Network Diagnostics: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid

Spotting network saturation points and quickly identifying and replacing bad ports to minimize downtime are key benefits of using the right diagnostic tools for industrial networks. Keeping automation networks running efficiently has become one of the most important requirements for maintaining an efficient industrial automation system. Thankfully, the managers entrusted with this critical task can turn to a number of diagnostic tools that can help them find ways to fine tune... Read More

Fitting Energy Management Strategies into Sustainable Practices

How to monitor and analyze energy costs in an industrial automation application. Includes strategies for uncovering and avoiding costly spikes that exceed utilities’ maximum allowable demand. According to Nobel-winning writer (and co-founder of the London School of Economics) George Bernard Shaw, the only man he knew who behaved sensibly was his tailor. “He takes my measurements each time he sees me,” he said. “The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to... Read More

Realizing the Potential of Automation Integration

Integrating control systems used to be an ongoing exercise in jury-rigging bridges between islands of automation. Different processes would have disparate controllers, often with disparate control logic packages leading to a near endless state of troubleshooting and massaging systems so they would get along. Every time you added a new system or piece of equipment you would have to revisit your integration efforts to make sure you hadn’t compromised something. “Even today,... Read More

Remote Connectivity: The Right Approach Delivers Big Payoffs

The need for remote access to industrial equipment is growing rapidly, driven by a multitude of factors. But before plant managers open factories to outside control, they need to consider myriad issues such as security, ease of use and control of the network. As Ethernet gains acceptance in the industrial world, it opens the door to remote access, letting managers use the Internet, cellular links or network gateways to access equipment from other corporate facilities, hotel rooms... Read More

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

RFID RF620R and RF630R Readers

Integration challenges continue to fall for manufacturers and supply chain managers rolling out Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems. Most recently, Siemens Industry has broadened its RFID offering with a pair of new compact RFID readers — the Simatic RF620R and RF630R – equipped with a data and diagnostic interface specifically designed for connectivity back to PLC control systems. “This bridges the gap between the retail supply chain’s use of UHF, RFID... Read More

Code Reader Boost Speed, Precision

Keeping track of parts and products is a critical requirement in most high efficiency manufacturing lines. The SIMATIC MV440 identifies codes under the harsh conditions of many manufacturing plants, providing reliability even at high production line rates. The stationary 1D/2D code reading system from Siemens is designed for reading Data Matrix Codes, e.g. DPM (Direct Part Marking). It can be used in applications as diverse as automobiles, packaging, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics... Read More

Remote CPU and System Diagnostics Made Really Easy

Most plant engineers have experienced the problem, probably more times than they care to admit. Some kind of glitch has shut down production and nobody on site has the expertise to troubleshoot the problem. It may be 3 a.m., or maybe you’re having a much-needed weekend break with family or friends, but it’s up to you to head in to the plant and remedy the situation.Imagine instead, if you could simply find an Internet connection, log into the affected controller... Read More