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Dennis Brandl, founder and chief consultant for BR&L Consulting, has been named Chairman, Americas Board of Directors, MESA International.

While much is written about RFID and how it will change the face of distribution, it is time to address several misconceptions about the technology and discuss the effects that recent developments have had on the discrete manufacturing sector.

This article examines how this new networking method compares to traditional wiring and the advantages of implementing safety networking.

Two examples are given here where the gain variation was sufficient to cause control problems, and was corrected by applying characterization.

Advancements in linear encoder technology allow higher speed operation too. Today's linear encoders and other devices are able to meet this challenge, are less noise susceptible, and cost less.

One of the most important and difficult decisions is often the very first decision: do you upgrade with internal resources or hire an outside consultant? Some of the arguments for each side in this debate are obvious. You know what you want better than anyone, but a consultant may have more experience in the actual process of acquiring a SCADA system. There’s a lot to be said in favor of both approaches. Neither is an inherently good or bad approach. We summarize below the key issues and how they affect both of these approaches.

For many OEMs, choosing the right sensor manufacturer is concern number one. OEMs want a manufacturer with a trusted name in the material handling industry.

As more and more "nodes" become connected – products, equipment, people, organizations – Metcalfe's Law comes into play. The effectiveness and value of the Internet continues to increase exponentially.

The level of control and the amount of information available are significantly improved over earlier methods. Most importantly, with web-enabled Ethernet, the ease of both getting information and displaying it is on an entirely new level than was possible with older technologies

Historically, expert knowledge of vibration analysis was required to start and maintain a vibration-based predictive maintenance program. This white paper describes how using intelligent sensors can alleviate the need for vibration experts.

OPC middleware products are designed to enhance any OPC-based application. An intelligent set of OPC products simplifies the commissioning and operation of OPC clients and servers, significantly improves the data throughput of your OPC interfaces, and ensures reliable OPC communication links.

Because the machines may be in remote locations where network infrastructure is not available, or on moving platforms where hardwired network connectivity is not practical, wireless communications is a networking alternative that offer installation cost savings, quicker deployment and even improved reliability in certain situations.

Wireless monitoring of valves can revolutionize industrial processing and help industries meet the demands of increasing competitiveness. Intelligent wireless valve monitoring in industrial environments enables real-time data sharing throughout a facility and this, by definition, increases industrial safety, efficiency, and productivity.

The paper, “Nonlinear Control and Decision Making Using Fuzzy Logic in Logix,” provides best practices for designing with fuzzy control and examines its benefits compared to conventional control methods.

The development of fieldbus for safety-related applications and new International and European Standards have fundamentally changed the manner in which safety is now being engineered in the plant. BMW are the first to directly integrate robotic safety functions using a safety-related fieldbus.

Most people consider low price to mean lower margins. This is not necessarily true. A high priced control system may still only generate low margins. And too, low-priced, high value, high volume products could generate healthy margins. The key, of course, is to pursue a balanced value proposition.

A quick examination of how guided-wave technologies compare against other time-of-flight technologies, such as through-air radar and ultrasonic —along with a discussion of application guidelines—can serve to elucidate the benefits that this new technology can bring to engineers needing to improve process operations.

The benefits of Pick-to-Light solutions cannot be overlooked as a best-of-breed, lean manufacturing, continuous process improvement, cost-saving technique. There are extensive benefits of Light-Directed Order Picking. The flexibility of Pick-to-Light technology solutions offer cable-free light module hardware; this flexibility enables the productivity of light-directed order fulfillment to virtually all popular material storage and handling media found in distribution centers and manufacturing plants.

There can be some great lessons learned from professionals when they put their skills and knowledge to work. I saw this when visiting a 34,100 square feet light commercial building where technology and knowhow were applied to create an efficient, sustainable, and productive environment. The building is a notable exception when contrasted with the typical light commercial building built for lowest first cost resulting in high energy cost, extra maintenance, and an uncomfortable environment.