Jack Smith
Articles
Cybersecurity and resilience in manufacturing
Having an OT/IT convergence strategy is essential to OT cybersecurity.
Resiliency, sustainability and conservation best practices
Duke Energy helps customers with conservation, sustainability and carbon goals
System integrators: Cybersecurity and IT/OT convergence champions
Cybersecurity is becoming a larger focus and priority for system integrators (SI) as the nature of the workforce changes.
Endress+Hauser inaugurates Texas campus
Endress+Hauser brings instrumentation, services and solutions closer to users in the process industries.
Insights on remote operations and HMIs
A look at how COVID-19 is changing remote operations and human-machine interfaces
Insights on DCS migration and mobility
Many software and hardware technologies have been developed that allow companies the means to remotely monitor and control business processes from anywhere, via any device, at any time.
Upgrading HMIs and change management
The June issue of AppliedAutomation looks at high-performance HMIs (HP-HMIs) and remote monitoring in the age of COVID-19.
Remote monitoring and data visualization
Remote monitoring and data visualization are key to improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
Configuring HMIs and hiring SIs
Have a plan when it comes to configuration your human-machine interface (HMI) and hiring the next generation of engineering talent.
2020 System Integrator Giants
The overall gross revenue for the top 100 system integrators and their parent companies topped $26.4 billion as most businesses saw growth.
System integrators at their best
The December issue of AppliedAutomation focuses on system integrators (SIs) providing quality work to their customers.
Workforce development, batteries
The October issue of AppliedAutomation focuses on workforce development through universities and colleges and battery safety.
Safety and controllers
Safety and controllers are looked at from different angles in the August issue of AppliedAutomation.
Specify performance, manage risk
The June issue of AppliedAutomation discusses specifying performance and the importance of alarm management and process safety.
Data visualization, monitoring remotely
Improving data visualization and implementing cloud-based remote access is also the first step to implementing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 applications for said data visualization.
How to enhance automation systems with instrumentation, advanced analytics
Automation can be enhanced in a number of ways whether its through improving process instrumentation or unlocking the power of the Internet of Things (IoT)
Looking back; looking ahead
The December 2017 issue of AppliedAutomation highlights natural gas utility maintenance using data analysis, PID, and radar sensors for liquid level measurement.
Four things to remember about DCS migration
Whether it’s a refinery, chemical plant, or other process-related facility, the primary control system must operate efficiently, safely, and economically. If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade.
Top Plant 2013: A spark of excellence
Many factors determine how well a manufacturing plant performs. Those that perform best are qualified to become a Top Plant.
Top Plant 2012: Masco Cabinetry
Real time, just in time: Masco Cabinetry reduces lead time, waste, energy costs, and downtime.
Top Plant 2012: Pfizer Global Supply
An Rx for manufacturing success: Focus on safety, quality, and uptime is the right prescription for progress at Pfizer.
Infor appoints Bruce Richardson as chief strategy officer
Industry veteran, luminary and leading enterprise software analyst joins Infor team
Product Exclusive: Soft starter technology matches profiles, loads
Reduced-voltage starters have been autotransformers, wye/delta or part winding electromechanical starters that reduce inrush line current vs. across-the-line starting. The ASTAT XT soft starter uses advanced digital technology to do the same thing, and to protect and better control motors.
ISA perspective on the convergence of IT and manufacturing
ISA InTech editor Gregory Hale said about the convergence of manufacturing and IT: “Bringing the two together is like a Wilfred Brimley oatmeal commercial: ‘It’s the right thing to do.’ It is also inevitable.” Find out what else Hale had to say.
Acument acquires, reopens Camcar
In a move that will create jobs and open a new chapter in the city’s long history of supplying assembly systems and technology to global producers of commercial and military aircraft, Acument Global Technologies Inc. announced it will re-enter the high-performance aerospace threaded fastener market with the opening of a production complex in Rockford, IL.
Wireless infrastructure gets an upgrade
Focusing on integration and management of a facility’s wireless infrastructure, Moffett Field CA-based Apprion, has released R3 of its ION system. The release allows facilities to improve management of users, devices and systems across a large network and plant area, while enhancing plant communications, increasing productivity and satisfying regulatory mandates.
Apprion’s Lambright discusses wireless issues, new system
Next generation ION system addresses security reliability and scalability in large process manufacturing plant wireless network applications.
Selective coordination solutions, challenges covered in Webcast
The importance of selective coordination as a strategy, and the dangers of ignoring such a strategy, were emphasized during PLANT ENGINEERING's Webcast on the topic May 25. The Webcast, sponsored by Cooper Bussmann, is one in a series of Webcasts planned this summer to focus on key safety and maintenance issues on the plant floor.
Collaboration, growth mark Automation World
Guests enjoyed dinner while watching colorful and acrobatic circus-style performers at the opening reception of ABB’s 2007 Automation World in Orlando. The troupe wowed the large crowd with a vivid display of ornate costumes and graceful, athletic maneuvers that set the pace for a high energy week of collaboration.
