A Fresh Look at the Best Industrial Network Security Strategies

Securing industrial networks from threats both inside and outside the firewall requires multiple strategies vs. relying on one particular technique. The shift to Ethernet, wireless technologies and remote access has brought many benefits, but this connectivity has also eliminated the system protection strategy of years past: security through obscurity. Automation system managers must now focus on protecting networks from attacks that come from inside or outside the corporate boundaries. When... Read More

Sophisticated Automation Powers 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools at Ground Zero

The challenge: keeping 1.2 million gallons of water flowing and sparkling clear throughout all four seasons To commemorate those who died at the World Trade Center, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation was established to oversee construction of a memorial on the site of the twin towers. The foundation opened a worldwide design competition and received over 5,000 submissions from 63 nations. The winning design, “Reflecting Absence,”... Read More

Siemens and SPSU Collaborate on Mechatronics Education

Major grant and technology donations support development of Mechatronics Engineering program Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) is a residential, co-educational member of the University System of Georgia. Located on 203 acres of naturally wooded landscape in the historic and vibrant city of Marietta, SPSU is just 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Approximately 5,500 students from 36 states and 64 countries study here. Focused on the practical study of science and technology... Read More

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

Understanding Usability Implications When Selecting Engineering Software

Picking the right software helps improve efficiency and profitability When it comes down to a final analysis of automation systems, “usability” is perhaps the ultimate goal. It covers all aspects of user requirements, from speed and functionality to ease of use and size. When integration and design teams are analyzing the software they’ll use for automation systems, usability comes down to a handful of core issues. First, the programs must do the jobs they have, and it must... Read More

Understanding Benefits and Security Implications of Using Wireless for Safety

A look at the multiple benefits of using wireless for industrial safety applications, along with a detailed discussion of implications and pitfalls to avoid when implementing the latest wireless security measures. In recent years, wireless communication systems have become ubiquitous. A standard feature in your local coffee shop, wireless networks have also been increasing in industrial and manufacturing settings, delivering value and reliability even in the harshest environments.... Read More

Hazardous Environments: Understanding the Latest Certification Requirements

Two prominent certification schemes are compared and contrasted to understand the nuances of getting equipment and automation systems certified for use in hazardous environments at high risk of fire or explosions. ATEX consists of two European Union directives describing the equipment and work environments allowed in a potentially explosive atmosphere. ATEX derives its name from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives. “The... Read More

World’s Largest Machine Uses Off-the-shelf Automation Gear to Ensure Safe Operation

The ATLAS detector at CERN in Switzerland: The largest machine in the world is required to research the smallest particles of matter A peek behind the curtain at European particle physics lab CERN reveals the role that several hundred Siemens systems play in ensuring the high availability, operational reliability, and safety of all critical systems–especially for its Large Hadron Collider. Sitting astride the border of France and Switzerland, CERN (Conseil Européen pour la... Read More

Understanding Standards, Guideline and Codes Impacting Solar Power Equipment Industry

Experts from TÜV Rheinland cover the basics for solar equipment and component manufacturers who must comply with the regulations. Experts from TÜV Rheinland, which certifies many of the processes used to build and install electronic equipment, discussed segments of this vast regulatory environment in a Webinar entitled “Solar Energy Technologies: Insights to Regulatory Requirements.” They opened by explaining why the many rules and regulations were written. One is that solar... Read More

Turning Water into Oil

HydroWatch system monitors water used in oil shale drilling America’s need for energy continues to cause concerns for politicians and consumers as well as those who pull oil and gas from the earth. Demand for these natural resources continues to rise while prices fluctuate wildly and the uninterrupted availability of foreign oil remains uncertain. Fluctuations in supply and rising prices have driven oil and gas suppliers in the U.S. to focus more on domestic supplies. That’s... Read More