DCS, SCADA, Controllers

DCS, SCADA, Controllers September 12, 2019

Using web browsers for HMI, SCADA applications

New capabilities in mobile-responsive design make human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) applications more valuable on the plant floor.

By Travis Cox
Project execution with a new generation control system: Honeywell Experion PKS Honeywell Integrated Virtual Environment (HIVE) uses Lean project execution principles (the Honeywell LEAP process introduced in 2014), software and networking to decouple control applications from physical equipment, and controllers from physical input/output (I/O) devices. Modular designs allow multiple controllers to form one virtual controller. PKS stands for process knowledge system. Courtesy: Honeywell Process Solutions
DCS, SCADA, Controllers September 11, 2019

Shift in control system technologies, design

Project execution using a process control system highly integrated virtual environment melds software and networking to uncouple control applications from physical equipment, and controllers from physical I/O. This reduces capital cost by shifting from customization to standardization and eliminating some non-value-added work.

By Jason Urso
Using asset condition to plan maintenance tasks, rather and arbitrary calendar, can improve productivity and save money. Courtesy: Fluke
DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 30, 2019

Leverage SCADA data in maintenance workflows

Know what you need before investing in IIoT.

By Michael Watson
DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 29, 2019

Industrial controller cybersecurity best practices

Protecting industrial automation systems is easier when controllers offer built-in cybersecurity features.

By Benson Hougland
Up to four communication protocols, including leading IT protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP and FTP, can be used simultaneously with high-performance HMIs. Courtesy: IDEC
DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 29, 2019

Control system connectivity update

Digitalization, IIoT and Industry 4.0 implementations need communication hubs, a role well-suited to PLCs and HMIs.

By Don Pham and Linda Htay
Figure 1: Long-life lithium batteries serve to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by enabling some low-power devices to operate maintenance-free for up to 40 years. Courtesy: Tadiran Batteries
DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 9, 2019

Achieving long battery life with remote wireless devices

A lower self-discharge rate leads to longer operating life for batteries and a lower cost of ownership for remote wireless devices.

By Sol Jacobs
Courtesy: CFE Media
DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 7, 2019

Next-generation control room technologies

Technology and demographics are changing control room design as companies try to lower risk and create appealing environments visually and operationally for the next generation of operators. See eight tips for control room design.

By Matko Papic
Figure 4: A parsing instruction, such as this JSONPARSE block in an AutomationDirect BRX PLC, is needed so the PLC can drill into the layers of objects within a JSON data payload and extract the desired information. Courtesy: AutomationDirect
DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 5, 2019

Top 5 Control Engineering articles July 29 to August 4

Articles about managing an engineering career, PLCs on the internet, controller options for industrial applications, HMI safety, and computer integration were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 29 to August 4. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Figure 5: Top factors for job satisfaction are feeling of accomplishment, technical challenge, and financial compensation. Courtesy: Control Engineering research, CFE Media and CFE Technology
DCS, SCADA, Controllers July 1, 2019

Control Engineering hot topics, June 2019

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in June 2019 included stories about the Career and Salary Survey, alarm management and process safety, choosing the right HMI, retrofitting Industrie 4.0, DCS migration, and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Companies reliant on DCS technology realize migration is difficult and the process delicate, but it's worth it because the costs of losing control of a process is much higher. Courtesy: Maverick Technologies
DCS, SCADA, Controllers June 24, 2019

Top 5 Control Engineering articles June 17-23

Articles about DCS migration, industrial automation and mobile technology, the Career and Salary Survey, monitoring assets, and alarm management and process safety were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 17-23. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra