Related Articles

• What is a smart sensor?
  One of the biggest advances in automation has been the development and spread of smart sensors. But what exactly is a "smart" sensor? Experts from six sensor manufacturers define this term. A good working "smart sensor" definition comes from Tom Griffiths, product manager, Honeywell Industrial Measurement and Control. Control Engineering
• Input/output systems
  Today's I/O systems can add intelligence, broader communications, and flexibility across multiple logic platforms, central or distributed. I/O modules, installation, retrofits, and associated labor can account for half of an automation project's total cost. "Designers can now mix-and-match some I/O modules across PLC, DCS, and PC control vendor product lines," explains Connie Chick, business ma... Control Engineering
• Service agreements
  High-end automation may still include service as part of the installation, but increasingly, past initial purchase (and perhaps, installation), a service agreement may be needed with an automation vendor to ensure efficiency and return on investment. After all, the very word investment implies return; otherwise it's called cost. Control Engineering