Courtesy: CFE Media

Mark T. Hoske

Articles

DCS, SCADA, Controllers March 22, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation March 6, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems February 29, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
AI and Machine Learning February 28, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors February 27, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors February 26, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors February 23, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers February 22, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors February 19, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Twins February 16, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation February 15, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers February 14, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems February 12, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity February 7, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Figure 4: ODVA members expressed interest in Single-pair Ethernet for ODVA’s EtherNet/IP, and Rockwell Automation and HMS helped ODVA with a demonstration at SPS, showing how SPE can reduce wiring. A separate effort improved cybersecurity. Courtesy: ODVA
Cybersecurity January 27, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Control Engineering
System Integration January 25, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control system integration advice, adapted from a transcript of popular Control Engineering webcast, “Automation Series: How next-generation automation will help in 2023,” was provided by Tyler Graham, director business development-digital transformation, and Randy Rausch, director of technology-digital transformation, Eosys; Mike Howard, vice president of system integration at George T. Hall; and Matt Lueger, executive vice president, NorthWind Technical Services. Courtesy: Control Engineering
System Integration January 16, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems January 15, 2024

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Vivek Murugesan, senior research associate, LNS Research, explained how industrial transformation helps sustainability and other initiatives at LNS IX2023, The Industrial Transformation Event. Courtesy: Control Engineering, LNS Research
Digital Transformation January 5, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Panelists consider how digital transformation fits into redefined environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) initiatives at LNS IX2023, The Industrial Transformation Event, organized by LNS Research. Allison Kuhn (left), research analyst, LNS Research, served as a panel moderator. Panelists to her right are Ellis Jones, sustainability leader and independent director, TimkenSteel Co.; Mike Carroll, vice president, innovation, Georgia-Pacific; and Tom O’Reilly, vice president, sustainability, Rockwell Automation. Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering
Automation December 20, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Using a vendor-agnostic automation platform can help with interoperability, compatibility and harmonization, so automation systems and devices can work together effortlessly, according to Scheider Electric, in a Dec. 14 webcast, “How to revolutionize industrial automation software: The power of Universal Automation,” archived for a year. Courtesy: Control Engineering, Schneider Electric.
Control Systems December 13, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Controller modernization planning can include goals, scope, budget, schedule, timing and personnel-related resources and expertise, said Kris Dornan, commercial marketing manager for large controllers, Rockwell Automation, in an Automation Fair session called “A new way to step forward: Modernize your control system.” Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering
Control Systems December 12, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Presenters for the Dec. 12 webcast, “Automation Series: What system integrators look for in a plant walk-through” are Jeff W. Buck, PE, CMSE, vice president of engineering, Automation NTH, and Eric Sahakian, senior industrial programmer, Vertech. Courtesy: Control Engineering
System Integration December 7, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors November 28, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives November 27, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation November 22, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers November 21, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems November 16, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
AI and Machine Learning November 16, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration November 9, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation November 6, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics November 3, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Sustainability November 2, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control November 1, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Programming October 31, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Twins October 25, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Video October 10, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Video October 9, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors October 3, 2023

Dick Johnson, longtime Control Engineering, Plant Engineering senior editor, dies

Senior editor for Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, Dick Johnson, died in September 2023.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing September 27, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity September 26, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Video September 18, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control August 28, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control August 18, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation August 12, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
AI and Machine Learning July 17, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development July 14, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation July 14, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control July 14, 2023

CNC, robots, industrial training help Freedman Seating

Automation, CNC, robotic welding help Freedman Seating with metal fabrication, as seen in a recent tour.

By Mark T. Hoske
At the bottom of every article at www.controleng.com find a link to this author-inquiry form. Courtesy: Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology
Workforce Development June 9, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
AI and Machine Learning June 8, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless May 19, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Rockwell Automation, Control Engineering webcasts
HMI, OI May 18, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research May 15, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI May 10, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology
Workforce Development May 9, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation May 1, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Warehousing April 27, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control April 26, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Siemens
Mechatronics and Motion Control April 12, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Power April 9, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Figure: System integration: Understanding how to integrate devices and systems helps with automation and controls projects. Manufacturers and facilities often require that automated devices and system provide and exchange information about quality, size, shape, forces, movement and other communications during and beyond manufacturing. Courtesy: Control Engineering
System Integration April 6, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Twins April 5, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems April 5, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors April 4, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research April 4, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics March 27, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics March 23, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Five advantages of IIoT digitalization in the OT data layer are connectivity, consolidation, context, collaboration and cloud access. Enabling technologies include advanced software and some combination of on-premise and cloud-based applications, according to Darek Kominek, senior consulting manager, Matrikon, in a March 28 Control Engineering webcast. Courtesy: Matrikon, Control Engineering webcasts
Digital Transformation March 21, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless March 11, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration March 7, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Video March 7, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Video March 6, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Video March 3, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Sustainability February 23, 2023

How the control engineering profession helps sustainability

Visibility into the control loop (sense, decide and actuate) delivers sustainability goals.

