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

The Next Generation of Simatic HMI Key Panels

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Siemens has introduced a new generation of Simatic HMI key panels: the KP8 and KP8F. Both provide an affordable, high-performance, compact keypad operator panel for Profinet environments. The KP8 and KP8F feature eight large ergonomic keys, clearly illuminated via LED in up to five colors. For larger control panels, additional units may be added without gaps, electrically connected through integrated Ethernet switches and looped through a 24DC circuit. The KP8F is a failsafe version... Read More

6 Critical Things to Know Before Implementing Wireless on the Plant Floor

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While the automation command “startup” may not be as historically significant as the dots and dashes of the Morse code “SOS” distress call, it is no less important to the day to day operation of the factory machine that won’t go unless it gets the instruction to begin operation. According to industry analysts, those instructions are being transmitted more often via wireless networks than ever before. In 2007, industrial customers bought some 2.7 million wireless enabled... Read More

Automation Services Reduce Downtime for Manufacturers

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According to figures from ARC Advisory Group plant downtime costs come it at about $12,500 per hour. That’s an average of course, downtime at some plants will be cheaper while others – especially continuous process operations like refineries – are much, much more costly. “Downtime is a big concern because the cost associated with it is so high,” says Larry O’Brien, a research director with ARC who specializes in process automation solutions, adding that a single incident... Read More

RFID RF620R and RF630R Readers

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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