voting out those who do not compromise, advised General Colin Powell (Ret.) at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2011.
Top Control Engineering articles, August 2011
Most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during August 2011 included process and machine safety, wind power automation, plant performance, process control terms, rare-earth magnets, salary survey, PC vs PLC, making operators more effective, and award-winning products, among other articles.
Think Again: Control engineering technologies can save the world
Apply the control loop—sense, decide, actuate—to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering’s 14 Engineering Grand Challenges, giving the world a better, more just, future. See photos; link to related stories, videos.
Ethernet protocols used for industrial applications, governing organizations, URLs
List of protocols, governing organizations, websites, and other useful URLs and articles from Control Engineering follows, with a table of industrial Ethernet protocols.
Ethernet-enabled mobile communications reduces corporate travel
Ethernet communications streamline access into manufacturing operations and machinery. American Axle & Manufacturing regularly accesses 25 facilities globally via a Blackberry.
Sensor selection: Consider more than capital costs
Spending a little more time, effort, and money in sensor selection can pay off significantly in the lifecycle costs of the sensor or switch, according to Honeywell Sensing and Control. Tips and Tricks: Learn the five misconceptions about sensing.
Legacy network connections
Consider these points when blending network upgrades and connecting to legacy networks.
When buying a CNC, what should I consider?
If I'm buying a new machine with CNC controls or retrofitting an old one, what are some questions I should ask prospective vendors? See our advice and leave your own tips.
Computer Numerical Control: CNC Faceoff
When choosing computer numerical control (CNC) technologies for new or retrofit machinery, use this checklist to help compare capabilities. Look for faster program processing, easier integration and use, and customization capabilities. See checklist, related article links. Engineering interaction: Leave your advice.
Think Again: Reach deeper for engineering inspiration
You don’t need to be faced with death in space to reach deeper, do more for humanity, inspire others, and be thankful for every moment. 7 lessons follow.
CNC outlook: making tracks in midrange products
Easier CNC programming is creating growth in midrange computer numerical control products, said Siemens Industry. Advanced features, once available for high-end CNC tools used for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications, provide competitive advantage to a wider range of machine tools.
Engineering inspiration: NASA’s Linenger challenges us to reach deeper, do more for each other
You don’t need to be faced with death in space to reach deeper, do it right, inspire others, and be thankful for every moment, said Dr. Jerry Linenger, retired U.S. Navy flight surgeon and NASA astronaut. See photos, related links, including letters to his son. He spoke to more than 1,400 engineering-minded participants at the RSTechEd 2011 conference on June 14 in Orlando.
Robotic legs, motion control: Advances exceed some human capabilities
Smart prosthetics, including robotic replacements for human legs, meet and exceed some human capabilities, and advanced sensor developments will soon close the control loop between humans and robotic limbs, said Dr. Hugh Herr, biomechatronics researcher and professor, MIT Media Lab. See photos. Link to video.
Top Control Engineering articles, May 2011
Most visited articles at www.controleng.com during May 2011 included interactive plant performance video, PC versus PLC: Comparing control options, advanced motor design, power plant control system software, industrial wireless coverage, industrial robot control, and award-winning products, among other articles.
Think Again: Improving networking and energy use
Energy measuring, monitoring, and optimization are hot, and industrial network organizations want to help control energy information. See diagram.
Think Again: Time for automation system integration
Gain efficiency through tighter control system integration. Ensure you're doing all you can to work effectively with system integrators.
Think Again: High-technology job security
Investing more in R&D and business reforms would move us ahead in areas we should dominate; we still have high-tech work to do.
Think Again: Engineering greater onshore efficiencies
Consider all costs when considering offshoring. Automation and other advanced technologies make a local smartforce more profitable.
High Performance Industrial Networks
Demanding applications require high performance network protocols that are synchronized, with millisecond updates and jitter at a microsecond or less. Topology and configuration ease also are important, respondents to a Control Engineering survey said.
Think Again: Control Panel Design Winner 2010
The Think Again column for June/July 2010 Control Engineering highlighted the winner of the 2010 Control Panel Design contest. Link to all four finalists, and learn how to submit a tutorial video. The 2010 winner of the Control Engineering Control Panel Design Contest is Specialty Tooling Inc., Evansville, IN.
Siemens Automation Summit: Cost-effective ways to reduce risk, limit cost, improve effectiveness
As U.S. manufacturing roars back to life, resolving engineering challenges and maximizing return on investment were among goals of Siemens Automation Summit and the Siemens Answers for Industry Conference, in Charlotte, NC, June 8-10, 2010.
Motors, power control: Honda EV-neo could deliver beer by Dec. ’10
Green beer will roll in Japan in December 2010, courtesy of Honda's integration of a brushless electric motor, power controls, a Toshiba lithium-ion battery in the Honda EV-neo electric scooter.
Manufacturing: Get lean, flexible, and improve product flow
Baldor Electric Co. has been improving its manufacturing processes as it integrates people, processes, manufacturing capabilities, and best practices in a "Lean-Flex-Flow" initiative after several major acquisitions.
