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System integrators rise to the challenge
Meeting challenges head-on is what the system integrator lives for and their ability to see the situation from a different perspective is valuable.
How manufacturers benefit by choosing a certified control system integrator
Selecting a CSIA certified system integrator ensures the project is completed by a business with proven dedication to the industry’s best practices.
2025 System Integrator of the Year: Complex batch control project
Malisko Engineering is the winner in the under $20 million in system integration revenue category.
2025 System Integrator of the Year: Multisite IT/OT network project
In the $20 million to $50 million in system integration revenue category, Matrix Technologies Inc. is the winner.
E Tech Group, 2025 System Integrator of the Year: New digital twins
E Tech Group wins in the over $50 million in system integration revenue category for the 2025 System Integrator of the Year awards.
How system integrators, advanced technology help end users plan for the future
System integrators (SIs) have an important role in counseling manufacturing end-users on the benefits that advanced technology can have in helping them navigating the current challenges and plan for the future.
System Integrator of the Year, 2025
E Tech Group, Matrix Technologies and Malisko Engineering received recognition from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering in this 18th annual award.
Going beyond physical boundaries and embracing 3D modeling
In the field of system integration, 3D modeling has emerged as a vital tool by addressing complex challenges and driving growth.
Advertisement: Revolutionizing digital transformation with DxOps Transformation
Advertisement: More than half of digital transformation initiatives fail due to unclear strategies, poor execution and no adaptability.
Top five Plant Engineering articles: November 11-17, 2024
Top Plant Engineering articles this week covered topics including system integration, variable frequency drives and electrical maintenance plans
How to enhance facility performance through strategic systems integration
Systems integration (SI) is evolving as new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), industrial internet of things (IIoT) and automation make a dedicated approach crucial for ensuring efficiency, adaptability and cybersecurity in an increasingly complex landscape.
2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Matthew Schoendorf, 31
Matthew Schoendorf, 31, Head of Joining Technologies, Brose North America, Auburn Hills, MI
2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Garrison Wilfert, 25
Garrison Wilfert, 25, Senior Engineer, Concept Systems, Albany, OR
2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Dru Vitale, 35
Dru Vitale, 35, Controls & Automation Engineer, Hargrove Controls & Automation, Baton Rouge, LA
2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Bruce Slusser, 35
Bruce Slusser, 35, Digital Transformation Practice Director, Actemium-Avanceon, Exton, PA
2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Anthony Soellner, 35
Anthony Soellner, 35, Electrical Development Engineer, Innomotics, Norwood, OH
2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Caidey Whatley, 27
Caidey Whatley, 27, Controls Engineer, Hargrove Controls & Automation, Mobile, AL
Seven security issues to address as factories evolve
As factory owners expand their operations and invest in new technologies and systems to support expanding workloads, attention must be paid to addressing novel security issues.
2024 System Integrator of the Year winners announced
Details about the class of 2024 System Integrator of the Year winners: Interstates, Polytron and APCO Inc.
System integrators: Best of a breed
Systems integration requires highly trained individuals to execute detailed, complex protocols, but they also need to be flexible.
Systems integrators continue applying technology to human endeavors
As the workplace changes, the integration imperative persists and leads to innovation for the System Integrator of the Year winners.
The time is now for systems integrators, manufacturers
Labor and skills shortages justify increased automation; SIs occupy key position in today’s supply chains; SI Giants embrace the opportunities
SIs bring automation advances to an installed base of legacy systems
Plenty of opportunities are out there for system integrators, but you need to know your stuff and be ready for the future.
Enhanced technology helps integrators, manufacturers find real-time issues
Leveraging technology helps system integrators and manufacturers address major challenges while improving productivity, safety.
The benefits of adopting an all-in-one automation engineering platform
To unlock engineering efficiency, combining platforms streamlines and adds consistency
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Matthew Bailey, 38
Matthew Bailey, 38, Controls Engineer, Hargrove Controls & Automation, Mobile, Alabama
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Chase Beard, 30
Chase Beard, 30, Controls & Automation Engineer, Hargrove Controls & Automation, Johns Creek, Georgia
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Iain Brearton, 30
Iain Brearton, 30, Senior Controls Engineer, Concept Systems Inc., Kent, Washington
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Andrew Edmondson, 38
Andrew Edmondson, Project Engineer, Applied Control Engineering Inc., Newark, Delaware
2023 Engineering leaders under 40: Kristen Kosatka, 32
Kristen Kosatka, 32, Product Manager, Rockwell Automation, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Chad McDowell, 34
Chad McDowell, 34, Technical Resource Director, Concept Systems Inc., Albany, Oregon
Systems integrators’ future is bright, but proceed with due caution
Systems integrators warned hyper-growth may be at an end; what to expect in the 2nd half of 2023 and beyond.
Unicorns galore at system integrator conference
Systems integrators deliver sophisticated solutions to real-world challenges.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: March 2023
The Bundy Group reported five automation transactions in the month of March. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Create a strategic plan when integrating automation in manufacturing facilities
Plant owners must develop a strategic and comprehensive plan about their integration process to optimize production long-term.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: February 2023
The Bundy Group reported five transactions in the month of February. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Plant engineering, manufacturing M&A: January 2023
The Bundy Group reported 14 transactions in the month of January. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Crafting a multi-faceted system integration strategy
A new manufacturing facility required developing and delivering a solution that emphasized enhanced process control, information access and building control.
System integrators: Automation glue
Control system integrators serve as the hardware, software and networking glue to help plan, design and integrate automation and controls projects.
Increasing production with less capital
With operation performance unknown, forecasting the ability to meet increased market demand was ineffective. Building another plant seemed unavoidable, but the task would be time-consuming and expensive.
How data is making a flour mill run smarter and leaner
Using analytics, data integration and advanced hardware helped a flour mill run smarter and leaner.
Retrofit project for biodegradable plastics facility
A bioplastics company contracted a system integrator to retrofit a brownfield plant to make Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based resins, adapting existing on-site batch controls.
SIs to increase US manufacturing competitiveness
Manufacturing has changed due to recent global events with an emphasis on being smarter and leveraging all around us. System integrators (SIs) can help manufacturers with digital transformation, smart manufacturing efforts.
SI Giants 2023 average system integration revenue increases
Supply chain, staffing and COVID-19 are main concerns among SI Giant system integrators.
Systems integrators support end user self-service
Farm, power plant and factory control systems have operated in the same way for decades, following static hard-coded automation logic. This automation logic is typically developed during an initial project development phase and is implemented by automation engineers, as it requires a highly technical skillset.
Six strategic steps to make systems integration seamless
Systems integration is a complex process that requires time, dedication, and the ability to take an objective look at the bigger picture.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: August 2022
The Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of August. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Three ways to shut down loads with thermal switches
Thermal switches can help mitigate damage in electronic products and keep a situation from getting worse. Three approaches to controlling heat buildup with thermal switches are highlighted.
Benefits of modular enclosures in manufacturing applications
Modular enclosures can help manufacturers maximize the space they have and give them added flexibility in many different applications.
Case study: Redesign the process, then the control system
Pharmaceutical control system integration: Fixing a blind spot in the process design helped user requirements for a heat exchanger control system. A control system may not be able to fix a faulty process.
Automating manual processes
Streamlining the most basic of operations on the factory floor is often overlooked, but it can have very positive impacts for operations and the workforce.
Benefits of agile documentation for projects
Agile software development brings an opportunity to create, leverage and improve documentation in ways that bring new value to projects and stakeholders.
How SIs can help manufacturers beat inflation in 2022
System integrators lead the charge to productivity and return on investment in the future.
2022 System Integrator of the Year winners
Integrator companies Revere Control Systems, Hargrove Controls + Automation and Huffman Engineering are recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Revere Control Systems is System Integrator of the Year, 2022
Revere Control Systems is the 2022 System Integrator of the Year for the Large System Integrator Category. Bob Adams, president and founder of Revere Control Systems, discussed his company’s approach in an interview with CFE Media.
Five OT vision planning steps
The operational technology (OT) world is moving fast and manufacturers and system integrators need to keep up. A vision plan can help provide guidance for the future.
How to find the ROI in smart manufacturing
Smart manufacturing can offer manufacturers a great return on investment (ROI), but that can only happen if they focus on the business benefits.
System integration award winners announced
The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) named winners for leadership, integrator member, partner member and more in their 2021 ceremony.
The value in turnkey manufacturing
While more expensive initially, turnkey manufacturing offers more long-term advantages over using independent contractors. System integrators can help.
Modernize legacy distributed control systems for a competitive edge
Expiration dates on legacy distributed control systems (DCSs) lead to component failure, high replacement costs and downtime. New process control system infrastructure brings open communications, easier integration, faster responses, analytics, advanced controls, virtualization and simulation for next-generation engineers.
Integrators improve service value by moving providing an XaaS model
Integrators improve their value to manufacturers by adapting to a delivery system inspired by a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, which takes on many forms
Advice for a manufacturing pandemic response plan
Now that we are several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be a good time to codify some of what has been learned into a new pandemic response plan
Tea time at AriZona Beverage Co.
System integrator, Vertech, provided automation for AriZona Beverage Co.’s new greenfield facility
Pandemic transforms the system integration industry
We are determined to use forethought, creativity and resilience to help the association and its members meet this challenge and not only survive the transition but thrive
Applied Control Engineering Inc., is System Integrator of the Year, 2021
Applied Control Engineering Inc., is the 2021 System Integrator of the Year for the Mid-Sized System Integrator Category. Ian Burns, PE, president of ACE, discussed how the company is finding new ways to work with companies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The JDI Group Inc., is System Integrator of the Year, 2021
The JDI Group Inc., is the 2021 System Integrator of the Year for the Small System Integrator Category. Mike King, principal and director of operations at The JDI Group Inc. spoke with CFE Media about its success and managing projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to build a system integration business case for automation, controls
When starting any system integration project, consider four fundamental components to business case development: business needs, situational analysis, recommendation and evaluation to create due diligence for project management.
10 ways manufacturers can add COVID-19 support preparedness
Ask these 10 questions to improve support preparedness for manufacturers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital transformation: time for industry to kick into high gear
Digital transformation is about transforming and changing the business for the future and creating new and better ways of doing business.
Standards capture stranded data, help with device design, data integration
Standards update: Integrated systems and standards help support advanced information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) collaboration and optimization in three key ways. Also see four advantages of future process automation facilities.
System integration in the digital age: Why you need it and how to get the best
System integration has been going on for decades, and it is likely to continue; companies and integrators need to adapt as end users turn to their internal engineering departments.
System integrators claim their role in the digital transformation
System integrators are taking on digital transformation as it becomes more realistic and attainable.
Certified for success: Building a better system integration business
Jose Rivera, CEO of CSIA, interviewed Dave Patterson, CEO of Grantek, a certified SI member of CSIA, about the company's challenges and successes as an integrator and how they've become a better business.
Matrix Technologies, Maumee, Ohio, is System Integrator of the Year, 2020
Matrix Technologies is the 2020 System Integrator of the Year for the Large System Integrator Category. Dave Blaida, president and CEO of Matrix Technologies Inc., discussed his company’s approach in an interview with CFE Media. See video.
Malisko Engineering Inc., St. Louis, is System Integrator of the Year, 2020
Malisko Engineering is the 2020 System Integrator of the Year for the Mid-Sized System Integrator Category. Executives from the company share some of the company's success stories and advice. See video.
AutomationNTH, Lavergne, Tenn., is System Integrator of the Year, 2020
AutomationNTH is the 2020 System Integrator of the Year for the Small System Integrator Category. Jeff Buck, vice president of engineering at Automationnth, shares some of the company's success stories and advice. See video.
2020 System Integrator of the Year award winners announced
Integrator companies Matrix Technologies, Malisko Engineering, and AutomationNTH are recognized for their outstanding achievements. See video of a roundtable discussion with the winners.
Control system integration projects: Petrochemical
See five lessons learned for a boiler control system upgrades, based on a system integrator’s experiences in the petrochemical industry.
Does your control system have style?
Defining system language, look as important as operating parameters.
Marshal your virtual resources
In a tight job market, finding outside partners is a global process
A method to avoid the madness: Automation experts add productivity
A sound process and a main automation contractor can relieve stress for an integrator. Reduce risk and maximize plant productivity of large system integration projects in three ways.
Clean water more than a pipe dream
California SI project delivers an efficient control system to provide clean and safe water for its customers.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles December 10-16
Articles about the Product of the Year finalists, System Integrator of the Year winners, the Top Plant winners, NFPA 70E standard changes, and selecting the right industrial gear oil were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from December 10-16, 2018. Miss something? You can catch up here.
CSIA Best Practices provide business value
Best practices for integrators can create a great deal of improvement for a company's business performance and their clients' satisfaction.
It’s busy today, but don’t lose sight of tomorrow
While the economy for system integrators is good, the future remains unclear as companies struggle to hire and retain young talent.
Yogurt plant improves active culture, technology
System integrator helps Chobani streamline operations to provide more flexibility and efficiency.
Raise a glass to integration!
Colorado State University's CSU) on-campus brewery is an automation leader with its Fermentation Science and Technology (FST) program.
Whisky distilling by design to enhance control system integration
Modern control system preserves The Macallan’s singular tradition.
System Integrator of the Year award winners announced
Integrator companies E-Technologies Group, Polytron, and Northwind Technical Services are recognized for their outstanding achievements. See video of a roundtable discussion with the winners.
E-Technologies Group, West Chester, Ohio, is System Integrator of the Year, 2019
E-Technologies Group is the 2019 System Integrator of the Year for the Large System Integrator Category. Co-founders Steve Veldhuis and Doug Fagaly shares some of the company's success stories and advice. See video.
Polytron Inc., Duluth, Ga., is System Integrator of the Year, 2019
Polytron Inc. is the 2019 System Integrator of the Year for the Mid-Sized System Integrator Category. CEO Ron Rich shares some of the company's success stories and advice. See video.
NorthWind Technical Services, Sabetha, Kansas, is System Integrator of the Year, 2019
NorthWind Technical Services is the 2019 System Integrator of the Year for the Large System Integrator Category. President Mike Bosworth shares some of the company's success stories and advice. See video.
The SI as your partner
Developing a long-term relationship delivers better solutions across multiple projects. Six critical criteria are highlighted.
Picking an integration partner: 4 steps to success
Look for alignment in business philosophy and technological needs.
Understanding burners for heat-treating furnaces
Industrial gas-fired heat-treating furnaces can operate more efficiently—and safely.
Four steps to system integrator success
A structured approach yields maximum value when engaging an integration partner.
New Year’s projections for ERP
IIoT brings much-needed transparency into the enterprise.
Four lessons for pioneering a new process in food manufacturing
There are important factors to consider before investing in a new technology or adventuring into uncharted territory in plant processing.
Production scheduling: Five roads to cooperation
Overcoming the challenge of getting operations and maintenance to work together is no small feat. This article demonstrates five ways to begin the journey of getting two critical functions to not only work together, but improve performance overall.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Krishna Dixit, 27
Assistant Manager, L&T Electrical & Automation FZE, Dubai, U.A.E.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Charli Hon, 30
Lead Engineer, Panacea Technologies Inc., Montgomeryville, Pa.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Ben Hughes, 37
Principal Engineer/Project Manager, Avanceon, Exton, Pa.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Nathaniel Kay, PE, 38
Project Manager, MartinCSI, Plain City, Ohio
Strategic management: 8 steps to success
Bridging the gap between strategy and asset execution.
The ABCs of VFDs
Find the right application to match the motor need and know the conditions for using a variable frequency drive (VFD).
Why CMMS implementations fail
Organizations that falter during their implementation project may end up falling short in their attempts to switch to effective strategies and spend the next few months scrambling to fix their mistakes.
Launching a continuous improvement program
Encouraged feedback and team empowerment allows a team to take ownership of a continuous improvement effort. Four tips for encouraging employees are highlighted.
2016 Top Plant
The 2016 Plant Engineering Top Plant winner, MFC Netform, makes people the cornerstone of their manufacturing philosophy.
VFD efficiency: Three best practices
The use of VFDs has many benefits including improved process control, energy savings, higher reliability and reduced wear and tear.
