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Networking Woes | How and Why To Change the IP Address of My Computer?

Networking Woes | How and Why To Change the IP Address of My Computer?

Every method of connecting to an industrial device—USB, serial, or Ethernet—poses challenges. For Ethernet, we often must adjust the IP address of our PC, not only the device itself.


Python Tutorial Part 5 | Data Structures: Tuples

Python Tutorial Part 5 | Data Structures: Tuples

As we approach the conclusion of Python data structures, we’ll examine the tuple. Used less frequently than lists and dictionaries, tuples do serve some handy use cases where immutability is a critical requirement.


Python Tutorial Part 4 | Data Structures: Dictionaries

Python Tutorial Part 4 | Data Structures: Dictionaries

Both lists and dictionaries can retain structured data in Python. The dictionary is unique in that it stores individual entries with human-readable logical names rather than index numbers.


Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?


Infrastructure From IT to OT: SCADA Platform Example with Ansible

Infrastructure From IT to OT: SCADA Platform Example with Ansible

High-level IT/OT integration in a manufacturing environment involves skills in networking communication and field equipment. This example involves automating remote connections between computers.


FANUC Robot Ethernet Tutorial: Setting Up PLC I/O Communication

FANUC Robot Ethernet Tutorial: Setting Up PLC I/O Communication

Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000 environment for a Rockwell PLC.


Two Common Methods Used for Mapping Robot I/O Communication

Two Common Methods Used for Mapping Robot I/O Communication

There are multiple methods for mapping inputs and outputs to an industrial robot. In this article, we cover two of the most popular methods: letting the robot or the PLC control the I/O signals.


Setting IP Address and Networking Parameters on a PowerFlex VFD

Setting IP Address and Networking Parameters on a PowerFlex VFD

Parameters control the operation and command sources for VFDs. The PowerFlex series from Rockwell Automation is no exception. Learn how to adjust the parameters for networking and IP configuration.


Robot-To-PLC Handshaking

Robot-To-PLC Handshaking

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.


Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.


DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?


Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference can help with network troubleshooting, design, or alteration.


Using Virtualization Technology to Enhance Industrial Control System

Using Virtualization Technology to Enhance Industrial Control System

Automated control systems incorporate virtualization technology to reduce physical hardware, automatically minimizing the cost of IT/OT equipment, installations, and maintenance efforts.


What is a Safety PLC?

What is a Safety PLC?

This article investigates the basic qualities that make up a safety PLC, what distinguishes a safety PLC from a standard model, and the reasons for which a safety PLC may be critical.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 6: Refined Data Presentation

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 6: Refined Data Presentation

We conclude the data flow project with the step of developing a business intelligence dashboard to present machine data, at a reliable schedule, to a leadership or maintenance team.


Understanding the JSON Data Format for Industrial Control Architecture

Understanding the JSON Data Format for Industrial Control Architecture

It is important to have some baseline understanding of JavaScript Object Notation, or JSON, one of the most common data exchange formats used in the connected industrial world today.


Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?


9 Critical Steps to Building a Digital Twin for Your Factory

9 Critical Steps to Building a Digital Twin for Your Factory

Digital twins are a virtual process representation merging the simulation and real worlds to increase efficiency, optimize parameters, and predict successful operations for a variety of industries.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 4: PostgreSQL Database

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 4: PostgreSQL Database

To transfer data from a local spreadsheet to a database to create visual dashboards, we must now define the outbound integration to the PostgreSQL database through the mage.ai editor.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.