Wireless system detects open circuits
St. Louis-based circuit protection manufacturer Cooper Bussmann has expanded its fuse-making role to become another company to leverage the benefits of wireless technology. Announced on Feb. 13, the Cooper InVision system not only detects when a circuit protection device has opened, it also alerts maintenance personnel which device has operated; where it is located; the part number of the repla...
Schneider’s Initi@tive 2006 showcases company’s solutions
Nearly 1,400 Schneider Electric North American Operating Division customers packed the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL, from Sept. 28–30 attending “Initi@tive 2006: the Gateway to the New Electric World.” Schneider Electric showcased its applications and solutions in power, automation and control to its customers and partners.
Wireless solutions, technology the focus at Emerson event
The word of the week was 'wireless' at the Emerson Global Users Exchange hosted by Emerson Process Management Oct. 2–6 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville. John Berra, president of Emerson Process Management; Steve Sonnenberg, president of Emerson's Rosemount Division; and Bob Karschnia, director of technology for Rosemount shared in making the announcement of Em...
MAVERICK acquires GE Energy’s automation services business
MAVERICK Technologies, a US-based global systems integration and operational consulting company, announced the acquisition of the Automation Services business of GE Energy, expanding MAVERICK’s reach into new markets and augmenting its overall service offering. Paul J. Galeski, P.E., CAP, MAVERICK Chairman and CEO said, “The purchase of GE Energy’s Automation Services represents a strong strategic addition to our mix of automation, business and reliability solutions, and is an integral part of our long-term strategy for sustained growth. Also, the acquisition will allow us to take advantage of the many cross-selling opportunities to our expanded customer base, broaden our national footprint and enhance our global presence in the semiconductor, power generation, water and wastewater, pulp and paper, and automotive markets. “The primary benefit of this acquisition,” Galeski continued, “is the talented group of engineering, management and administrative professionals who will be coming on board as part of this transaction.
Wonderware a Gold Partner with Microsoft
Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys Systems Inc., has achieved Gold Certified Partner level in the Microsoft Partner Program. The Microsoft and Invensys alliance was established to combine Invensys' strengths in process and manufacturing applications and expertise in key industry segments with Microsoft's platform, technology and enterprise products.
Johnson Controls to purchase York
Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc. announcement Aug. 24 that it will purchase York International in a $3.2 billion deal is expected to strengthen Johnson's position in the U.S. building market. As a result of the acquisition, Johnson Controls will design and sell integrated controls and HVAC&R equipment; become the largest global provider to the high-margin building services market; and ...
Johnson Controls to buy York
Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc. has agreed to purchase York International in a $3.2 billion deal that will strengthen Johnson’s position in the U.S. building market. As a result of the acquisition, Johnson Controls will design and sell integrated controls and HVAC&R equipment; become the largest global provider to the high-margin building services market; and capitalize on significant opportunities to supply products and services to each other’s customers.
Transformer fluid to be discontinued
Cooper Power Systems has announced that it will discontinue sales of R-Temp fluid by December 31, 2005. The decision affects R-Temp transformers and fluid sales for retrofill. The company cited increased marketplace acceptance of its Envirotemp FR3 fluid, which has led to declining sales of R-Temp fluid, as the key reason for the decision. The company will sell the discontinued fluid until current inventory is depleted, estimated to be at year’s end.
ABB to restructure transformer business
ABB announced that it will initiate restructuring activities within its North American transformer business unit. The efforts are part of a global effort to strategically realign the transformer business for profitability and service to its customers. Several North American operations will be affected by the changes. The Guelph, Canada facility will be closed.
CAFTA passage hailed by trade groups
The narrow victory for the Central American Free Trade Agreement in the U.S. House in the early morning hours of July 28 was hailed as a victory for President Bush and a victory for the manufacturing sector. The National Association of Manufacturers and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, both of which had lobbied aggressively for passage in the House, were pleased with the 217-2...
Schneider Electric expands Telemecanique PLC distribution
Schneider Electric will supply Telemecanique PLCs and related automation products through its Square D distribution channel, effective July 1. According to Schneider Electric, this decision followed growing customer demand for automation products outside traditional industrial applications. Bill Snyder, Vice President, Channel Development, for Schneider Electric said that the company will conti...
Collaboration a message at ABB user forum
Integrating products is one key for an automation company's success. Another, as speakers at the 2005 ABB Automation World Conference noted, is to find collaboration between companies working to find integration solutions. That was the message at the April 19 event in Houston, as keynote addresses highlighted the opportunities and challenges of such collaborations.
Test software, smart meters, and CAD libraries
ODVA introduces test softwareThe Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) recently introduced protocol conformance test software for EtherNet/IP products. The software allows developers to test devices against the EtherNet/IP specification to pinpoint conformance-related errors. The test helps users ensure that their industrial Ethernet selection is truly open and that multivendor hardwar...