The Journal
from Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork™
The JOURNAL from Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork™ is a bimonthly magazine, published by Putman Media, Inc., designed to educate engineers about leading-edge industrial automation methods, trends and technologies.
The Journal Launches Podcast, Automation Chat
July 7, 2020
Executive Editor Theresa Houck has short, informative and fun conversations with industrial automation pros to help you operate more efficiently, safely and profitably.
Knowledge is Power
June 25, 2020
Treat maintenance as an asset, not an expense, by designing an asset-management strategy that improves worker and asset performance and cuts downtime.
Data Analytics Start with Smart Instruments
June 22, 2020
Industrial Ethernet protocols are the top way to gather smart-instrument data, and advancements will allow better implementation with two-wire instruments.
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How Coding Automation Helps Food Manufacturers
June 21, 2020
Industry 4.0 includes integrating coding and marking equipment with an MES to help improve productivity and maintenance and avoid unplanned downtime.
How Plant-Floor Communications Help Cut Downtime
June 21, 2020
A dairy firm retained existing operating systems during a huge expansion by creating a software bridge from its HMI/SCADA environment and two-way radios.
Improve Operations with Proactive Maintenance
June 21, 2020
A smart, connected maintenance strategy can help enhance production quality, operational effectiveness, safety and cost savings.
Steel Firm Uses Smart Manufacturing to Cut Costs
June 21, 2020
Learn how a strategic digital transformation helped a steel producer connect multiple divisions while optimizing production and slashing downtime.
Viewpoint: My Kinship with Welding and Maintenance
June 19, 2020
Editor Theresa Houck describes how manufacturing managers are using asset-management strategies and digitalization tools to get metrics for data-driven maintenance decision-making.
Report: How Single-Pair Ethernet Enables IIoT
June 1, 2020
New analysis explains why SPE is the future protocol for enabling the Industrial Internet of Things and migration to single Ethernet network technology.
Endress+Hauser Q&A Reveals How to Manage IIoT Data
May 28, 2020
The Journal’s Editor Theresa Houck talks with Endress+Hauser’s Ryan Williams about smart process instrumentation.
Control Multiple Motors with 1 VFD
May 27, 2020
Consider design to see if you can simplify controls and reduce costs by using just one variable-frequency drive to control numerous motors.
Beat the Heat When Mounting AC Drives
May 26, 2020
Giving careful thought to thermal management when deciding where and how to mount VFDs can help protect the VFD and reduce unexpected downtime.
5 Areas to Address for Packaging Machine Safety
May 21, 2020
New technologies provide crucial machine safety solutions for food and beverage operations, but manufacturers must consider plant setup for packaging lines.
Integrated Control Helps Nut Producer Meet Demand
May 14, 2020
System using MCCs and PACs at Wonderful Pistachio’s new facility exceeded production expectations by 15% and produces 5.6 million lbs. of pistachios daily.
How Brewers Can Expand from Beer to Beverages
May 13, 2020
Facing slow growth, brewers are looking to extend their lines to spirits-based drinks, hard seltzer and other infused drinks to meet consumer demands.
Control from the Edge
April 12, 2020
Edge computing brings machine data to where the controller is, for better performance, space savings, and opportunities to build new production solutions.
How Predictive Analytics Let You Boost Efficiency
April 11, 2020
For food and beverage companies, data already sitting inside your machines can help you improve operations and meet ever-changing industry demands.
Major Food Maker Uses IIoT to Slash Risk, Costs
April 11, 2020
Learn how a food processor made a digital transformation by converging IT and OT to boost productivity via remote monitoring and better visibility.
Oil & Gas eBook Helps Firms Improve Performance
April 10, 2020
Educational resource provides tutorials and case studies to help producers and processors optimize performance, safety and security.
Simplify Device Integration in System Design
April 10, 2020
Premier Integration creates a single design environment for devices from multiple vendors to communicate without time-consuming and costly programming.
Editor’s Viewpoint: ROKLive Event Goes Virtual
April 5, 2020
Executive Editor Theresa Houck describes explains that the ROKLive event about digital transformation will now be an interactive virtual event in June.
How a VFD Can Help Slash Costs
March 11, 2020
Using a variable-frequency drive (VFD) with synchronous bypass and transfer capabilities can yield significant cost savings.
Network Failure: How to Control an Electric Motor
March 11, 2020
Programming in the appropriate motor state is important to prevent unexpected production losses when network communication issues arise.
VIDEO: The Virtualized Environment Journey
March 11, 2020
Watch John and Jane follow different paths to virtualization solutions for their companies.
