2023 Article Descriptions

2023 ARTICLE and WEBCAST DESCRIPTIONS, DEADLINES

Note to potential authors:Control Engineeringarticle subscribers include end users, system integrators, original equipment manufacturers and machine builders. For more about subscribers and 2023 Interactive Media Kit seewww.globalelove.com/mediainfo.

Learn more about contributing an article atwww.globalelove.com/contribute.

Areas of coverage include technologies, trends, tutorials, and applications related to:

Control Systems and Strategy: DCS, PACs, PLCs, industrial PCs, CNC, loop control, PID, embedded control, edge and cloud computing, machine control, artificial intelligence, instrumentation, mobile devices, analytical instruments, test and calibration equipment

Networking and Information: Ethernet, wireless, other networks, I/O modules and systems, HMI, mobility, SCADA, historians, data acquisition, Big Data, alarm management, simulation, safety, cybersecurity, industrial IT, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0

Control Equipment and Energy: Motors, drives, robotics, mechatronics, motion control, energy efficiency, control valves, pumps, positioners, transmitters, sensors, vision, RFID, power supplies, power protection, power distribution, enclosures, and related components

Industry Focus: System integrators, system integration, people, and workforce development, awards, career advice, Engineering Leaders Under 40, robotics use, COVID-19 pandemic competitiveness, applying automation.

Control Engineeringexperts deliver automation, control and instrumentation content as subscribers prefer

Print/digitaleditionwww.globalelove.com/magazine

Webcastsupcomingwww.globalelove.com/webcasts

Webcastson demand//www.globalelove.com/webcasts/past

eBook contenthere://www.globalelove.com/ebooks/

eNewsletters://www.globalelove.com/newsletters

Research*//www.globalelove.com/research

JANUARY-EXTRA ONLINE ISSUE with “Insider Edition” email with links to content

Article deadline (extended): Dec. 15

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, JAN. 18

How to automate series: How next-generation automation will help in 2023

Using research about technologies, interviews and other materials from automation industry leaders, control system integrators will discuss how they anticipate next-generation technologies will help in 2023. This moderated discussion also will present Control Engineering research about what technologies are expected to help most, then expand on and provide insights on those trends from control system integrators. What transformative information here will help advance competitiveness in 2023 with integration and use of next-generation automation?

Learning objectives

ReviewControl Engineeringresearch about what automation and control technology topics are most useful.
Understand system integrators’ views and advice about applying and advancing by implementing or upgrading applications using those automation and control technologies.
Prioritize what to do first based on your pain points and business needs.
Hear examples and best practices related to those technologies.

ARTICLES

Future of process controls

Transitions of outdated and no longer supported distributed control systems (DCSs) are underway with help from internal experts prior to (or in some cases, called out of) retirement. DCS and process control vendors and system integrators are doing what they can to help.

Hot topics of 2022 fromwww.globalelove.com

What articles on controls, automation and instrumentation did online readers atwww.globalelove.comaccess the most during 2022 calendar year? See what your peers found valuable. Link to and read top articles that you may have missed, including articles posted during 2022 and those posted prior to 2022.

Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse: Top stories of 2022

Another CFE Media and Technology publication, Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse, provides critical information and cybersecurity solutions to cybersecurity professionals working in industrial environments within manufacturing and smart facilities: Review the top articles posted in 2022 and those posted prior to 2022.

Why updating I/O matters

More modular designs, increased reliability, wireless, Ethernet and other networking capabilities, more options, flexibility, and in some cases, web interfaces, cloud-based features, and software-defined input/output (I/O) capabilities are among capabilities of newer I/O modules. Is it past time to update any old, tangled, dusty, crusty I/O connections to gain reliability and features?

Leading motors and drives articles of 2022

Motion control using motors and drives is an important part of the “actuate” part of the control loop. A review of the leading motors and drives articles of 2022 may reveal some trend, applications, or advancements in motors and drives that could help optimize your next motion control application.

Comparing automation: An online resource guide

Every time we askControl Engineeringsubscribers what kind of information would help them do their jobs better, some ask for comparisons among products to help with product selection. Now we’re asking vendor to offer fact-based summaries of how their products have stacked up against competitors. HelpControl Engineeringshare comparative product information about controls, automation and instrumentation devices and systems prepared for customers and prospects.

