Switch Line Simplifies Configuration, Boosts Reliability

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The Scalance X500 Switches from Siemens Industry, Inc. make it easier to configure and connect large automation networks to IT systems. The 19-inch industrial grade rack devices are equipped with fully modular, hot swappable 4-port technology for electrical and optical media modules. The switches provide industry-specific communication with layer 2 and layer 3 functions, including static and dynamic routing for connection to networks on the company’s IT system. They also... Read More

New Features with the Release of TIA Portal – V11 SP2

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Industrial automation systems will see vast improvements in speed with the recently introduced TIA Portal – V11 SP2, which operates with the 64-bit version of Windows 7. The shift to a faster operating system will let customers take advantage of the increase in performance for both the STEP 7 and WinCC within the Siemens TIA Portal. New tools for the S71200 PLC include an SCL scripting editor. This is a high level programming language that is similar to PASCAL and structured... Read More

Network Diagnostics: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid

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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

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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

Extreme Manufacturing Makeover: Latex Mattress Manufacturer Automates from Scratch

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After a devastating fire, Latex International built a new manufacturing operation from the ground up. The automation strategy, including totally networked processes with SCADA, enabled much higher throughput with 20% less floor space and 37% fewer employees. Part of an occasional series. The morning of May 15, 2001 caused more than a few sleepless nights for the executives and workers of Shelton, Conn.-based Latex International (LI), which is somewhat ironic as the company is... Read More

Understanding Your Automation Control Options: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC), PC-based Controllers (PCbA)

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Learn to differentiate “marketing-speak” from fact in this assessment of similarities and differences between automation control platforms. Like everything in the highly Darwinian world of the manufacturing industry, automation systems are in a constant state of evolution. One of those evolutions was the advent of the PLC in 1968. Before then the American manufacturing industry – especially the automotive sector – was reliant on a system based on hundreds or even thousands... Read More

Critical Questions to Ask when Specifying Automation Systems

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Setting out to buy a new automation system can be a daunting task. Not only are you talking about what can be a significant capital investment, but more importantly you are talking about a system that will provide the backbone of your production capability for a decade or more. Getting it wrong can have major consequences on your company’s profitability and success. “Looking at it purely from a control systems perspective, almost any system you buy is going to be able to do... Read More

Siemens Revolutionizes Automation Engineering with TIA Portal

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This is the first in a series of three articles outlining Siemens’ revolutionary new TIA Portal software framework. This article will introduce TIA Portal, and highlight specific features and benefits, while articles in the January and February issues will add more technical detail and highlight deeper value for automation engineers. If you want more information on the TIA Portal now, please go to http://www.engineering-redefined.com One of the greatest challenges industrial... Read More

Win AC MP

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Siemens has unveiled the latest version of its embedded automation family, WinAC MP 2008 which enables users to implement control and visualization tasks on a single, compact, maintenance-free platform. “People have been predicting the death of traditional PLCs for a few years now, and I think they are getting a little ahead of reality. That said, WinAC MP certainly has its uses in automation and is capable of handling applications outside of the paradigm of a traditional PLC,”... Read More