A supplement to Control Engineering and PLANT ENGINEERING magazines
PLCs starting at only $69.00 Whether the job is very simple or extremely complex, we have the affordable PLC solution you need. Our three PLC families provide a variety of control options and can handle a wide range of applications from simple counter/timer logic to coordinated motion. So don’t break the bank with those other guys, keep your project on time and under-budget with AutomationDirect!
CLICK starting at
R
$69.00
The CLICK PLC family offers extreme value for everyday applications. The compact size and easy programming make CLICK great for smal applications and beginner projects.
starting at
$197.00
The Do-more PLC family features one of the most advanced instruction sets in the market as well as many other features that allow it to stand strong against any challenge.
starting at
$171.00 (P1-540 CPU)
The Productivity Series PLCs are scalable, highperformance tag name based controllers with expansive built-in communication options and other features you’ll love at an awesome price.
With our PLCs you’ll never get hit with extra fees since our software, manuals, tech support, and access to online resources are all completely FREE! You can learn all about our PLCs by visiting:
www.automationdirect.com/ADCPLC
ll
-
d
HMIs starting at $98.00 Our C-more HMIs are designed to provide complete system visibility and utmost cost savings for your interface needs. From basic systems to advanced, C-more HMIs have the animations, logic, math, alarming, remote accessibility (web server/mobile app) and communication needed for modern systems.
www.automationdirect.com/ operator-interface
AC VFDs starting at $108.00 Dynamic braking, PID, V/Hz control, sensorless vector control and a variety of communication options including BACnet are just a few of the features available with our AC drives. With horsepower ratings up to 300 hp and the ability to control eight motors with one GS4 drive, you’re guaranteed to find the AC motor control and the savings you’re searching for.
www.automationdirect.com/VFD
Sensors starting at $12.50 You need sensors? Well, we’ve got tons, actually over 3,000 sensors and accessories! We currently offer rotary encoders for detecting position and speed, sensors for detecting proximity, pressure, temperature, level, flow, current and voltage, and limit switches for detecting presence or end-of-travel limits. With discrete or analog outputs, these sensors can provide critical data when automating any machine or process.
www.automationdirect.com/sensors
Over 25,000 low-cost quality industrial control products are available on our webstore (www.automationdirect.com) 24/7/365 and each one comes with the customer service and support you deserve. So for your next project, check us out and remember when it comes to automation, no one gives you more than AutomationDirect! Order Today, Ships Today! * See our Web site for details and restrictions. © Copyright 2019 AutomationDirect, Cumming, GA USA. All rights reserved.
1-800-633-0405
the #1 value in automation
Nobody does FREE better than AutomationDirect... linePLCTr n O
ing ain
FREE
FREE ONLINE PLC TRAINING
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY! Over the years, we have seen the demand for PLC training grow exponentially not just with our customers but with those new to PLCs in general. To support this demand, we have expanded our online PLC training offerings, allowing easy and free access to anyone interested in learning about industrial controllers. This completely free online PLC training course is available 24/7 so you can learn at your pace and at your convenience. To access the training or learn more about what is provided, follow the link below.
www.automationdirect.com/plc-training
FREE PLC SOFTWARE
Our CLICK, Productivity and Do-more series PLC software packages are available to download as many times as you’d like, free of charge. Our Do-more Designer software even includes a project simulator, so no hardware is required to test your logic. To try out ladder logic or test drive our PLCs, visit: www.automationdirect.com/ADCPLC
FREE TECH SUPPORT
Free technical support is available via phone ((800) 633-0405), email or chat, M-F 9am to 6pm EST. Our technical support specialists are continually trained on our vast selection of products and can provide assistance with selecting the right products, troubleshooting technical issues, and/or finding the proper solution for any application.
FREE FAST SHIPPING
With the pace of business today, waiting around for components to be delivered is unacceptable. We understand this, and with our automated warehouses and huge inventory we are able to ship products the same day (if ordered before 6pm) and get them to you fast with 2-day delivery free on orders over $49 (visit our store for further details/ restrictions).
...and our prices are unbeatable too!
Order Today, Ships Today! * See our Web site for details and restrictions. Š Copyright 2019 AutomationDirect, Cumming, GA USA. All rights reserved.