Special section articles

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing, actuation and networking (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

IIoT for Engineers:Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing and other next-generation technologies influence automation, controls, instrumentation and other operations technologies.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY print/digital

Article deadline (extended): Dec. 12, 2022

EDITORIAL RESEARCH * Apply controllers

ARTICLES

How to automate: What controller fits the application?

许多工业控制器类型是可用的。What should be used for what application? What criteria should be used for selection among programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial PCs (IPCs), edge controllers (with a software-based controller), distributed control systems (DCSs), programmable automation controllers (PACs)?

How to automate: Program once; target the controller needed

任何人都能计划工业控制once, then target the hardware platform the programming will run on? Is this an eternal fantasy for industrial controls? Use of standards is moving this idea closer to reality. Here’s where we stand, and what to consider to make programming easier.

How to automate: Ethernet implementations: Learn details from others

Use of industrial Ethernet has been progressing steadily sinceControl Engineeringfamously said, “Ethernet Everywhere” in a June 1999 cover story. Learn what you can from other industrial Ethernet implementations to make your next industrial Ethernet communications application go more smoothly.

How to automate: Variable frequency drives: Case studies for efficiency

Controlling motor speed with variable frequency drives (VFDs) can save energy. It’s not as easy as just adding a VFD. What else needs to be considered for motor control system efficiency?

SCADA/HMI upgrades: Control System Integration Roundtable, part 1

Control system integrators have useful and enlightening advice about upgrading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human-machine interface (HMI) software. Measurements and metrics will be highlighted as system integrators discuss applications that have increased value for customers.

Special section articles

Inside Machines: Robotics:Features on automation and control topics cover what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots, robotics and motion control.

Best ofIndustrial Cybersecurity Pulse:Another CFE Media and Technology publication,Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse, provides critical information and cybersecurity solutions to cybersecurity professionals working in industrial environments within manufacturing and smart facilities. Articles of particular use for those in automation, control and instrumentation will be included.

MARCH print/digital

Article deadline is Jan. 3

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, March 8

How to automate series: Control system integration advances competitiveness

Using some of the best application examples and expertise from the latest Global System Integrator Report (supplement toControl EngineeringandPlant Engineering), control system integrators will explain how control system integration projects continue to advance customer competitiveness in a variety of industries. Automation and control system challenges will be illustrated including what’s installed now, what needs to be implemented, and how do we get there in a safe, efficient, cost-effective way?

Learning objectives

Understand what automation is in use and what the future application needs.
Learn how to plan for control system design, implementation, simulation (if needed) and use.
评估经验的自动化实现ations and how these lessons can help.

ARTICLES

Edge technologies for industrial controls

At the edge means a location near the process. Edge technologies available now for industrial controls differ from distributed control architectures of the past because of greater power, speed, ease of use, reliability, and integration ease. What do you need to know about edge technologies for industrial controls?

Data acquisition: Facts from case studies

Case studies about data acquisition applications help illustrate best practices and equipment capabilities. Sampling rate, processing, communications metrics help tell the story.

Industrial motor design tips

In control applications, industrial motors have specific design attributes that help. Ruggedness and motor sizing are important, but should motor control be integrated or handled in a variable frequency drive (VFD)? When should sensors determining motor position be integrated as opposed to external to the motor? Should smaller motors be distributed for actuation or a larger motor drive multiple actuators in several areas of the process? Tips about motors used for control applications help with motion system design.

36th Product of the Year Finalists

Control EngineeringEngineers’ Choice Awards continue as Product of the Year. Learn more about the process, voting and important deadlines here.

//www.globalelove.com/events-and-awards/product-of-the-year/

Special section articles

APRIL print/digital

Article deadline: Feb. 1

EDITORIAL RESEARCH * Edge computing, AI

ARTICLES

PID tuning tutorial: Advanced process control

Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) tuning has been described as an art. Sure, you could make an adjustment and see what happens, but tutorial tips illustrate the engineering and control theories behind the magic.

Simulation advances digital transformation

Among advantages of digital transformation is using software to simulate processes, so programming upgrades can be tested and proven in software prior to going live on the plant floor. Once that model is created (and kept up to date), it can help with training, redesigns, optimization and other areas.

Power protection for automation applications

Automation reliability depends in part on reliable power protection against surges, spike, and power quality issues. Appropriate power protection for automation, controls and instrumentation require attention to application and standards.