10 network troubleshooting tips from Fluke Networks
Experience, coupled with good tools, help with industrial network troubleshooting. Here are 10 things to watch when installing or troubleshooting copper (twisted pair) and fiber optic cabling networks, according to Fluke Networks.
Engineering in Balance – 2010-03-10
This month's Control Engineering "Engineering in Balance" cartoon laughs at what some of us might think of upon seeing an large industrial flat-panel display. Also link to control room and HMI resources from Control Engineering.
Engineering in Balance – 2010-02-23
Cartoon by Control Engineering asks, "What comes after closing closed-loop control?"
FreeWave: Integrators IO Solar Kit makes wireless SCADA communications easier
Wireless, solar-powered SCADA integration kit from FreeWave Technologies, speeds field setup of wireless radio systems.
CSIA makes system integrator audit criteria available on redesigned site
Control System Integrators Association publishes its CSIA certification audit criteria on a reorganized website.
Applications, lifecycle are I/O concerns, Rockwell Automation says
Resolving application-related issues and total cost of ownership are among customers' I/O-related issues, says Rockwell Automation. Allen-Bradley 1762 I/O modules offer high density MicroLogix expansion.
I/O modules: Find the right mix, says AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect says I/O buyers are challenged to find the right mix of discrete, analog, and high speed I/O modules and remain within budget.
Beckhoff Automation: Use PC-based control, not PLCs; here’s why
Machine builders and end-user specifications need to forget PLCs; PC-based controls are smaller, faster, more flexible, and more economical, Beckhoff Automation says.
Engineering in Balance – 2010-01-16
Think you have an alarm problem? Look at this cartoon.
Top 20 Control Engineering articles of 2009 at www.controleng.com
CNC technologies for aerospace, Engineers' Choice Award human-machine interface coverage, control panel design tutorial videos, and robotics used in the Terminator movie were among the most visited Control Engineering articles in 2009. Below are links to the top 20.
Top 5 Manufacturing Business Technology stories for December 2009
Handheld computing, supply chain integration, social media impact, getting value from information technology, and digital design software were among leading concerns.
Wireless advantages increase with IEEE 802.11n, say Rockwell Automation, Cisco
IEEE 802.11n wireless protocol has throughput up to six times existing wireless networks, better packet retry handling, and backward compatibility, according to Cisco and Rockwell Automation.
Wireless: No doubts about IEEE 802.11n advantages, say Rockwell Automation, Cisco
IEEE 802.11n wireless protocol offers industrial automation networking applications better performance for control, said Rockwell Automation and Cisco at Automation Fair. Graphs are provided on protocol performance.
Research: Manufacturers explore social media benefits for ERP
Enterprise resources planning and social media will provide value when integrated, according to 63% of those surveyed in a recent study conducted by Reed's RBI Interactive Research Group on behalf of IFS.
Photo gallery: Photovoltaic solar array project at Schneider Electric Palatine headquarters
Photos of Schneider Electric photovoltaic (PV) solar farm project show the 29 poles with 232 modules that produce 60.5 kW. Link to related story with PV project tips from the project manager along with more details from Schneider Electric.
Manufacturing is the core of U.S. economic success
Productivity has more than doubled in manufacturing in last 20 years, which is a boon for competitiveness, wages, and the rest of the economy, says Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI.
Manufacturing remains the core of U.S. economic success
Productivity has more than doubled in manufacturing in last 20 years, which is a boon for competitiveness, wages, and the rest of the economy.
Power vampires: Need a more energy efficient design?
Makers of integrated circuits offer guidance and tools so device manufacturers can upgrade designs, avoiding power vampires that drain power.
System integration: Improve processes, then update, integrate new automation technologies
Upgrading processes sometimes can be the best course of action prior to applying the latest in automation. S&C Electric explains how it improved workflow, quality, attitudes, and safety.
How to manufacture a 5S program for your facility
Changing processes in a lean, consistent way can improve workflow, quality, attitudes, and safety, according to S&C Electric Co. experiences.
ISA88, batch control standard, Part 1 revision nears completion
ISA88 Batch Control Part 1 revisions are out for vote, and the three-year revision effort may be finalized by early 2010. ISA88.01 Batch Control Part 1: Models and Terminology was originally passed in 1995.
Intel: Seven steps to a lower-cost supply chain
Setting up a part-time all-star supply chain team helped create collaboration needed to drive down supply chain costs to support Intel's new lower-priced Atom processor family. Now the successful approach is being applied across Intel. Here's how.
Manufacturers may find wisdom in Wal-Mart retail supply chain strategies
Perhaps manufacturers would want to consider a best-in-market supply chain approach rather than best in class, to better meet customers' needs. Gary Maxwell, senior vice president of international supply chain for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said a best-in-market approach requires...
