Articles and News

Automation.com, February 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor OPC UA is emerging as a fundamental technology for implementing Digital Factory concepts to increase production efficiency. The concept was reinforced at the ARC Forum in a session titled, Transforming Manufacturing with OPC UA: From Embedded to the Enterprise.

With virtualization, users can safely run several operating systems and applications at the same time on a single computer, with each having access to the resources it needs when it needs them.

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.

QA Graphics will develop a custom 3D symbol library exclusively for Tridium's NiagaraAX building automation platform.

Source code of M-Series drivers will be made available to approved OEM developers.

Donaldson joined ICONICS in 2003, and was promoted to Director of Marketing in 2004 where he oversaw day to day marketing activities and events for ICONICS.

Catalog contains 100 full color pages of products from Omega’s automation line: PLCs, smart relays, enclosures, process measurement and control devices, motion control sensors, HMIs and more.

PSCo Technical Distribution will build turnkey video wall solutions that complement their existing line of high-performance displays.

QA Graphics’ interactive team can create custom mobile applications for Apple iOS (iPhone/iPad/iTouch), Android and BlackBerry devices.

Automation.com, November 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor I was recently introduced to a new HMI software offering, Tatsoft FactoryStudio. My first reaction was - Why does the industry need another HMI software product? I interviewed Tatsoft CEO and founder, Marcos Taccolini to learn more.

Automation.com, December 2011 Gram Equipment in Denmark is a manufacturer of equipment for industrial ice cream production. To simplify system complexity, it based its control topology on an Allen-Bradley GuardLogix platform and EtherNet/IP.

Automation.com, December 2011 Askim Mek Verksted in Norway builds Battpacker wool production machinery. It upgraded to Control Logix PLCs, PanelView Plus HMIs, Festo plug-in pneumatic valves, and EtherNet/IP communications.

Automation.com, November 2011 By Bill Lydon for Automation.com Rockwell Automation introduced the new low-cost Micro800 PLC product line suited for standalone machine applications - a completely new architecture and not based on or compatible with the Logix Platform and Integrated Architecture.

Automation.com, November 2011 By Hongyu Pei Breivold, et al, ABB Here’s how ABB's System 800xA helps improve operator effectiveness through improved situational awareness and better handling of abnormal conditions.

Automation.com, November 2011 By Eric Byres, Byres Security Inc. On one hand, industry is becoming increasingly concerned about just how vulnerable control systems have become to outside attacks. At the same time, new tools and applications that improve efficiency, but increase that exposure, are appearing daily. So must we sacrifice these gains in efficiency if we want to be secure?

The GoTo eBook contains the same information as the print catalogs: product descriptions, photos, system specifications and other data needed to select and specify required products.

In the 2011 ARC report, which covers the 2010 calendar year, Wonderware outpaced market growth and increased its percentage lead over its nearest competitor.

Altus, a Brazilian company, will distribute AFCON SCADA/HMI software Pulse in Brazil.

As HMI software shifts from standalone computing towards client/server architecture, demand for the ability to view and/or control a process via the Internet is increasing.

The entire manufacturing process in the bodywork factory is monitored from the permanently staffed "bridge" via 46-inch HMIs.