Advice from the Global System Integrator Database

Hundreds of control system integrators in the Global System Integrator Database are asked to share advice about applications where they added value and how. See metrics that matter.

Special section articles

Inside Machines: Machine learning:Machine learning helps with vision system, motion control, predictive maintenance and other processes related to how machines are designed and integrate automation and controls.

MAY print/digital

Article deadline: March 1

EDITORIAL RESEARCH * Salary survey/skills development

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, May 25

Edge series: Edge computing architectures, advantages

Separate the hype from the helpful by examining edge computing architectures for automation and control applications. Review resources and research on edge computing. See how system integrators and other experts consider it a means to advance, rather than replace, the benefits controls bring to many mission-critical industry applications. Architecture interactions among edge computing and cloud resources also will be discussed.

Learning objectives

Understand how edge computing fits into automation and controls.
Explore applications that benefit from edge computing.
Learn how edge computing can make cloud resources more effective.
Review benefits, examples and lessons learned about edge computing as used with automation and controls.

ARTICLES

How to automate: Industrial machine control systems

Control systems operating inside industrial machines often are tightly optimized in the control loop, with sensors, logic, and actuators. In addition, machines have increasing requirements to communicate with other machinery, lines, areas, departments, software and, in some cases, other organizations. Cloud analytics and standards are among enablers.

How to automate: Ethernet integration with other networks

Few automation applications use only one communication protocol as devices integrate into larger systems. Where are messages best translated and how? Inside the controller? With communication modules attached to the controller? In separate devices? In smart input/output modules? How and when should an Ethernet architecture balance performance and cost?

How to automate: Pump control topics

Pump sizing for the application, pump types, sequence control and other topics are among many pump control areas of interest. Applications illustrate pump implementation questions. Measurements and metrics will be highlighted to increase understanding.

Salary survey, career advice from the Engineering Leaders Under 40 class of 2022

Control Engineeringresearch looks at salaries, benefits and industry trends for the industries and application using automation, control and instrumentation. Class members of 2022 Engineering Leaders Under 40 also are invited to provide advice related to engineering career advancement.

Special section articles

JUNE print/digital

Article deadline: April 3

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, June 6

Edge series: Edge computing applications

Applications demonstrate how edge computing can be used for mission-critical, high-reliability automation and control applications. See how system integrators have applied edge computing and see how it integrates in automation and control applications. Challenges and benefits will be discussed.

Learning objectives

Understand how edge computing is being applied to automation and controls.
Explore how edge computing enables certain applications.
Learn how edge computing integrates with cloud resources.
Review application benefits, return on investment considerations, and other benefits for automation and controls.

ARTICLES

Test and calibration advances

Automation, controls, and instrumentation advances are helping test and calibration equipment and applications. Explore what technologies are helping in which ways and what not to overlook. Measurements and metrics will be highlighted.

Process instrumentation tutorial

Many process instrumentation technologies have advanced in recent years. Sensing, processor power, communications abilities, and analytics are among ways process instrumentation has advanced. What applications can take advantage of these process instrumentation advantages?

Industrial wireless: What you may not know yet

Wireless communications for industrial applications are rapidly advancing. 5G, Wi-Fi and various industrial wireless proprietary and standard-based offerings compete and can complement each other. What do you need to know about wireless technologies for industrial use?

Smarter power supplies for automation

How can smarter power supplies benefit automation applications? Monitoring performance of what’s connected to power supplies improves overall application reliability. Measurements, analytics, reporting, alarms and communications matter.

Edge computing: Control System Integration Roundtable, part 2

Control system integrators discuss edge computing applications. When can they replace more traditional controllers and when should they augment the application? What are applications that benefit the most from industrial edge computers? Measurements and metrics will be highlighted.

36th Product of the Year Winners

Control EngineeringEngineers’ Choice Awards continue as Product of the Year. Learn more about the process, voting and important deadlines here. The grand winner gets the most votes among all categories.

//www.globalelove.com/events-and-awards/product-of-the-year/

Special section articles

Inside Machines: Robotics:Features on automation and control topics cover what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots, robotics and motion control.

JULY print/digital

Article deadline: May 2

EDITORIAL RESEARCH * SCADA

ARTICLES

PLC programming standards, platforms

Programmable logic controller (PLC) programming language standards IEC 61131-3 alone do not guarantee code portability among PLCs or interoperability of code among PLCs. So what good it is? (Plenty.) Here’s how to make the most of PLC programming standards from PLCopen.

Industry 4.0 assessment: Are you moving quickly enough?

2023 marks a dozen years into the Industry 4.0 initiative. Are you moving quickly enough? Have others passed you by? Is there an Industry 5.0? How should Industry 4.0 be changing how you approach automation, controls and instrumentation?

Additive manufacturing: Automation integration

Automated integration of additive manufacturing and motion control’s refinement of additive manufacturing capabilities enable higher levels of parts production and design capabilities. Software simulations compare additive with traditional machining to help with optimization.

Automation supply chain: Advice from vendors, distributors

Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 didn’t bypass automation, controls and instrumentation. What advice do vendors and distributors offer to customers about rethinking sourcing relationships and technologies to help with future supply chain distributions?

Special section articles

Best ofControl Engineeringtraining

Revisit some of the most popularControl Engineeringtraining opportunities of the past year.

AUGUST print/digital

Article deadline: June 1

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, Aug. 15

SCADA series: New SCADA features and functions

监控和数据acquisit软件ion (SCADA) has advanced to provide greater capabilities with less programming. What are key traits of SCADA software packages (some may be considered platforms) that make an upgrade worth the investment? Advantages include integration of certain standards; built-in communications and connections to other devices, software and systems; extensive libraries of code; integration with cloud capabilities; easier porting to mobile clients; and analytics. Many have new subscription-based options.

Learning objectives

Understand how modern SCADA software platforms can serve automation and control applications.
Review the diversity of features offered in SCADA software platforms.
Examine key features that provide easier integration with automation, controls, and other software in the organization.

ARTICLES

How to automate with industrial PCs

Ruggedized industrial computers (IPCs) don’t even look like what most people would recognize as a computer, yet IPCs can withstand punishing environments for many years that would quickly destroy traditional computers and even some PLCs outside a control cabinet. When should an IPC be used instead of other options in a controls and automation environment?

How to automate with advanced HMI, SCADA

Human-machine interfaces (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software offer powerful control design opportunities for machine builders and those implementing automation and controls in a diverse range of applications. When should HMI hardware and software control an application? When should a SCADA platform be used? Are you asking the right questions about HMI and SCADA, or doing what you’ve always done?

How to automate: Motion control (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic)

先进的电动、气动和液压actuation technologies make a comparison worth revisiting every few years. What’s the state-of-the art in each, and have technology advances enabled more cross-over applications of electric, pneumatic and hydraulic actuation? Should control designs consider mixing actuation technologies or is it better to try to stay with one?

How to automate: How-to guide for PLCs, edge computing

It’s not a contest, is it? Should edge computing replace programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in some applications? Or should edge computing complement traditional PLC strengths? Experts will explain. Measurements and metrics will be highlighted.

Special section articles

Inside Machines and OEMs: Features on automation and control topics are related to what happens around and inside machines, including safety, design, simulation, testing, startup, operations, monitoring and lifecycle issues.

SEPTEMBER print/digital

Article deadline: July 1

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, Sept. 14

PLC series: PLC projects, programming best practices

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) remain a strong choice for many automation applications, and programming software and practices that use standards has huge advantages over other options. Documentation is important, along with change management, and understanding use of standards to more efficiently program for certain applications. This includes the ability to bridge from operational technology (OT) applications to information technology (IT) connections. By using standards, code will be easier to update and optimize from current to future operations.

Learning objectives

Understand where (types of applications) PLC-based programming can be effective.
Learn best practices related to code structuring, decomposition, reuse, encapsulation and abstraction.
Observe benefits of standard libraries for logic, motion, safety and communication.
See examples of how these methods can help improve quality, lower cost and ease the ability to offer custom functionalities and technologies

ARTICLES

Advanced process controls: Loop control tutorial

过程控制与先进的lo可以优化op control techniques. Building on the April tutorial on Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) tuning, this will examine other ways to improve control loops, that may include a deeper look into familiar terms in control theory, such as deadtime, the Smith Predictor, feed forward, model-predictive control (MPC), multi-variate control, and others.

Industrial cloud applications

The industrial cloud can store data collected in factory automation and process control and analyze that data for greater insights. To lower costs associated with cloud data storage, data refined at the edge can feed cloud-based applications. Like software as a service (SaaS) factory automation and process control analytic applications, cloud applications can provide updated capabilities over time, unlike purchased on-site software that may decline in value it provides. Measurements and metrics will be highlighted.

Control valve advancements in process industries

What happens when a valve needs turning, and there’s no one to spare to go there? Automation advances help control valve actuators provide more value and a higher-level of automation for opening, closing, flow control and testing. Learn what’s new in control valve hardware and software to provide extra value in many applications and how.

Engineering Leaders Under 40 class of 2022 (June deadline)

The Engineering Leaders Under 40 program recognizes manufacturing professionals under the age of 40 making a significant contribution to a plant’s success, and to the control engineering and/or plant engineering professions. The Engineering Leaders Under 40 program aims to call attention to successful young engineers in manufacturing and highlight the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Learn more atwww.globalelove.com/LeadersUnder40.

Special section articles

July 15 deadline note:The article deadline is July 15 for the Global System Integrator Report (GSIR), a NOVEMBER/DECEMBER print/digital supplement forControl EngineeringandPlant Engineering.(Because it’s a supplement, deadlines are sooner.) See details about GSIR after the November online extra issue below.

OCTOBER print/digital

Article deadline: Aug. 1

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, Oct. 12

SCADA series: Advanced SCADA applications

监控和数据acquisit软件ion (SCADA) is being applied in a broader array of applications. What SCADA capabilities are being applied in these applications? How are automation applications advancing with SCADA capabilities?

Learning objectives

Understand the SCADA software selection process.
Examine how system integrators add value to SCADA applications.
Learn what applications are suited to today’s SCADA software platforms.
See examples of implementation best practices and extreme applications using SCADA platforms.

ARTICLES

Edge computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning

Edge computing embedded in processes and machines may use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to augment automation and controls capabilities. How is AI/ML helping control design, and what capabilities are edge computers bringing to various applications? Learn how others are applying AI/ML with edge computing.

How SCADA can advance IIoT implementations

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software platforms are helping with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. How can SCADA platforms make IIoT implementations easier and bring greater return on investment (ROI)? What measurements are being used for success?

Control panel power distribution design help

Power distribution in control panels require understanding of related safety standards. What standards help with power distribution in control panels? What tools and features are helping to ensure control panel designs follows standards and appropriately lower risk?

Machine integration tips: Control System Integration Roundtable, part 3

Control system integration will discuss how machines are integrated with other automation controls, and what automation controls are integrated in machines to make that easier. Are machine builders heeding customer requests for easier integration with other devices and systems? What’s changing, what isn’t changing fast enough and how are system integrators helping? Measurements and metrics will be highlighted.

Special section articles

Inside Machines: Robotics:Features on automation and control topics cover what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots, robotics and motion control.

NOVEMBER-EXTRA ONLINE ISSUE with “Insider Edition” email with links to content

Article deadline: Sept. 1

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, Nov. 9

PLC series: PLC hardware speed, I/O, communications, redundancy

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) hardware advances have kept PLCs a strong choice for many automation applications, including machine control, motion control, even certain process control applications. Where are PLCs still a good controller choice and why? How have PLC designs changed to meet automation and control challenges? What criteria should be used for PLC selection.

Learning objectives

Understand where (types of applications) PLCs can be effective.
回顾PLC功能和遗传代数学习的最佳实践ed to PLC hardware selection.
See examples of how PLC hardware upgrades and selection helped applications and why.

ARTICLES

Discrete control

Advances: What new with discrete control hardware and software to serve factory automation applications? What automation advances are serving control loops employed in discrete applications (making things, as opposed to a continuous or batch process). This may include any or all devices and systems serving the control loop: Sensors, logic devices and actuators.

Automation safety: What you don’t know can hurt

Applicable standards, greater visibility, risk assessments, automated devices and systems along with training updates can increase safety and lower risk when applying automation, controls and instrumentation. Where do you start? When should automation safety be readdressed? Is your documentation updated and where it needs to be?

Discrete sensor application help

Position, proximity, distance, presence, force, torque and acceleration are among discrete sensor measurements. Sensor technologies including photoelectric (photoeyes), inductive sensors, lasers, electrical, encoders, magnetic and fiber-optic, among others. Here are some discrete sensor technology advances to help with sensor selection.