Supply chain management tips: Align business strategies, apply advanced technologies
Supply chains operate best when closely aligned with business strategies and advance more efficiently with partner collaboration. Audits of supply chain management based on standards can add value. These are among points of advice for those attending the CSCMP Annual Global Conference 2009.
New proximity sensors designed for manufacturing
Manufacturers of proximity sensors are among those showing new products at the Design & Manufacturing Midwest show, Sept. 22-24, in Rosemont, IL, including Balluff, Banner Engineering, Carlo Gavazzi, and Turck, among others. See related proximity sensor tutorial videos.
Online community aids ERP software development; more process control planned, IQMS says
Manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is getting more mobile, evolving more quickly, and integrating more tightly with manufacturing processes, IQMS told Manufacturing Business Technology. IQMS designs, develops, and implements manufacturing ERP software.
By the Numbers: firewall, green certification, encoder errors, fast computing
Engineering related numbers this month include a zero configuration security module, anniversaries, green manufacturing certification, and fast computing.
Machine safety advice: Think beyond the safety device, Rockwell Automation says
Are you ready for the new machine safety concepts in the European Machinery Directive mandate? Functional machine safety is moving beyond compliance to consider and promote profitability, productivity, and sustainability.
Industrial economic indicators improve in July, August
Several industrial economic indicators show improvement in present and future conditions, according to NEMA, Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), The Conference Board, and others, in July and August 2009.
System integrators list professional affiliations in the 2009 Automation Integrator Guide
Among 1,878 system integrators included in the Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide, ISA is the single most cited professional affiliation followed by IEEE, CSIA, and others. See table and links to system integrator annual revenue, corporate affiliations, engineering specialties, geographic areas served, industries served, and product experience.
Basics of PLC 61131 programming with Wago CoDeSys software
Wago-I/O-Pro CAA is the Wago version of CoDeSys (Controlled Development System) by 3S Co. Here are some basics about how it works.
Wago industrial control seminar: Implementation tips for I/O-based controllers
Industrial control technologies, issues, and techniques are covered in a Wago industrial control seminar. Seven students used hardware and software with the Wago I/O System to advance IEC 61131 programming skills using CoDeSys.
System integrators list leading industries served in the 2009 Automation Integrator Guide
Food and beverage industries are served by 51% of the system integrators in the Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide, which includes information from 1,878 system integrators. Other industries are...
National Instruments leaders give U.S. economic engineering advice
Three leaders from National Instruments offered U.S. business leaders advice about how to thrive as the country moves out of recession.
Engineering company executives provide U.S. economic advice
Three National Instruments leaders offered U.S. business leaders advice about how to thrive as the country moves out of recession. The engineering-minded executives also suggested ways U.S. policymakers, economists, and financial wizards might avoid future economic disasters, in an Aug. 4 discussion.
Industrial network selection advice from Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation talked to Control Engineering recently about industrial network selection. The following answers are from Steve Zuponcic, manager, IA Solutions, commercial engineering, Rockwell Automation.
System integrators cite product experience in the 2009 Automation Integrator Guide
Brands from Rockwell Automation, Siemens Energy & Automation, Schneider Electric, and Invensys were listed most frequently among system integrators, according to the Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide, which includes information from 1,878 system integrators.
Apollo moon launch, landing 40th anniversary: Lunar X Prize robots, NASA Constellation will return
As NASA celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first moon launch and landing with videos, audio podcasts, photos, articles, and history on the Apollo mission page, Control Engineering looks at current and future robotic, instrumentation and automation technologies applied to lunar exploration. Links, images follow.
Wireless: Invensys, Wonderware look at OEM, end-user adoption
While customers of human-machine interface (HMI) software and process controls differ in their wireless understanding and abilities, users understand that wireless industrial applications will continue to expand, say two Invensys experts.
Wireless: Honeywell develops products to the ISA100.11a standard
ISA100 Wireless standard has various parts in development, focusing on varied industrial needs. Honeywell is developing products for the ISA100.11a standard, company says.
Wireless security: Moxa offers WPA2 Personal and Enterprise
Among wireless options, Moxa Technologies currently supports WPA2 Personal and Enterprise, good for security, the company says.
Wireless: Kepware can make up for less-than-stellar connection
Kepware protocols communicate over many infrastructures, wireless being one of them. Wireless communication is helped with a quality communications product.
Wireless: Initial focus is WirelessHART, says P+F
Initial wireless focus for Pepperl+Fuchs is WirelessHART, though P+F also is open to ISA100.
Wireless: Banner Engineering working with Nivis to offer ISA100, WirelessHART
Banner Engineering is evaluating a solution to support ISA100 and WirelessHART through a relationship with Nivis.
Wireless: Opto 22 supports global standards in products
Opto 22 says support for IEEE 802.11a, b, and g increases wireless design flexibility.
Sensors Expo photo gallery: Olympic torch, power harvesting, wireless demo
See how accelerometer and software make images in the air; harvest power with a device smaller than a cellphone; many wireless demos, including application hosting.