1-800-633-0405
the #1 value in automation
Comment
Automation system best practices
B
Jack Smith Editor
oth articles in this issue are about improving automation system performance as well as best practices. The cover story lists eight points derived from real-world experiences of managing complex automation projects and identifies key attributes to help manage the process. The author emphasizes communication upfront in a migration project. He writes: “More interaction is needed with clients on the front- and back-end of project phases. The planning stage also requires accurate and timely delivery of data from the client in order to progress into the execution stages. These demands put pressure on clients to produce information and can be a bottleneck for the entire project. In many cases, clients do not have the expertise and/or available bandwidth to spend the time to produce the information needed for execution.” The cover story presents a case study about how a system integrator successfully upgraded an obsolete distributed control system (DCS) for
CFE Media’s
DTE in Calvert City, Ky. As with most migration projects, changeover downtime had to be kept to a minimum. In this case, the shutdown for the migration was minimized to three days. The panels were rigged with the necessary input/ output (I/O) points and electronic marshaling— which replaces manual cross-marshaling of field wiring with digital mapping—was used. A mix of planning and situational problem solving was used to achieve established goals within the timeframe provided. The second story in this issue reminds us that automation systems eventually develop situations requiring advanced engineering support, which may be due to power outages, server maintenance, operator error, etc. The author provides a six-step procedure that can help users fix the problem and help determine the root cause of the issue. Although this approach is nothing new, the six-step process serves as a reminder for helping to find, analyze, and correct system issues.
New Products for Engineers Database Looking for new products? Look no further! The New Products for Engineers Database is a platform that provides an opportunity for engineering and technical professionals to access the latest NEW product information for the manufacturing, commercial construction, and manufacturing control industries.
Start searching now!
www.plantengineering.com/NP4E
2019-PLE_NP4E_HalfHorizontal.indd 1
1/30/2019 5:07:09 PM
Working late again? Tired of working nights and weekends on motion control projects? It’s time to contact an automation specialist at SEW-EURODRIVE for help. Using the latest innovation, we provide a complete package from start to finish, including expertise, project planning, software, components, commissioning, and worldwide support. Go home and relax... we got this!
seweurodrive.com / 864-439-7537
Contents A6 Eight tips for process
automation success
Process automation projects are complex and can go through many challenges before completion. Remaining open, honest, and demanding high expectations from everyone can help ensure the project will be successful.
A10 Six steps for supporting
an automation system
There’s nothing revolutionary in this six-step process. However, it is a workable model for helping to find, analyze, and correct system issues.
A6
ON THE COVER: DTE selected the Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 distributed control system (DCS) to modernize its control system using redundant AS400H controllers for the updated project configuration, including the combustion control (blue I/O) and process safety/burner management applications (yellow I/O). The system was integrated into new cabinets by Cross Company. Courtesy: Siemens Industry Inc.
PUBLICATION SALES
PUBLICATION SERVICES 3010 Highland Parkway, Suite 325, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Phone: 630-571-4070 Fax: 630-214-4504 Email: customerservice@cfemedia.com
NORTHEAST
Richard A. Groth Jr. 774-277-7266 Fax: 508-590-0432 rgroth@cfemedia.com
Jim Langhenry
Patrick Lynch
Co-Founder and Publisher, CFE Media jlanghenry@cfemedia.com
VP of CFE Technology plynch@cfetechnology.com
Steve Rourke
Paul Brouch
Co-Founder, CFE Media srourke@cfemedia.com
Director of Operations pbrouch@cfemedia.com
Kristen Nimmo
Rick Ellis
Marketing Manager knimmo@cfemedia.com
Audience Management Director rellis@cfemedia.com
MIDWEST/EAST COAST
Elena Moeller-Younger
Michael Rotz
Marketing Manager emyounger@cfemedia.com
Print Production Manager mike.rotz@frycomm.com
216-409-8314 jwafalosky@cfemedia.com
SOUTHEAST
Karen Cira 704-523-5466 Fax: 630-214-4504
Jennifer Wafalosky
WEST COAST, TX, OK
Tom Corcoran 215-275-6420 Fax: 484-631-0598 tcorcoran@cfemedia.com
CONTENT SPECIALISTS/EDITORIAL Jack Smith
Michael Smith
Editor 630-907-1622 jsmith@cfemedia.com
Creative Director msmith@cfemedia.com
Mark Hoske
Director of Research 631-320-0655 apelliccione@cfemedia.com
Content Manager Mobile: 847-830-3215 mhoske@cfemedia.com
Bob Vavra Content Manager 630-571-4070 x2212 bvavra@cfemedia.com
Emily Guenther Associate Content Manager 630-571-4070 x2220 eguenther@cfemedia.com
Amanda Pelliccione
SPECIAL ACCOUNTS
Jerry Preston 480-396-9585 jpreston@cfemedia.com INSIDE SALES
Diane Houghton 508-298-9021 dhoughton@cfemedia.com
AppliedAutomation is published bimonthly by CFE Media and is mailed as a supplement with Control Engineering and Plant Engineering magazines. Copyright 2018 by CFE Media LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial offices are located at 3010 Highland Parkway, Suite 325, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Phone 630-571-4070.
