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.
Digital Transformation of Mining
April 22, 2019
Technology is changing the way mining companies do business. Here are five tools you can easily bring online at your mine and quickly see tangible results.
E-learning: Make Time for Your Skills Development
April 19, 2019
Prioritizing continued learning and training is in your best interest as an employee. With e-learning, making time for professional growth is easy.
Meet Metal Production Challenges with MES Software
April 15, 2019
MES can help combat production challenges for metal producers by ensuring that the right product is delivered at the right time.
Things To Consider If You Mentor Interns
April 12, 2019
Internships can be a powerful learning and development tool. Or they can distance a learner from a field of study, company or industry. 3 tips for success.
AC Drives Lessen the Harm of Mechanical Resonance
April 10, 2019
Low-voltage AC drives with adaptive tuning can detect and easily mitigate mechanical-resonance issues, so your machines can run better and you can save more.
Keeping It Secure at Pharmaceutical CMOs
April 8, 2019
How to maintain a flexible supply chain – and mitigate cybersecurity risk – when manufacturing extends beyond your walls.
Get Organized with Alarm Management Dashboards
April 5, 2019
Learn how alarm management dashboards are useful around the plant to help optimize the health of your machines and workers.
Refinery Proves It’s Too Costly to Not Modernize
April 3, 2019
A large producer of zinc was facing costly unplanned downtime, exposing them to operational and financial risk. Learn how they overcame these challenges with a modern DCS.
Diversification: the Future of Irish Industry?
April 1, 2019
Looking beyond the pharmaceutical and food and beverages industries, where is the potential for rapid growth?
Emulate3D: Welcome to The Family!
April 1, 2019
The UK has always been a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit – as recent acquisitions show.
Industrial Digitisation in South Africa
April 1, 2019
South Africa can’t afford to be left behind in the worldwide migration to Industry 4.0. What are the changes facing key industries in 2019?
What Can Film Directors Teach About Industry 4.0?
April 1, 2019
Visionary directors come in many forms, whether they are making films or deploying Industry 4.0.
Leverage Your Data and Organize It in Dashboards
March 29, 2019
This is how we use dashboards to present data and analytics in useful ways, so you can view what information matters most.
Gain Brewhouse Efficiency with Process Analytics
March 25, 2019
Harnessing the power of process analytics is the next frontier in brewhouse efficiency. Reveal hidden efficiencies that are easily attainable for any size operation.
Build a Competitive Edge with Data
March 24, 2019
Manufacturers can build a competitive edge with insights and action fueled by robust analytics environments from Rockwell Automation, Microsoft and PTC.
FIRST Made Me A Better Engineer
March 22, 2019
Mentoring FIRST students takes time and commitment. What you get in return is a new view of the world, and a better way to do your job.
Three Tips for Elevating Your Career
March 22, 2019
You have many choices in your career path. I did. Here are some of the reasons the EMEA graduate programme was right for me.
Examining the Value of Cybersecurity
March 20, 2019
The right cybersecurity policies put comprehensive protections in place for a company’s assets before, during and after an event.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable With Inclusion
March 18, 2019
On our inclusion journey, every step forward is a chance to look back and realize who is not with us yet. Our path forward must be intentional and strategic.
An Assembly Line for Organs? It’s Possible.
March 15, 2019
Automating regenerative medicine will do for organs what Detroit did for cars and Silicon Valley did for semiconductors.
Exploring Data Can Feed Your Next Process Change
March 13, 2019
Model predictive control works hand in hand with data exploration. Learn how these technologies optimize production and end-product quality.
Cement a Competitive Edge with Machine Learning
March 11, 2019
Cement companies can implement predictive strategies and improve operational performance with machine learning techniques.
Five Steps to Success: DCS Modernization
March 6, 2019
This approach mitigates project risk – and helps make a more innovative future a reality.
Women: It’s Time To Be Bold With Your Career
March 4, 2019
As a woman in a technical career, I am accustomed to being in a minority. And I have advice for women in STEM who want to lead.
Converting OEMs Speed Development Increase Revenue
February 25, 2019
Web converting machine builders turn to scalable, flexible IIoT solutions for smart machines that help customers avoid downtime and improve cycle times.