CIP networks: 24 V dc power with Ethernet specification expected in April
End-users can face incompatibility when designing and deploying 24V auxiliary power on the factory floor. In response, ODVA, keeper of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) networks, is creating a 24 V dc "Power with Ethernet" specification to help power e-stops, I/O sources and devices, actuators, and controllers. Link to diagram, related stories.
Making connections: More work for Harting, less effort for customers
Connections are catching on, creating more business for Harting’s 110,000 ft2 North American facility here and other manufacturing and assembly sites in Europe and Asia. The desire to make reliable connections more quickly is feeding demand, including power, pneumatics, and industrial communications, such as industrial Ethernet hardware, managed and unmanaged designs, inside, in-between, and outside enclosures.
Your comments on ISA-88 PART 5
Products will flow more efficiently from production through packaging, as those on standards committees and others continue to refine the details of ISA-88 Part 5. Machine builders, users, automation vendors, system integrators and others are providing input for “Batch Control Part 5: Working Draft 03, June 2007” via the “Comment Form, Working Draft 03, June 2007,” avail...
What’s Your RFID Spin?
Supply chain mandates for use of radio frequency identification device (RFID) technologies put control engineers in a position of strength, since engineers have long seen RFID more as a benefit than a cost. Two approaches continue to be underway in many facilities. One is the “slap and ship” concept, where the lowest-cost RFID tags (transponders) are applied to comply with requireme...
Online supplier search casts wide net, narrows search
Sourcing the right components for a project and finding the right suppliers can be a major challenge in any project. Years of Control Engineering printed Buyer's Guides have helped subscribers accomplish that. This year, we're saving trees (except for this page) and pointing to the online resource, www.
Functional Specifications
If you don't know what you require and don't document it, you're going to get whatever someone thinks you require. Process engineers sometimes mistakenly believe control engineers should be able to develop automation/control logic based on the content of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
CNC Programming
The machine tool world is working with a 50-year-old programming paradigm (based in G code) that needs an update to take advantage of interoperability capabilities to allow easier data exchange with other software, rather than re-entering or recreating information. Plus, there's no standard means to quickly optimize tool usage via design parameters that decide which machine(s) can run the job m...
Rugged network connectors
Myriad industrial network options are only exceeded by the styles and brands of rugged connectors—designed to protect the points linking measurements, logic, actuation, and points in-between and beyond. Robust network connector design can vary by network type (fieldbus, device bus, sensor bus), application, industry (such as electronics, robotics, or nuclear), manufacturer, and standards ...
‘Ethernet’ isn’t a protocol; something needs to run in the wire
Installing industrial Ethernet requires selecting one or more protocols. Because application requirements differ and because vendors invest more in one technology than others, multiple protocols have emerged to operate through the Ethernet physical media. Using an Ethernet protocol in a manufacturing setting—often with rugged components—is called, generically, industrial Ethernet.
Healthy Machines
'Excuse me, I'm not feeling well: slowing here, running hot there. A few non-critical errors are cropping up, and my cutting edge is getting dull. Don't push me past 93% capacity, if you're relying on me. At 85% though, I guarantee I can last another week before I call in sick. May I please e-mail the doctor now with a list of my needs?" Few human assets provide that kind of information.
Enclose as Needed
To enclose or not to enclose, that is the question. So perhaps the decision isn't a Shakespearean epic, but it could be a tragedy nonetheless if you pay to enclose when you don't have to, or don't enclose and shorten the life of what you're installing... or that of the nearby operator. Greater options for distributed controls bring greater responsibilities for protecting assets where they're lo...
I/O Modules
I/O modules are applied most often as a slot in a PLC system or as distributed I/O systems; slot PLC connections saw the largest growth. Top five connecting communications are Ethernet, 4-20 mA, Modbus RS-485, DeviceNet, and wireless protocols. And, overall spending in the next 12 months will equal or top this year's spending for a whopping 94% of respondents to a recent Control Engineering sub...
Assess Risk
"Just tell me how I'm supposed to build the stuff to comply with current safety requirements and avoid injuries, fines, and litigation." That's what engineers want to know. Yet most recent safety regulations add flexibility, especially for discrete manufacturing applications, where applying the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) concept is relatively new.
Micro PLCs
So do you need a micro PLC or a PAC (programmable automation controller)? What's the difference, and, if you do want a programmable logic controller, what designates a "micro PLC," and do traditional monikers still apply? It may be that the functionality a controller brings from automation design through implementation, use, repair, and upgrades is more important than the type of controller.
Safety PLCs
When is a PLC a safety PLC — and how does it work? Find out more about safety PLCs vs standard PLCs from the experts at Control Engineering.
Adjust Quality in Real Time
In discrete applications, automation systems and quality control systems are often separate, producing a time lag between quality analysis and actual production. Wouldn't it be great to monitor quality information in real time and feed corrective instructions back to the control system in a closed loop before the production line makes a bin-full of scrap? Process control has been doing just th...