By Mark T. Hoske
Webcasts February 20, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation February 10, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation February 8, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration February 8, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 February 2, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Virtualization, Cloud Analytics January 23, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration January 14, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives January 13, 2023

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration December 12, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Chris Vavra, CFE Media and Technology
Educational Facilities October 19, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control October 6, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research September 9, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 August 14, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation July 30, 2022

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation July 12, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems July 5, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research June 28, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Darrell Halterman, director, PACSystems controllers, Emerson, explains how to design a modern, flexible and secure machine control system in the June 15 webcast, “Truly open and secure machine control.” Courtesy: Emerson
Control Systems June 24, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Rockwell Automation
Mechanical June 14, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems June 3, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2022
Workforce Development May 19, 2022

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.”

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology
Automation April 14, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control March 24, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology
Automation March 12, 2022

Robotics, motion control, machine vision, AI

Think Again: Business is strong for automation, as explained by speakers at the A3 Business Forum in February.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics March 11, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Image courtesy: Wood
PLCs, PACs January 11, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Searching on “analytics” in the New Products for Engineers database returns 245 entries that may help when you need more than speadsheets. Courtesy: CFE Media and Technology New Products for Engineers Database.
Virtualization, Cloud Analytics January 7, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Yokogawa
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 January 5, 2022

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
November-December 2021 Control Engineering digital edition and related links became available at www.controleng.com in December 2021. Courtesy: Control Engineering
Mechatronics and Motion Control December 29, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Control Engineering
Ethernet December 28, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: CFE Media and CFE Technology.
Research December 16, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology
Process Instrumentation and Sensors October 22, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Virtual Training Week from CFE Media and Technology, SEW Eurodrive
Mechatronics and Motion Control October 18, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: CFE Media Virtual Training Week, Festo
Digital Transformation October 15, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Virtual Training Week from CFE Media and Technology and Applied Manufacturing Technology
Machine Safety October 15, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: CFE Media and Technology Virtual Training Week, MIMOSA
Asset Management October 14, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology
Sustainability October 14, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Virtual Training Week, CFE Media and Technology, PI North America
Industrial Networking October 13, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: CFE Media and Technology Virtual Training Week, Wood
AI and Machine Learning October 13, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Festo
Mechatronics and Motion Control September 28, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Lenze
Mechatronics and Motion Control September 27, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL).
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 September 18, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
The August 2021 issue of Control Engineering provides information about applying automation, along with other topics. www.controleng.com/magazine Courtesy: Control Engineering
Automation September 16, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation August 16, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless August 6, 2021

Exploring industrial wireless best practices: More answers

Learn more on industrial wireless, including wireless sensors, wireless reliability and wireless technology selection.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration July 8, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Twins June 24, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 June 23, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Vision and Discrete Sensors June 22, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet June 15, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research May 18, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 18, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators May 10, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Control Systems May 5, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 April 13, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control April 8, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity April 7, 2021

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Digital Transformation March 26, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity March 9, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers March 8, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Programming February 1, 2021

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

By Mark T. Hoske
Research January 27, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Environmental Health January 8, 2021

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation December 20, 2020

Data flow, alarms, simulation, cybersecurity, robotics

Control Engineering highlights automation, controls and instrumentation successes in every issue at www.controleng.com in between.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity December 8, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity November 20, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design November 18, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity November 8, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors November 6, 2020

Process instrumentation tips and tricks

Advances in process instrumentation extend beyond sensor accuracy. Computing, algorithms and networking capabilities add functionality. 

By Mark T. Hoske
AI and Machine Learning October 13, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industry News October 10, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Pumps October 4, 2020

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. 

By Mark T. Hoske
Industry News September 16, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industry News September 10, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity September 5, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research August 17, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics August 10, 2020

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design August 9, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics August 2, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research July 16, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless July 9, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity June 13, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 June 6, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research May 21, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research May 19, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Educational Facilities May 19, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation May 8, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics April 30, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research April 8, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research March 19, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics March 18, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Environmental Health March 17, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation March 12, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Webcasts March 10, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs February 18, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing February 14, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI January 20, 2020

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation January 11, 2020

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet December 14, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration November 4, 2019

Five control panel building tips

Software, data management, and decreased wiring are among control panel design benefits, when digitalization is integrated in design.