Considerations for using VFDs with standard motors
End users desire speed and/or torque control procure and install VFDs to modify existing applications where a standard-induction motor is in place. There are a few areas of concern involving misapplication of a standard induction motor.
Potential problems using software for RCA
Software can be helpful in a root cause analysis plan, but it also can lead to potential problems.
In celebration of a little optimism
Product developers take hopes and dreams and ideas and try to turn them into solutions to potential problems.
Connecting information, engineering and operational technologies
Asset performance management provides the power of combining all systems into one that can deliver actionable intelligence.
Troubleshooting predictive maintenance plans
Properly implementing predictive maintenance (PdM) requires initial support from leaders, effective teams, and following through with the system at each step of implementation.
VFDs offer cost-effective benefits for plants
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are designed to reduce energy usage by controlling the speed of the motor and can offer cost-effective benefits for plants.
Prevent shaft current from causing motor damage
Awareness and testing for potential shaft current on motors can help companies experience fewer problems with downtime and equipment failure.
System integration conference for education, best practices development
The CSIA 2016 Executive Conference will feature more than a dozen educational sessions, a best practices workshop, and an unconference designed to encourage collaboration among system integrators.
Modular test device for surge products
The Checkmaster 2 modular test devices checks protective elements such as spark gaps, gas-filled sure arresters, voltage-dependent resistors, and suppressor diodes in a single test cycle.
EtherCAT box series for Profinet applications
EP9300 EtherCAT box series provides cost-effective gateway to Profinet RT devices and networks and offers flexible connectivity for a variety of communication and industrial applications.
Double-acting air cylinders
G-Series double-acting air cylinders ideal for use in product packaging, food processing, and high-speed product manufacturing applications.
Using medium-voltage VFDs for better pump process control
How product innovations are revolutionizing pump monitoring and process control management.
Better training leads to a stronger workforce
Through the cooperation of controls suppliers, machine builders, educational institutions, and the end-users, the workforce as a whole will benefit.
Energy-smart industrial architecture
Evolving industrial building codes, increased robotic operations, heightened ventilation requirements, and new energy technologies have changed the look and feel of today's factories and warehouses.
Offshored jobs coming home?
There are indications that this trend of "offshoring" has slowed and in some cases operations are being "reshored" — relocated back to their countries of origin for a variety of reasons.
Organic rankine cycle
Using the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) allows even relatively low-grade byproduct heat to be economically converted to valuable electric power.
Security routers with integrated switch
The RS4004 and RS2005 Security routers have network switch capabilities to simply Ethernet networks.
Mitigate damaging harmonics with effective UPS design
It’s important to understand what creates these harmonics and how the uninterruptible power supply design mitigates them in the power system.
VFD trends and solutions for drive systems
Harmonics mitigation, filtering voltage spikes are two key issues.
Still relevant: dc drives important in an ac age
For brute force speed control applications where positioning or extremely precise control are not required, it’s hard to beat a dc motor and drive. While the basic design of the brushed dc motor has not changed much, the technology used to control the dc motor’s speed has evolved over the years.
Microprocessor-based relays offer extra value
Relay logic by experienced integration engineers is the key to achieving optimized protection.
Young women avoid STEM careers due to negative images, stereotypes
Ginger Wange, STEM Development Manager for PBS Kids' SciGirls, explained that women are perceived and projected in the media as being bad at math and science, and this reinforced stereotype has discouraged young girls from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers at the 2014 Women in Manufacturing Summit. See 7 tips to keep young girls interested in math and science.
Schneider Electric to acquire InStep Software
Predictive analytics firm to become part of expanding global software offering.
Building public-private manufacturing hubs a key to global growth
The Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at IMTS 2014 will showcase regional hubs that have used public-private partnerships to strengthen manufacturing in the United States.
“Real-time” information: It’s all relative
Data is captured at the industrial automation and machine level, the manufacturing operations management level and the enterprise level. But is any of it really in real time?
Pre-configured software templates — are they effective?
Manufacturing Operations Management systems look to specific industry needs
Five ways to reduce energy consumption in your plant
Electrical power management systems deliver intelligence required
Outsourcing control system integration makes sense
For manufacturers putting in a new line or in need of system upgrades, there are significant time and money advantages to outsourcing system integration.
‘Integrated Industry’ theme opens 2013 Hannover Messe
Bosch-Rexroth wins Hermes award for innovation; Putin, Merkel speak at ceremony
McGladrey study to look at manufacturing efficiencies
Plant Engineering readers can receive benchmarking data for participating in report
Why some industrial organizations find benchmarking difficult
Benchmarking, in the simplest terms, involves comparing performance to peers, understanding gaps in operations, and taking steps to close those gaps and improve performance. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as it sounds.
Machine vision market poised for a rebound
After 4% drop in 2012, AIA sees growth in the long term
Putin to open 2013 Hannover Messe on April 7
‘Integrated Industry’ is theme of this year’s event
Industry Voices: Stephen Goldberg
Stephen M. Goldberg is chairman of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) and director of information technologies for Matrix Technologies Inc., a CSIA Certified member based in Maumee, Ohio.
System integrators see strength in improving numbers
J.P. Morgan/CSIA study points to firm optimism as projects get off the back burner
Shortage of qualified technical staff creates demand for control system integrators
CSIA develops standards to help manufacturers meet changing needs.
