Rockwell Automation Blog

Technology and Industry-related Trends

The Rockwell Automation Blog helps our employees and guest bloggers share technology and industry-related trends with you. Be sure to sign up for bimonthly updates with the latest posts.

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Remove Microaggression in Your Workplace

July 10, 2020

Many factors contribute to a healthy workplace – high among them is a sense of belonging. Find out how to reduce microaggressions and improve engagement, retention and performance.

Empower Your Chemical Workforce with a Modern DCS

July 8, 2020

A modern DCS can help novice chemical operators perform like your most experienced operators with smart alarming, predictive insights, and improved situational awareness.

Is Your Current Cyber Security Strategy Enough?

July 8, 2020

The fight against cyber threats is unending. It’s critical to know if your industrial security strategy is enough because failure to be ready comes at a high price.

Don’t Work Your Data. Make Your Data Work for You.

June 22, 2020

Smarter, simplified data management brings food and beverage companies deeper analytics and faster insights.

How One Machine Builder Cut Delivery Time 50%

June 17, 2020

Lanco’s customer needed a COVID-19 test strip machine – fast. Success tested people, processes and perseverance – and proved how important it is to be flexible.

Virtual Training: Learning Without Limitations

June 15, 2020

Learn how you can reduce risk and improve worker competency by providing operator training in a safe, virtual environment.

Pivot Production With Flexible Manufacturing

June 3, 2020

OEM Foodmach is relying on flexible manufacturing to help Australia’s only surgical mask producer increase production to meet surging demands.

Respond to Change and Stay Agile with Digital

May 25, 2020

Asset and Plant Optimization: Digital Technology helps you respond to change while staying agile and productive.

Four Ways New DCS Technology Makes Life Simpler

May 22, 2020

The latest release of PlantPAx DCS leverages cutting-edge processing power – and a better design experience – to drive lifecycle productivity.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Crisis on Production

May 20, 2020

The current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic shows the importance of automation when it comes to maintaining a functioning society in critical situations.

Simulation Software Can Improve Patient Care

May 20, 2020

Event simulation models can imitate almost any process. And right now, Arena simulations are helping major medical facilities make good choices for great care.

Three OEM Business Benefits of a Digital Twin

May 15, 2020

Learn how a digital twin can unleash better ways to work for both you and your customers.

Rethink What’s Possible With Your HMI

May 13, 2020

A modern HMI does more than display production information. It can also improve how workers do their jobs, create more consistent working environments and more.

Unified Machine Design Enables the Next Normal

May 8, 2020

Reimagining machine design & digitalization for infinite flexibility helps take unpredictable demand out of the equation – turning built-to-purpose into flex-to-purpose.

CIP Security: Strengthen Defense In Depth Strategy

May 6, 2020

Advancing in cybersecurity means adding more in a defense in depth strategy. CIP Security™ can help by securing communications between PLCs and devices.

In Trying Times Rules Relax, Cybersecurity Cannot

May 4, 2020

While using technology during the current global crises makes sense, one area where we can’t relax is cybersecurity.

Adapting Manufacturing for COVID-19

May 1, 2020

Adapting to the demands that COVID-19 is placing on manufacturers can be challenging. Independent cart technology can help make manufacturing more flexible.

Accelerating Vaccine Development with AI

April 24, 2020

How AI and advanced data analysis strategies can help in the development and distribution of vaccines and other medical breakthroughs.

Modular Manufacturing Processes: Adapt to Change

April 24, 2020

In times of change, from COVID-19 to recipe updates, manufacturers can rely on modular automation to provide simple steps toward production flexibility.

Improve Mine Safety with Mixed-Reality Technology

April 22, 2020

AR and VR technologies enable workers to virtually diagnose equipment issues and reduce exposure to hazards.

Global Beverage Giant Selects PlantPAx Modern DCS

April 13, 2020

This beverage giant’s migration to a modern DCS improved quality and throughput. Learn how they removed a bottleneck and cleared the way for more product with less equipment.

Pipelines: Get the Best Savings With the Right VFD

April 13, 2020

A VFD with features like synchronization can help pipeline pump stations run more efficiently for big savings.

Avoid Costly Surprises With Virtual Commissioning

April 10, 2020

With a digital twin of your machine, you can do controls testing before you physically build a machine to avoid last-minute changes.