Loop Controllers: Lone Logic is More Connected
Stand-alone loop controllers, desired because of cost and simplicity, still need to collect and report data, even if they operate outside of a larger control system. External and peer-to-peer communications are the most important traits in such controllers, after ability to do PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control.
Sensors: Getting into Position
What's the right position sensor for a particular application? It depends on required precision, repeatability, speed, budget, connectivity, conditions, and location, among other factors. You can bet that taking the right measurement is the first step to closing the loop on any successful application. Link to related videos.
Industrial Ethernet: Powerlink, EtherNet/IP
At least eight organizations represent seven Ethernet protocols targeting industrial networking applications. Here are updates about two Ethernet protocols: Ethernet-Powerlink and EtherNet/IP. Information on other industrial Ethernet protocols can be viewed in the "Online Extra" addition to this article, below.
Spring into expansion
Creation reaffirms life, faith, and industry. With the need for hope in human endeavors, we tend to rejoice with rebirth and growth. Now that spring's in full swing, I'm really looking forward to summer. (Maybe I'll reconsider after a few more times cutting the grass, but smells great now.) Here are three other hopeful transitions underway.
Machine Vision Looks Well Beyond Inspection
Depth and diversity of applications show machine vision's strength beyond its dominant use for inspection. Also, overall purchases are expanding. About 35% of respondents expect machine vision purchases to increase over the next year, with about 54% expecting about the same amount spending, according to research by Control Engineering/Reed Research Group.
Transmitter enables predictive maintenance for machinery health
A typical process plant houses 2,500 machines—60% of which are motor-pump combinations—and mechanical failures in these machines cause 43% of plant incidents. Real-time, online, field-based information is sorely needed to protect assets, especially as more equipment experts retire.
Machine Retrofits and Safety
Controls and hardware on many machines continue to work for 10, 20 or more years, well past the time when cost-effective replacement parts or clear migration paths are readily available. And automation vendors have bent over backwards to support the installed base. But in many cases, enough is enough, and the time is right for replacement because components are becoming obsolete, more productiv...
Enclose and protect
End-users and OEMs enclose sensitive control equipment and instrumentation to protect against environmental hazards. Enclosures also make equipment safer and more convenient, suggests product research from Control Engineering/Reed Research Group. On Oct. 5, 2004, an e-mail survey was sent to Control Engineering subscribers to learn about the protection used around computers, programmable logic...
PLCs become small, fast, smart
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are the logical choice for many control applications and, like many technologies in automation, continue to shrink in size, increase in function, communicate more, and integrate well with other forms of industrial computers. For these and other reasons, Control Engineering subscribers plan on buying more PLCs in the coming year, according to those respondin...
10 Design Tips for Machine Control
How many times have you used something and wondered if the engineers who designed the product ever used it? To make life a little easier for anyone working on a machine, here are 10 design tips in integrating the latest automation, controls, instrumentation, sensors, logic, and communications to save time and effort, and avoid getting (or giving) grief later on.
Broaden Expertise; Apply Proven Technologies More Quickly
Jerry Yen received his M.S. Physics in 1976 and M.S.E.E. in 1980 from Ohio State University. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He worked for Westinghouse Electric Co. for three years before joining General Motors Corp. in 1983. After joining GM, Yen designed and implemented image processing hardware and systems for manufa...
Machine Vision Investment Increases
The next 12 months will see larger investments in machine vision technologies that are easier to set up and use, lower in cost, and diverse in application. These were among findings in an e-mail/Web survey of a group of Control Engineering subscribers, who had previously indicated they specify, recommend, and/or buy machine vision.
Control Logic Strategies
Control logic options available for automation system design have expanded. When there were fewer alternatives for control logic, the path was clear, but with today's myriad options, where do you start? Consider these facts: Proliferation of microprocessors and related software allow logic to be centralized, decentralized or highly distributed.
Pile on the SavingsThis article includes Online Extra Material.
Measurements from automation and control sensors and attached equipment—such as pressure, temperature, vibration, and acoustic and fluid levels—have been collected on clipboards for years to help schedule maintenance. With enough analysis, formal or informal, predictive maintenance can take over for reactive or scheduled maintenance.
Lifecycle Environmentalism
European Union regulations have the world hopping to comply at the beginning and end of the product lifecycle, to design without banned substances and meet new disposal requirements. In addition to disposal payments, use of non-lead solder, and the redesign of injection molds to match flow characteristics of plastics without banned substances, those involved are defining and refining some vagu...
How to use this guide
Everyone needs project help now and again. To help you connect with the best automation system integrators, Control Engineering provides this annual print-based reference tool, and Control Engineering Online delivers the year-round Web-based guide to help provide exactly the expertise to help. 20 Directory of integrators This year's updated information, again delivered by Control Engineerin...
Reach for Machine Safety
How do you put a price on life and limb? Faster machinery, if well integrated, has potential to make more money. Downtime or lost time from machine-induced injury represents personal and financial loss for any operation. In the U.S. alone, 800 deaths and 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, and abrasions are attributed to machine-related incidents a year, according to U.