Autodesk expands CAM portfolio with acquisition
Autodesk has acquired HSMWorks Aps, a Denmark-based developer of computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
Evolving ergonomics with multi-touch
User habits will migrate from smartphones to the HMIs of the future.
Mergers forcing more system integration, CSIA study finds
With consolidation on the rise, ability to put systems together a key expectation for end users.
Vertical turning centers
The VTC 5000 by MAG are available in models up to 8 meters and have a load capacity of 250,000 kg. They can also be equipped with an optional live spindle for grinding and milling capabilities.
New CSIA Website offers in-depth information
Site to help customers plan and evaluate projects
Power semiconductor market to grow $9 billion over the next five years
The global power discrete and module market is forecast to grow by $9 billion to reach $26.2 billion in 2016, according to a new report from IMS Research.
Hearing loss on factory floor a silent problem, study shows
University of Michigan School of Nursing study finds more awareness, testing and protection needed
Adding a drive to meet energy regulation
Part of a European motor efficiency standard allows use of a variable speed drive to meet energy-saving requirements.
Standards for SCADA security
One of the fundamentals of industrial cyber security is defense in depth, which should be the core of any security program.
PV system integrator rankings for 2011, Chinese companies make biggest gains
Germany’s BELECTRIC maintained its position as the world’s largest PV system integrator in 2011, with close to 400 MW of new PV capacity developed, according to a recently released report from IMS Research.
HANNOVER MESSE: Extended transport drive system
Beckhoff's XTS drive system combines rotary and linear systems for mechanical engineers.
Branch circuit monitoring, overhead busway to drive growth for data center power distribution
More than 80% of the $440 million dollar global revenues in 2011 from data-center power-distribution hardware came from transformer-based power distribution units, remote power panels, and static transfer switches.
Paperless recorder
The FX1000 paperless recording system
400 million ‘smart home energy management’ devices to present major opportunities for connectivity semiconductor suppliers
In the next five years, around 400 million ‘smart home energy management’ devices will be shipped globally, according to a recent study from IMS Research.
DCS White Paper: You’re agile or you’re dead
How to make 20th-century control systems work for a 21st-century manufacturing enterprise.
Monitoring system added to air compressor technology
The Xe-Series control is a monitoring system that has been added to air compressor technology.
Annual CSIA Executive Conference to be held on April 25-28, 2012
New products, new insights offered at Scottsdale event.
CSIA has positive outlook for 2012
Organization sees reinvestment in production, new markets
Kratos – another big player?
If, as expected, Kratos Defence & Security Solutions has acquired Ingersoll Rand’s integration business, it will be an interesting move for the systems integration market. However, with the top 10 systems integration service providers to the US market accounting for only around 30% of revenues, what impact will it have on the industry as a whole?
Process automation protocols: A three-horse race where everyone can benefit
Finding a common standard in process automation is a challenge in a competitive market.
AssetPoint, Schneider Electric team up on energy solutions
Partnership to provide greater visibility of energy asset performance metrics
Counting the cost of the floods in Thailand
The recent flooding in Thailand might pose significant global implications to the video surveillance market. Thailand produces approximately one quarter of the world’s supply of hard disk drives. As much of Thailand’s manufacturing and storage facilities are disrupted by flood water, the question is: how will this affect the video surveillance market?
Comprehensive, low-cost printing system
Phoenix Contact's Marking Box, a bundled marking system, is comprised of two printers and a pre-loaded laptop computer.
CSIA members find the value in certification, audits
"Certification is not an event; it represents a culture of quality and continuous improvement," said Ed Diehl, chairman of the board of CSIA and president of Concept Systems in Albany, Ore.
Chairman, directors elected for CSIA
A new chairman and three directors have been announced by the Control System Integrators Association.
Economist: “Two years of opportunity” in economy for manufacturing
Alan Beaulieu addresses the CSIA Executive Conference in Orlando.
CSIA seeks greater connection with end user community
Organization charts new goals at Executive Conference
Users accountable in security solutions
End users are becoming more aware they need a security solution these days, but the problem is they need to be able to sit down and to focus on their main priorities.
Machine Vision technology at Automate 2011
Machine vision applications, solutions are just some highlights at Automate 2011
Global robotics market showed strength during 2010
New analysis from Frost and Sullivan, Strategic finds that the market earned revenues of $1437.9 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $2969.3 million in 2016.
Achieving secure, remote access to plant-floor applications and data
Among the key benefits of open-standard networks is the ability to remotely access automation systems and share plant data, applications, and resources with engineering personnel and external partners, regardless of physical location.
Cypress Envirosystems and Invensys Form Technology Alliance
Cypress Envirosystems' Wireless Automation Solutions Now Compatible with New Wonderware Corporate Energy Management Application
Intelligent motor control centers help drive savings
It's easy for engineers to overlook one of the keys to success: leveraging technological advances to integrate smart devices, device-level networks and software into motor control systems.
Intelligent motor control centers help drive energy, productivity savings
Manufacturers are continuously seeking new ways to increase productivity, streamline processes and boost their profit margins. Plant engineers can play an important role in this effort by helping to select and implement control solutions that reduce costs, save time and increase the flow of information within automation systems.
ESE achieves CSIA certification
Marshfield, WI-based ESE Inc. has achieved the Control System Integrators Association certified member status. It passed an independent third-party audit on criteria that encompass business and project management processes, procedures and performance.
MESA chair: Plant floor talent at ‘center stage’
Could 2009 be a transformative year for manufacturing? At MESA International, we say, “Yes!” We suggest that it’s time for the shop floor – and its ability to make enterprise work processes more responsive and reliable – to get the attention it’s been lacking for so long.