Is Your Single-Use Equipment Flexible Enough?

April 8, 2020

Thanks to nimble automation platforms, biopharma OEMs can now deliver single-use technology (SUT) that starts smart and small – and scales up fast.

Responding to the Challenges of Coronavirus

April 7, 2020

Amid the global pandemic, manufacturers are showing how digital transformation can facilitate swift action.

React to Production Issues Faster With HMI

April 3, 2020

Learn how modern HMI software can help production personnel more quickly see and respond to alarms.

Scaling Tire Production with Digital Technologies

April 3, 2020

Better compete on cost and address your top challenges in production with three digital solutions.

The Connected Mine: A Strategy for Success

March 30, 2020

See digital initiatives through to the end in your mines with six simple but powerful steps.

Why Cybersecurity Must be Part of Your Safety Plan

March 25, 2020

A cyberattack on your industrial control system can cause damage. With a good security approach, you can expand what’s possible in your operations while also helping protect it.

Augmented Reality for Manufacturing Tech Support

March 23, 2020

The Live View Remote Assistance Tool uses augmented reality technology to provide modern technical support to help reduce downtime in manufacturing.

Unpacking the OT Patch Management Process

March 4, 2020

Smart manufacturing brought us breakthrough productivity, but ICS cybersecurity lagged behind. We take a look at how the food and beverage industry is catching up.

Workforce Enablement and the New Age of OEM Value

March 4, 2020

Equipment and machine builders are rethinking design, machine intelligence and services to address their customer’s workforce challenges.

Protect Operations with Proactive Threat Hunting

March 2, 2020

Industrial security cyber threat detection isn’t enough. Learn how to implement threat hunting to help stop infestations from impacting your manufacturing operations.

The New Engine Behind Agile EV Powertrain Lines

February 28, 2020

Digital twins create a virtual world that delivers extraordinary insights and an efficient way to manage new technologies and fluctuating demand.

Optimizing Connected Worker Programs

February 28, 2020

Get guidelines and best practices based on Rockwell Automation manufacturing experience you can use to effectively implement your Connected Worker program.

How To Keep Women In The Talent Pipeline

February 27, 2020

The broken rung is the reason women get stuck at entry level positions – resulting in fewer women in the talent pipeline for leadership opportunities. It’s time to fix the broken run.

Six Ways a Modern HMI Can Make You More Productive

February 19, 2020

Learn how production personnel can see more, know more and do more when they have access to timely, easy-to-understand information.

It’s Time to Take a Closer Look at Cyber Hygiene

February 17, 2020

Life science companies face unique cybersecurity risks. See how your security posture measures up.

Why I Celebrate Black History Month

February 17, 2020

This month I reflect on the people whose passion and dedication have helped create a corporate culture that allows me to thrive. Meet 3 colleagues who make a difference.

Ten Worker Safety and Productivity Tips for 2020

February 12, 2020

As we enter 2020, we’ve compiled a list of 10 tips to help you meet challenges and see immediate improvements in safety and productivity.

Smart Objects Ease the Way to Smarter Machines

February 10, 2020

It’s coming. A powerful way to streamline the integration of IoT-enabled machines. And make the information they deliver more useful.

Scale Manufacturing with Disposable Technology

February 7, 2020

Hyper-personalised medicine means that manufacturers are producing batches for individual patients. Learn how to stay ahead of the innovation curve in single-use systems.

5 Tips To Recruit Diverse Talent

February 3, 2020

Companies that value a diverse and inclusive workplace often enjoy lower turnover and better results. Here are 5 things you can to do recruit and retain women of color.

Digital Technology Enables Plant Optimization

February 3, 2020

Own your plant's future now: how to build a digital foundation for asset and plant optimization and reduced equipment obsolescence risk.

Ones and zeroes are driving a tire revolution

January 27, 2020

To meet the market demands, tire manufacturers require flexible and scalable operations. The creation of fully digitalised operations is the most effective pathway.

From Beer to RTD Beverages: Brewing Reimagined

January 23, 2020

As beer growth slows, traditional breweries are looking beyond beer to hard seltzer and other spirit blends. And they’re finding the brewing process very accommodating.

