Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered

How Does an Information Digital Twin Democratize Industrial Data?

In this episode, we connect with Sean Gregerson, vice president of asset management at Aveva, to learn about: Information Digital Twins; data democratization and what it means for industrial use of operations data; and why the gap between collected data and analyzed data remains so large at most companies.

How to Select the Right Valve

In this episode, we connect with Ross Turbiville, senior director of global industry sales of flow control products at Emerson Automation Solutions, to learn about the different types of commonly available automated valves, valve sizing and performance issues, how piping  and valve materials can impact valve choice, and deciding among electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic valve actuators. 

Why Choose the Cloud for Engineering and Simulation Software?

In this episode we connect with Chris Radebaugh of Emerson to learn how DeltaV Simulation Cloud is used to effectively train operators whenever engineering changes are made to production systems, what industries are using it, and how cloud-based engineering and simulation software stacks up to on-premises software.

Inside the Investing Surge in Automation

In this episode, we diverge a bit from our typical course of answering listener questions about automation technologies to explore the surge in interest around investing in industrial automation. With our guest Jim Carlisle, managing director at Thomas H. Lee, a Boston-based private equity firm, we look at why investment firms are increasingly focused on automation and the factors they see impacting this market.

What Is A Machine Risk Assessment?

Learn the details of machine risk assessments, what types of equipment require them, who's responsible for them, when to begin the process, and how to comply with machine risk assessment regulations in this episode featuring Devin Murray, tec.nicum services manager at Schmersal USA.

How to Evaluate PLC Programming Languages

In this episode, we connect with Doug Yerger of system integrator Grantek to discuss the differences among and preferences for Instruction List, Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart PLC programming languages, as well as C and C+. 

How Does a Digital Twin Work in Practice?

In this episode we connect with Dan Riley of system integrator firm  Interstates to learn how digital twins are used to represent specific pieces of equipment as well as entire plant floor operations. We also discuss the specific value provided by a digital twin to improve production operations and what industry segments are using this technology most.

Using Remote I/O in the Main Control Enclosure

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Bryan Little of Avanceon to answer a reader question about the use of remote I/O in the main electrical enclosure. In our discussion, we clarify the differences among remote I/O, distributed I/O, and local I/O; why using remote I/O in the main control enclosure doesn't go against the idea of remote I/O; and how wireless remote I/O can be beneficial depending on your application of it.

Is SCADA IoT Control Too Risky?

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Ben Manlongat of system integrator Outbound Technologies to learn about the risks of remote access and read-only SCADA data and how to secure this critical automation system component.

How to Decide Whether to Use a PLC, a PAC or an Industrial PC?

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Nate Kay of industrial control system integrator Martin CSI to learn about the key differences between programmable logic controllers, programmable automation controllers, and industrial PCs. He also explains how to choose from among these options based on your control application.