Four Priorities For Aspiring Women Leaders
February 22, 2019
Becoming a leader is not an exact science. My path required tough questions and decisions.
Do You Have a Backup Plan for Avoiding Downtime?
February 20, 2019
Unexpected headaches in your production environment? Many companies need some outside help to support day to day operations.
Cut Mine Costs with Intelligent Packaged Power
February 18, 2019
Joining electrical and process control into a smart packaged power system can reduce costs and provide new data insights.
It’s a Whole New (Virtual) World
February 11, 2019
Single-use facilities have revolutionized biopharma manufacturing. Now new technologies promise to minimize inherent risk and improve quality.
Data Never Tasted So Good
February 8, 2019
Food and beverage companies are finding productivity gains in hidden data. With the help of analytics, they’re using this data to make informed decisions.
Four Reasons to Do a Hackathon
February 6, 2019
Hackathons are one of the best ways to introduce your company, culture and brand to candidates. And job seekers, there’s something in it for you, too.
Diverse Talent Should Participate, Not Assimilate
February 4, 2019
Diverse talent offers different ideas. Hiring for differences and then compelling assimilation negates potential contributions to innovation. The goal is participation, not assimilation.
Improve Operator Effectiveness with a Modern DCS
January 30, 2019
A modern DCS can help novice oil and gas operators perform like your best operators with actionable alarming, predictive insights and a high-performance HMI.
Five Easy Digital Wins for Mining Companies
January 28, 2019
Learn about five technologies you can easily adopt at your mine to increase productivity, enhance worker safety, and gain visibility into your operations.
Managing Risk in a Connected Enterprise
January 21, 2019
A Connected Enterprise offers tremendous value, but also has inherent risks - which must be managed as part of digital transformation.
Getting Ahead of Unplanned Downtime
January 16, 2019
Built in predictive analytics provide advanced warning allowing you to take action before an unplanned shutdown occurs.
Analytics Partnered with MPC in Alcohol Production
January 9, 2019
Identify alcohol production equipment abnormalities before they negatively impact quality and consistency with MPC and analytics.
2019: The Year That IIoT Delivers Value
January 7, 2019
The ROI for companies applying digital strategies will help amplify IIoT adoption throughout industry this year.
The Irish Industry 4.0 Recipe for 2019
January 7, 2019
What is the right blend of ingredients for Irish Industry in 2019? And how will technology close the skills gap?
Successful Teamwork in Sport and Business
January 7, 2019
Experience as an international handball player helped me succeed in a stretch role.
The Top 10 Most Popular Blogs in 2018
January 2, 2019
Our most popular blogs in 2018 were about artificial intelligence, blockchain, industrial security and safety.
Extending Your Reach to Robotics
December 24, 2018
Robotics opens a new world of possibilities for smart, flexible machinery. The latest technologies enable OEMs to take control.
How Distillers Can Increase Optimization
December 19, 2018
The spirit industry is managing the growing demand by looking to model predictive control to help maximize throughput and efficiency.
Diversity is More Than a Recruitment Strategy
December 5, 2018
Diversity recruitment supports a business strategy driven by values, not numbers. The result is more inspired thinking and collaboration that leads to higher employee engagement.
Set Yourself Up for Success
December 3, 2018
How progressive OEMs can differentiate themselves by helping customers meet expectations for highly flexible manufacturing facilities.
Cyber Security Horror Stories Need a Happy Ending
November 30, 2018
Your plant may be ready for Industry 4.0. But is it cyber secure?
How Distilleries Can Maximize Throughput
November 28, 2018
How can distillers maximize throughput without sacrificing quality or tradition, while also minimizing alcohol loss?
Optimizing? How You Can Pick Up The Pace
November 28, 2018
Data – how it’s collected and used – will revolutionize manufacturing and process operations. What companies can do now to unlock additional levels of productivity.
The Hidden Threat Plant Managers Should Know About
November 26, 2018
When it comes to finding ways to reduce your acquisition costs, what risks are you really willing to take?
Use the Best Infrastructure to Get the Best Data
November 12, 2018
Operational intelligence and the subsequent analytics can only be really useful if you use the right smart devices coupled to the right software.
Protect Operations with Proactive Threat Hunting
November 7, 2018
Cyber threat detection isn’t enough. Learn how you can implement threat hunting to help stop infestations from impacting your beverage and food production.