INTERNATIONAL
Stuart Smith SSM Global Media Ltd. +44 208 464 5577 Fax: +44 208 464 5588 stuart.smith@ssm.co.uk
Applied Automation February 2019
•
A5
S yS t e m i n t e g r at i o n
Eight tips for process automation success Process automation projects are complex and can go through many challenges before completion. remaining open, honest, and demanding high expectations from everyone can help ensure the project will be successful. By Robbie Peoples
The following eight points are derived from real-world experiences of managing complex automation projects and identify key attributes to help manage the process.
Cross Company
C
TIP 1. Don’t underestimate the demands omplex integration projects can present a level of ambiguity even for seasoned project To ensure project demands can be met, it is recommanagers. Keeping a close watch on budget mended to evaluate the workload requirements for all and schedule is critical for success, but is stakeholders prior to the execution of a large project. If the not enough to ensure the project is successcompany does not have large project execution experiful in the eyes of a client. Maintaining client ence, it is highly recommended to talk with knowledgeable satisfaction can be the most chalprofessionals to define the requirelenging aspect when managing ments. A common misconception is an integration project. that the current work responsibilities To ensure project A client’s perception of satiscan be maintained while taking on faction goes through transition additional project loading activities demands can be met, cycles just like projects do. The as well. Another common oversight is client’s view of the performance underestimating the detailed knowledge it is recommended to of the integration team is a comrequired to provide accurate data or plex element that can be difficult review/approvals required. These overevaluate the workload to measure accurately. Effectively sights can be detrimental to success managing perceptions and expecand all work loading should be properly requirements for all tations can be challenging. To planned and staffed for success. succeed, one must understand stakeholders prior to TIP 2. Engage with and relate to the client’s pain stakeholders early points. the execution of a As projects progress through It is important to have a solid worktheir lifecycle, the number of ing relationship between stakeholders. large project. interactions and exchanges of It is recommended to dedicate time at data between stakeholders fluctuthe front-end of the project to establish ates. On a typical project, the time and effort of the defia solid foundation based on ethical business practices. nition and planning phases exceed that of the execution Face-to-face meetings always are recommended over video phase. or conference calls. It is important to discuss the interacGenerally speaking, more interaction is needed with tions between groups and define scope boundaries. Define clients on the front- and back-end of project phases. The the expectations of how requests, submittals, deadlines, planning stage also requires accurate and timely delivand out-of-scope requests will be handled. Doing business ery of data from the client in order to progress into the is easy when the project is within schedule and budget. execution stages. These demands put pressure on cliHowever, when deadlines are looming and stakes are high, ents to produce information and can be a bottleneck for so it is always better to understand how to work together to the entire project. In many cases, clients do not have the address issues and concerns prior to a high-stress situation. expertise and/or available bandwidth to spend the time Over-communicate the expectation from all stakeholders to to produce the information needed for execution. ensure everyone understands. A6 • February 2019
Applied Automation
TIP 3. Request feedback often Embrace feedback as an important aspect of continuous improvement. That is, stakeholders should check in their ego at the door, humble themselves, and ask for direct honest feedback. Positive feedback is great but the only way to improve is to define the negative aspects. This is a two-way street, however, and both client and contractor should have an open discussion because both have responsibilities to deliver. Depending on the project size, milestone reviews can be performed on a periodic basis. All issues and actions should be published and followed-up for each feedback session.
TIP 4. Get management involved Involving upper management on a periodic basis shows a commitment to the responsibilities of the project. This cultivates an open-door policy to help clarify current issues at hand and provide primary decision makers with first-hand information. These meetings should be more strategic than tactical. Identify roadblocks or critical-path items but keep the topics at a level that everyone can follow and do not allow conversations to get into the weeds, which might make the management team lose interest. Review meetings should not be the standard weekly or bi-weekly meeting attendees. Identify a separate time to review the key issues to keep management aware of the project status.
TIP 5. Hold stakeholders accountable Stakeholders should be held accountable to deliver the associated data and/or information needed to move the project forward. Always assign specific deadlines for delivery and do not allow generic time frames to be assigned. If items are delayed then the successive items will be delayed as well. All deliverables and deadlines should be reviewed at every meeting to ensure everyone fully understands and accepts the responsibilities. Collective synergy and commitment from all stakeholders will result in project success.
DTE selected the Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 distributed control system (DCS) to modernize its control system using redundant AS400H controllers for the updated project configuration, including the combustion control (blue I/O) and process safety/burner management applications (yellow I/O). The system was integrated into new cabinets by Cross Company. Courtesy: Siemens Industry Inc.
Applied Automation
February 2019
•
A7
S yS t e m i n t e g r at i o n
TIP 6. Follow the process
TIP 7. Do the right thing
Partnering with a professional group with a defined and qualified process of implementation can be the difference between success and failure. Do not allow a custom approach or unproven strategies to creep into the project. Cutting a new path or reinventing the wheel only invokes a level of uncertainty to the outcome. The only way to predict the future is to understand the past. When schedules become tight, most people search for ways to cut corners. Be sure to fully evaluate the impact or potential impact of all actions and trust the proven process to lead to success.
Mistakes will happen, but what is important is to be honest and admit the mistake, identify how to correct the situation, and provide a solution to prevent that mistake from happening again. Honest, fair, and open communications with stakeholders is the best policy. Always act in the best interest of the client and lead by example.
TIP 8. Remain persistent and open Common attributes of successful projects are acceptance and upholding responsibilities from stakeholders. Successful projects have hardships throughout the project
Case study: DCS migration
D
TE Calvert City (DTECC) in Kentucky made the decision three years ago to upgrade its obsolete Process Suite HMI to APACS OS. For 15 years, the APACS distributed control system (DCS) had been a reliable and comfortable system used to maintain the operational functionality for a plant that generated power and utilities around the clock. However, now the APACS hardware lifespan was coming to an end due to a decrease in both new and used replacement components, and a lack of support for its human-machine interface (HMI) and hardware. Cross Company, a certified PCS7 solution partner for Siemens, had built trust with DTECC by implementing the smooth transition to APACS OS. DTECC reviewed its needs, concerns, and questions and chose Cross Company to migrate the APACS DCS to a full Siemens PCS 7 system implementation. (see Figure on page A7)
to minimize a loss of revenue for DTECC and its customers? APACS does not have a direct migration tool for moving to PCS 7. n APACS OS, while fundamentally using a Siemens WinCC supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, is configured with a third-party tool that write-protects the project database. n The initial PCS 7 version was 9.0 but had initial issues with the redundancy library, thus the project was migrated to version 9.0 SP1 during the implementation. n Following that, there were issues installing the Modbus (a method used for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices) library on PCS 7 V9.0 SP1.