Schreiber joins Bachelor Controls
Philip Schreiber has joined Bachelor Controls Inc. to lead the company’s expanded efforts in providing manufacturing information management solutions using analytical and intelligence software tools.
Drivers bring automation systems to life
Sure, the engineer is proud of his human-machine interface (HMI), highlighting the realism in the displays, the color coordination of the data and the mastery of the navigation.
Double win: Atos teams with Apriso for Manufacturing Operations Management excellence
A new alliance allows IT services supplier Atos Origin to implement Apriso FlexNet Operations Execution System (OES) to enable real-time visibility and control over global operations.Apriso FlexNet synchronizes plant-level operations with warehouse, maintenance, and quality processes to effectively fill the gap between ERP and automation equipment systems.Benefits include:• Enhanced agility across global manufacturing operations;• Accelerated integration between plant-floor automation systems, manufacturing operations, and business planning applications; and• Expanded throughput by seamlessly coordinating internal and external production, warehouse, quality, maintenance and other operations processes.The partnership is actively engaged with one of the world’s largest truck manufacturers. Atos Origin will work with Apriso to design a set of best-practice business processes for integrating manufacturing operations across existing plant automation systems.“We are pleased to offer the Apriso OES solution as an alternative to traditional [manufacturing execution systems] for those clients seeking a wider scope of operations performance improvement,” says Gene Wells, VP of consulting and systems integration, Atos Origin North America. “Working with Apriso allows us to establish highly collaborative operations environments while enabling the acceleration of our client’s ERP deployments—a double win for our customers.”.
Research reveals changing role of packagers, obstacles
With an economic value of nearly $133 billion annually in the U.S., packaging is big business, so Control Engineering and Packaging Digest set to investigate this dynamic market.
Adept’s Dulchinos re-elected to RIA board
John Dulchinos, president and chief operating officer of Adept Technology, has been elected to serve for his second term as a member of the Board of Directors of the Robotics Industry Association (RIA).
Ayoka brings American business acumen to apps development, systems integration
The U.S. manufacturing industry has lost its share of jobs to overseas competition, so when these companies seek outsourcing assistance, they may well prefer to work with U.S. partners. Arlington, Texas-based Ayoka offers an affordable onshore alternative for software outsourcing, targeting underserved industries such as manufacturing.
First phase of packaging automation study released
The 2008 Packaging Automation Benchmark Study is a year-long, three-part research project that reveals the technology, market and business issues affecting packagers, machine builders, and system integrators. In Volume 1, research results and analysis focus on the packagers.
Integrator Guide
Search for automation system integrators by company name, size, location, industries, geographic areas, engineering specialties, product experience, and professional affiliations.
OPC Foundation creates system integrator, distributor membership class
OPC Foundation created a program specifically to provide technology and certification for system integrators and distributors. OPC needed to provide a mechanism and membership class to facilitate the system integrators and distributors being able to design, develop and certify the custom software.
Siemens, RIT announce partnership
Rochester Institute of Technology and Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. announced a new research and education partnership, which seeks to enhance real-world training for engineering students, while improving the safety and design of automated systems used in manufacturing.
Modems
Self-contained, battery powered RF field modems are compatible with Digi wireless networks.
Apatar allies with EnterpriseDB on data integration
Under the alliance, Apatar will support EnterpriseDB’s Postgres-based database products as both sources and targets of data integration initiatives.
Batch software
Proficy Batch Execution-Version 5.1 contains new features that focus on ease of use, performance and system integration and is designed to improve productivity and reduce system operational costs.
Debunking the ERP myths
The goal of having one enterprise resource planning solution for all business processes is still popular, yet the idea is no longer practical, particularly in asset-intensive industries.
IFS embeds enterprise application search
“Google-like” search capabilities integrated with ERP system said to provide better results than outside, bolted-on search engine, be secure and enhance bottom line.
Proven performance: Bowater, Nestlé choose Cognos BI platform for systems integration and replacement needs
Bowater Inc. has standardized on Cognos performance management capabilities to quickly and efficiently analyze and report on its production operations, measure the effectiveness of its sales initiatives, and automate its financial consolidation processes.
ISA releases guide for ISA-95 standard
Guide explains how to integrate ERP and MES systems using standard
Website assists in changes to Daylight Savings Time
Square D has launched a Website to assist electrical contractors, system integrators and commercial building owners and managers in updating lighting control products for the coming changes in Daylight Savings Time. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandated that Daylight Savings Time in 2007 will start the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November.
Tie Lean, Six Sigma strategies to plant worker’s knowledge
While manufacturing improvement strategists have their supporters, researchers who look at the implementation of such programs understand that engaging workers at the plant floor level is crucial to success. “Most people on the plant floor are not used to being asked questions, but it is a key leap of the continuous improvement program,” said Ralph Rio, research director for ARC Adv...
Main. Connection: February 2007
February 2007 Plant Engineering’s Synthetic Lubrication Guide _____________ Click here to view Plant Engineering Webcasts on CD SUBSCRIBE Click here to activate a new FREE email subscription to Hotwire. FREE PRINT SUBSCRIPTION Click here to request your FREE print subscription to Plant Engineering magazine. QUESTIONS If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact our Online Support Team atReed Business Information 2000 Clearwater Drive Oak Brook, IL 60523Fax:630-288-8781 * NEW PRIVACY POLICY * Click here to view our privacy policy.
