Articles and News

Automation.com, July 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor At HUG 2011, four users shared their remote operations & monitoring experiences along with lessons learned. Included are recommendations of first steps for other companies considering remote monitoring and operations.

Free tech paper week: Methods to Improve Control System Performance

Utilizing the increased power of computers, virtual reality simulates real or imaginary environments and situations with a high degree of realism.

Automation.com, July 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Norm Gilsdorf addressed more than 1000 attendees at the recent Honeywell Users Group (HUG) Americas Symposium. His key message was that Honeywell has evolved from an automation company to a business transformation company so they can better develop their solutions for greater safety, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

More investments are being made today in IT than in any other area.

Poor HMI designs have been identified as factors contributing to abnormal situations, billions of dollars of lost production, accidents, and fatalities.

Automation.com, June 2011 Automated storage and retrieval systems take advantage of unused overhead space to recover 60% to 85% of the floor space typically required by shelving and drawer systems.

Electricity and heat fired with bio fuels, including sawdust, woodchips, bark, turf if part of the cogeneration equation.

The susceptibility of process control systems to security issues continues to confront organizations.

To effectively secure a facility, plant managers must take an inside-out approach with cybersecurity.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Nuris Ismail and Matthew Littlefield Aberdeen surveyed over 150 executives about the current state of their manufacturing operations and industrial networks. This article explores how the industry leaders are taking advantage of industrial networking to enable real-time visibility into data to optimize production, maintenance, and safety.

Face to Face: The Flip Side of Office eCommunication

Automation.com, June 2011 By Katherine Voss, ODVA The expression "Less is More" reminds us about the importance of simplicity as a design goal. This goal is especially true when moving information quickly and seamlessly between supply chains, distribution systems and the production domain is critical to overall business competitiveness. Users are looking to industrial Ethernet to integrate systems and layers.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor According to industry veteran Gabe Rosica, a bad economy takes down bad companies or sick companies - it doesn’t take down good companies. Companies need to realize there is a difference between doing the right things and doing things right.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Alex Bryce, Pilz Automation Technology Safety gates, protective covers and machine guards prevent hazards associated with moving parts. However, the correct functioning of a safeguard can only be guaranteed by using the appropriate sensor technology.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Gregory Wilcox, Mike Hannah and Mark Devonshire Industry experts predicted that node cost, determinism issues and security risks would prohibit Ethernet’s growth into manufacturing, but it’s clear that this prediction hasn’t held true. We've experienced a swift rise and widespread industry adoption of Ethernet.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bob Hirschinger Because advancements to EtherNet/IP, machine builders are enjoying a new level of machine design flexibility through the use of a single network for their entire machine, including VFD and servo drives for integrated motion control.

The Stuxnet worm is a sophisticated piece of computer malware designed to sabotage industrial processes.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Judging from Automate 2011 and the IFR Executive Round Table, the robotics industry is on the move again. In 2010, the number of units sold worldwide almost doubled those in 2009. Here's an update on the robotics industry and overview of some interesting robot offerings.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Thomas R. Cutler Given the capital expense involved in material handling projects is usually in the millions, working with an independent project management professional is vital. Learn the questions to ask before hiring a material handling automation consultant.