Key upgrade challenges
The power of a systems integrator partnership
With any change and upgrade, even to a modern system, there will be issues along the way. To begin with, there is the initial fear of the change itself. If we are not sure what will happen, good or bad, we may fear that it will be overwhelming, causing us to avoid that change and deny that there is a problem that requires the change. In the specific case of DTECC and its migration, the upgrade challenges included:
Braintrust is a powerful asset and Cross Company’s professional team has had experience with similar transitions. DTECC already had a positive working relationship with Cross and was able to discuss previous control system support and DCS upgrade projects. Additionally, Cross had personnel within a few hours of the site for continued support and improvements on a long-term basis. DTECC relied on its trusted relationship with Cross to discuss concerns and find reasonable and agreeable solutions.
n DTECC supplies industrial utility services to a number of chemical facilities in the area that include power via a gas turbine generator, softened water, steam, and compressed air. Its customers need a constant supply, so how could an upgrade take place with minimal downtime so as
A8 • February 2019
Applied Automation
Planning overcomes obstacles Identifying key issues is an important part of the problem-solving process, but once those are deter-
lifecycle. However, persistence to work through those issues establishes a level of trust and understanding that builds healthy relationships. An open culture of continuous improvement and dedication to success are critical to forming a close partnership. Dedication to those relationships means fair practices solutions are identified together and decisions are not one-sided. It is a good idea to keep management involved, solidifying the commitment. Be sure to communicate openly and honestly with realistic expectations while adhering to the most ethical business practices. Doing these things surely will bring success to the project.
mined, it is equally important to determine the next course of action. DTECC brainstormed with Cross engineers to mutually understand the goal of the process, review potential solutions or combinations of solutions, evaluate those options, and agree on contingencies and future review. Things can be very different on paper than they are in the field, so Cross engineers used a mix of planning and situational problem solving to achieve their goal within the timeframe provided. n After discussing all possible options, a black plant (a plant that shuts down complete power) was scheduled for three days. To minimize issues or complications during the outage and speed up installation, Cross engineers planned the migration and rigged all necessary panels with more than roughly 2,500 input/output (I/O) points and used electronic marshaling which replaces manual cross-marshaling of field wiring with digital mapping. n The WinCC project was migrated by creating a new OS project, copying graphics, and using import/ export functionality to move configurations for alarms, tags, scripts, etc., into the new OS project. n APACS logic was programmed manually for all initial implementations. Upon that successful completion, bulk engineering, copy/paste, and Process Object View were used to replicate code to all duplicate units. n Siemens tech support was able to provide a manual workaround for the version issue with
Partnering with a professional group with a defined and qualified process of implementation can be the difference between success and failure. Robbie Peoples is an integration manager at Cross Company. This article originally appeared on Cross Company online. Cross Company is a CFE Media content partner.
the redundancy library until a permanent fix was developed through a software update. n The Modbus library installation issue was resolved after manual steps were completed.
Final thoughts Change is an inevitable facet of our lives, but how we respond to change can determine the path that we take and where we end up. We can choose to ignore a problem in the hopes that it will go away, however, history shows us that this approach to change leaves us reacting to a situation (i.e., cleaning up a mess) instead of responding to it (i.e., proactive measures). The migration to PCS 7 allowed DTECC to operate its facility on a current, state-of-the-art, well-supported system with a clear and reliable upgrade concept for future expansion. As time marches on, DTECC will continue to look to its trusted systems integration partners to maximize time management and improve production costs. APACS DCS was a reliable product, but those who have not yet migrated are encouraged to schedule a consultation to remain relevant in the industry, to stay within the production-possibility curve (PPC), and to understand the value that a modern system can offer. DTE Calvert City is part of the DTE Energy P&I group of companies. The DTE Energy P&I Group focuses its products and services on energy-intensive industrial, commercial, and institutional customers across North America. Josh Dalzell is a systems integration engineer in the Process Control Integration group at Cross Company, a CFE Media content partner.
Applied Automation
February 2019
•
A9
A u t o m At i o n s y s t e m s u p p o r t
Six steps for supporting an automation system there’s nothing revolutionary in this six-step process. However, it is a workable model for helping to find, analyze, and correct system issues. ed Miller
hasn’t generated error messages, the system logs may provide details regarding behind-the-scenes issues in a script or database transaction. Analyzing these messages often can reveal the issue at hand.
Av a n c e o n
E
very automation system eventually develops a Step 4: trace backwards situation requiring advanced engineering support. This type of break-fix support may be due Start at the point in the system where the issue has to power outages, server maintenance, operator been reported and trace backwards. For example, error, etc. But no matter what the root issue turns assume a user is experiencing an issue on a specific out to be, sooner or later, every system will need it. application screen. Begin with drilling down into the speLike coding, troubleshooting is a unique and special cific elements of the screen that are not working—for set of skills, and each person may example, a button. Then dig into have a slightly different approach the code/function behind the butOne of the main benefits to resolving issues. When in a ton to see how it’s supposed to break-fix situation, following this work. Perhaps the button triggers of documentation in a six-step procedure can not only fix a script that queries a database the problem but also help deterfor data, but that data isn’t displaysupport situation is to provide mine the root cause of the issue. ing on the screen. Tracing through these individual elements/functions guidance should the same Step 1: Ask questions often can help understand where in the process the malfunction Always begin by discussing the situation reoccur. You don’t occurs. symptoms of the issue with the perwant to spend valuable son reporting it. If you think about Step 5: Restart/redeploy it, how can you solve a problem if time trying to reanalyze an the system you don’t know what the problem is? Asking the right questions in Usually, it’s not going to be possiissue if you don’t have to. this first phase of the support proble to restart servers in a manufaccess is vital to enabling a successturing system without taking down ful resolution. other, still functional parts. However, it is amazing how often “turning it off and on again” will fix a system when Step 2: Replicate the issue some underlying aspect gets out of sync. Sometimes the information you’ve gathered in the first Step 6: Document the findings step may not quite paint the full picture of the situation. Replicating the issue often provides insight into what the It’s always good practice to document the issue—both user is actually reporting. It can confirm symptoms, and for the customer’s benefit and to provide insight to the reveal others not reported. support team. One of the main benefits of documentation in a support situation is to provide guidance should the Step 3: Check the log files same situation reoccur. You don’t want to spend valuable time trying to reanalyze an issue if you don’t have to. A well-built system will provide evidence of what is happening in the event something is not working properly. If Ed Miller is a project engineer at Avanceon, a CFE Media you’re lucky, error messages will provide the context for content partner. understanding the actual problem. Even if the system
A10 • February 2019
Applied Automation
Defend Against the Bounce Pass YASKAWA AMERICA
When you call Yaskawa’s FREE technical service hotline, you won’t get bounced around from person to person, explaining your problem over and over again. You’ll get answers – and you’ll get them with the help of the first person that answers the phone. Our customer support associates ready to take your call any time of day or night. They are knowledgeable. They are experienced. They are friendly. At Yaskawa, our people are committed to having the right answers for you. Because to them, it’s not just a job – it’s personal. Take a pass on getting bounced around. Call Yaskawa today.
Yaskawa America, Inc. Drives & Motion Division 1-800-YASKAWA yaskawa.com
For more info: http://go.yaskawa-america.com/yai1247
ADVERTISEMENT
A
utomationDirect takes the best ideas from the consumer world to serve the industrial market. As a direct seller of industrial automation products for more than 20 years, AutomationDirect is a leader in the industry that offers many customer services not typical with traditional distributors. The company created a print catalog, and later an online store that provides complete product information and pricing so customers can make informed decisions on their automation purchases quickly and independently. AutomationDirect’ s products are practical, easy to use and offer a low cost of ownership. The company offers quality products at prices up to 50 percent lower than those of more traditional distributors. Most product programming software is free, requiring no initial or upgrade costs and no software maintenance contracts. Product offerings include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), alternating-current (AC) drives/motors, operator interface panels/human machine interface (HMI), power supplies, direct-current (DC) motors, sensors, push buttons, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) enclosures, pneumatic supplies and more.
See videos on AutomationDirect’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/automationdirect
Customers can also obtain return authorizations online for quick and easy product returns or exchanges. AutomationDirect’s phone technical support staff has garnered top honors in service from industry magazine readers 15 years in a row. And, with tens of thousands of active customers, the company’s online technical forum taps into that knowledge base by encouraging peers to help each other with applications and other questions. Other online help includes frequently asked questions, application examples and product selection guides.
They Guarantee It AutomationDirect’s corporate headquarters near Atlanta, Georgia
Award-Winning Services Satisfy Customers
AutomationDirect has always maintained a huge inventory, allowing them to ship 99.7 percent of orders complete the same day. They were among the first to offer free two-day shipping, available for any order over $49. Shipment confirmations and any backorder status and estimated delivery information are communicated electronically to keep you informed. Their online store is one of the most exhaustive in the industry – all technical documentation can be downloaded free of charge, as well as software and firmware updates. Hundreds of instructional videos are available without registration. Online access to your account allows viewing and changing account information, viewing order history and making payments.