LOTO Annual Audits: What You Need to Know

January 20, 2020

Lockout/tagout annual audits are essential for maintaining a compliant program. They allow LOTO programs to be reviewed for gaps and deficiencies.

It’s 10:00 p.m. Do You Know Where Your Data Is?

January 15, 2020

For life sciences companies, taking a closer look at network segmentation is a critical way to help improve system security and productivity.

24toCode Solves Real Manufacturing Challenge

December 18, 2019

24toCode hackathoners use machine learning, AI and data analytics to solve real manufacturing challenge. Winners offered internships, split prize pool.

How Do You Make Good Biotech Workers Better?

December 9, 2019

New ways augmented reality and other digital technologies can help improve worker productivity, reduce error – and optimize your workflow.

Secure Remote Access: Protect Your Plant Floor

December 4, 2019

Secure remote access policies and procedures can help manufacturers protect against cyber threats and human errors that result in unplanned downtime.

Before We Talk Pay, Let’s Talk About Opportunity

December 2, 2019

Statistics will tell you that women are closing the gender pay gap. But for women of color, the move forward is slower.

Experience Bold Conversations at Automation Fair

November 18, 2019

An interactive space where people tell stories, invite questions and encourage authentic dialog around the challenges of creating a culture that differentiates a company.

Industrial IoT Initiatives Need the Right Partners

November 14, 2019

The right partners can help you more easily deploy digital technologies, solve challenges like data-integration issues and capture more value from digital initiatives.

LOTO OSHA Compliance: What You Need to Know

November 11, 2019

Is your lockout/tagout program compliant with OSHA regulations? LOTO OSHA violations are incredibly common for manufacturers. How to avoid fines and stay in compliance.

Digital Transformation and Mining Workforce Shifts

November 8, 2019

Technology is changing the way mining companies do business and one of the most impacted areas is the workforce. Learn how digital transformation is changing mining roles for the future.

Add Emulation to your Speed to Market Toolbox

November 6, 2019

CPG companies are gaining significant launch-time advantages with emulation technology. Recent advances are making it easier than ever to employ.

Inclusion and diversity

November 6, 2019

Join us at the top of every hour to hear from a variety of thought-leaders on how culture, community outreach, supplier diversity and a focus on talent can impact your business.

Surviving the Skills Gap

November 6, 2019

Solutions like digital workforce productivity simplify workers’ jobs and enhance how they work, making them critical in tackling the manufacturing skills gap.

Paper Mill Migrates to Modern DCS

October 30, 2019

For this paper mill, migrating its batch digester to a modern DCS offered significant improvements in yield, quality and operator efficiency.

The Benefits of Remote Support for Manufacturers

October 21, 2019

Plant managers can’t be everywhere, all the time. But in many ways, they need to be. Remote support can provide valuable expertise and backup whenever it’s needed.

Smart Manufacturing Benefits EV Production

October 16, 2019

A smart-manufacturing strategy can help overcome production challenges and produce high-quality electric vehicles quickly.

Get Ahead of Failures with Predictive Analytics

October 11, 2019

Predictive analytics dashboards provide insight into potential issues before they happen, so you can prevent machine or equipment failures and avoid downtime.

Five Reasons Why You Should Go to Automation Fair

October 4, 2019

We are here to help you make the case for why your boss should let you go to Automation Fair, which, by the way, is November 20-21 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Cut Costs and Inefficiencies with the Right MAC

September 30, 2019

Reduce integration challenges by embedding an OEM MAC in your gas processing facility projects.

Wireless Makes the Connected Mine Possible

September 30, 2019

With a unified network infrastructure in place, mining operators can implement wireless and reliably connect their people, places and technologies.

Challenging Machine Builders to Think Differently

September 20, 2019

Food and beverage companies can achieve smart manufacturing goals by specifying smart, flexible machine technology. Are you asking the right questions?

LOTO Training Protects Workers and Manufacturers

September 18, 2019

Lockout/tagout training is required by OSHA for authorized employees and affected employees. Learn what should be included and how often it’s needed.

The Unsung Heroes of Industrial Security

September 16, 2019

By uncovering vulnerabilities and helping companies fix them, researchers help prevent what could be major security incidents.

How to Future-Proof Your Powertrain Production

September 13, 2019

Flexible and scalable drivetrain or powertrain production operations can help you keep up with consumer demand and adapt to technology changes.