Simulate Your Embedded System
Video games simulate characters, environment, and storylines of many movies to maximize revenue related to your latest cinema experience. These include "Finding Nemo" and "The Matrix," among many others. Software applications simulate the controls and manufacturing environments of projects to maximize revenue connected with your latest automation experience.
‘See’ the Results
Seeing is believing, as the saying goes, so examine the following technology explanations and application tips to ease your next vision/bar-code implementation. The basics Bar codes in basic one-dimensional form are vertical lines of varied width and spacing (like those on packaged goods). More complex two-dimensional (2D) data matrix codes put more information in a 2D format.
‘Create’ more time
How difficult can it be to get everything done? After all, time is an integral part of our job functions. Time stamps improve repeatability and quality. Lag time influences how logic is shaped. We're asked to help reduce cycle times, apply real-time controls, and get closer to just-in-time delivery, where they make sense.
I/O Modules Get Smaller, Smarter
Just as all roads were said to lead to Rome, much of control engineering connects with I/O modules. People have strong views about their highways, and especially any crossroads. This crossroad is seeing traction in smaller footprints, embedded and distributed intelligence, greater communications capabilities, and easier installation, as well as scalability and flexibility.
One is Wide Open The Other is Open Wide
What does "open control" currently mean for control engineers and their widening sphere of influence? The meaning of open control varies widely, depending on time and application. It can involve standard interconnections among hardware and software and reach across the enterprise and supply chain. It also can refer to preservation and easy scalability of programming across platforms, and includ...
Bottom up or top down?
So should you incorporate a bottom-up or top-down philosophy for information integration, as part of your open-systems strategy? Microsoft .Net strategies have been seen as a bottom-up approach, reaching from the plant floor into higher-level enterprise systems, sometimes through middleware, provided by IBM and others.
Maximize the impact
Everyone wants the most bang for the buck; the highest return on investment; and the maximum impact for any effort. Doing that for customers inside and beyond our organizations requires understanding customer needs, in all interactions. A former customer has joined Control Engineering as publisher, providing an insider's perspective to help our global team of experts optimize Control Engineerin...
Certainty in uncertain times
During uncertain times, there can be comfort in things that change little. For some, it's faith-based—that there's a higher power guiding, overseeing, or protecting. Others sometimes joke that there are only two certainties: death and taxes. While I prefer the eternal timeline of a faith-based approach, I also find comfort in information gathering to augment the here and now: •Whe...
Schematic Software—Look Inside Clean, Productive Designs
Today's schematic software packages help users look inside electrical product and panel design by decreasing product cycle times, linking with other software, and preserving intellectual investments. Electrical computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided electrical (CAE) design software simplifies wiring layouts, lowers design and development costs, and decreases training time for those using...
Resolve to evolve
People who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to make a specific change than those who don't, according to psychologist John Norcross, a researcher at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania (www.usatoday.com, Dec. 29, 2002). That's in the same category as my favorite fortune cookie wisdom: "Your feet will find the road easier if your heart will walk with them.
Get the most value
Considering a system integrator to help with your next automation and control project? Control Engineering provides this annual print-based reference tool, and Control Engineering Online delivers the year-round Web-based guide, to help provide exactly the expertise you need. This year's updated information, again delivered by Control Engineering consulting editor, Vance VanDoren, has more...
Depth of character
Characters need depth—some measures of diversity, quirkiness, and unpredictability—to move beyond being merely credible and able to fully engage an audience. Fiction becomes more lifelike when the plot twists, a character responds differently than we figured, and the outcome remains logical for other characters and for us to understand.
Like being there
There's nothing quite like being there... live and in-person. Trade shows are great for learning from others, taking technology "test drives," as well as for making and renewing relationships. It's no secret that travel and exhibitor budgets remain tight. So it's even more important for your job success that we take you there through Control Engineering, Control Engineering Europe , Control En...
You look and do not see
Do you sometimes get a feeling that you're looking at your process but cannot really see what's going on? Internet technologies have enabled software tools that allow greater insight into how the process, manufacturing line, or batch interacts with other areas of enterprise; how it aligns with business goals; and how it fits, at any moment with other elements in the interconnected supply chain.
More than 1 million visits
If you build it, they will come. With apologies to a famous baseball movie and novel, that's also been Control Engineering editors' plan: deliver trusted, must-have editorial quality online as well as in print. Annual online visits to www.controleng.com are expected to exceed 1 million in 2002, according to projections as of Aug.
Pass along advice
Our jobs are to make your many jobs easier. In a July 3 Control Engineering Online daily news item an end-user, system integrator, original equipment manufacturer, and automation manufacturer explain survival tactics in tough global markets. They seek to streamline and simplify automation platforms and controls, and they recognize that plant processes need to improve, along with the technolog...
Enhanced online features save time for readers
Control Engineering editors welcomed readers June 10 to their newly redesigned and relaunched Control Engineering Online website at www.controleng.com. More readers like you have been appreciating what we're providing, even before these enhancements. Control Engineering Online averaged more than 93,000 unique visits per month during January-April 2002, up more than 80% over the 51,000-per...
