Burgeoning technology has given rise to time-saving and cost-cutting business opportunities. Whether it’s wireless sensors integrated with the Internet of Things or predictive analytics, new technology is spearheading the way for innovative business solutions. One such contemporary example is in natural language processing (NLP). Below, we’ll break down essentials of natural language processing, how it translates into voice interface technology, and the influence and benefits they both provide for the modern factory environment.

ACD Expands Into Columbus, OH

ACD is a new and exciting industrial automation supplier for the Columbus area. We offer industry-leading products from Siemens, Weidmuller, Yaskawa, Leuze Electronic, Murrplastik and Nachi Robotics and many others.

Along with these products, ACD provides unmatched technical support to ensure the success of our customers.

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A motor control center (MCC) is an assembly to control some or all of the electric motors in a central location. With the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things and the dawn of better, faster technology, smart motor control centers are beginning to come to the forefront as credible alternatives to standard MCCs. Below, we’ll walk through the basics of smart motor control centers. Also, we’ll discuss how a smart motor control center improves upon the functionality of a standard control center and how they can help your business for years to come.

In a modern factory environment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are integral to day-to-day operations. During the course of operations, PLCs allow factory systems to operate reliably, while also maintaining a level of flexibility necessary to add additional models. Furthermore, PLCs can work to facilitate the troubleshooting of faulty components and also provide in-depth insight into machine health and performance. However, with the increasing complexity of industrial machinery and machine tasks, some companies are finding that PLCs cannot always satisfy their needs for high-speed data acquisition and database interaction. Because of this, modern alternatives to PLCs are being offered by a handful of companies. Below, we’ll discuss a Michigan tech company’s alternative to PLCs and how they are already utilizing their product to help various businesses around the country.

A quick-paced modern factory environment requires equally intelligent and high-tech equipment to track, monitor, and control various automated tasks. Because of this, Siemens has developed a series of converters - SINAMICS G120 and S120 - to handle more complex applications. Below, we’ll walk through the specific functionality and uses of these devices as well as the additional safety features built-in to maintain factory security. While we’ll be discussing these specific converters, it is important to understand that the same functionality can be found across a wide range of industrial converters, so don’t worry if you’re not specifically using a Siemens device.

During the past several decades, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have become integral in the automation process. To the uninitiated, artificial intelligence is defined as “a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence”. A subset of artificial intelligence, machine learning specifically focuses on giving systems the ability to learn and optimize processes without having to be consistently programmed. Modern factories have fully embraced these two practices and implemented them into the automation process with great success. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits artificial intelligence and machine learning have brought to the modern factory and how these technological feats continue to influence and streamline productivity.

An industrial router is a key tool to meet a modern factory’s connectivity and data collection needs. Through on-demand remote connectivity to PLCs, on-premise data monitoring, and data collection for IoT applications, industrial routers help streamline and condense your factory’s workflow into one finite place. However, there are different models of industrial routers depending on your business’ needs. Below, we’ll explore the distinctions between two industrial routers developed by eWON - COSY and FLEXY - and hopefully assist you in selecting which router works the best for your company.

An open controller (not to be confused with an open-loop controller) is a control system that has multiple processors embedded into the controller itself. Because of this, open controllers are able to run both ladder logic and windows-based applications inside a singular enclosure. The consolidation of these processes allows for flexibility, giving your controller the ability to run, monitor, and access a plethora of applications. Below, we’ll address a few of the most prominent applications of a Siemens open controller in contemporary factories and discuss the advantages an open controller may offer your company in the long run.

Manufacturing companies invest millions in human and equipment in the bid to achieve peak productivity and profits. Achieving monthly revenue targets may be the most vital factor when it comes to procurement of such assets, there are certain factors that can drastically affect the workings of a company. By investing in machinery, tools, personnel, etc. companies open themselves up to greater level of risks. Small mistakes can have wide ranging consequences that can affect the company’s reputation within the market.