The Automation Blog

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Most industrial automation vendors offer modern Programmable Controllers, but not all of them brand their products as PACs. Take Siemens for instance: You'd be hard pressed to find a PAC feature their S7 line of controllers doesn't support, and yet they still refer to them as PLCs. – FlexLogix ( 1794 ).

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Control Engineering

DECEMBER 6, 2022

Control teams can work more effectively with new software tools. Productivity and quality can improve by applying modern software tools to automation and PLC programming. Automation version control, backup insights. A Control Engineering webcast on Dec. Learning Objectives. CONSIDER THIS.

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Automation Manufacturing 40

Control Engineering

OCTOBER 4, 2022

The edge can be thought of as instruments monitoring physical characteristics, controllers automating equipment, processors performing computations, and more. These were used in conjunction with human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) graphics to provide visualization. Courtesy: Emerson.

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Automation Function Manufacturing Industry 4.0 59

Control Engineering

JANUARY 23, 2023

Learning Objectives Learn more machine control systems are evolving and being integrated with modern programming languages and increased automation. Understand some of the challenges manufacturers and end users face with these control systems, which are vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks.

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Supply Chain Discrete manufacturing Automation Function 59

Control Engineering

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Looking at industrial controller, PLC assessments for hardware, software. Examining industrial controllers, PLC selection advice. Understanding PLC software advancements to overcome code complexity. PLC hardware and software selection and PLC programming insights. Learning Objectives. Frank B.

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Automation Function Benchmarking Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

AUGUST 9, 2023

Understand uses for edge controllers with PLC capabilities for water projects. Automation, edge and PLC insights Neom new city project uses edge controllers with programmable logic controller (PLC) capabilities in large system integration, automation pipelines, pumping stations and storage tanks.

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Automation Sourcing Manufacturing 52

The Automation Blog

DECEMBER 28, 2022

09: How To Migrate PLC-5 and SLC-500 Programs to Studio 5000 and Logix Controllers. Recently one of our readers submitted a question asking for help migrating from a legacy Rockwell PLC (aka PLC-5 or SLC-500) to their new PAC lines (ControlLogix and CompactLogix.). 04: Timers and Counters Used In Mitsubishi PLCs.

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The Automation Blog

AUGUST 2, 2022

If you are looking at a PAC or a PLC, chances are you already have a good idea of what features you are looking for and what hardware and programming you hope to use. This brief overview will show some history behind the Mitsubishi PLCs, hardware, and a quick look at options for code. As with anything, the best structure (i.e.,

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Function Automation Form 52

The Automation Blog

MARCH 2, 2023

In our product spotlight today is The Automation School's ControlLogix Course, PAC Basics , designed for users with some PLC experience who want to learn how to use, program, and troubleshoot the ControlLogix line of PACs. To learn more, click here. In our “pub crawl” today we found several new publications of note.

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Control Engineering

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Traditionally, HA has been built into distributed control systems and used mainly in critical circumstances, however, utilizing HA for key functions more regularly has proven to be cost-effective and increase uptime. HA solutions have become a critical part of modern control strategies.

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The Automation Blog

MARCH 1, 2023

First up we have a press release from Rockwell Automation here announcing an update to their line of Branch Motor Control Protection devices. Next we have another press release, this one from Yokogawa here detailing their new Autonomous Control A.I. The second here is from B&R about a recent installation of their SuperTrak system.

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Automation Mag

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

ARC Advisory Group’s latest research revealed that the worldwide Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and PLC-based PACs market returned to a reliable, mid-single-digit growth in 2022.

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Lead Time Automation 91

Gary Mintchell

APRIL 26, 2024

Later I stopped by their booth at a trade show where they wore black arm bands in memoriam for the demise of the PLC. A few years later I joined Control Engineering magazine and had many interviews. With your help we’ve taken this 50-year journey from highly reliable SSRs to state-of-the-art Edge Programmable Industrial Controllers.

Made-to-spec 130

Made-to-spec Automation Electronics Manufacturing 130

Control Engineering

AUGUST 11, 2023

How to automate insights Automation continues to enable manufacturing efficiency with fewer experienced workers available, Control Engineering explains in the “How to automate” August 2023 print and digital edition. Industrial automation, including state-of-the-art motion controllers, need to effectively share data.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 90

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Automation Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Artificial Intelligence 90

Motion Control Tips

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

A compact all-in-one form factor combines built-in full function controller features and functions, both onboard and expandable I/O, and an advanced technology 7-in. An all-in-one PLC+HMI is compact and […] The post Combined PLC+HMI increases display size, I/O options appeared first on Motion Control Tips.

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Function Form Automation 62

Control Engineering

AUGUST 30, 2022

PLC programming efficiency has fallen behind code development for other uses. Software development tools use DevOps, Git-based strategies to improve PLCs code development. Webcast provides a demonstration and case study showing advantages of Git for PLCs software. PLC programming efficiency questions to answer.

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Automation Manufacturing 105

Control Engineering

AUGUST 8, 2022

Control Engineering‘s top 5 content over the past week covered PLC programming, digital transformation, control systems, cybersecurity and more. While the programmable logic controller (PLC) is very important, the programming inside the controller is just as critical and can be overlooked.

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Pharmaceutical Automation 98

Control Engineering

OCTOBER 11, 2023

PLC migration insights Aging programmable logic controller (PLC) systems risk obsolescence, hampering critical updates and data exchange. Amidst the continuous evolution in industrial automation, the need to upgrade maturing Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) stands at a pivotal crossroads of challenge and potential.

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Function Industry 4.0 Industry 4.0 Beverage 52

Control Engineering

OCTOBER 10, 2023

The topic of programmable logic controller (PLC) standards for both programming and hardware has been on the mind of the industry nearly as long as the PLC itself. This value is also seen in ISA 88 for Batch Control and TR88.00 (PackML), among others. Avanceon is a Control Engineering content partner.

