RFID Improves Processes and Profitability

Product identification has evolved rapidly over the last decade as advanced techniques let companies get more data using systems that are easier to install. Radio Frequency Identification is seeing a rapid takeoff, employing readers that can monitor products that aren’t directly in their line of sight. RFID provides a number of benefits that can make it more viable than bar codes and other printed technologies. It eliminates the line of sight viewing that’s needed for printed... Read More

Simatic WinCC V7 Simplifies Complex Data Monitoring

Keeping track of equipment operating time and comparing usage is even more difficult in this economy when shift usage is changing to meet fluctuating production demands. Siemens Industry Automation Division is responding with two upgrades to its software for the Simatic WinCC V7 SCADA system.CLICK TO ENLARGEThe Simatic WinCC/DowntimeMonitor now works with equipment that has varying production speeds or varying changeover schedules. The program’s shift model can now handle... Read More

Software Upgrade Helps Reduce Downtime

Maintaining equipment without much downtime is critical for efficient plant operations. The Siemens Industry Automation Division is addressing this requirement by upgrading its Simatic Maintenance Station software, focusing on diagnostic functionality and plant asset management. Version 2009 offers functions for the efficient planning and monitoring of maintenance operations. It also allows devices in the field to access the Simatic Maintenance Station via a web client for remote... Read More

Aiming at Lower Network Costs

Unmanaged switches offer low cost port expansion. As Ethernet takes over industrial networking, there’s a big push to reduce costs while moving up to Gigabit Ethernet. One of the simplest ways to reduce expenditures is to employ unmanaged switches in spots where managed devices aren’t needed. In line or star topologies where simple plug-and-play connections and low-cost port expansion features are the critical requirements, the Scalance XB family of unmanaged industrial Ethernet... Read More

Finding Harmony on the Factory Floor

PROFINET, PROFIBUS team up to link entire enterprise. Over the past several years, Ethernet has made an impressive footprint on the plant floor, becoming the de facto standard for most new installations and expansions. But fieldbuses like PROFIBUS show no signs of fading away soon, making it important to understand how they work together.CLICK TO ENLARGEEthernet has been beefed up by many companies and trade groups so it can work in harsh industrial environments without sacrificing... Read More

Tips on Choosing an Automation Architecture

Distributed control systems, programmable logic controllers meet varying demands. The advancing power of microcontrollers makes it much easier to do many tasks, but sometimes these advances make life more difficult. It’s becoming more difficult to decide whether to adopt distributed control systems or programmable logic controllers. As equipment designers leverage the soaring capabilities of microprocessors, the strengths and weaknesses between a DCS and a PLC have become blurred.... Read More