By now, many of us have heard of the Internet of Things and the principle of networking any number of devices and systems to assist us in our everyday lives - and the same thing is happening in the world of processing and heavy industry. [ + ]

Computers in food plants have to be cleanable so they don't add any contamination load to the end products. So they must be able to withstand the cleaning and sanitation regimes of the plant. [ + ]

Computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) and enterprise asset management (EAM) applications can both be used in the industrial maintenance space. One might say that the relationship between the two is rather like that between a square and a rectangle - every EAM application can be used as a CMMS, but not every CMMS can be used as, or has the broad functionality of, an EAM application. [ + ]

In many industrial environments, pumping can consume anywhere from 25 to 50% of the plant's electrical energy. By replacing or upgrading pump systems with modern technology, huge reductions in CO₂ emissions and operational costs can be achieved.

Most industrial manufacturers use compressed air as part of their process. While the cost of providing this service is not as high profile as refrigeration or the raising of steam, it represents yet another overhead to the business and if not managed correctly is probably the most inefficient use of electrical power on your site.

The ACI Connect conference and expo, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park on 12-13 August 2015, will bring extra value to delegates with the just announced addition of Engineers Australia's inaugural Future Tech Forum to the conference program. [ + ]

Relays are used in almost every installation, yet the level of understanding of these devices is surprisingly low - they are much ignored, sometimes maligned and often an unknown necessity in nearly all process and control systems.

A new era of industrial innovation is upon us. Referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, the deeper meshing of the digital world with the world of machines holds the potential to bring about a profound transformation of industry worldwide.

Variable frequency drives can reduce energy consumption, improve real time control, and lengthen motor life. Selecting the right one for your application requires asking the correct questions. [ + ]

Safety and security work hand in hand in the manufacturing automation arena. However, despite more and more sophisticated, frequent and costly cyber attacks, security still does not receive the same attention as safety. There is a growing need to elevate security awareness to the same level as safety - ensuring not only a safe, but also a secure manufacturing environment. [ + ]

Analysis shows how to get the best results when approximating solutions to complex engineering problems. [ + ]

ACHEMA Trend Report predicts bidirectional communication for pumps, compressors, valves and controls. [ + ]

Client-server network architecture has become entrenched in modern systems, and now moving the server function to the controller will result in savings and performance improvements.

Robots that can work side by side with humans are changing the way manufacturing is done.

Robots that can work side by side with humans are changing the way manufacturing is done. [ + ]