Connect to value
Network organization representatives would like OEMs, system integrators, and end-users to get over their indecision about which network to choose and get going with implementation. (An atypical user in an "Application Update," this issue, is moving along after looking at 26 networks.) Industrial networks—fieldbuses, device buses, or sensor buses—deliver valuable information about ...
How to Get the Most from a Database
Databases help record, analyze, and relay plant-floor information, often behind the scenes. Data arrive from manufacturing, controls, instrumentation, automation software, human-machine interface software, execution systems, and even clipboard-wielding personnel, who may still manually collect and enter information.
Much for all, or all for a few?
How'd we get to the point where manufacturers and end-users are getting sued for patent infringement for what they believed to be open technologies? (Gary Mintchell and Jim Montague have been following developments; see "News" in this issue.) In recent years, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted patents that to many now seem obvious and overly pervasive.
Motherhood, apple pie
View automation, controls, and instrumentation as assets; get the most from your supplier; measure the right things; move info where it's needed; ensure new investments work with the installed base—these are today's "mom and apple pie" for us.Leaders from many leading automation companies told how they partner with end-users and integrators to attack today's automation and business ...
Uticor’s OI terminal offers free software, ‘hot’ downloads
Uticor's (Bettendorf, Ia.) Q Square PowerPanel operator interface terminal, based on the recently introduced G Square Series, includes free screen-development software that allows online downloads without data interruption. Slightly smaller than G Square, Q Square can replace QuickPanel from from GE Fanuc (Charlottesville, Va.
Fieldbus, field learning, and field information
Control Engineering readers don't like feeling lost in left field. In fact, keeping current with technologies ranks among your top priorities. Here's a chance to take advantage of multiple opportunities, here and now, with a fieldbus webcast, in-the-field learning, and field-based information in this issue.
Look out, 2002
Categorizing automation, control, and instrumentation technologies has become increasingly difficult. Products fit into more than one area. Systems and devices incorporate multiple technologies. Discrete, process, and batch applications each contain elements of the others. Software and networks connect it all.
All this and more online
Before your next automation project, unleash the power of the Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide, in this 2002 print edition and at Control Engineering Online at www.controleng.com.Advanced search capabilities new this year will help online users narrow the search for exactly the system integrator needed.
2001: industry innovates despite economy
This sampling of top 2001 coverage shows the control and automation industry's determination to innovate despite this year's economic downturn. For links to more items each month, view this editorial at www.controleng.com.January: Integrate plant and enterprise.... Schneider Electric to auction patents.
Working together on translations
Perhaps I shouldn't have been so amazed. But weeks later, I still marvel at seeing, on the same stage, leading executives from rival automation/controls giants and leaders from competing industrial network organizations. Not only were they in close proximity, but they were all agreeing on something that will do customers/users a whole lot of good.
Trying to move along…
'Do you really want to do this?" has been a lingering question since Sept. 11."No" was the answer in my heart, but "Yes" has been the response. After a respectful pause, we move along.The events and responses to the Sept. 11 tragedies in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania evoke emotions beyond words.
Right tool for the right job
I heard an end-user say, "These tools are killing us." Not too long ago, having the wrong tool meant barking your knuckles and muttering under your breath, or wasting time trying to troubleshoot with a multimeter when a more sophisticated diagnostic tool was needed to recreate a long-lost design diagram.
Pick up free stuff
People sometimes look sort of sheepish when it happens. Some won't even make eye contact. I have no shame, though. "What was this, anyway?" I asked, picking up a metal wheel with four spokes and cogs from a neighbor's trash can, during my morning jog. "Part of an old loom, he said. "I always meant to put it together but never did.
Demonstrate value
Stock markets dive, earnings dip, and almost instantaneously companies announce layoffs and restructurings to get a small, temporary, bounce in stock price-maybe-until the wind blows in another direction. Sound familiar? Philips cuts up to 7,000 jobs; Kodak sheds 3,000 jobs; Timken cuts 1,500 jobs; Texas Instruments plans to lay off at least 2,000; Cisco Systems reduces jobs by 8,...
Integrate plant/enterprise
Together we are more than if we stand alone. How to put that into practice remains the challenge.On the job, we look to integrate manufacturing with the enterprise and beyond. In product selection, we consider services in the life-cycle cost of major purchases. With education, we may seek a wider view.
Get help; get it done right
Not that you couldn't do it yourself with help from the right in-house team, but with all you have to do, why not call in an automation system integrator to help with that next project? Where to start? With so much at stake and so many automation system integrators out there, how should you go about finding the right firm? You're in the right place.
Top stories of 2000; you predict 2001
Year-end wrap-up stories provide closure. Prognosticators expound about what will be. Either direction can be fun...Leading news stories of 2001: I'd pick Control Engineering readers' abilities over any set of clairvoyants, soothsayers, and fortune-tellers...e-mail me your predictions for the top news stories of 2001 in automation, instrumentation, and control.