Veteran Hiring Fills High-Tech Skills Gap

September 11, 2019

While veterans make great employees, moving from military to civilian employment can be tough. One veteran offers advice on creating a smooth transition.

How Predictive Analytics Improves Efficiency

September 9, 2019

Food and beverage companies are finding productivity gains in hidden data. With the help of predictive analytics, they’re using this data to make informed decisions.

One Smart Path. Extraordinary Machine Flexibility.

September 9, 2019

With a unified control platform, OEMs can better leverage the latest advanced technologies and optimize customers’ return on investment.

Five Ways to Overcome Your Operational Challenges

September 6, 2019

The struggle with downtime can feel like a never-ending battle. More manufacturers are turning to third-party providers for OT remote management services.

Want to Attract Top Talent? Lead With Your Mission

September 2, 2019

Manufacturing needs to reshape its image to attract and retain top talent. Candidates are looking at work culture, vision and mission and differentiators.

Get a Richer Picture of Production Performance

August 30, 2019

Companies around the world are already using enterprise operational intelligence solutions to create more competitive operations, and they’re seeing results.

Impact of Ecommerce on Packaging Equipment Design

August 28, 2019

Independent cart technology answers the call for a better way to manage the high-mix, agile packaging needs of our made-to-order world.

Get Predictive Insights Without a Data Scientist

August 16, 2019

Controller-based predictive analytics use AI technology to help you detect production issues before they lead to downtime or scrap.

OT Patch Management Strategy: 7 Best Practices

August 14, 2019

Manufacturers that want to avoid devastating cyberattacks should prioritize proactive OT patch management as part of their cybersecurity strategy.

When Water Hammer Knocks, You Better Answer

August 12, 2019

Learn how to prevent water hammer by “softening” the dynamics of starting and stopping a pump through the use of a soft starter.

Drive Out Distortion With a Low-Harmonic Drive

August 9, 2019

Drives with built-in distortion mitigation help protect process integrity and uptime in water/wastewater operations.

Digital Twin: Now and For the Future

August 7, 2019

Digital twin technologies are transforming the industrial space, elevating how we interact with our environments and offering great potential for the future workforce.

Invention Versus Innovation: Which One Is Better?

August 5, 2019

Are you an inventor or an innovator? 4 indicators that a company supports innovation and creating a culture where your ideas thrive.

Network Cable Installation: Make It a Priority

August 2, 2019

It’s critical to include a standards-based physical network design into your project scope, along with the logical network on the front end to help pave the way to success in the long term.

Copper Smelter Goes All In on a Modern DCS

July 31, 2019

ENAMI needed a modern control system with strong diagnostics, easy maintenance, and data management to support business decisions and operational improvement.

Reimagine Your Smart Machines with Edge Computing

July 29, 2019

Combining a machine’s control and computing hardware into one platform can help OEMs create smarter, more secure and capable machines.

Reduce Downtime with Performance Dashboards

July 26, 2019

The smallest uptime increase can add millions of dollars to a bottom line. Performance dashboards organize OEE data so manufacturers can identify growth opportunities.

Underemployed Veterans Get Shot at Success

July 22, 2019

For unemployed (or underemployed) veterans, a 12-week program can prepare them for highly sought-after high-tech roles.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Do Additions Help?

July 19, 2019

When it comes to lockout/tagout procedures, is it helpful or unnecessary to add information to the document? The answer isn’t always simple.

Virtualization Enables High Availability, Low TCO

July 17, 2019

Manufacturers are migrating from physical hardware solutions to a virtualized environment where multiple applications and operating systems can live.

Are You In Break-Fix Mode With Your Machines?

July 15, 2019

Three priorities will help you justify migration: operations, finances and corporate strategy. And there’s another factor to consider: employees.

Industry 4.0: The Challenges and Risks

July 15, 2019

There are many benefits to digital transformation. The challenges include security, testability, data collection, and legislation and standardization.

Beyond Data Integrity

July 8, 2019

Thanks to advances in digital technologies, life sciences companies can now use data more holistically to drive real-time business outcomes.

Visibility & Segmentation are Security Must-Haves

July 5, 2019

To protect industrial devices against security risks, you need two things: a clear view of your network activity and the ability to segment your network into discrete parts.