fbpx

21 CFR Part 11 and Pharmaceutical Best Practices with Ignition by Inductive Automation

In an era where the manufacturing industry is rapidly shifting towards digitalization, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest technologies and compliance requirements that can drive this digital transformation. Manufacturers in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries regularly use Ignition by Inductive Automation in applications requiring 21 CFR Part 11 given the company’s commitment to enabling customer success with regulated applications. Read More

The Power of Modular PLC Code for Enhanced Performance, Reusability, Flexibility & Interoperability

This article was originally published on AutomationWorld.com on January 8, 2024. 

Everyone loves spaghetti! Who doesn’t remember their grandmother cooking spaghetti, the aroma filling the house, the anticipation of a delicious, hearty meal? It’s a universal comfort food, often bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. However, while spaghetti on your dinner plate is a delightful experience, ‘spaghetti code’ in the context of PLC programming is far less appetizing. Read More

Using Your Building Management System as Your Environmental Monitoring System

Why you shouldn’t use your Building Management System as your Environmental Monitoring System

You might be wondering, since I already have a Building Management System (BMS), why can’t we just use that for an Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) as well? While it may seem like a convenient option at first glance, a deeper look at the capabilities of each system reveals that relying solely on a BMS for comprehensive monitoring and compliance might not be the wisest choice. Read More

New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Program 2023 Summit in Review

NH MEPThis was our second time attending the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Program (NH MEP) Governor’s Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology Summit – and first as a sponsor.  The focus of the Summit was on networking and developing a manufacturing community in New Hampshire.

The day was full of learning with three keynotes focused on the CHIPS ACT, AI in Manufacturing, and Women in manufacturing.  In addition, we heard from Senator Maggie Hassan and Representative Chris Pappas who both affirmed their support for manufacturing in New Hampshire.  The following is a summary highlights what our team learned from the keynotes: Read More

An Ignition Systems Integrator Shares His Learnings from the Ignition Community Conference 2023

This year was my first trip to the Ignition Community Conference (ICC) by Inductive Automation since 2018, which was my 5th consecutive conference starting back in 2014. The birth of my son, Covid and conflicts with other industry trade shows hindered my ability to attend, but this year I was finally able to attend along with co-worker Chris VanRemoortel. The following is a summary of the information I personally found interesting from the sessions I attended. Read More

Are you prepared? Introducing OT SafetyNet: Your Ultimate OT Asset Discovery & Recovery Solution

OT Asset Inventory Imagine a scenario where a devastating flood engulfs all the Industrial Control System (ICS) equipment that powers your machinery and orchestrates your processes. PLCs, drives, HMI/SCADA systems, recipes, MES configurations, historical data—all lost to the flood. As the waters recede, a daunting question emerges: How long will it take to recover your manufacturing operations, if recovery is even possible? This somber picture underscores the vital significance of having a service like OT SafetyNet that not only provides an OT asset inventory and discovery tool, but also a disaster recovery strategy, making the difference between a momentary setback and an insurmountable halt. Read More

Overcoming Issues with Equipment Integration into Manufacturing Processes

This article was originally published on AutomationWorld.com on March 27, 2023. 

 

Key aspects of equipment integration into the manufacturing process are often overlooked. These machine-to-enterprise integration methodologies and tips will help you create a viable digital integration strategy.

Manufacturers must have real-time access to information from their processes. Such information can assist users throughout the organization in analyzing, troubleshooting, and suggesting enhancements to improve operations. Following are three frequently overlooked integration aspects that, when implemented, will ensure you have access to the information you need: Read More

Beyond the Andon Light System: The Value of an Andon Board in Lean Manufacturing

andon board andon systemIn Lean manufacturing, the Andon system was created to notify operators of any issues on the production line as a means to promptly identify and tackle any production issues. Traditionally, an Andon was made up of a cord, which the operator pulls to indicate the occurrence of a problem, and an Andon light, which draws attention to the issue. Today, Andon systems are available in various forms, each progressively more advanced in terms of technology: Read More

Rockwell Automation on the Move 2022 in Worcester, MA

Rockwell automation systems integratorsAs a Rockwell Automation systems integrator, we recently attended the much-anticipated Rockwell Automation on the Move 2022 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.  The last Rockwell Automation on the Move event at Worcester was on July 1-2, 2015, which is about seven years ago!

The locally sponsored event is a fantastic venue for any industrial automation or OT professional not only providing a great networking opportunity with customers, OEMs, vendors, and other systems integrators, but also providing the latest cutting-edge information regarding products, services, and solutions from Rockwell Automation. Read More

What is Unified Namespace

During Walker Reynolds’s 4.0 Solutions Podcast on June 14th, he recommneded this blog as great place to start for anyone looking for help in introducing people to UNS architecture, wanting to demonstrate what is UNS and understanding whats’s the most effective strategy for digitally transforming the organization. 

What is Unified NamespaceThe 4th Industrial Revolution is here and reshaping the plant floor through digital transformation. Access to real-time data, cloud computing, and machine learning are the driving forces behind Industry 4.0. I subscribe to iiot.university, created by Walker Reynolds and Zach Scriven from 4.0 Solutions, and I learned quite a bit about their philosophy on digital transformation and achieving that through an architecture called the Unified Namespace (UNS).

Read More