Control Engineering 2001: an automation odyssey
Every year seems an odyssey at Control Engineering, but with the start of the real new millennium around the corner, who can resist the reference? Unlike HAL 9000 computer's takeover in Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey, today's automation, controls, and instrumentation serve as tools. These tools sense, measure, decide, and actuate, transmitting data and information through manufa...
Do you get ‘IT’?
"If people at the controls and automation level don't get out there and lead [in interconnecting manufacturing processes with the enterprise and beyond], they'll be subsumed by IT. Don't you agree?" someone asked me recently.Yes and no. Yes, because some people don't understand what IT (information technology) departments have to do with control and automation.
On the edge
While companies merge and purge, readers aim to cover their own assets, strengthening career handholds with knowledge and information.Control Engineering readers—as this edition's cover story reveals—earn more, have more people reporting to them, expect to spend as much or more, and continue to use Control Engineering, online and in print, as must-have resources during techn...
Independent thinking
Independent thinking, bravery, and hope for the future enabled certain citizens throughout U.S. history to risk their lives and livelihoods to move toward freedom and greater opportunities. On Fourth of July we remember U.S. patriots. Brave people who have implemented cutting-edge automation systems also fit that description; at the extreme, incorrect use of controls can cost lives, or at...
Dollars and input count
Of course dollars count. Throwing automation dollars at a project isn't the preferred method for end-users, for system integrators who may help with implementation, or for vendors. Even vendors—who usually don't mind receiving money—would rather receive a bit less revenue, if it ensures customers' needs are met or exceeded.
What’s hot
At National Manufacturing Week in Chicago, March 13-16, it was e-everything, from sensor companies to system software providers, in automation, design, information technology, and quality, throughout the plant and enterprise. It was networking—personal/professional, devices, software, wired and wireless.
More of the best
Each year, Control Engineering editors have the pleasure of reviewing more than 1,000 products covered through the year to select Editors' Choice Award winners. We've located and "presented" you with the 40 best products of 1999 in the cover story, based on technology advancement, service to the industry, and market impact.
What’s next?
What's next? Let's get back to automation and controls now that we've survived Y2K. I admit I enjoyed watching the world throw a lot of time, talent, and money at a global challenge. It was supposed to be Yawn2K, and it was. Now let's apply our efforts to the next global problem to be solved.
E-Influences
E-Influences...It sounds like a strain of flu. For those not going as fast as they—or their customers—think they should with E-Initiatives, perhaps E-Influences have exceeded Y2K as a stomach irritation.End of year, decade, century brings reflections, resolutions, and timelines ad nauseum.
Help others adapt to change
Certainty often provides comfort, except when that certainty is the ever-increasing rate of business change.Rapid changes, even when familiar, often cause discomfort and create stress. To consider the impact, think of feelings created when encountering three or more of the following changes within a week: reorganization or merger; switch in project ownership; addition or loss of team memb...
Networking confessions
Fill in the blank and repeat after me: "My name is ______________, and I am a network holdout. I admit I haven't taken the initiative to implement the latest network technologies in all practical locations. As a result, my communications have become slow and unmanageable. In the past, I've blamed standards committees and 'bus wars' for my problems.
Listen to the music
The cacophony of implementation can obscure the original control and automation score. People may realize they've reached that point soon after the newest band member gathers enough gumption to ask, "Why are we doing it this way?" Now that change is the only constant, everyone knows better than to respond with the classic refrain: "That's the way we've always done it.
You’re on our team
I'm proud to be editor-in-chief of Control Engineering, but even more proud to be part of the editorial team that creates the automation and control industry's most comprehensive set of information vehicles.Day to day, as we exchange advice and expertise, let us know how to help you be more effective.
ControlNet cuts chip price, adds Ethernet abilities
Troy, Mich.–ControlNet International (Boca Raton, Fla.) announced multiple efforts June 9 to make its high-speed industrial network more attractive for end-users and OEMs. Initiatives include dropping silicon prices more than 75% and enhancing ControlNet services over Ethernet, first introduced in March 1998.
How to improve communications
A handful of communications skills, consistently applied, can make a world of difference in improving day-to-day interactions with coworkers.The skills include clarifying and confirming, giving balanced feedback, effectively opening and closing discussions, exploring ideas, managing differences, and crediting others' work.
Make a career plan to reduce stress
Engineers know how to solve other people's challenges, but planning their own careers often falls through the cracks. Engineers need to make a career mission statement, consider career paths and goals, then create an action plan. Doing so ensures progress toward goals, a better life balance, and less stress, according to career consultant—and engineer—John A.
Project Management Becomes Another Path for Engineers
Engineers seeking to advance incomes and responsibilities within the same company typically have had two options: advance in technical knowledge or become part of management. With management running leaner than in the past, these opportunities may be fewer, or more competitive, for engineers.A third option exists in many settings—project management.