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

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?


Power Requirements for Building Automation Systems

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.


How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

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.


How to Use Data to Drive Digital Transformation

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?


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

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?


Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

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?


The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

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.


What is a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)?

What is a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)?

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


Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

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.


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

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?


Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

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


Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

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?


Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

After understanding how to select the right control system, learn how to design and plan control system retrofits.


Using DC/DC Converters for Industrial Automation

Using DC/DC Converters for Industrial Automation

Learn the basics of DC/DC converters and their uses in industrial automation.


What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart conveyor systems and what makes them “smart.”


Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Can industrial automation utilize blockchain's security integrated with IoT, ICS, and PAC?


Genetic Algorithm Applications and Limitations

Genetic Algorithm Applications and Limitations

Learn about the applications and future directions of genetic programming.


Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Industrial energy systems are imperative for continuous manufacturing production and should be maintained to ensure efficiency. Learn how to maintain these systems and implement automation devices.


Blockchain for Industrial Automation: Are We There Yet?

Blockchain for Industrial Automation: Are We There Yet?

Learn about how blockchain technology works, why it’s secure, and how to use it in industrial automation.


Introduction to Micro PLCs

Introduction to Micro PLCs

Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages of micro PLCs?