How to Outsource Building Automation (sidebar)

Keys to Outsourcing Building Automation Systems Management

Mar 1st, 2004

• Define Clear Achievable Goals

• Carefully Analyze In-house Costs vs. Outsourcing Bids

• Choose a Compatible Service Provider

• Define Clear Measurable Performance Targets

• Actively Manage the Relationship

See the story that goes with this sidebar: How to Outsource Building Automation

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Streamlining CAD Deliverables for Digital Transformation

Model-based definition can substantially increase the efficiency with which documentation is created from computer-aided design projects.

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Analytics Software Predicts Product Quality

Through its integration with SAP’s S/4HANA and Digital Manufacturing Cloud, Software AG’s TrendMiner software now enables manufacturers to offer supply chain partners greater visibility into quality metrics.

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Industrial Cybersecurity Lessons from the Colonial Pipeline Breach

As cyber-attacks on industry continue to increase, there’s plenty to learn about avoiding and mitigating the effects of a breach. Experts from cybersecurity providers Verve Industrial and Keyfactor offer their insights.

Inductive Automation's Ignition SCADA screenshot (right) and a Sepasoft MES screenshot.

Is Combining SCADA and MES a Good Idea?

System consolidation offers a number of cost and complexity reduction benefits. But when it comes to mission critical systems, do the benefits outweigh the risks? A system integrator who’s worked with manufacturers who have done this offer his insights.

Attracting and retaining a quality workforce in manufacturing is a systemic key business challenge.

Attract and Retain a Quality Workforce, Insights with Gardner Carrick at PMMI’s ELC

NAM and MI programs and research bring information into labor outreach efforts and retention of a diverse, quality workforce.

IndustrialNet™ M12 Cat 5e and Cat 6A Overmolded Cordsets

IndustrialNet™ M12 Cat 5e and Cat 6A Overmolded Cordsets

Panduit’s M12 A-coded, X-coded, and D-coded cordsets are rated for ten million flex cycles, providing durability and reliability

Is Your System Maintainable?

Don’t waste your money on a system integrator (SI) who leaves an undecipherable system when they finish. Learn steps your SI should take for a smooth transfer of information, so your team can utilize the new process right away—without information gaps.

Automation Investment Expectations for the Batch Manufacturing Industries

In this second installment in our series covering automation investment expectations for 2021, suppliers highlight ongoing pandemic, supply chain, and labor issues driving near-term interest in specific technologies.

Moving Control System Maintenance to a Proactive Strategy

In this episode of the 'Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered' podcast series, we connect with Bart Winters of Honeywell Process Solutions to learn about shifting your industrial control systems from a reactive to a proactive maintenance strategy.

A Proactive Strategy for Control System Maintenance

Why proactive control system maintenance covering I/O health and performance, HMI/SCADA, and controllers is critical to avoiding unplanned downtime and providing line of sight into issues that need to be addressed.

Industrial Cloud Benefits

As remote access and machine learning boom, cloud computing offers manufacturers a plethora of potential benefits. Watch this 'Take Five with Automation World' video to learn more.

Check out The Cobot Spot from Universal Robots

Check out The Cobot Spot from Universal Robots

Looking for automation solutions for packaging and palletizing? This is your destination for all things cobot. Whether it’s webinars, video case studies or product information, you’ll find it all in this one spot.

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Open Integration Network Eases Interoperability Challenges

Rotork’s recent entry into Endress+Hauser’s Open Integration partner program highlights the growing trends of greater industry collaboration and open standards.

CESMII and Plattform Industrie 4.0 Announce Collaboration

With a focus on technology standards, the two groups explained the development of their international agreement at the 2021 virtual Hannover Messe event

Artificial Intelligence for Mobile Robot Fleet Management

As the deployment of large fleets of autonomous mobile robots becomes more common, coordination and interoperability are becoming challenges. However, artificial intelligence may be the solution.

Leading Food Companies to Receive Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Awards at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

ProFood World is set to honor Conagra Brands, Smithfield Foods, B&G Foods, Liffey Meats, and Graphic Packaging International for outstanding sustainability achievements.

Universal I/O: Just in Time for the Digital Transformation

A standardized version of I/O provides users and machine builders with the opportunity to scale systems quickly, but traditional I/O still holds an important role.

Diane Sacra, Director of Marketing, LNS Research

Autonomous and Remote Ops Trend Up as COVID-19 Changes the Landscape

According to LNS Research, approximately 50% of industrial leaders have an autonomous plant initiative formalized. However, transformation comes with challenges and hurdles. Learn what considerations you should take moving forward.

John Deere Hybrid 944K Wheel Loader distributing aggregate in Georgetown, Texas.

John Deere and Audi Apply Intel’s AI Technology

Artificial intelligence is changing how welding quality inspections are handled—from inspecting specifics such as porosity to providing alerts about faulty welds as they happen.

Luigi De Bernardini, CEO at Autoware and President of Autoware Digital.

Why IIoT Demand Continues to Grow

Whether it's the need to scale up or down, re-strategize production, or re-deploy employees, Industrial Internet of Things technology has been essential in making these transformations possible.

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The Artificial Intelligence Explosion in Industrial Automation

Take Five Video: From supply chain and workforce training to automated quality inspections, artificial intelligence capabilities are being added to automation technologies—changing how users interact with hardware devices and software applications.

MES/MOM Certification Benefits Everyone

Rockwell Automation's Global Technical Lead for MES recently got his MOM certification from MESA. Find out why he says this program is worthwhile for system integrators, MES vendors, and end users.

Larry White, CMA, CFM, CPA, CGFM, Executive Director of the Resource Consumption Accounting Institute.

Dangerous Manufacturing Rules of Thumb

Find out how fixed and variable cost confusion, counting profit as a percentage of sales, over focusing on cost management and product cost, and pursuing return on investment the wrong way can hurt your facility and your profits.

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Amazon’s Cloud-Based Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance

The new Lookout for Equipment service from Amazon Web Services analyzes machine data in the cloud to predict machine failures.

Siemens Industrial Edge offers option to connect to Google Cloud services.

Google Cloud Targets the Manufacturing Industries with Siemens

Siemens is integrating Google Cloud’s data cloud and artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies with Siemens’ Industrial Edge platform.

Flexible feeding system using vision, motion, and robotics technologies developed by Armo Tool in conjunction with Omron Automation and Taylor Fluid Systems.

The Rise of Flexible Feeding System Technology

Why flexible feeding systems, which incorporate robotics, vision, and motion technologies are beginning to replace the vibratory bowl feeders that have long been used sort small parts for assembly and packaging.

Daniel C. Malyszko, Director of Operations and IIoT Consultant, Malisko Engineering

Leverage Your Existing OT System As You Create Your Digital Transformation Roadmap

Malisko Engineering's director of operations provides a guide to understanding your company's essential stepping stones to digital transformation and how to utilize the automation technologies already implemented in your operations.

Industrial Wearable Uses and Applications

Industrial wearables, such as augmented reality headsets, are a growing presence in industrial operations of various sorts. Watch this Take Five with Automation World video to find out more.

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Evonik Uses Modular Process Control for Greater Customizability

Siemens’ Simatic PCS Neo process control system is helping chemical manufacturer Evonik make its production model more flexible.

Can MES Replace SCADA?

A look at the overlaps and differences between SCADA and MES technologies and how their functions can be combined, with an example of a manufacturer that has done it.

5G Expands Autonomous Mobile Robot Capabilities

At TCL’s plant in Huizhou, China, improved 5G wireless connectivity enabled the company to add dozens of ForwardX autonomous mobile robots to improve production operations.

Festo uses predictive maintenance in the automotive industry to increase efficiency in the maintenance of servo-pneumatic welding guns by avoiding unforeseen downtimes and service and complaint costs. Source: Festo.

How Festo Applies Artificial Intelligence for Predictive Applications

To showcase the use of AI in its automation technologies, Festo highlighted two use cases involving predictive maintenance and predictive energy.