Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered

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.

How to Connect Legacy Equipment for Data Acquisition and Analysis?

In this episode of the Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Luke Stephenson of Enterprise Automation to understand the best methods for connecting older devices and machines for data analysis.

How Can New Material Handling Technologies Support Adaptive Manufacturing Concepts?

In this episode, we connect with Jeff Johnson, U.S. mechatronics product manager at Beckhoff, to learn more about how Beckhoff's XPlanar material handling system uses levitating tiles to move parts and products for assembly and/or packaging applications.

What is MTTR and MTBF?

In this episode, we connect with Sam Russem of system integration firm Grantek to better understand Meantime to Repair (MTTR) and Meantime Before/Between Failure (MTBF). We explore how these metrics are applied and calculated and how they can benefit manufacturing operations.

Can Operations Technology Be Secured and Managed With IT Tools?

In this episode, we connect with James Destro of ServiceNow and Carey Blunt of Fujitsu to explore how operations technology (OT) devices can be discovered, secured, and managed with the same kinds of tools used by IT, with an eye toward downtime avoidance and change management for asset management and cybersecurity.

Is Fieldbus Technology Still Effective?

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Duane Grob of system integration firm Avanceon to learn about the combined use of fieldbus and Ethernet industrial networking technologies, even as Ethernet increasingly becomes the plant floor network of choice.

How to Train Workers for Automated Environments

Modern industrial workforce training requires the ability to assess workers’ skills and deliver the training needed in bite-sized, memorable steps to ensure retention. Training also often requires the use of simulation to adequately prepare industrial workers and be delivered in a hands-free format so the employee can do their job as they’re being guided to complete various tasks. Find out how these new training technologies are being deployed to improve operations and ensure worker safety in this conversation with Vincent Higgins of Honeywell Process Solutions.