AI Changes the Rules and Results for Automation
November 5, 2018
Stop thinking it's human or machine. The real power is human plus machine. AI augments and empowers human potential and leads to breakthrough innovation.
Don’t Overengineer: Get Quicker and Smarter
November 2, 2018
Single platform, single environment control and process solutions support what many of your end customers are deploying in their operations.
Is a Smarter Batch in Your Future?
October 29, 2018
Now life sciences manufacturers can harness the power of IIoT devices in new ways to maximize production efficiency and minimize process deviations.
Digitalized Gigafactories Meet EV Battery Demand
October 22, 2018
The next seismic change in autos is in AFVs. Find out how to use real-time information and analytics to keep up with demand for millions of new EV batteries annually.
Diversity and the Currency of Ideas
October 8, 2018
How can we measure the actual business value created in organisations by diversity amongst our workforces? Both quantitative and qualitatively it turns out.
The Extra Mile: How Our People Make a Difference
October 8, 2018
The opportunities to grow within a company are everywhere and often require an increased level of commitment from the employee – as well as support from the employer.
Ireland’s Darwinian Industry Challenge
October 8, 2018
Companies that are strongest in their sector must embrace change or risk being disrupted by more agile companies able to move with demand.
“Brassed Off”: Industry 4.0 vs. Automation
October 8, 2018
The social change associated with Industry 4.0 will not be the first brought about by increased levels of automation although it may be the first to fundamentally change the nature of work.
Expand Your Use of Digital Twin
October 3, 2018
Is the use of digital twin causing confusion in your organization? You’re not alone. Digital twin applies to three distinct phases. Clarify now and enjoy greater benefits later.
Boost Material Handling ROI via Wireless Solutions
September 24, 2018
Your automated material handling equipment can help you decrease costs and optimize resources – and wireless solutions can help boost their performance.
Five Reasons Why You Should Go to Automation Fair
September 19, 2018
We're here to help you make the case for why your boss should let you go to Automation Fair, which, by the way, is November 14-15 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Leading Through Change: The Leader Within
September 10, 2018
Digitisation is changing the world perhaps faster than at any time in history. Upskilling and diversity and inclusion is critical to success.
Mitigating Risk – Without Applying the Brakes
August 29, 2018
EV manufacturers are under pressure to expedite their launch schedules. Global program management paves the way for a successful EV launch – and smart manufacturing.
Reduce Risk in Your E-house Design
August 27, 2018
An intelligent packaged power system and the right partner can help you deliver smarter e-houses at a lower cost.
Find a Company Where Respect Flows Both Ways
August 20, 2018
What should you look for in a company? And when you find the right company, what should you do to stand out?
Train to Explain, Gain and Maintain
August 13, 2018
Look at training as a way to develop competency and drive greater efficiencies. Promote it internally and externally as an investment.
Disruptive Technology Expands Career Options
August 8, 2018
Internships in artificial intelligence and machine learning complement college studies to prepare students for careers in IIoT.
The New Security Norm in OT
August 1, 2018
As technology and connectivity advance, industrial control system engineers face new security issues.
Create Smarter Electrical Control Systems
July 30, 2018
System integrators can bring more intelligence to electrical control systems with intelligent packaged power.
Visualization Technologies Help Run Safe Processes
July 23, 2018
Visualization technologies — mixed reality, virtual and augmented reality — can enhance worker capabilities and create safer, more productive processes.
On the Move to Flexible Medical Device Production
July 16, 2018
More OEMs are choosing independent cart technology to deliver flexible, high volume machines for the disposable medical device market. The results are impressive.
Reduce Variability to Improve Capacity and Quality
July 9, 2018
Prescriptive analytics can produce immediate ROI. Model Predictive Control stabilizes your processes and gets you closer to your targets.
It’s a Team Game
July 2, 2018
Maybe it is a bit of a cliché to say that business is a team-game, but my recent experiences as sales director – Gulf & NE at Rockwell Automation, have shown me just how important it is.
Reimagining Skills Development
July 2, 2018
Technologies like IoT and AR are revolutionizing training around the world. Barry Elliott discusses how we could scale these for broader skills development.