HighJump, Microsoft join forces
HighJump Software, a 3M company, will integrate its Supply Chain Advantage suite and Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0, Microsoft’s ERP product. The company said the integration will improve implementation times. As companies look to combine business processes between the warehouse and back office operations, such systems integrate customer returns, purchase order processing, order fulfillment, quality holds and cycle counting. “An increasing number of our clients are using Microsoft Dynamics AX, and we needed to support integration to help ensure key supply chain data is transferred throughout their businesses quickly and accurately,” said Joel Levinson, president, HighJump Software. “We’re proud to have worked side-by-side with both Microsoft and Columbus IT during the development process and believe our clients will be very happy with the results.”.
MESA appoints Bauer chairman
Achieving plant-floor execution excellence is one area Matt Bauer will address as the recently-appointed chairman of the board of directors for the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association International. Bauer will also work with MESA to promote the exchange of best practices, strategies and innovation for managing manufacturing operations. Bauer, market development director for Information Software at Rockwell Automation, also will be involved in the planning direction for the MESA conference, which many consider to be an industry barometer. MESA is a community of manufacturing end users, system integrators, hardware and software suppliers, industry analysts and consultants.
WINA joins Automation Federation
The Automation Federation announced recently that the Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance will join the umbrella organization as a charter member. WINA is a coalition of industrial end-user companies, technology suppliers, industry organizations, software developers, system integrators, and others interested in the advancement of wireless solutions for industry.
WINA joins the Automation Federation
The Automation Federation announced recently that the Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance (WINA) will join the umbrella organization as a charter member. WINA is a coalition of industrial end-user companies, technology suppliers, industry organizations, software developers, system integrators, and others interested in the advancement of wireless solutions for industry. "WINA's dedication to influencing and supporting standards, developing information materials, and forming industry partnerships is consistent with the goals of The Automation Federation," said Ken Baker, The Automation Federation board chairman. "WINA is a strong organization with a strong identity in the marketplace, and we look forward to helping them increase their successes in the future." WINA's ongoing operational activities focus on education and professional networking. This includes web seminars, participation in industry trade shows, presentations at industry conferences, and contributions to industry standards activities.
Plug-in relays
The new family of Zelio plug-in relays is built with features specifically designed to meet the most demanding application requirements as well as accelerate return on investment by streamlining installation and management to save time and money for OEMs, panel builders and system integrators. The space-saving relays are easy to integrate into existing panels and offer features that simplify installation and integration. Schneider Electric https://www.us.schneider-electric.com https://www.us.telemecanique.com.
End users to benefit from wireless standards committee work
More than twenty companies from around the world have responded to a call for proposals from ISA's Wireless Systems for Automation standards committee. The committee is holding a preliminary proposal review meeting Sept. 11-15 at ISA in Research Triangle Park, NC. The ISA-SP100 committee is establishing standards, recommended practices, technical reports and related information to define procedures for implementing wireless systems in the automation and control environment, with a focus on the field level.
From system integration to Silly Putty, solutions abound
Here’s why manufacturing is such a fascinating topic to cover: Sometimes the solutions to the problems faced daily on the plant floor are solved with dazzlingly effective technological advancements we would have deemed impossible just a decade ago. From 3D imaging to advanced monitoring of equipment to business-level plant execution systems, we have sophisticated ways of measuring and aff...
Wireless working groups formed
Two new working groups emerged from a recent meeting of the ISA Wireless Systems for Automation standards committee, known as ISA-SP100. Both working groups will coordinate their activities to enable SP100 to provide a complete and integrated set of standards for industrial wireless applications. SP100.14 will define wireless connectivity standards optimized for the unique performance and cost needs of a wide range of industrial monitoring, logging and alerting applications. SP100.11 will define wireless connectivity standards that address a wide range of applications optimized for, but not restricted to, the unique performance needs of control applications, ranging from closed-loop regulatory control through open-loop manual control. The ISA-SP100 committee is a collaboration of end users and technology suppliers working to establish standards, recommended practices, technical reports and related information that will define procedures for implementing wireless systems in the automation and control environment with a focus on the field level. "The ISA-SP100 standard will allow compliant devices that are relatively low complexity, reasonable cost and low power consumption to support long battery life where needed,” said Committee co-chair Richard Sanders of ExxonMobil.
Code changes affect the plant floor
The National Electrical Code typically views an industrial control panel as a piece of equipment with proper installation being the major concern. Titled the “Standard for Safety for Industrial Control Panels,” UL 508A covers industrial control panels intended for general industrial use, operating from a voltage of 600 V AC or less.
Standards group for interoperability formed
The creation of the Manufacturing Interoperability Guideline Working Group, a collaborative venture of ISA, MIMOSA, OAGi, OPC, and WBF, was announced this week. The Working Group is the next step in the previous announcement by the Open Applications Group and ISA-SP95 to converge their standards for manufacturing interoperability by working to support the OpenO&MTM Initiative.
Hesh Kagan to serve as WINA president
The Board of Directors of the Wireless Industrial Networking Association has elected Harris (Hesh) Kagan to serve a second term as WINA board president.round-breaking, standards-based I/A Series automation system. Kagan currently directs the wireless strategy across Invensys and is the architect of the company’s unique managed wireless network approach, announced at the ISA 2005 EXPO in Chicago. “This is a particularly exciting time to serve in a leadership role at WINA,” said Kagan.he vendors who are providing wireless products and associated services. These activities include the formation of the ISA SP100 wireless interoperability initiative, accelerated vendor activity in low-power wireless radio devices for sensor mesh networks developed in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, and WINA’s own successful educational Webinar series.” WINA ( www.wina.org ) is a coalition of companies, industry organizations, technology suppliers, software developers, systems integrators, and others interested in accelerating the adoption of wireless solutions for industry.
