TECH NOTE
Batch Systems
Automation systems used to control batch processes typically feature a ‘Batch Engine’. This software is commonly seen in industries like fine chemicals and p...
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Control System Validation Explained
As companies continue adopting technology to increase efficiency and automate complex operational processes, external factors exert pressure on capital and o...
Towards absolute reliability
Whatever the sector, the industry, the process, the machine, the component, things will go wrong. Component failures cause machine downtime, processes get in...
TECH NOTE
Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)
An early but crucial stage of project development. The FEED is a comprehensive analysis and planning process which helps define the scope, requirements, and ...
The benefits of automation in workplace safety
In today’s workplace, automation technology is becoming more prevalent. Workplace accidents can have a significant negative impact on a business, ranging fro...
TECH NOTE
SCADA
SCADA systems are used to collect process data, display plant status information, and provide users with control over automated processes. SCADA systems are ...
TECH NOTE
Unified Namespace
A unified namespace is intended to be the ‘single source of truth’ for an organisation’s production data and is a key component of network architectures whic...
TECH NOTE
Process Historians
Process historians have been used for decades in automated industries to keep a historical record of process conditions.They collect, organise and store time...
TECH NOTE
How to reduce energy consumption
The cost of energy has increased rapidly. Manufacturing businesses can be particularly affected, especially those put off by the capital intensive nature of ...
Improving Your Automation System
The below quote, often attributed to Einstein, suggests whatever got us to where we are now can’t take us to where we want to be. This can definitely be said...
TECH NOTE
Programmable Logic Controllers
Programmable Logic Controllers are widely used to automate, control and monitor all manner of equipment and proceses. PLCs are available for installation in ...
TECH NOTE
Using Variable Speed Drives to increase quality and reduce energy costs
Many industrial applications can benefit from the use of Variable Speed Drives (also known as Variable Frequency or Inverter Drives). The increased motor con...
Computer System Validation - a process
It’s quite a while now since I was first involved with Computer System Validation (CSV). It was around 1994 if I recall correctly and it was during a large p...
The Greenshirts of the Boiler Police are coming!
The government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive is intended to reduce our reliance on using fossil fuels and to replace them with systems which use renewa...
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Should you replace your DCS with PLC-SCADA?
For decades owners of large, complex, continuous and batch processes have relied on Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to control their plants. This technolog...
Avoid getting locked into a single automation vendor
If you represent a large multi-national company, and are looking to standardise on one automation vendor who will become a strategic partner, this article is...
Get to know Richard Banyard
Richard Banyard took a typical route into engineering, studying control and automation at Sheffield before enrolling onto ABB’s graduate scheme. During his 1...
Maximise your ROI from technology projects
There are several pitfalls I see affecting technology projects time and time again. To help clients avoid them I’ve written a lot about the common problems I...
Support available for ABB System 800xA
800xA is the world's leading* distributed control system (DCS). However its power and flexibility come with a cost. It's not known as the easiest system to w...
Using data to inform maintenance
How you use data analysis to inform maintenance activity can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your operations. It may never be possible to eliminate t...