In industrial automation, input/output (I/O) refers to the connectivity that lets control systems interact with physical equipment. “Input” is the data flowing from a field device to the controller for processing, while “output” are the commands from the controller to perform actions. An I/O module manages these communications, acting as…

As AI makes an impact, smart manufacturing is looking for solutions that combine automation, AI and secure architectures from edge-to-cloud to optimize operations and reduce exposure to cyber, compliance and operational risks. The immediate goals: cybersecurity, quality control, logistics and process optimization.

Building X deployed as central operational system at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Seville, Spain, has enhanced efficiency and sustainability. The digital building platform, with its AI-based apps, integrates energy management, security, and HVAC systems into a single solution.

EtherNet/IP-based approach to connecting in-cabinet components reduces wiring, weight and installation time For producers looking for ways to do more with less, rethinking control panel connectivity with Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology can be an impactful change.

With digital transformation, demand has emerged to speed up the process from product planning to commercialization. But the labor time required for rework, on-site adjustment due to problems during equipment development and delays in decision-making make it difficult to visualize the effects of investment.

Simple historians collect a few pieces of data for a short period. Some collect vast amounts of data that are transferred to an enterprise-level data lake. Some easily ship data to Excel for quick analysis. Others offer sophisticated analysis capabilities that provide direct insights into a process’s efficiency and productivity.

Calculating an optic power budget may seem like a daunting task. In this article, the author demystifies the process by providing a step-by-step guide on how to determine a power budget to ensure signal integrity, prevent system failure and optimize network design.

Four concerns are faced by industrial networking users when implementing firewall solutions. The article highlights how next-gen industrial LAN firewalls overcome these challenges to strengthen network security and ensure uninterrupted network operation.

Industry experts provide their perspective on advances in IT-OT convergence. Key trends include innovations in network automation, software defined networking and advanced cybersecurity solutions along with hybrid cloud-edge architectures, software virtualization, containerization technologies and the impact of AI.

NOA, AAS, and Process-X not only allow for secure data exchange between OT and IT but also lay the foundation for digital collaboration between companies. Looking at specific use cases and security architectures, it becomes clear how “moonshot thinking” can also become a reality in the process industry.