Control Engineering’s most clicked articles in January 2024 included stories on PLC programming, IT/OT integration and SCADA. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Hot topics in Control Engineering, for December 2023, for stories posted in the last three months included stories on PLC programming, IT/OT integration and SCADA. Links to each article below.
1. PLC programming fundamentals and uses in discrete manufacturing
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are the main method of controlling discrete machinery in manufacturing.
2. The time is now for systems integrators
Labor and skills shortages justify increased automation; SIs occupy key position in today’s supply chains; SI Giants embrace the opportunities.
3. 6 AI motion control applications to improve OEE
AI offers end-users the ability to analyze information collected from machines or manufacturing lines to optimize operational performance. Below, see six common motion control applications that can benefit from AI.
4. Batch solutions specialists deliver for processing, packaging company
What does it take to implement a systems integration project? This case study examines several potential challenges and how they were resolved.
5. Motors and drives: Three topics in energy efficiency
Industrial energy efficiency is important for machine design as measurements for motor and drive efficiencies show.
6. What makes an HMI excel on the plant floor
A human-machine interface (HMI) can offer engineers different benefits depending on the industry and setting it’s being used in.
7. Robots are becoming more versatile and human
Robotics technology is getting more sophisticated and capable of performing more tasks while also making them more human in their behavior and movement.
8. The dark side of the IT/OT integration equation
Are operations cyber-vulnerable due to lack of resources, lack of understanding or both?
9. Improving efficiency through automation with SCADA
A steel pipe maker implements supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), manufacturing execution (MES) and statistical process control (SPC) at their facility to improve operations.
10. Eight frequently-neglected VFD parameters to optimize
Recognizing variable frequency drives (VFD) parameters such as thermal current, pulse-width modulation and more can help engineers get better performance for many different applications.
