System Integrators

System Integration May 3, 2020

10 ways manufacturers can add COVID-19 support preparedness

Ask these 10 questions to improve support preparedness for manufacturers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Matt Ruth

Table 1: This illustrates a project-scale matrix characterization. The model correlates characterization factors including the input/output volume, the number of controllers and staffing demands for the task of programming and integration. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Automation, Controls April 23, 2020

How to find success on a process automation building project

Large-scale process automation projects have unique requirements and complexities that automation specialists should consider to mitigate issues and provide a path for success

By David Ubert and Francisco Alcala

I/O Systems, I/O Modules April 8, 2020

Controls engineers, mission-critical for digital transformation, are in short supply

Smarter workers: Developing a standardized operational technology (OT) architecture to support the new digital environment is challenging, especially with many devices with diverse protocols. Those with expertise in controls, automation, and instrumentation can help with digital transformation.

By Sean Callahan

Business of Engineering 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

RPI researchers have created a battery that uses potassium rather than lithium, which is cheaper and more abundant and more energy-efficient and could change how batteries are made. Courtesy: Chris Vavra, CFE Media and Technology

Energy, Power March 3, 2020

Metal battery using Potassium could be alternative to Lithium-ion

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a metal battery that relies on potassium instead of Lithium-ion, which could create more energy efficient batteries for consumers.

By Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Courtesy: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Safety Standards February 20, 2020

Cryptographic ID tag developed to stop supply chain counterfeiting

MIT researchers have invented a cryptographic ID tag that’s small enough to fit on virtually any product and verify its authenticity, which could help stop supply chain counterfeiting.

By Rob Matheson

A scanning electron microscope image shows two traces of laser-induced graphene on a polyimide film. A laser mounted to the microscope was used to burn the patterns into the film. The technique shows promise for the development of flexible electronics. Courtesy: Tour Group/Rice University

System Integration February 18, 2020

Laser-induced graphene for flexible electronics

Scientists are using a very small visible beam to burn the foamy form of carbon into microscopic patterns, which could lead to wider commercial production of flexible electronics and sensors.

By Mike Williams

HMI, OI February 16, 2020

Configuring HMIs and hiring SIs

Have a plan when it comes to configuration your human-machine interface (HMI) and hiring the next generation of engineering talent.

By Jack Smith

System Integration February 14, 2020

Building the perfect user interface

Automation design: Understand the user to create a useful, effective user interface.

By Petteri Hämäläinen

Left to right: Steven Schneebeli, lead and director of engineering/IT at Malisko Engineering; Nancy Lange, co-founder and COO at Malisko Engineering; Matt Scott, lead and director of mentorship at Malisko Engineering; Dave Blaida, president and CEO at Matrix Technologies; Jeremy Gibbs, director of sales and marketing, Matrix Technologies; Jeff Buck, vice president of engineering at Automationnth. Courtesy: Katie Spain, CFE Media and Technology

System Integrators January 17, 2020

Control Engineering hot topics, December 2019

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in December 2019 included stories about the System Integrator Giants, SIY winners, Engineers' Choice finalists, automation infrastructure, and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra