Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered

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.

Can MES Replace SCADA?

In this episode, we connect with Sam Russem, director of the smart manufacturing practice at Grantek (a system integration company), to answer a reader's question about whether it's possible to replace supervisory control and data acquisition systems with manufacturing execution systems technology? Sam address the overlaps and differences between the two technologies and how their functions can be combined, with an example of a manufacturer that has already done it.

What Are Digital Workflows for Manufacturing?

In this episode, we connect with James Destro of ServiceNow to learn how digital workflow software can provide visibility into plant floor equipment and direct operations on a day-to-day basis to connect people, functions, and systems. 

How to Effectively Implement Edge Computing

In this episode we discuss how to successfully plan for and implement edge computing technologies at both OEM and manufacturing/processing facilities. Featured in this podcast are Stratus Technologies' Aric Prost, senior director of OEM and VAR Programs, and John Vicente, chief technology officer.

What’s the Difference Between Standard & Inverter Duty Motors?

In this episode, we connect with  Brent Kooiman, senior project engineer and design manager at Interstates, to learn about the differences between general purpose and inverter duty motors and the types of industrial applications each are best suited for.

Is the Cloud Beneficial for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers?

Get a better understanding of how manufacturers are actually using cloud computing today and how it can be leveraged for optimal application by smaller manufacturing organizations in this discussion with Brian Fenn, COO of system integration company Avanceon.  

What is the Advantage of Combining Vision and Control Technologies?

In this episode, we connect with Daymon Thompson, automation product manager for Beckhoff USA, to learn more about the trends around combining previously separate automation functions into one system for ease of access and use. We explore this topic broadly and focus specifically on the integration of vision and machine control.

What Factors Are Influencing Automation Technology Today?

In this episode, we connect with Justin Kolbe of Henkel to learn how economic and technology factors are affecting the development and use of industrial automation technologies today.

Beginning the Digital Transformation Process

In this episode, we connect with Bill Pollock, CEO of Optimation (a system integration company), to explore how industrial companies are moving forward with their digital transformations. We discuss how to assess current operations, avoid common mistakes, and apply metrics to measure the level of your plan's success.  

What is Industrial Single Pair Ethernet?

In this episode of the “Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered” podcast series, we connect with McKenzie Reed of Harting to learn about one of the more important recent advances in industrial communications technology—Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). During our discussion with Reed, he explains the difference between SPE and standard industrial Ethernet, SPE’s speed and distance capabilities, SPE’s ability to deliver power and data, the move to standardize SPE and how it works with industrial Ethernet protocols, the benefits SPE brings to end users, and the availability of SPE products.