Maintaining Control Systems Mechanical systems typical come to mind when preventative and predictive maintenance is discussed. It is for good reason, as mechanical systems like gear boxes, chain/belt drives, conveyors, etc. require planned maintenance activities in...

Modbus TCP For many reasons factory floors have become a mishmash of automation devices. There are PLCs, VFDs, servo controllers, HMIs, and intelligent sensors from different suppliers on the same floor. Communication among these devices has been accomplished using...

Hiring outside technical resources You may have recently thought about hiring temporary technical resources or farming-out a project that is usually done in-house.  It is the wave of the future.  Maybe you were in the process of developing new talent, you had a surge...

Some Places where Lean Manufacturing and Industrial Controls Intersect  Lean Manufacturing is a great way to sustain and revive Made in the USA.  This month’s newsletter will focus on places where Lean concepts and industrial controls meet – specifically Andon...

This Month’s Topic - Some Control Schemes to Save Energy We will discuss VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) in variable flow applications and smarter controls for ventilation systems.   There are no text book guarantees for percent reduction in energy usage for most...

Have you ever worried about a critical or profitable process that is remote or sometimes unattended? Maybe it is a high-temperature oven, a oil well pump or a waste water treatment facility. Do you want to get alarm information in the right hands without delay or miscommunication? …….. Please click on April 2013 Newsletter to access full article.