Factory > Plant Maintenance | Automation World

Click Relay Simulator Modules 5x7

AutomationDirect adds Click PLC input simulator and high-current relay output modules

Higher amperage relay output modules and an 8-point input simulator module are now available from AutomationDirect for the Click series stackable micro brick PLCs.

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Industrial Control System Migrations: 5 Considerations to Move Forward

Rittal's Steve Sullivan

Temperature Control Tips for Enclosures

International Solution Designer, Autoware

How Can a System Integrator Support Environmental Sustainability?

Keeping Control Cabinets Cool

Nicholas Imfeld, principal engineer, Avanceon

How Developing a Batching System’s Phases Is all About Balance

There are a lot of parts to be aware of when developing a flexible batching system. However, if you want to ensure operational efficiency, developing well-balanced phases is the most integral piece.

Balluff Io Link

How IO-Link Benefits OEMs and End Users

Already popular in Europe, the IO-Link industrial communication technology is reportedly growing by double digits in the U.S. Learn why this point-to-point data communication method is increasingly preferred across industry for delivering device data.

This 2-axis robot in the Lenze booth at SPS 2019 was used to show a model-based and data-based approach to condition monitoring using data from the robot’s drive.

The Drive as a Sensor

Gathering more data from machines doesn’t necessarily mean adding more sensors. Lenze highlights how manufacturers can use data from existing drives for applications such as condition monitoring and preventative maintenance.

What is IO-Link?

In this episode, we connect with Shishir Rege of Balluff to learn about the IO-Link device communication technology and whether or not it is difficult to integrate into existing operations.

Oden Technologies

Creating Algorithms to Improve Production

Golden Run optimizes machine performance with artificial intelligence algorithms.

While few people argue against the use of OEE as a helpful guideline, some are questioning how much it can help direct specific production improvements.

Is OEE Too Abstract?

OEE has long been a popular method for calculating asset performance, but some are beginning to question its value in providing direction to staff on how to improve production.

Combining IIoT and AI to Elevate Machine Health

Combining IIoT and AI to Elevate Machine Health

Augury’s Halo platform—a turnkey offering that combines sensors, artificial intelligence, and vibration experts—can diagnose the “acoustic footprint” of a machine, flagging a problem before it impacts performance.

John Scheible, MVE Analytics

Data Analytics Strategy Provides Continuous Improvement

Data analytics including machine learning algorithms can deliver breakthrough improvements by making the data exploration phase efficient and real-time monitoring and prediction easy.

Chris Hough, ProMach/ZPI

OMAC Tackles Machine, Operator Efficiency

Providing updates at the Automation World Conference & Expo, group leaders outline efforts to provide guidance on line-level OEE implementation and machine interface standards.

Polytron’s PolySim three-dimensional animated simulation was on display at ProFood Tech, demonstrating the following real-world case study. A well-known global consumer goods manufacturer had several bottling lines that were underperforming. There was pressure to make upgrades and improvements in order to meet KPIs; mitigate investment risk; and meet growing market demand. Lines needed to operate more efficiently and profitably. The company's goal was always clear: Increase production by 50 percent. They decided to pilot some changes on one line before universally reconfiguring the others. Fixated on the wrong issue Prior to Polytron’s engagement with this company—and fixated on line speed and throughput—the client determined that one of the machines on the line needed to be replaced as the culprit of poor performance and limited capacity. The new machine had the capacity to run at 300 bpm when coupled with improved bottle handling, but would that be enough to get them to the output goal? Without clar

Line Simulation IDs OEE Improvement Opportunity

Polytron used its platform at ProFood Tech to demonstrate a case in which OEE metrics were improved in a real-word bottling application.

Daimler’s truck assembly plant includes 1,500 ft chassis assembly lines with more than 125 workstations on each.

Data Foundation Helps Daimler Trucks Improve OEE

The maker of large-duty trucks like Freightliner and Western Star brands overhauled downtime issues on its long assembly lines with the implementation of SCADA and MES platforms.

Artificial Intelligence Makes Its Way Inside Machines

Artificial Intelligence Makes Its Way Inside Machines

Omron unveils a controller that executes machine learning to perform predictive maintenance.

Engineering a Digital Transformation

Engineering a Digital Transformation

L&T Technology Services rolls out “Factory D.0,” a set of technology and engineering services designed to help manufacturers identify areas within the organization that will benefit the most from digitalization.

Frank Latino, Festo

Pneumatics in the Age of IIoT

Using Industrial Internet of Things pneumatic solutions to improve OEE, energy efficiency and agile manufacturing.

Asset Performance Management, Photo credit: Plutoshift

Connecting Industrial Assets to Financial Metrics

Plutoshift unveils its asset performance management platform, using artificial intelligence to analyze data—such as energy consumption—and measure the financial impact.

Amway’s Rob Dargie details the OpX Leadership Network’s remote equipment access tool.

OpX Tools Help Manufacturers Improve Operational Excellence

Detailing existing and upcoming tools available free through the OpX Leadership Network, industry experts explained how they can make your entire operations run more efficiently.

At work centers, operators can add from a defined list of codes to indicate the root cause of downtime.

Real-Time Monitoring for Sheet Metal Machines

To help its manufacturing customers integrate OEE measurements with enterprise systems, The Aquila Group has implemented data visibility systems with Opto 22 platforms.

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Packaging and Processing OEMs Continue on Digital Path

As digitization of the factory catches on, automation continues to be a focus, says PMMI Business Intelligence.

At Rockline Industries’ Wisconsin plant, these lines include slitting, filling, capping and labeling machines, along with conveyors to move product along to different stations.

Digital Transformation Begins With Real-Time Monitoring

An industrial packaging company invests in real-time KPI software to push its overall equipment effectiveness levels for its Wisconsin plant.

Inside the OpX Leadership Network: Benefits and Best Practices

Inside the OpX Leadership Network: Benefits and Best Practices

The second in a two-part series showcases feedback from companies that have used OpX Leadership Network tools, explaining benefits and suggested uses.

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Food Processors Measure Equipment Efficiency

And they look to OEMs for any improvement in machines to maximize uptime and increase yields, according to a new study from PMMI Business Intelligence.

As chair of the OpX Leadership Network Executive Council, Greg Flickinger sees an opportunity to advance the operational excellence of not just a single company, but of an entire industry.

Inside the OpX Leadership Network: Tools and Checklists

In our first of two installments on PMMI’s OpX Leadership Network and the value it provides to companies of all types, we explain four free tools and checklists that save manufacturers time and money.