Sustainability: Measurement, optimization, efficiency

Companies large and small are looking at how greater attention to sustainability can help save the world and contribute to bottom-line profits (and a positive corporate image) with greater efficiencies, measurements and optimization. Waste reduction (time/motion and materials) has long been important for manufacturers. Now those measurement skills are being applied to reduce carbon footprints and other emissions and waste. What’s being measured and optimized with greater efficiencies to help save the world? How are control-loop automation basics (sensors, logic, actuation) helping with sustainability?

Special section articles

Inside Machines: Examine automation and controls technologies used to help with design, integration, and optimization of machines.

Global System Integrator Report, a NOVEMBER/DECEMBER print/digital supplement

Article deadline: July 15

The annual Global System Integrator Report is a supplement to the November/December issues ofControl EngineeringandPlant Engineering, covering how effective system integration improve industrial applications using automation, controls and instrumentation.

System Integrator of the Year for 2024 (August deadline)

The System Integrator of the Year (SIY) program recognizes three system integrators each year based on business skills, technical competence, and customer satisfaction. Winners are inducted into the System Integrator Hall of Fame. Learn more atwww.globalelove.com/siy.

System Integrator Giants 2023 (September deadline)

The System Integrator Giants program (SI Giants) lists leading system integrators among companies listed in the CFE Media Global System Integrator Database, ranked on total system integration revenue. Learn more atwww.globalelove.com/giants.

Research * SI Giants: What do SIs look for in a walk-through?

The System Integrator Giants program (SI Giants), a list of leading system integrators based on system integration revenue will be asked as part of the data collection, “What do system integrators look for when walking through a factory or process facility?”

System integrators: Specific project advice, tutorials on how to automate

In some cases, system integrators have deeper product knowledge about controls, automation and instrumentation vendors that provide the technologies. Articles will provide related project advice. Metrics that matter help illustrate control system integrator successes when applying automation.

How to find a system integrator

CFE Media and Technology publications, includingControl EngineeringandPlant Engineering, offer the Global System Integrator Database and cover developments from many system integrators in the database, to help subscribers find the best system integrator for a project applying automation, controls and instrumentation technologies.

Global System Integrator Database:click on SYSTEM INTEGRATORS at the top ofwww.globalelove.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER print/digital

Article deadline: Oct. 3

EDITORIAL RESEARCH * Practical AI for automation

WEBCASTFOR RCEP/PDH CREDIT, Dec. 12

How to automate series: What system integrators look for in a plant walk-through

A common cliché in automation and controls is to pick the low-hanging fruit first, meaning automate the easiest and most accessible applications as the first step. Are you able to really SEE what may be done in an application that’s ripe for automation? Does the team that’s in the thick of things need a fresh set of eyes to see old processes anew? System integrators discuss how to automate and the things system integrators look for and find during plant or facility walk throughs. It’s often during initial automation project design discussions when the most savings can be identified for the least cost.

Learning objectives

Examine how, with the rate of technology advances, opportunities for automation advancement have changed in recent years.
Understand what control system integrators look for when they do a plant for facility walk through, seeking automation opportunities for potential clients.
审查系统为什么integrator expertise (coupled with plant-specific domain expertise) can add tremendous value in the design and planning phase of any project.
Learn best practices related to identifying automation and controls projects that can deliver high return on investment by looking at examples.

ARTICLES

Analytical instruments for process control

As software to help data analysis has advanced so has the sensing technologies, processing power, and technology integration improved to increase effectiveness of analytical instruments used in process control. Review advances powering analytical instruments to next-level results in their applications.

HMI: Best implementations of 2023

Vendors of human-machine interface (HMI) software and hardware and automation system integrators will be asked to provide metrics to help quantify benefits of the best HMI applications of the year. Extend your understanding of what’s possible as HMIs help resolve pressing issues in safety, skills gap and control system visibility and optimization, while feeding other devices and systems.

Process sensor application help

Temperature, pressure, level and flow, the big four process control measurements, are aided by technology advances in sensing, processing and networking to make them more effective. What advances have you missed that could be helping process sensing applications?

Catching up: Hot topics/Top stories July-December

This online extra will look at leading articles in the second half of the year, highlighting some topics later in the year that may be overlooked in the year-long hot topic list.

Special section articles

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Clickhereto start this process.