Articles and News

Design of controller using variable transformations for a nonlinear process with dead time

Achieving Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 with non-redundant field devices is possible, but not always easy.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Metropolitan Solutions, a showcase created by Deutsche Messe and run concurrently with the 2013 Hannover Messe, provided a focal point for learning about the application of technology to improve cities. Real-time automation and control technologies are the logical building blocks for cities to modernize, improve safety and reliability, and provide efficient environments for people to live.

The knowledge of individuals can be openly shared environment at an industrial plant or facility is inquisitive and friendly and egos take a back seat.

By Mark Davidson, LNS Research Largely due to the misalignment of goals and objectives, a considerable number of organizations struggle to realize the full business value that manufacturing can generate. There are several steps all organizations that utilize manufacturing can take to properly and optimally align goals.

By Kevin L. Finnan The trend toward intelligent devices in remote SCADA installations would seem to put remote terminal units (RTUs) on the path to obsolescence. Instead, it illustrates the evolving value of RTUs in contemporary systems.

For the past several decades, most industries within the US market have been dominated by the use of PVC jacketed metallic conduits. In Europe, they use polyamide conduits and fittings. What's the difference?

Application of management, operational & technical controls will reduce risks to industrial automation & control systems and will mitigate vulnerabilities.

By Pat Garrehy, Rootstock There is a general consensus that, by 2023, most of the installed MFG ERP systems will be Cloud-based. But, will they be multi-tenant or hosted? There are arguments for both.

Considerations for Selecting A Controller- or Server-Based Batch Sequencer

By Bill Lydon, Editor The inaugural Haystack Connect event introduced a movement that has the potential to be the next big wave in building automation by fostering an entirely new open system in the industry that goes beyond open protocols to encompass system software.

The increased cost of using individual fuses will be quickly recovered by the reduced time to troubleshoot and resolve field wiring problems. One or two instances of bringing production back on line w

Implementing cybersecurity programs for industrial automation & control systems requires identification of areas to be protected & assessment of threats.

The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) recently held their annual conference in St. Petersburg, Florida. This article provides a brief recap of the conference and outlines why, as a systems integrator, you can’t afford to miss next year’s conference. And while you're reading, I provide five reasons why you should think about joining CSIA.

ISA Training and Education in June: Learn, Advance, Succeed

Information needed to take advantage of the best industrial technology and address all of the considerations of an application is often difficult to find.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Three legendary industry veterans including Eddie Habibi - PAS Founder & CEO, Larry Evans - AspenTech Founder & former CEO, and Pat Kennedy - OSIsoft Founder & CEO, shared their industry insights on improving human reliability at the recent conference.

If the information is detailed & useful, an operator will be able to run a control system much more independently & resolve problems without outside help.

The Molecule: Why Professionals Matter Over Equipment

By Bill Lydon, Editor In February 2013, Schneider Electric announced the PlantStruxure PES (Process Expert System) as, “The innovative Process Automation System that brings together the best from the PLC/SCADA and DCS worlds and combines this with integrated energy management features…” To gain a better understanding, I had the opportunity to ask their Product Marketing Manager some questions about this new offering.