Piezo valves are often a better alternative to conventional solenoid valves, especially in the areas of flow and pressure control and as directly controlled proportional valves. [ + ]

As SCADA operations face increased demand for cost reduction and enhanced efficiency, the spotlight is on enabling new capabilities, and it's in new technology and adaptive processes that SCADA teams are focusing their efforts. [ + ]

The digitalisation of the industrial world involves the collection and analysis of data from a large number of sensors with the aim of aiding the people responsible for plant operations, maintenance and management. Handling this flood of data in an intelligent way holds the key to greater plant efficiency. [ + ]

Last week at the ACI Connect conference and exhibition, Rafael Koenig, chairman of Profibus Australia, presented at the Future Networks Forum to an audience of automation, control and instrumentation professionals about Profinet's role in Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things. [ + ]

Australia is a tricky market. Whether you're a contracted engineer, systems integrator or OEM machine builder, our small population density and the vast distance between existing and potential clients can often be great. [ + ]

For machine builders there is a great demand to increase the productivity and flexibility of their machines, while maintaining healthy margins. This can be a difficult balancing act between using the most effective technology while working within a shrinking budget. [ + ]

Embracing the power of big data can help manufacturers be more competitive and improve efficiencies. [ + ]

When discussing a linear motion application, many first-time or beginning users will often ask "How accurate is this actuator?" As you will see, the answer is much more involved than simply stating a number. [ + ]

Understanding the complete spectrum of safety logic systems can help ensure you choose the right system for your application. [ + ]

A discussion with Tim Plenderleith, Market Director – Manufacturing at Aurecon, about how our changing connected world will influence the success or failure of manufacturing in Australia. [ + ]

Recently, ProcessOnline spoke with Michael Freyny of Siemens about the impact of the Internet of Things on industry. [ + ]

Many companies will define their early experiences with the Internet of Things by the value they create through new data-driven insights. [ + ]

One of the most overlooked or forgotten proximity sensors on the market today is the capacitive sensor, but with advancements in technology, these sensors no longer have the bad reputation they once had. [ + ]

In Part 1 of this article, we reviewed the history of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and defined the common standards used in industrial wireless networks. In this part we compare more closely the two prevalent wireless mesh network standards designed for use in process plants: WirelessHART and ISA100.11a. [ + ]

Michael Vlahos of Rockwell Automation discusses the benefits that a connected enterprise delivers to help packaging machinery builders and their customers remain competitive. [ + ]