By Mark T. Hoske
Webcasts October 15, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 October 13, 2019

Eight IIoT project tips

If you’re stalled with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementations or haven’t begun, consider these eight expert tips.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives October 12, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators October 8, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Educational Facilities September 21, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors September 13, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors September 10, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives August 16, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics August 11, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking July 4, 2019

Digitalization advantages

Think Again: Major automation companies tout next-generation tools offering digitalization advantages, mobility and flexibility, for greater speed to higher profits.

By Mark T. Hoske
Vision and Discrete Sensors June 14, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics May 30, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 22, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation March 31, 2019

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation March 24, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs March 8, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation March 7, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors March 4, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity March 4, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation March 4, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors March 3, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation February 22, 2019

Help for automation design, selection, implementation

Automation product design, system integration, and application advice follows from some of the 2019 Engineers’ Choice winners.

By Mark T. Hoske
Automation February 13, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Educational Facilities January 14, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking January 13, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration January 4, 2019

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics December 10, 2018

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Educational Facilities November 20, 2018

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet November 15, 2018

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Virtualization, Cloud Analytics September 14, 2018

Digital advantages for design, automation

Digitalization benefits include speed to market, flexibility, efficiency, consistent quality, cybersecurity, and lower lifecycle costs.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing April 7, 2018

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics January 18, 2018

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design January 9, 2018

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy Efficiency November 2, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development October 16, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing October 14, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management September 13, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development August 16, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design July 14, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 20, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design June 12, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management June 11, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing June 7, 2017

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design May 23, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 16, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 15, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 10, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing May 8, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet April 12, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility April 11, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 16, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics January 11, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 11, 2017

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet December 13, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity December 13, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development November 13, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators October 18, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing October 14, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing October 10, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development August 13, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration August 12, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility August 9, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development July 16, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design May 25, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility May 14, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research May 11, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 11, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking April 21, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design April 20, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design March 12, 2016

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Virtualization, Cloud Analytics March 6, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity February 12, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking February 10, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless February 10, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 9, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 5, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs January 9, 2016

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design December 19, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity November 30, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design November 17, 2015

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)?

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics November 5, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design October 13, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development September 16, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics September 16, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity September 15, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility September 11, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility August 18, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management August 11, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 24, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design July 19, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics July 14, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design June 22, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 16, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators June 11, 2015

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."

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design June 10, 2015

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."

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking May 27, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Research May 18, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 18, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity May 2, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design May 1, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers April 19, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 17, 2015

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics February 21, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless February 12, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing February 4, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 3, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 22, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet January 21, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design January 15, 2015

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development December 28, 2014

Software maturity levels can help improve software related processes

Ask Control Engineering: How can software maturity levels help improve software related processes?

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking December 23, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development December 16, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity November 20, 2014

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development November 19, 2014

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity November 7, 2014

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development October 24, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 16, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management September 12, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development September 11, 2014

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design September 6, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet August 19, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing August 16, 2014

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics August 5, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs July 15, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet July 12, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control July 4, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design July 3, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics July 2, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics July 2, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics July 1, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility June 23, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking June 18, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management June 17, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless June 17, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
While they may look the same, tests detail differences between commercial cables and industrial cables. Courtesy: Control Engineering
Ethernet June 11, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management June 9, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design May 30, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators May 23, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers May 21, 2014

Internet of things creates control engineering resources for distributed control

See extensive summary of Internet of things coverage from Control Engineering.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity May 14, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless May 13, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 9, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control May 7, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Asset Management April 29, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility April 28, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development April 26, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity April 25, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Asset Management April 16, 2014

ODVA suggests EtherNet/IP for process industries

ODVA advises process industries to migrate toward unified communications using the EtherNet/IP Ethernet protocol.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility April 6, 2014

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs April 4, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 25, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless March 15, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Asset Management March 11, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics February 19, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety February 19, 2014

Think again: Robotic expansion, efficiency, safety

If robots aren’t helping to expand your profitability, quality, and safety, why not?

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 17, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety February 17, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing February 14, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety February 13, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 13, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility February 12, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors February 12, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control February 11, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 7, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration January 28, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics January 27, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 23, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 16, 2014

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety January 13, 2014

Control Engineering predictions for 2014

Think Again: 10 predictions follow for Control Engineering subscribers in 2014.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 13, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics January 10, 2014

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 6, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing January 1, 2014

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control December 24, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management December 21, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design December 20, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Cybersecurity December 9, 2013

Automate, integrate, optimize, and protect

Think Again: Automation needs to be interconnected, optimized, and protected. Here’s why.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development November 26, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet November 25, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless November 20, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management November 18, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development October 28, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet October 23, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics October 17, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control October 7, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development October 1, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 26, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design September 12, 2013

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development September 10, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design September 9, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics September 7, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 5, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management September 5, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development September 3, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety August 30, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control August 26, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing August 14, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design August 14, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design August 1, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control July 11, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Simulators, Optimizers July 9, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 2, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control June 20, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety June 19, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 12, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics June 11, 2013

Robots serve many industries

ABB Robotics Technology Days highlight broad range of automation technologies.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking June 9, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration June 8, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 7, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators June 6, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 3, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design May 29, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility May 14, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing May 13, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators May 10, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 9, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 9, 2013

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control May 8, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking May 4, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 4, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 3, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety April 16, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety April 8, 2013

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development April 4, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors April 3, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing March 26, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development March 25, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 18, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control March 18, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 15, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics March 8, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control March 8, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management March 7, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics March 6, 2013

Career survival tips

Think Again: Automation design, economic, and career survival tips were among useful advice heard recently.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility March 1, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development February 25, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety February 21, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
February 13, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control February 8, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics February 4, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing February 1, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics January 28, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control January 14, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control January 14, 2013

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?

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development January 7, 2013

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control December 27, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management December 21, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless December 19, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control December 4, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control November 19, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet November 16, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility November 13, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control October 31, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless October 30, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility October 23, 2012

Automation supplier launches series of dedicated sites

Mitsubishi Electric Automation launches websites serving machine tool, automotive, packaging, and robotics industries.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control October 22, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety October 12, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators October 11, 2012

Automation service contracts: Extend in-house engineering

Remote support, distribution or direct, upgrades, and software are among key automation service contract considerations.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 October 8, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management October 8, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives October 3, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development October 1, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet September 30, 2012

Applying industrial Ethernet

Cover story: Control Engineering, September 2012

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing September 10, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 9, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs September 7, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs September 5, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration August 30, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators August 22, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development August 13, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety August 9, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development July 31, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development July 31, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing July 27, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development July 26, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 18, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 18, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 10, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators July 6, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators July 6, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility June 30, 2012

Outstanding industrial wireless

From sensor networks to long-haul wireless, industrial wireless technologies bring outstanding savings to industrial automation and process control applications.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet June 22, 2012

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet June 22, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 21, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 21, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration June 20, 2012

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators June 15, 2012

Terepac, Rockwell Automation to deliver micro circuits, support Internet of Things

Rockwell Automation boosts Terepac micro circuit production for Internet-enabling small devices.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators June 13, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development June 6, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety June 6, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration June 4, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators May 11, 2012

Video: Machine vision-motion system draws a line on quality

Pencil production via National Instruments shows synchronized integration of machine vision and motion systems.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility May 9, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility May 7, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators May 7, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 3, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Info Management April 24, 2012

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development April 17, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators April 11, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design April 11, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives April 11, 2012

Factory tour advice

Think Again: Recent factory tours offer critical advice to help manufacturers gain efficiency, quality, and more.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 April 10, 2012

Video: Proper context for automation modernization

Mike Caliel, president and CEO of Invensys Operations Management, explains what to consider when prioritizing automation modernization opportunities.

By Mark T. Hoske
Power April 9, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility April 5, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 19, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility March 12, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development March 6, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility February 29, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility February 4, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy, Power January 25, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing January 23, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility January 23, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy, Power January 15, 2012

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility December 30, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development December 28, 2011

Think Again: Tax less, export more, educate technically

Council on Competitiveness recommendations also suggests leveraging R&D, and promoting energy and efficiency initiatives.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing December 4, 2011

Think Again: Encourage smarter manufacturing policies

Manufacturing is the innovative lifeblood of U.S. economic prosperity. Tell policymakers that. Send them this link today.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development November 14, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development October 31, 2011

Career advice for engineers

Think Again: Improve the next step in your engineering career and make your current job more fulfilling.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development September 30, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety September 8, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control September 2, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet September 1, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety September 1, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility August 15, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet July 27, 2011

Legacy network connections

Consider these points when blending network upgrades and connecting to legacy networks.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control July 14, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control July 13, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development July 5, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control June 28, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety June 16, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control June 8, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Simulators, Optimizers June 7, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy Efficiency March 3, 2011

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
DCS, SCADA, Controllers December 16, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 November 1, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy Efficiency October 1, 2010

Think Again: Engineering greater onshore efficiencies

Consider all costs when considering offshoring. Automation and other advanced technologies make a local smartforce more profitable.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety July 22, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
I/O Systems, I/O Modules July 15, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility June 8, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives April 16, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility April 7, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet March 19, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
I/O Systems, I/O Modules March 10, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC February 23, 2010

Engineering in Balance – 2010-02-23

Cartoon by Control Engineering asks, "What comes after closing closed-loop control?"

By Mark T. Hoske
Networking and Security February 20, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators February 5, 2010

CSIA makes system integrator audit criteria available on redesigned site

Control System Integrators Association publishes its CSIA certification audit criteria on a reorganized website.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs February 3, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
I/O Systems, I/O Modules February 3, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs January 30, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Diagnostics, Asset Management January 16, 2010

Engineering in Balance – 2010-01-16

Think you have an alarm problem? Look at this cartoon.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs January 5, 2010

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Manufacturing IT, MES December 29, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility December 25, 2009

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.  

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs December 23, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Asset Management December 16, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy, Power December 11, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Discrete Manufacturing November 12, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development November 11, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI October 31, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy, Power October 29, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy, Power October 28, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors October 26, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management September 30, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 September 22, 2009

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Manufacturing IT, MES September 21, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Vision and Discrete Sensors September 20, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility September 16, 2009

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 Mark T. Hoske
Data Acquisition, DAQ September 16, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety September 9, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators August 27, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators August 24, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control August 21, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI August 21, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives August 11, 2009

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility August 6, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility August 6, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet August 4, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI August 4, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics July 16, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless July 15, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design July 14, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless July 14, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators July 14, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless July 14, 2009

Wireless: Initial focus is WirelessHART, says P+F

Initial wireless focus for Pepperl+Fuchs is WirelessHART, though P+F also is open to ISA100.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless July 13, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs July 13, 2009

Wireless: Opto 22 supports global standards in products

Opto 22 says support for IEEE 802.11a, b, and g increases wireless design flexibility.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing June 15, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs February 26, 2009

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing October 30, 2007

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI August 1, 2007

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mobility February 1, 2007

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs August 1, 2006

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI June 1, 2006

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).

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs June 1, 2006

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing May 1, 2006

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 ...

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet May 1, 2006

‘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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development March 1, 2006

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs March 1, 2006

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control February 1, 2006

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety January 1, 2006

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control September 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Courtesy: Rockwell Automation, CFE Media's New Products for Engineers Database
Machine Safety August 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control August 1, 2005

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors July 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control June 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless June 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC May 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Robotics May 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking April 1, 2005

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety March 1, 2005

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control February 1, 2005

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control November 1, 2004

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control October 1, 2004

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
I/O Systems, I/O Modules September 1, 2004

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control June 1, 2004

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control May 1, 2004

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Instrumentation and Sensors March 1, 2004

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Energy, Power January 1, 2004

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integrators December 15, 2003

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Machine Safety November 1, 2003

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing September 1, 2003

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC August 1, 2003

‘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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management June 1, 2003

‘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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Data Acquisition, DAQ May 1, 2003

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial PCs April 1, 2003

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs April 1, 2003

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
IIoT, Industrie 4.0 March 1, 2003

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI February 1, 2003

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC February 1, 2003

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC January 1, 2003

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless December 15, 2002

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs December 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Wireless November 1, 2002

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Diagnostics, Asset Management October 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI September 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration August 1, 2002

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Diagnostics, Asset Management July 1, 2002

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Industrial Networking June 1, 2002

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 ...

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety June 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC April 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Diagnostics, Asset Management March 1, 2002

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 ...

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI February 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLCs, PACs February 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control January 1, 2002

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI December 15, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Mechatronics and Motion Control December 1, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet November 1, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet October 1, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 1, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI August 1, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Workforce Development May 1, 2001

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,...

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet January 1, 2001

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI December 15, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Edge and Cloud Computing December 1, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI November 1, 2000

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI October 1, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Motors and Drives August 1, 2000

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI July 1, 2000

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet May 1, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC April 1, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI March 1, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Asset Management February 1, 2000

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PLM, Control Design December 1, 1999

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI October 1, 1999

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...

By Mark T. Hoske
Ethernet September 1, 1999

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
System Integration August 1, 1999

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
HMI, OI July 1, 1999

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
PID, APC July 1, 1999

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Diagnostics, Asset Management September 1, 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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Diagnostics, Asset Management August 1, 1998

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.

By Mark T. Hoske
Project Management March 1, 1998

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.

By Mark T. Hoske