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PLCs, PACs

Looking for the perfect PLC? Look no further! Breen Machine has created it! Courtesy: Breen Machine Automation Services
PLCs, PACs April 1, 2020

The Perfect PLC has been released!

Learn how the Perfect PLC from Breen Machine Automation Services will change the nature of programming forever for manufacturers.

By Jon Breen
Opto 22’s groov EPIC is built on open technologies like Linux and MQTT to support a future that can share more and do more. The groov EPIC controller won a 2020 Engineers’ Choice Award in the Industrial Internet of Things Connectivity – Edge Controller category. Courtesy: Opto 22
System Integration February 12, 2020

Five automation design tips for the future

Automation design and system integration: When designing automation for the future, consider open source, capital costs, evolution, multi-vendor capability and cybersecurity.

By Josh Eastburn
Figure 3: Realizing the benefit of providing an easy upgrade path, Emerson designed the latest RX3i platform to have the same footprint as existing 90-30 systems and accept both legacy and new I/O modules. Courtesy: Emerson
PLCs, PACs January 7, 2020

Modern controllers ease upgrades

Legacy industrial automation systems must eventually be ripped and replaced or upgraded. See four challenges and five benefits of upgrades using modern controllers.

By Vibhoosh Gupta
Figure 3: Using secure shell (SSH) access on a Opto 22 groov EPIC, users can install enterprise-class database systems, and a wide variety of other applications, on their factory controller. Courtesy: Opto 22
PLCs, PACs January 6, 2020

Smart factory controllers bring security and connectivity

Powerful edge controllers are replacing PCs on the factory floor and going where PCs can’t, providing a variety of “apps” for every task.

By Josh Eastburn
Nano PLCs with expandable designs allow up to 11 add-on modules for up to 188 I/O points to cover a wide variety of applications. Courtesy: Eaton
PLCs, PACs January 3, 2020

Answers on factory controller upgrades

Nano programmable logic controllers (PLCs) can replace the function of existing equipment and provide Ethernet communication, remote monitoring, e-mail alerts, and integration with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other systems.

By Adam Bainbridge
Courtesy: Chris Vavra, CFE Media
PLCs, PACs January 1, 2020

PLCs evolve with increased functions and efficiency

Programmable logic controller (PLC) technology continues to evolve, which may help market revenue bounce back after a sluggish 2019.

By IHS Markit
Figure 3: The control and operator interface components found on OEM equipment may vary from the overall plant’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system yet must be closely integrated. Courtesy: Tesco Controls Inc.
System Integrators December 23, 2019

Strategies for integrating OEM equipment in water/wastewater projects

System integrators face common challenges with incorporating original equipment manufacturers (OEM) equipment into automation projects, but there are some proven strategies to drive success.

By Stephen Goldsworth
Diagram of a spray dryer system. Courtesy: McEnery Automation
System Integrators December 20, 2019

System integrator upgrades spray dryer controls

Control system upgrade of spray dryer improves product quality and profitability.

By Michael McEnery
Diagram of a procedural batch process. Courtesy: ECS Solutions
System Integrators December 19, 2019

Designing an equipment model

System integrator offers expert advice on designing equipment and procedural batch models.

By John Parraga
Figure 1: Robotic material handling and custom automation was part of an upgrade for a thermoforming customer in the food and beverage industry. The new automation was to fit between and connected to two existing manufacturing processes on multiple production lines in a 24/7 operation. Courtesy: Applied Manufacturing Technologies
HMI, OI December 13, 2019

Revamped HMI provides better process control, operator compliance

System integrators should do a deep dive into the customer’s manufacturing process with detailed conversations and clarification of expectations during the design phase of any project.

By Rick Vanden Boom