Increase Efficiency for Simple Motor Control
March 10, 2020
Learn how to evaluate your options for push button vs. PLC control for more effective motor starting, run time and stopping.
Why & How to Lower Harmonics in Water Treatment
March 9, 2020
Low-voltage AC drives with built-in distortion mitigation help protect the integrity and uptime of water treatment systems and comply with IEEE 519.
Transforming Your Business
February 27, 2020
Digital transformation isn’t just about technology; it changes how business is done. Learn how to develop a strategy to implement smart systems.
Digital Twins Go Beyond Improving Machine Design
February 26, 2020
By enabling pretesting of machines or production lines, virtual operator training and enhanced maintenance, simulation helps improve long-term performance.
Automation Fair Event Expands Human Possibilities
February 25, 2020
Largest-ever gathering of industrial automation professionals shines light on new technologies and solutions designed to help connect and improve industrial processes.
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Fire Protection in Hazardous Locations
February 25, 2020
Learn 10 best practices for detecting combustible gas, smoke and flames.
Understanding SQL Databases & Transaction Managers
February 25, 2020
Learn about relational databases and how transactional managers download production parameters to a PLC to help streamline the OT/IT convergence process.
How Ecommerce Impacts Packaging Equipment Design
February 24, 2020
Systems such as independent cart technology can help OEMs guide manufacturers in managing the high-mix, agile packaging that consumers demand.
Editor’s View: What is Digital Transformation?
February 18, 2020
Executive Editor Theresa Houck discusses how digital transformation isn’t just about technology, but about changing business outcomes.
February 2020 Full Issue
February 17, 2020
Download the full PDF of the February 2020 print issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork.
Water System Boosts Compliance, Slashes Costs
December 12, 2019
Automated plant delivers cleaner, better-tasting water to a Cape Cod vacation town and meets fluctuating water demand with one staff shift.
DCS Upgrade Boosts Wastewater Plant Efficiency
December 9, 2019
See how migration to a modern distributed control system helps a municipality increase wastewater capacity, streamline control and minimize overtime.
A Submariner’s View of Predictive Maintenance
December 7, 2019
A U.S. Navy veteran explains what PM practices on a nuclear submarine can teach manufacturers about preventing failures to help avoid costly downtime.
How to Use Robots for Nonrepetitive Tasks
December 6, 2019
Vision guided robotics help industrial applications where robot fingers need to maneuver objects of different shapes and sizes or that touch or overlap.
How Water Utilities Can Incorporate Cybersecurity
December 6, 2019
Utilities can mitigate cybersecurity risks by using a proactive approach that extends beyond regulatory compliance and integrating security controls.
How a Batch Management System Cut Downtime by 25%
December 5, 2019
Snack company improves dough quality by 30% with new batch management and control solution.
How an Energy Firm Used IIoT for Plant Maintenance
December 5, 2019
The company’s asset management and historian software perform better predictive and preventive maintenance by analyzing historical and real-time data.
Editor's Viewpoint: Times, They Are A Changin’
December 4, 2019
Executive Editor Theresa Houck notes how times are changing fast, including trends in the industrial automation industry.
December 2019 Full Issue
December 3, 2019
Download the full PDF of the December 2019 print issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetworkTM
How to Help Make LOTO Safety Procedures Clear
November 20, 2019
You’re allowed to add more information to a machine LOTO procedure than OSHA requires, but make sure it’s clear so it doesn’t inadvertently endanger workers.
Why is True-RMS So Important?
November 19, 2019
Learn how a true-rms meter can accurately measure imperfect, nonsinusoidal waves compared to an average digital multimeter.
How to Boost Efficiency for Simple Motor Control
November 16, 2019
Learn how to evaluate your options for push button vs. PLC control for more effective motor starting, run time and stopping.
Oil & Gas Firms Save by Modernizing Power Systems
November 16, 2019
Converting to digital power distribution systems can provide real-time visibility into electrical assets for faster decision-making and issue resolution.
Boost Efficiency Using IIoT Data for Decisions
October 16, 2019
Data in smart devices and on machines can help you increase productivity by adapting to changes in real time to get more out of your assets.
How to Bolster Security for Smart Manufacturing
October 16, 2019
As your operation gets smarter, protect it from vulnerabilities so you get the most from the data generated by your information-enabled technologies.
Power Producers Use Proactive Cyberthreat Hunting
October 13, 2019
As cybersecurity threats increase every year, power generators need to mitigate risk by using a multi-layered approach for physical and cybersecurity.