Turning Data into Business Advantage
July 2, 2018
There is no magic bullet for turning data into business advantage. To thrive in the global digital industry UK enterprises must harness the power of the data they produce.
Get More From Your Electrical Control System
June 27, 2018
Unifying your electrical and process control systems into one digital infrastructure can give you greater plant-wide visibility and boost productivity.
In Response To Robots
June 25, 2018
Productivity improvements through technology advances will not result in the demise of manufacturing jobs. Quite the opposite.
Protect Yourself With Good Cyber Hygiene Practices
June 22, 2018
For all the benefits that smart manufacturing can offer, it also requires a more comprehensive approach to security. Start with these three basic steps.
Digital Representations Drive Bottom-Line Results
June 18, 2018
The two foundations of a digital transformation — the digital twin and the digital thread — offer new ways to trial practices, processes, and product concepts in a virtual environment.
Set Your Goals and Make the Right Decision
June 13, 2018
With many graduate training programmes available for those entering the workforce, consider these key learnings.
Is Your Machine Built for Thin Clients?
June 11, 2018
More manufacturers are adopting a simpler centralized information management paradigm, and they expect machines to conform.
Make Your Digital Transformation Effective
June 11, 2018
There are pitfalls of going into a digital transformation effort before assessing the bigger picture first.
What Will Smart Factories Look Like in 20 Years?
June 8, 2018
See how today’s new technologies will change how we design, manage and staff operations in a smart factory.
Single-Use Solutions Defy Economies of Scale
June 6, 2018
Companies are demanding more agile and flexible manufacturing practices in order to meet an industry drive towards more personalised medicines.
Learning From TÜV-Certified Machine Safety Experts
May 28, 2018
TÜV Rheinland-certified machinery functional safety experts earn one of the most rigorous accreditations for industrial safety professionals. Hear tips from recently certified pros.
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Digital Representations a Roadmap for Improvement
May 25, 2018
The digital twin and digital thread create a virtual foundation for experimentation and improvement within The Connected Enterprise.
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New Collaborations Solve New Problems
May 23, 2018
Advances in technology and connectivity foster new levels of innovation and collaboration between industry and academia. The benefactors: our next-gen workforce.
Sister Envy: The Unfortunate Plight of DC Drives
May 21, 2018
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Remember how Jan Brady felt when her big sister got all the attention? The DC drive is often the overlooked sibling on the plant floor.
Responding to Changing Consumer Trends
May 18, 2018
The drive for digitalization is accelerating the need for digital manufacturing plants that offer the highest flexibility, combined with reduced production costs.
A New Driving Force: Automotive “Electric Dreams”
May 16, 2018
Market drivers and new technology are accelerating electric vehicle demand. To keep up, carmakers must adopt a more connected, data-intensive approach.
Make Skid Integration Smart from the Start
May 14, 2018
Life sciences companies that rely on multiple OEMs can help mitigate skid integration challenges with upfront planning – and a modern DCS.
Migrating Pharmaceutical Processes
May 11, 2018
Alfasigma decided to migrate its pharmaceutical production solution, but needed to find a suitable supplier.
Digital Twins: Creating Smarter Products On Time
May 9, 2018
To curb the increasing risks of advanced machine design, digital twins help engineers make informed design decisions that won’t break the budget.
Five Tips for Leaders Leading Through Change
May 7, 2018
The fourth industrial revolution is creating an era of exponential change. Here are five tips for leaders to help them guide their companies through it.
Cutting Costs with Contactors
May 2, 2018
Modern contactors are designed to offer cost savings that you should be considering when trying to cut cost for your panel.
How to Attack an Obsolescence Backlog
April 30, 2018
Now mining companies can deploy strategies that bolster the reliability of existing equipment – and take cost-effective steps toward modernization.
Don’t Fear Disruption: Change Propels Industry
April 23, 2018
Industrial disruptions are changing the way we do business. From big data to blockchain, the decisions you make now will influence your business success for years.
AI Can Improve Your Equipment Maintenance Strategy
April 18, 2018
Pipeline companies around the world are already taking advantage of artificial intelligence to improve operations. Do you have the information you need to stay competitive?
Digitalizing the Enterprise for Security
April 16, 2018
A digital transformation brings enhanced network and information security to manufacturers as well as performance improvements.