AutomationDirect wants you to be pleased with every order. That is why they offer 30-day moneyback guarantee on almost every product they sell, including software (see Terms and Conditions for certain exclusions).
sales@automationdirect.com 1-800-633-0405 • www.automationdirect.com
ADVERTISEMENT
A
s a world leader in drive technology and a pioneer in drivebased automation, SEW-EURODRIVE has established a reputation for quickly solving the most difficult power transmission and motion control challenges. We introduced the gearmotor in 1931. Since then, we have been bringing the best in drive technology to our customers worldwide.
Our five regional assembly centers in the U.S. stock millions of dollars of our modular inventory for quick delivery of drive solutions and spare parts.
SEW-EURODRIVE offers much more than just components. We also provide the expertise, project planning, software, commissioning, and service from start to finish. Being a single source partner radically sets us apart from others. No one knows how our products work together better than we do because we designed them! Our team of automation experts can solve even the most complex motion control challenges. Your engineers will appreciate our value when they are able to be home with their family at night and on weekends, instead of troubleshooting an application.
Your engineers will appreciate our value when they are able to be home with their family at night and on weekends. Innovation In addition to engineering excellence, SEW-EURODRIVE is also known for innovative new products.
PT Pilot simplifies the choices and identifies a custom solution for each application
Support Our PT Pilot® online drive selection tool quickly selects the perfect drive for your specific needs. PT Pilot simplifies the choices and identifies a custom solution for each application within minutes.
MOVIGEAR® is an all-in-one mechatronic drive solution for horizontal material handling. It combines the gear unit, motor, and electronics in one highly efficient and hygienically designed unit. MOVIGEAR® also eliminates excess inventory since it allows the use of a single ratio to replace several different ratios. MOVIGEAR has been proven to reduce total start-up costs and annual operating costs in your material handling system by 20-30%!
This powerful program includes technical documentation, net pricing, CAD files, and an application calculator. Visit ptpilot.com.
Flexibility Our products are based on a unique system of modular components that can be assembled in literally millions of different configurations so every drive solution is custom built to our customer’s exact specifications.
SEW-Eurodrive…Driving the World
Our customer service personnel, engineers, product specialists, and service technicians are available to answer questions and troubleshoot problems. SEW-EURODRIVE also offers on-call technical support around the clock for emergency breakdown situations.
864-439-7537 www.seweurodrive.com
Engineering is personal. So is the way you use information. CFE Media delivers a world of knowledge to you.
Personally.
CFE Media is home to some of the most trusted names in the business.
www.controleng.com
www.csemag.com MAY 2017
www.plantengineering.com Inside: Technologies and technicians p8 The signal processing perspective p12
Supplement to Periodicals Publication
IFE1705_MAG_Cover_V2msFINAL.indd 1
4/26/17 4:35 PM
MOVE SECURELY INTO THE CLOUD
7< , 5 8 6(&
WAGO Cloud Amazon Web Services Other Cloud Services
Microsoft Azure IBM BLUEMIX
IIoEATDY R
Direct Field to Cloud Connection with the PFC Series Controllers • • • •
IIoT-ready with native MQTT and TLS encryption Built-in VPN and Firewall for increased network security Simplify data routing and reduce latency ,QWHUIDFH ZLWK H[LVWLQJ FRQWUROV YLD RQERDUG ƮHOGEXV JDWHZD\V
www.wago.us/pfccloud
ǫ,1 7 / , % 8
Less means more!
Focused on the essentials: the new i500 Slim design, scalable functionality, and extremely user-friendly. The groundbreaking i500 is size-optimized and allows for zeroclearance mounting, saving valuable cabinet space. And thanks to the innovative interface options, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to commission in minimal time. The best thing of all is that the modular structure adapts to different production configurations in no time at all. Less does mean more! Learn more at www.lenze.com
Visit us at PROMAT 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Booth #S2422 | April 8-11 | Chicago, IL
As easy as that.