Articles and News

Automation.com, February 2012 Barbers Farmhouse Cheesemakers in the UK uses Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix PAC and 3D laser scanners to control an Arcall C52 cheese cutter. Another PAC controls a suite of conveyors driven by servo motors. All communications are via EtherNet/IP.

Automation.com, February 2012 By Paul Didier, Cisco In production environments, typically the order of priority is Availability, Integrity and then Confidentiality. This is opposite of the priority in IT, where it's Confidentiality, Integrity and last is Availability. That makes a big difference in the way security is approached.

An unnamed manufacturer of cable and conductors in Spain used Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture, including CompactLogix PLCs connected to PanelView Plus operator terminals via EtherNet/IP.

Automation.com, February 2012 By Jessica Forguites, Rockwell Automation Embedding Ethernet switch technology into devices brings new advantages to high-performance applications. It simplifies machine design, configuration and maintenance.

Automation.com, February 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor These results of the Pharmaceutical Automation Roundtable (PAR) Emerging Technology Benchmarking Survey addressed major automation topics including DCS vs. PLC, Fieldbus Technology, Smart Devices, VFDs, PAT, APC, Wireless, Operator Interfaces, Computing Technology, Validation and Skills gaps.

In co-operation with the University of Applied Sciences, Salzburg, students have six months in which to complete penetration tests of the zenon control system.

This guide walks PROFIBUS and Foundation fieldbus users through a logical process to identify the proper application of all FieldConnex bus solutions.

Mechatrolink is the most widely used motion control network in Asia, and is gaining ground in the U.S. An annual Regular Membership in MMA normally costs $1,500, but until March 31, 2012, it’s free.

Site promotes OPCSystems.NET as the complete SCADA solution for Enterprise Business Applications.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Matthew Littlefield, LNS Research There are a whole slew of new technologies and system architectures being adopted in the automation industry at a very rapid pace. Companies today face the very real possibility that if they don’t effectively understand, adopt, and leverage these new technologies to their advantage; they will be left in an increasingly uncompetitive position.

Through the HMS Netbiter Argos web interface, Eaton and its customers have web-based access to all UPS parameters.

The 9-page Product Guide offers a comprehensive summary of all USB and Ethernet (LXI) data acquisition hardware and software solutions offered by the company.

Belden acquired GarrettCom, a provider of industrial networking solutions for specialty and stressed applications, in December 2010.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Roy Freeland, Perpetuum Energy Harvesters are now readily available to power most low power wireless installations.

Perpetuum designs and manufactures vibration energy harvesters delivering life-long power for wireless technology.

R.S. Davis installed a Toshiba IP video system to provide premise security and to monitor truck traffic.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Gianni Minetti, Paradox Engineering Chemical plants struggle with growing complexity and are often instrumented for process control. Wireless sensors might not always be a viable option, while wireless transmission seems to be the best choice. So how to conjugate these two elements?

Started in 1982 by Jerry Winfield, WinSystems manufactures industry-standard PC/104, EPIC, EBX, SUMIT-ISM and STD Bus computer boards, I/O modules, and enclosures.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor Here are my thoughts on major automation and control trends in 2012. These opinions are based on a wide range of inputs from users, suppliers and industry consultants, and from attending numerous industry forums, conferences and trade shows every year.

The Milwaukee office is headed by Joel Warren. Rick Forsgren will manage the Eagan, Minnesota office.