Articles and News

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.

Packaging SCADA, a free webinar on November 16, 2011, will demonstrate how SCADA applications in a packaging line can directly improve production.

Mitsubishi Electric will incorporate ICONICS’ SCADA software in factory and process automation solutions.

TopView Free provides the same powerful, easy-to-configure, alarm management, notification and remote monitoring tools as TopView.

AGELEC chose Matrox Mura MPX Series video wall controller boards to drive AGCWall Series, a new line of video wall controllers.

Automation.com, September 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor In Part 2 of my interview with Eric Byres, leading industrial automation cyber security expert, he expands on the challenges and solutions for industrial cyber security, and includes recommendations for actions to take to protect your company and assets.

Automation.com, September 2011 By Bejer Any manufacturer of complex machines that include HMIs must face a crucial decision: should you build your own human-machine interfaces or should you buy these ready-made?

Automation.com, August 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Cyber Security is a hot topic that has become more intense since the notoriety of the Stuxnet virus. I interviewed Eric Byres, one of world’s leading industrial automation cyber security experts, to gain a greater understanding of the challenges and solutions for industrial cyber security.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has deployed an operator training simulator for an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant.

Automation.com, August 2011 By Eric Byres This tale doesn’t have princes or frogs in it, but instead it deals with SCADA and industrial control system security. It is the myth of the "air gap" between control systems and the rest of the world. Believing in it leads to a false sense of complacency by both end users and vendors, making it a very dangerous fairy tale indeed.