Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, February 2-8: System integration trends, selecting and applying VFDs, managers vs. leaders, more

Articles about system integration trends, selecting and applying VFDs, the difference between managers and leaders, PMI Index results, and Ethernet/IP links to plant productivity were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, February 2-8. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra February 9, 2015

Plant Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Feb. 2-8, covered system integration trends, selecting and applying VFDs, the difference between managers and leaders, PMI Index results, and Ethernet/IP links to plant productivity. Link to each article below.

1. Trends in system integration

Four system integration experts offer their insights on manufacturing and what lies ahead for the industry. System integrators are vital to sustaining growth in manufacturing. 

2. Selecting and applying VFDs

Clear understanding of the application, noise sources, and configuration parameters ensures peak variable speed drive (VFD) performance, efficiency, and reliability. 

3. Four differences between managers and leaders

There are four distinct differences between leaders and managers. We believe we have a world full of leaders, yet for some strange reason, there are very few managers who are leaders.

4. PMI index slips again due to supply slowdown

Despite overall growth, the dock workers’ slowdown in California are impacting inventories. 

5. Ethernet/IP links plant productivity to business intelligence

Industrial-grade Ethernet Switches are designed to provide reliable connectivity in harsh environments with extreme temperatures, moisture, and vibration. 

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, February 2-8, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is senior editor for WTWH Media LLC.