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Fit Form Function Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Learning Objectives Learn about what Control Engineering subscribers need to do their jobs better, what articles they liked best and their about how to automate. By now many are well into planning 2024 automation and controls optimization projects, and Control Engineering research results and advice can help.

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Automation Artificial Intelligence Compliance Robotics 52

Control Engineering

AUGUST 29, 2023

Project management insights Outdated equipment, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), can become problematic, particularly in sensitive applications and sites such as a company that handled water well sites. Upgrading legacy equipment is only part of the equation.

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Automation Six Sigma Lean manufacturing Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

OCTOBER 30, 2023

About year 2000, software became the most expensive part of production line, and advances in control software programming haven’t kept up, van der Wal said. Hoske, Control Engineering Tools also provide troubleshooting, pointing out programming errors, which is much faster than manual troubleshooting. Courtesy: Mark T.

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Automation Function Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

Acting as the brain behind industrial operations, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are designed to perform logical decision making for control applications. However, what should be done when a PLC system reaches the end of its life cycle? – Automation Group is a CFE Media and Technology content partner.

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Manufacturing Automation Function 52

Control Engineering

AUGUST 29, 2023

Control Engineering’s top 5 pieces of content over the past week covered linear actuator electrification, quantum rods for VR devices, PLC programming fundamentals and more. Learn about the five types of PLC programming languages and how they’re used. Before the Sept. 11-13 show, strong attendance was expected, organizers said.

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Automation Manufacturing Discrete manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

APRIL 3, 2023

Learning Objectives Understand Control Engineering research on how to apply controllers with write-in advice about what is and is not working with controllers. Review implementation advice including controller system integration and programming. Implementation advice includes controller system integration and programming.

Automation 52

Automation Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

APRIL 4, 2023

Five fast facts about Control Engineering research on how to apply controllers follow. The research, conducted in January 2023 with subscribers who specify or purchase, integrate, use, maintain or upgrade controllers for industrial applications, has a margin of error at 95% confidence, of +/-8.5% See more online.)

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Process control Automation Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

OCTOBER 3, 2023

Dick Johnson, former senior editor of Control Engineering and Plant Engineering , died at age 80 in September 2023. Dick) Johnson, longtime former senior editor for Plant Engineering and then Control Engineering , died Sept. Courtesy: Erica Johnson Richard E. 28, 2023, at age of 80. He will be missed.”

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Automation Discrete manufacturing Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

JULY 2, 2023

Learning Objectives Understand how PLCopen is used in programmable logic controller (PLC) programming. The PLCopen XML exchange format, now called IEC 61131-10, is supported by many development environments and suitable for different tools such as documentation, code generation and version control.

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Function Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

JULY 3, 2023

PLC programming insights Programmable logic controller (PLC) programming needs frameworks and structures that can help users make better decisions. Knowing the fundamentals of supported programming languages, PLC program optimization and how to take advantage of troubleshooting support can go a long way.

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Function Sourcing Automation Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

JUNE 11, 2023

Learning Objectives Understand the primary drivers for control system modernization projects. Learn how burgeoning trends such as the growing emphasis on cybersecurity and sustainability can justify control system modernizations. The core concerns surrounding control system cybersecurity have been around for decades.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) 52

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Made-to-spec Automation 52

Control Engineering

AUGUST 15, 2023

Control Engineering’s top 5 pieces of content over the past week covered Industry 4.0, PLC Programming and automated metal forming. Control Engineering asked an Industry 4.0 Control Engineering asked an Industry 4.0 Learn about the five types of PLC programming languages and how they’re used. Is Industry 4.0,

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Industry 4.0 Industry 4.0 Smart manufacturing Artificial Intelligence 52

Control Engineering

APRIL 3, 2023

Control Engineering’s top 5 content over the past week covered logistics, controllers, PID loop tuning, edge computing for industrial automation and more. Chris Vavra , web content manager, Control Engineering , CFE Media and Technology, cvavra@cfemedia.com. Links to each article below. See video.

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Logistics Automation Robotics Robotics 52

Control Engineering

APRIL 6, 2023

Learning Objectives Hear several PLC programming tips from an expert in PLC programming in a brief Control Engineering video. Link to other PLC programming resources available from Control Engineering. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) require programming, and some programmers are better than others.

Automation 52

Automation Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Control Engineering top 5 articles online about motors and drives posted over the last year covered PLC programming advice, tips and picking the best controller. Also: See additional controller stories here. The post Hot Control Engineering controllers articles in 2022 appeared first on Control Engineering.

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Process control Process manufacturing Manufacturing 52

Control Engineering

JANUARY 31, 2023

Hot topics in Control Engineering, for December 2022, for stories posted in the last three months included control system management, industrial robot trends, MQTT, most-viewed Control Engineering stories in 2022 and more. Chris Vavra , web content manager, Control Engineering , CFE Media and Technology, cvavra@cfemedia.com.

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Supply Chain Robotics Robotics Automation 52

Control Engineering

JANUARY 13, 2023

Understand how Control Engineering hot topics for 2022 were selected. See top 3 covers as selected by the Control Engineering creative director. Also see top 3 covers below with and top 10 Control Engineering articles posted prior to 2022. Top 10 articles posted in Control Engineering during 2022. Learning Objectives.

Automation 52

Automation Fit Function Electronics 52

Control Engineering

MARCH 8, 2023

Obsolescence Insights To upgrade and separate the equipment, five systems controlled by a central PLC needed to be migrated to either ControlLogix or CompactLogix and have all communication transitioned to Ethernet. NAT modules were then used to connect the PLCs to the network.

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Function Process control Beverage 52