AR is poised to bring major improvements in industrial efficiency, making phones and tablets obsolete. There’s been a lot of effort to improve productivity and reduce costs by bringing smart phones and tablets into the industrial world. But Bob Meads is predicting that in just a few years, these handhelds will fade away as industrial companies … [Read More...]
More Totally Integrated Automation
Space Saving High-Density Expansion I/O Modules for Popular S7-1200 Line
High density, four- and eight-channel modules offer twice the number of channels per module in the same standard expansion module case size. New space saving analog modules for the SIMATIC S7-1200 compact controller give users a range of capabilities for many … [Read More...]
Compact Starter Protects Motors
Distributed motor starter provides IP65 protection. The M200D AS-Interface Basic distributed motor starter line offers both small size and a high level of protection for spatially distributed motor applications. Designed for material handling and conveying … [Read More...]
The Many Benefits of Biomass Energy
As the fastest growing renewable energy industry, biofuels offer manufacturers a low-cost, sustainable and proven energy source. As political and social pressure mounts to adopt more sustainable energy practices, there has been a burst of research aimed at … [Read More...]
Cutting Cost With COTS: Leveraging Commercial Hardware
Office technologies are taking hold, but not without changes. The ubiquitous PC architectures, Ethernet and wireless networking are transforming industrial applications, helping integrators reduce costs. The industrial world is continuing to move to … [Read More...]
Reducing Energy Consumption Offers Huge Potential Savings
Equipment makers help in the drive to cut energy usage. A number of factors are pressuring companies into going green and conserving energy. Uncertainty about spiking prices and an increasingly stringent regulatory environment, not to mention changing public … [Read More...]
Software Service Pack Expands Functionality
Upgrade gives S7-1200 expanded HMI tag count and enhanced indirect addressing. Service Pack 2 for Step 7 Basic, the next generation Simatic engineering software for S7-1200 compact controllers and Simatic Basic HMI panels, targets the need for enhanced indirect … [Read More...]
Drive Modules Add Wireless Commissioning
Siemens Sinamics G120 drive series now includes an option for wireless commissioning and service. The Smart Access module enables wireless connectivity of mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and laptops over Wi-Fi to Sinamics G120 and Sinamics G120C … [Read More...]
Thin Clients Offer Many Sizes, Extensive Connectivity
The SIMATIC ITC V3 and SIMATIC ITC V3 PRO Industrial Thin Clients now come in three sizes, 15, 19 and 22 inches, all providing high-resolution, capacitive widescreen fronts. Version 3 of the high performance clients includes diverse communication protocols, making … [Read More...]
Comfort Panels Provide Ruggedness for Food, Pharma
Selected INOX Comfort Panels have been upgraded to withstand high pressure washing and other challenging requirements arising in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The touch sensitive HMI devices all meet the IP69K degree of protection, some permit two-finger … [Read More...]
Industry Leaders Share How to Make Digitalization Real
Siemens recently held its 23rd annual Automation Summit. This is a time when the Siemens team gathers with end users and solutions partners for a few days of best practice sharing and networking. Whether a first-time or regular attendee, there’s tremendous interest … [Read More...]
Oil, Gas Industries Fuel Demand for Seamless Pipes
A drive for efficiency prompted pipe manufacturer Tenaris to automate operation of its largest factory. In recent years, the oil and gas industry worldwide has responded to severe market-pricing pressures by finding ways to gain new efficiencies. That impacts … [Read More...]
Better Beer Via Automated Brewing
Consumers are becoming far more discerning about their beer. That’s why craft brewing is a booming business. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer production grew 5% in the U.S. while the beer market as a whole fell by 1%. Small and independently owned … [Read More...]
Preparing for an Electric Vehicle Future with the eMobility Module – SIMATIC ET 200SP TM ECC 2xPWM ST
Electric vehicles (EVs) look very much like the wave of the future. 2017 was a landmark year for worldwide sales of EVs. The number of plug-ins available in the U.S. is now more than 40. In addition to models like the Prius and Tesla, other major car manufacturers … [Read More...]
SINAMICS V20 Smart Access
Rapid access to systems plays a critical role in their success. User frustration can quickly build if complexity or too much restriction exists about how machinery and equipment are accessed. The Siemens SINAMICS V20 Smart Access web server module solves this issue … [Read More...]
Boosting Automation Engineering Productivity with TIA Portal Add-Ons
Manufacturers that embrace digitalization are benefitting through operational agility, greater efficiency and increased ROI. Similarly, the adoption of digitalization in automation engineering software can reduce engineering costs, improve productivity, and shorten … [Read More...]
Driving Innovation Through Finance
Financing is not always well understood by small and mid-size organizations. According to surveys, however, it is a key driver of successful digitalization. Owners and executives say financing opens the door to competitive pricing, improved competitive positioning … [Read More...]
Touch Screens on the Factory Floor – Siemens SIMATIC IFP PRO Monitor
Touch screen technologies are more popular than ever. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, payment terminals, ATMs and even cashier-less stores are just a few examples. Where deployed, they reduce costs, boost efficiency, minimize lines and improve system navigation. … [Read More...]
Upgraded Tools Simplify Web Development
The LOGO! 8.2 basic devices, TDE and LOGO! Soft Comfort, support custom Web pages with Web server integrated in each device. Both are available for immediate shipments. LOGO! Soft Comfort V8.2 makes it easy to create specialized applications, featuring an … [Read More...]
PCs, PLCs Unite to Improve Efficiency
Multifunctional Platform brings best of both worlds Programmable controllers and personal computers are both powerful tools in industrial environments, each providing different benefits that help companies speed production and improve efficiency. Plant floor … [Read More...]
Automation Slashes Package Delivery Times
Material handling equipment enables faster times for shipping orders The market for automated material handling equipment is growing by leaps and bounds as consumer demand evolves from a world that once found 4-to-6-week delivery windows acceptable to one where a … [Read More...]
Rugged Flat Panels Provide HD Resolution
Industrial Flat Panel monitors that offer full High Definition (HD) resolution are ready for delivery. The ruggedized 15-, 19- and 22-inch displays provide touch input and the option to operate the devices isolated with 24 V DC. The wide-screen displays have a … [Read More...]
