The benefits of remote access for manufacturing operations are widely known and accepted. This article details how modern SCADA systems are providing this access in a variety of ways to all manner of fixed and portable computing platforms and other devices. Simple HMI systems have evolved into highly advanced SCADA solutions that provide key data […]
Industries
At this nostalgic time of the year, I thought I’d take a moment to present a film about automation from yesteryear. This is from the Prelinger Archive at the Library of Congress and was produced by the General Electric Company. It’s not quite a study on early DCS or PLCs (if anyone has anything like […]
Significant improvements can be demonstrated in updating automation in either independent machine controls or an entire facility. More and more manufacturers are upgrading control systems primarily to fight the battle of equipment obsolescence, rather than taking the opportunity to invest in upgrades, in order to gain more productive years out of major capital assets. There […]
Control Systems Engineer with twenty-five (25+) years in engineering, programming, design, construction, commissioning and start-up in the Oil/Gas production, refining, power and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and other manufacturing industries. Experience includes: Project and construction management, Process Instrumentation, DCS, PLC, ESD and SCADA; Compressor control and anti-surge systems, GE Multilin motor protection, Variable Frequency Drive – […]
Computer Emergency Response Capabilities considerations for ICS This document builds upon the current practice of CERTs with responsibilities for ICS networks, and also on the earlier work of ENISA on a baseline capabilities scheme for national/ governmental (n/g) CERTs. The document is an initial attempt to provide a good practice guide for the entities that […]
Currently available for an interim role as a control systems specialist utilizing his current and up to date experience with Siemens PCS7 applications and programming. Recently handled a project including Charts, SFC and CFC through existing system migration as well as utilizing P&IDs and I/O Lists. Also familiar with WinCC graphics, interlock, alarm and functional […]
It’s hard for me to swallow the concept of Siemens being so security conscious. Weren’t these the people that allowed (for pay I’m sure) the US government to install the Stuxnet virus on their customers’ controllers? Not only did this create an international incident since the virus was NOT contained to the centrifuge controllers but […]
Project justification is critical to driving corporate competitiveness Clearly, any new automation project requires economic justification. Although this often involves hard “dollars and cents” quantification of cost savings from increased production, reduced raw material costs, or increased uptime, it is also about “soft” benefits, such as reducing risks and improving agility. All contribute to making […]
Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) Are Gaining New Capabilities, Such as Integrating with Safety Systems, to Match the Unique Needs of Their Process Applications You can’t just waltz into a refinery’s process control system with mainstream, IT-based computers and expect to be successful. Big process applications are unique environments—even from one to another—so they need the […]
With over 20 years of experience in all aspects of I/A systems, from their earliest versions to the most recent software revisions, this individual can handle basically all aspects (including hardware). He is well versed in applications for a variety of industries. In addition to his comprehensive Foxboro DCS knowledge, he is also extremely familiar […]