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.
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.
A Unified Solution for Measurement and Control
June 14, 2019
Improve measurement and control with a unified solution for multi-well pad operations.
Smart Data Replaces Big Data
June 12, 2019
Big Data in industrial IoT applications will increasingly get replaced with Smart Data to derive business value quickly and cost-effectively.
Five Easy Digital Wins for Mining Companies
June 10, 2019
The benefits of digital transformation are undeniable. But each project comes with potential roadblocks. Here are three risks to the success of your project and how to avoid them.
E-learning: Evolving to Bridge the Skills Gap
June 5, 2019
As jobs have become more advanced and technological, the industrial skills gap has widened. But a game-changer has arrived: e-learning.
Is It Time to Digitize Your Lab?
June 3, 2019
A modern DCS can ease technology transfer – and help speed life sciences products from pilot plant to market.
From "Washdown" to "Hygienic Design"
June 2, 2019
Collaboration between CPG manufacturers and OEMs helps unify processing and packaging applications – and eases the way to compliance.
AngloGold Modernizes with a New DCS
May 29, 2019
AngloGold chose a modern DCS for its activated carbon process facility. Their operators quickly transitioned to simpler ISA 101 compliant grayscale displays with increased visibility.
How to Reduce Lead Time, Build Efficiency
May 27, 2019
Custom machine builders are improving time to market with smarter machine engineering. See how you can build efficiency with a single control platform.
Weighing Your Options for Simple Motor Control
May 26, 2019
Every motor control application is different, so what method provides the best fit and function? Push button or PLC control?
The Value of Plant Safety Dashboards
May 24, 2019
Safety dashboards are useful around the plant to help optimize the health of your machines and workers.
Gain Flexibility with Modern Batch Systems
May 22, 2019
The utilization of a modern batch control systems helps chemical producers achieve more flexible, productive and efficient operations.
A Pioneer of Smart Manufacturing
May 20, 2019
Innovations that paved the way for smart manufacturing took root decades ago. This pioneer helped focus a thousand points of light to what we know today.
Serving Up Value By Controlling F&B Processes
May 19, 2019
Food and beverage manufacturers can use model predictive control to create a standard model for production, optimizing capacity while maintaining or improving quality.
5 Business Cases for Using AC Drives with Safety
May 17, 2019
Boost productivity, simplify systems and get better insights into your operations using AC drives that deliver advanced safety over Ethernet.
Outdated Multimodal Port Modernizes with a New DCS
May 15, 2019
The largest port in central Chile, Los Ventanas, is now also its most modern after a new CEO helped to automate all processes using a modern DCS.
Modernize Your Power System, Boost Productivity
May 13, 2019
Oil and gas producers are feeling the pain of relying on aging systems. The use of intelligent packaged power cuts risk and costs, while unleashing information for performance improvement.
Eight Tips To Crush Your Internship
May 12, 2019
How do you get what you need from your internship (and impress your employer)? 8 tips to make the most of the experience.
Gain Better Visibility of Your Plant Operations
May 10, 2019
Digital technology can transform your maintenance, repair and operations asset data into something you can use.
What Every OEM Should Know About Skid Integration
May 8, 2019
How to sidestep common roadblocks, minimize engineering time and speed deployment.
Winning Companies Think Like Their Customers
May 6, 2019
To understand customer expectations, you have to think like a consumer. What impresses you about a company’s service? What drives you away?
21st Century Services: From Expense to Asset
May 5, 2019
What is ‘now’ for industrial services in the 21st Century, and what’s next as industry and its people develop and reinvent themselves?
Industrial Security Takeaways from Hannover Messe
May 3, 2019
Three considerations that can help inform and strengthen your own industrial security strategy.
Six Books Challenge Your Views on Work
May 1, 2019
Instead of choosing business and leadership books that reinforce your beliefs, consider reading a few that challenge your assumptions.
Cybersecurity Assessments: Improve Your Posture
April 29, 2019
The journey to improve your industrial security posture may seem complex. Determine your target security posture with security assessments.
Unleash the Potential of Your Oil & Gas Operations
April 26, 2019
Get the most from your oil and gas equipment by building a strong analytics strategy that can be paired with the perfect information solution.
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?