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.
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.
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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.
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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.
Using a VFD With Synchronous Capabilities
July 3, 2019
Using a variable frequency drive (VFD) with synchronous bypass and transfer capabilities can yield significant cost savings.
Bringing Manufacturing Closer to Home
July 1, 2019
Technology underpins Industry 4.0 potential, but the most important factor remains the people making it happen.
Fifty Not Out (and Just Getting Started)
July 1, 2019
The relationship between vendor and customers has never been more now as we seek to leverage the opportunity of 4IR technologies.
People of the Revolution: Do Not Fear Change
July 1, 2019
We help people to change and improve things with technology. And we live our brand promise of expanding human possibility.
The Technology Cycle – Chicken and Egg?
July 1, 2019
Ireland's potential will be unlocked by its digital transformation culture and driven by each industry’s specific needs.
Why Should Miners Embrace IIoT?
June 26, 2019
In order to optimize mine performance, miners must first be willing to embrace change. Embrace the Internet of Things (IoT).
AC Drives Give You a Countdown to Downtime
June 21, 2019
New AC drives learn how they’re being used and adapt to changes. This allows you to see their predicted life down to the hour to reduce unplanned downtime.
Let’s Transform the Future
June 19, 2019
Engineering is at its best when it is practiced by everyone. That is why STEM education and diversity are so important.
Reconciling the Two Truths of Automation Systems
June 17, 2019
A digital twin can unite your CAD and controls to help you create better industrial automation systems that are delivered on time, on spec and on budget.