Deliver What They Want
October 3, 2019
Are multiple SKUs slowing you down in this age of consumer demand for customization and same-day delivery? Now you can rethink packaging machine design.
Bakery Upgrades Packaging Line for Delicate Goods
September 29, 2019
Historic bakery maintains its famed craft cake quality and gets faster tray format changeover by using a flexible packaging line with agile robotics.
How to Plan and Maintain a Network Infrastructure
September 28, 2019
Learn how to improve uptime by using a network management process that includes planning, design, implementation and continuous improvement.
Are You Ready for Chicago? Automation Fair Is!
September 27, 2019
Join process and automation industry professionals at the 2019 Automation Fair event to learn about the latest technologies offering improved control, optimization and IT/OT collaboration.
Understand Your Customer’s Packaging Business
September 26, 2019
As a packaging OEM, you can help solve your end users’ problems by getting to know their challenges as a company rather than depending only on technology.
3 Best Practices for Fire and Gas Detection
September 24, 2019
Understanding how to set up and maintain a fire and gas safety system in hazardous environments can help you protect workers, processes and facilities.
Why Does Edge Computing Matter to You?
September 24, 2019
Find out how edge computing compares with the cloud, how to use it, and trends driving its growth.
Simplify Instrumentation Preventive Maintenance
September 23, 2019
Hardware and software advancements can help with instrument configuration, condition monitoring, life-cycle management and more while cutting costs.
Editor’s Viewpoint: Every Package Sends a Message
September 22, 2019
Executive Editor Theresa Houck describes the strategies, technologies and methods packaging OEMs and end users are using to keep up with constantly changing consumer demands.
October 2019 Full Issue
September 21, 2019
Download the full PDF of the October 2019 print issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork
How to Reduce Mechanical Resonance
August 27, 2019
Low-voltage AC drives with advanced analytics can help cut costs by detecting and mitigating mechanical resonance issues, so machines run more efficiently.
eBook Helps Food & Beverage Producers
August 26, 2019
The new 2019 Food & Beverage eBook helps you understand how to integrate and optimize smart machines and use data analytics to show you where you can improve processes.
Machines Run Longer with Drive-Based Analytics
August 26, 2019
AC drives using predictive diagnostics settings monitor drive and motor operating conditions to show you the true remaining life of the drive’s components.
Design Automation Systems for Linear Actuators
August 25, 2019
These factors and principles help electrical and mechanical engineers early in the development process to effectively implement linear motion solutions.
5 Reasons to Use AC Drives with Safety
August 21, 2019
Boost productivity, simplify systems and optimize performance by using AC drives that provide advanced safety over Ethernet.
You Don’t Need Another Brain Teaser
August 15, 2019
Converting a legacy platform to a modern DCS may look complex, but using these best practices provides opportunities for significant process improvements.
How an Oil & Gas Company Achieves 99% Uptime
August 14, 2019
A modern distributed control system helped an offshore exploration and production firm achieve its first deepwater-field extraction in just 36 months.
Boost Efficiency During Power System Upgrades
August 13, 2019
As oil and gas facilities deal with aging power-distribution systems, intelligent packaged power can provide insight-rich data for performance improvement.
eBook Helps Food & Beverage Producers
August 12, 2019
The new 2019 Food & Beverage eBook helps you understand how to integrate and optimize smart machines and use data analytics to show you where you can improve processes.
Is Your Connected Device Secure?
August 11, 2019
Some IIoT devices are still playing catch-up with security, but technology advances now help protect connected devices from sophisticated cyberthreats.
Why Smart Factories Need End-to-End Traceability
August 11, 2019
With a traceability infrastructure, you can gather insight-rich data that helps improve manufacturing processes, compliance and supply chain management.
5 Mistakes When Purging & Pressurizing Enclosures
August 10, 2019
The technique is simple if done properly, but users often implement it incorrectly if they don’t know the standards or system’s characteristic gas flow.
Get Ready for Automation Fair in Chicago
August 6, 2019
The 2019 event offers a feast of technology and information covering the latest control, power and IT/OT best practices for industrial automation.
Editor's Viewpoint: The Global Economy’s Lifeblood
August 5, 2019
Editor Theresa Houck describes her admiration for oil and gas industry professionals, and describes how The Journal’s 2019 Oil & Gas eBook helps those pros boost reliability and safety.
August 2019 Full Issue
August 4, 2019
Download the full PDF of the August 2019 print issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork.
