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A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

MTTR and MTBF are metrics utilized to determine equipment downtime. How do you calculate these metrics, and how can a control engineer use them for machine reliability?

3 hours ago by Shawn Dietrich

Utilizing Preventive Maintenance to Promote Machine Autonomy

Learn the steps and how-tos for operators, maintenance crews, and management to create an autonomous maintenance system for industrial manufacturing.

one day ago by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Power Requirements for Building Automation Systems

Building automation systems run commercial offices and factories. These systems have subsystems, broken into even smaller parts. All of these parts need power. This article will review the parts of a building automation system and its power needs.

3 days ago by Vin Natham, Aimtec

How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data and has many additional benefits in these industries.

4 days ago by Seth Price

Combining Two Deep Learning Models

Combining two deep learning models, otherwise known as ensemble learning, has numerous techniques. Let’s review the current techniques and their advantages and disadvantages.

5 days ago by Anish Devasia

The Differences Between PLCs and RTUs

Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.

November 30, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

How to Use Data to Drive Digital Transformation

As the tangible world can be costly and consumes natural resources, digital transformation is reducing cost and providing more options to consumers. How is data driving digital transformation, and what is to come next in a digital world?

November 29, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?

November 28, 2021 by Shawn Dietrich

Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, which is a subset of artificial intelligence. So, what makes deep learning different from machine learning?

November 26, 2021 by Anish Devasia

Types of Process Manufacturing Equipment

During process manufacturing, raw materials are mixed together to create a product. This process includes many stages, and thus, copious types of equipment.

November 24, 2021 by Seth Price

The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

This article discusses some trends in digital transformation, specifically matching real-world data with resources and gaining control in an ever-changing world.

November 22, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

What is a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)?

Learn the basics of remote terminal units (RTUs) and how they fit into a SCADA system.

November 21, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

A useful but often overlooked instruction included in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs for heating and cooling.

November 19, 2021 by Dennis Lynch

CTRL F3: Factory Explosion Field Study

The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.

November 17, 2021 by Jon Peterson

The Importance of Utilizing Real-time Data to Control Modern Industrial Applications

Real-time data is a must for OT systems in a facility. What does real-time data look like in modern industrial applications?

November 16, 2021 by Joe Byrne, NXP Semiconductors

Does 3D Printing Continue to Drive Digital Transformation?

As digital transformation continues to rise, technologies such as 3D printing also skyrocket. What is the relationship between these terms, and how can 3D printing help manufacturers and shops on their journey toward digital transformation?

November 15, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?

November 14, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

What are some steps to consider before integrating a cobot, such as Universal Robots, into a facility?

November 12, 2021 by Damond Goodwin

What is Deep Learning?

A subset of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, deep learning is a growing technique in the industrial space. What is it, how does it work, and how can it be used?

November 11, 2021 by Anish Devasia

Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

What are the similarities and differences between process and discrete manufacturing, and how can control engineers best equip themselves for these processes?

November 09, 2021 by Seth Price