You are an engineer in the market for an industrial grade PC. You know the general specification, and that it needs to be robust, dependable and from a leading manufacturer. So far, you may not have decided if it is to be desk, wall or panel mounted, so where do you start? Advantech touch panel […] The post Advantech Touch PCs configured and delivered from stock in a few simple steps. appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

Humans excel at some tasks, whilst machines are better for others: production line inspection is a case in point. The trained eye of an experienced vision inspector is quick to spot errors, but a routine task like this is tiring. Moreover, inspection at each step of the production is unrealistic, especially with a lack of […] The post The benefits of adaptive AI inspection in high-mix low-volume production appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

Free Guide to the New Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 Produced by the Engineering Network and publishers of MachineBuilding.net, a free guide to the new machinery regulation (EU) 2023/1230 is now available. This regulation, which replaces the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, has officially come into force. However, there is a transition period during which machinery manufacturers may […] The post New Free Guides and Upcoming Event by MachineBuilding.net appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

Overlooking your power distribution systems can have a serious effect on your wealth. Yet, because they are so dependable, they may not be getting the attention they deserve. In a recent white paper, Schneider Electric considered the nine electrical system risks that directly threaten your business profitability. Modern facility managers operate and maintain complex electrical […] The post Electrical system risks that threaten your business profitability appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

Ladder logic programming is an essential tool for industrial automation and control systems. This intuitive, graphic programming language is ideal for designing and implementing sequential control processes. The essence of ladder logic lies in its user-friendly graphical interface. Inputs (like sensors and switches) and outputs (such as motors and relays) connect through logical gates and […] The post Is ladder logic programming still relevant? appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance and practical approach to using the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for predictive maintenance operations in factories. Moreover, how this approach can reduce the time taken to investigate equipment issues by up to 93% For factories, it can also be difficult to secure capital investment budgets […] The post How AI and IIoT in predictive maintenance reduce factory downtime costs appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

Manufacturers increasingly recognise automation as a way of supporting, rather than replacing their manual workforce. Accelerating this approach is vital given the growing concern over labour shortages in the industry. The challenge is not just about filling jobs, it is about evolving the workforce in the face of changing demands. These can stem from customer […] The post Four ways that automation can compensate for labour shortages. appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

Phoenix Contact introduces its first managed Ethernet switches for direct connection of sensors and field devices into Ethernet networks. Called the FL Switch 2303-8SP1, they smooth the integration of modern sensors  and terminal devices onto industrial networks. They support Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) on eight ports to the10 Base-T1L standard for transmission distances of up […] The post Phoenix Contact Launches First FL Managed Ethernet Switches. appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

For engineers interested in the industrial communications market, each yearHMS Networks produces a report from their market research. Through 2023, HMSexpects the industrial network market to grow by 7%. Significantly, this growthhighlights the ongoing importance of network connectivity in factoryautomation. As an example, they expect the growth of installed IndustrialEthernet nodes, to be 10% higher […] The post Industrial Ethernet continues to outpace traditional fieldbuses appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more

In a recent article we addressed the sunsetting of 3G networks and the implications for businesses using the technology. One of the issues is understanding where they exist in your business or equipment. Moreover, how its loss will impact the business. 3G networks close this year The problem is that we don’t know what we […] The post The sun is setting on 3G networks before our very eyes. Ready? appeared first on 999 Automation Blog ..read more