Bill Dehner

Articles

Courtesy: AutomationDirect
Mobility December 21, 2021

Industrial access on the go

Adoption of industrial automation mobile access continues to increase, as technologies improve, and user concerns are addressed.

By Bill Dehner
Figure 1: This IIoT maturity model depicts how companies progressively digitalize their operations, in order to more effectively access and act on operational data. Courtesy: AutomationDirect
Analytics September 22, 2021

Exploit IIoT to improve operations

Off-the-shelf IIoT solutions use intelligent routers and associated cloud services

By Bill Dehner
Plant Automation May 6, 2021

Automation built for resiliency

Resilient automation products and practices are a necessity for most industrial applications using sensors, wiring, power distribution, controllers, networks, actuators and software integrated into an automation system.

By Bill Dehner
Ethernet January 29, 2021

How to choose between managed and unmanaged switches

Industrial automation systems need hardened networking equipment to deliver required performance and cybersecurity, and designers also must consider whether unmanaged switches are sufficient, or if the step up to managed switches is warranted

By Bill Dehner
PLCs, PACs May 4, 2020

Open-source benefits for industrial controllers

New controller options make it possible to add open-source features to industrial-grade automation. Think of industrial versions of Raspberry Pi or Arduino controllers.

By Bill Dehner
HMI, OI January 31, 2020

Configure intuitive HMI screens to simplify automation

Design standards and best practices for human-machine interfaces (HMIs) continue evolving, but simplicity and clarity never go out of style.

By Bill Dehner
Mechanical & Electrical May 28, 2019

Specifying performance instead of parts

Specifying performance instead of parts when purchasing machines and process skids will cut costs, reduce lead time and guarantee operation.

By Bill Dehner