ABB saw excitement at AHR conference
ABB executives saw enthusiasm for their own products and the air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration sector at the AHR Expo. The January event drew a record 37,000 visitors and almost 2,000 exhibitors. “The resurgence of interest in the particulars of this industry was apparent everywhere -- and it's exciting,” said Jeff Miller, HVAC sales manager for ABB Inc., Low Voltage Drives. “A key indicator was the number of building owners and engineers on the floor -- taking an active role in what vendors like ABB can help them achieve.” With energy prices at record levels, energy efficiency in this sector was a major driver of business.
Small plants can benefit from CMMS, too
Most managers find it increasingly difficult to control rising maintenance costs because of inadequate or outdated procedures. One tool that can help is a computerized maintenance management system. The need for and use of a CMMS is not specific to any one industry or type of application. Any industry requiring equipment and/or asset maintenance is a potential candidate for using a CMMS.
CSIA meeting is May 11-14
The Control System Integrators Association’s annual meeting of its members will take place May 11-14 at the Marriott Bay Point Resort in Panama City, FL. The conference brings together CSIA members from North America and around the world to network with their peers, share experiences, exchange ideas and solutions, and gain insights from the world’s leading automation suppliers about leading-edge techniques and technologies. “Each of the last five years has seen attendance records set at our annual conferences,” CSIA Executive Director Norman O’Leary declared, “and judging by early interest, we expect another large turnout in Florida. “As we have since our first conference in 1993,” he continued, “the program will be directed at top management of our system integrator-members, with content heavily focused on business — in support of our belief that being a good system integrator goes hand in hand with operating a good business.” “The three-day meeting provides a unique forum for control system integrators of different sizes, specialties, and experience to meet under a common umbrella,” said CSIA executive council chairman Ray Bachelor, president, Bachelor Controls, Inc., Sabetha, KS. “The curriculum and camaraderie of our annual meeting make the gathering a‘must’ for our members.”.
Wonderware joins MESA board
Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys Systems Inc., announced the appointment of Claus Abildgren to the board of directors of the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) International. Abildgren, who serves as program manager for Wonderware's production and performance management software solutions, will serve as MESA's "board member at large." MESA is a non-profit organization that promotes the exchange of best practices, strategies and innovations to achieve plant-floor execution excellence. MESA's industry events, symposiums and publications help manufacturers, systems integrators and vendors improve manufacturing operations and manufacturing quality.
Bentley acquires Optram
Bentley Systems has acquired Optram, Inc., a Massachusetts-based supplier of software for railway track maintenance. Optram's users are some of the largest freight and passenger operators in the world, including AMTRAK, CSX, New Jersey Transit, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District.
Integrated design produces big savings for small HVAC
Small packaged heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, up to 10 tons per unit, are among the most common HVAC systems found in small commercial buildings, yet they often use far more energy than necessary to accomplish their space-conditioning goals. According to a study funded by the Public Interest Energy Research program of the California Energy Commission, the problems arise b...
Panel builder/integrator cuts install time; improves efficiency
BDI identified two prime areas to improve the panel integration process: reduce installation time and decrease labor costs. Because the end-users’ panel requirements constantly change, BDI needed to build panels that easily accommodated upgrades.
Growth predicted in industrial Ethernet devices market
Industrial Ethernet brings together a complex mix of participants. Plant engineering, IT, and independent systems integrators become involved. Ethernet technology is rapidly penetrating the device level of the automation hierarchy. This provides one of those rare opportunities where a new technology can upset the supplier landscape.
Making a difference with information standards
Most organizations continue on their relentless push to do more with less as a fundamental business strategy. As everyone seeks greater efficiencies, plant engineering, operations, and maintenance staffs have less time to apply to anything other than focusing on their current workload. Unfortunately, the same situation applies to the vendors providing the products and services that enable plant...
OPC to launch unified architecture
The OPC Foundation (OPCF) has joined the international cooperative team of the three leading fieldbus organizations, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF), HART Communication Foundation (HCF), and PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO), to extend the reach of electronic device descriptions (EDDs) into the OPC unified architecture.
Is RFID ready for the plant floor?
The latest in wireless identification technology offers potential for using radio frequency identification (RFID) on the plant floor for asset maintenance. Most people use RFID technology on a daily basis without even realizing it. Have you ever used an electronic device in your car to automatically pay tolls? Do you use an access card or fob to gain employee entrance to your workplace? These e...
Ethernet and OPC promote plant floor and enterprise-wide connectivity
The internet continues to change the way we do business. Whether we interact with suppliers by e-mail, track orders through the web, or market and sell products online, the internet is vital to what we do.
Web solutions making maintenance e-commerce a reality
Many of the e-commerce commercials out there today have both entertainment and educational value. I especially like those from IBM that portray supply chain problems being solved by IBM's electronic commerce solutions.
Tune in the warehouse
Radio Beacon CD-ROM provides a complete tour of a warehouse and explains advances in management technology. Case studies show how the product is used. A complete, downloadable, five-user software package is included.
Unleashing the power of networks: Pulling building control into the era of integration
The world's economy has fundamentally changed. If you doubt that, go back to a day in September 1998 when an innocuous item in the newspapers declared Microsoft Corp. had become the most valuable U.S. company.