3 Keys to Effective Industrial Network Security
July 13, 2019
Systems with multi-layer protection, built-in security, and technologies that combine safety and security are essential for connected operations.
Networks & Security eBook Protects Architectures
July 12, 2019
The new 2019 Networks & Security eBook from The Journal magazine is designed to help you maintain reliability and security for this vital asset.
What’s the Real Value of Cybersecurity?
July 12, 2019
Protecting your IT and OT networks before, during and after a cyberattack not only helps saves systems and equipment, but also reduces and prevents costly downtime.
Plant Managers! Do You Know About This Threat?
June 26, 2019
Cyberattacks from just one compromised device can open your entire enterprise to profound risk, so avoid acquiring surplus or repaired automation products.
Smart Batch Processing is at Your Fingertips
June 25, 2019
Pharmaceutical manufacturers can use IIoT devices for predictive and prescriptive analytics to optimize production and minimize process deviations.
VIDEO: Consultancy Platform Helps Workflow
June 24, 2019
EPLAN Software & Service, introduces the ground-breaking Panel-Building Automation Matrix (PAM), the first business consultancy platform in the engineering industry.
Manage Risk in Smart Manufacturing
June 23, 2019
Proper cyber hygiene, design, assessments and execution help you benefit from a Connected Enterprise without compromising productivity or profitability.
VIDEO: Cybersecurity Software Protects OT Networks
June 22, 2019
Claroty highlights its continuous threat-detection product that helps industrial users examine asset inventory, anomalous behaviors on the plant floor, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
R(EV)OLUTION
June 6, 2019
Battery makers need a long-term automation strategy now if they’re going to keep up with the unprecedented growth of the electric vehicle market.
Making Electric Vehicles in the Age of IIoT
June 5, 2019
Learn how smart manufacturing strategies can help you produce high-quality electric vehicles quickly, affordably and with minimal risk.
6 Key Factors for Cellular Wireless Remote Access
June 4, 2019
The always-on nature of cellular wireless communications and cloud-based networking provides real-time connectivity and boosts control-system efficiency.
Grober Nutrition Boosts Efficiency with Modern DCS
June 3, 2019
Company simplifies, optimizes animal feed production using controller-based batch and sequencing at its new milk replacer production facility.
New eBook Helps Process Manufacturers
June 3, 2019
Educational Oil & Gas eBook helps you prepare for new gas safety standards; develop safer, more efficient chemical operations; optimize well pads and digital oilfields; and more.
Webinar: Digital Twins for Modeled Machine Design
June 3, 2019
This short webinar explains how digital twins — dynamic models of machine performance — help you accurately, safely and cost-effectively size motors, gearboxes and other machine components.
How Smart Cameras are Changing Manufacturing
June 1, 2019
Some applications are better suited to one type of machine vision system versus another. Here’s how to evaluate systems and cameras to achieve your goals.
VIDEO: Planetary Gearbox Offers High Precision
June 1, 2019
Apex Dynamics, Inc., demonstrates its new AF series, a carbon steel, planetary gear box with high precision, quiet operation, and ≤1arcmin in a single-stage applications.
Smart Manufacturing Advances Electric Vehicles
May 31, 2019
Editor Theresa Houck explains how demand for electric vehicles is growing at an unprecedented rate, and automakers need a Connected Enterprise to keep up with demand and grow their business.
June 2019 Full Issue
May 30, 2019
Download the full PDF of the June 2019 print issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork.
Is Your Machine Safety ‘On’ or ‘Off?’
May 28, 2019
Learn 5 steps that can help you mitigate risk, protect workers and stay in compliance with safety regulations.
Use Predictive Analytics to Avoid Downtime
May 28, 2019
Predictive models allow users to reduce maintenance costs and minimized unplanned downtime in high-power variable-frequency drive applications.
VIDEO: Magnetic Kit Encoders are Easy to Install
May 27, 2019
Patrick Maxwell, POSITAL FRABA Inc., demonstrates the new kit encoder, a rugged, accurate rotary position measurement sensor ideal for servo-motor manufacturers.
Download the Motors & Electrical Systems eBook
May 26, 2019
Learn how to get more out of VFDs; control multiple motors with just 1 VFD; convert to soft starters economically; create smarter electrical control systems; and optimize linear actuators.
VIDEO: Position Sensor Uses Smart Diagnostics
May 25, 2019
MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division, shows its powerful, Industry 4.0-ready magnetostrictive linear position sensing technology, with high resistance to vibration and high temperatures.