Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, July 28 to August 3: Industrial communication, control system designs, workforce development, more

Articles about industrial communication boards, centralized and distributed control system designs, workforce development research, key elements in selecting lubrication, and employee engagement were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, July 28 to August 3.

By Chris Vavra August 4, 2014

1. Two industrial communication boards agree to unify

The Fieldbus Foundation board and the HART Communication foundation board have agreed to support merging to create a new industry organization and will complete the membership ballot by the end of summer 2014. 

2. Choosing between centralized and distributed control system designs

Engineers must strike the right balance on the centralized/distributed control system design spectrum. 

3. Plant Engineering 2014 Workforce Development Study: 6 key findings

According to the data in this report, 66% of manufacturing facilities are experiencing a skilled workforce shortage, and an average of 7% of jobs within plants are unfilled because of it. See what actions are being taken to close this gap and improve manufacturing’s appeal to the younger generations. 

4. Identify three key elements in selecting lubrication

Cost, maintenance, and downtime all must factor into decision. 

5. Optimizing employee engagement across the globe

A strategy for improving the employee experience can pay big dividends for everyone.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, July 28 to August 3, for articles published within the last two months. – Chris Vavra, content specialist, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.