As digital transformation increases demand for data from automation systems – driven by new digital innovations such as advanced analytics, AI and expanded connectivity – maintaining system integrity has become a challenge. ABB’s Luis Duran explores how the concept of “separation of concerns” protect the core of the automation system in a cyber-secure way, while enabling new digital value without compromising operational performance.
200 ms response time for maximised process performance and reliability
Grinding organic waste into pumpable material for stable transport
A long-standing automation partnership between a Swiss machine builder and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial robots is aiming to help transform the pharmaceutical supply chain in Europe with the launch of what is believed to be the ‘smallest’ automated palletising cell for vials and pre-filled syringes.
Ethernet-APL Switch for Safe Field Integration
Extended functionalities for stable plant operations and improved maintenance efficiency
A new wave of more efficient, adaptable and intelligent plant operations is emerging as conventional control systems evolve into modern, open and modular automation ecosystems. Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President ABB Automation Technology, explains how ABB’s Automation Extended allows industrial organizations to fully embrace the opportunities of digitalization while futureproofing their operations.
SOPAT and Parsum optical inline systems will further strengthen the process analysis portfolio. The Germany-based specialist in inline process measurement technology, retaining the company’s staff in Berlin and Chemnitz.
Hanna Lundin, product engineer at Emerson, explains in this article how simplified tank monitoring system architectures make it more feasible for companies to implement an automated solution to improve their inventory management, increase safety and efficiency.
APC enables capacity increases without new hardware, energy savings and cost reduction through continuous optimization, and more stable product quality under fluctuating conditions.
Smarter Motion. Stronger Performance
October marks the 50th year since ABB’s Low Voltage Variable Speed Drive was first brought to market. Developed by Finnish company Strömberg, which went on to become part of ABB, VSD have revolutionized industrial energy consumption and decarbonization
Structured Data for faster workflows and better decision making
With the growing complexity of technical plants, demographic shifts in the workforce, and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, traditional methods of risk assessment are reaching their limits. To meet these challenges, TÜV SÜD has developed a digital approach, called iaHAZOP, that builds on established risk assessment methods and extends them into the digital domain. The process industry now has a tool that redefines the state-of-the-art in technical risk management. Authors: Michael Pfeifer, Senior Expert Adaptive Safety and Alexander Kurdas, Expert for Machinery and Electrical Safety. TÜV Süd
Merck and Siemens are deepening their strategic partnership with the aim of accelerating AI and data-driven drug discovery and development
Ethernet-APL enables fast, standardized Ethernet communication down to field level, even in hazardous areas. While the technology simplifies engineering, commissioning, and diagnostics, the real value lies in integrated solutions. With engineered, certified systems tailored to customer needs, operators benefit from reduced complexity, faster deployment, and higher system availability.
Endress+Hauser is now the sole owner of the software company CodeWrights GmbH, based in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Swiss specialist in measurement and automation technology acquired the remaining 33 percent of the shares from the sensors and electronics manufacturer Pepperl+Fuchs with effect from 1 July 2025. Since 2002, Endress+Hauser held two-thirds of the shares, while Pepperl+Fuchs owned the remaining third.
Environmental condition monitoring with rapid response
Accurate energy consumption data is essential for companies aiming to achieve climate-neutral production. To support this goal, a consortium of organizations has recently published a groundbreaking specification for interoperable and efficient energy management in industrial and process automation.
Modular design provides versatility and precision for volumetric and mass flow measurement
Pepperl+Fuchs Integrates RFID Reader Into VisuNet GXP HMI Platform and Enables Authentication up to Zone 1/21
Conductivity Sensor is Key to Energy-Saving Dairy CIP System
Advanced pressure measurement technologies not only provide outstanding accuracy and reliability in chemical industry applications, but also help to minimise operational costs without compromising plant safety.
Siemens named one of the global preferred suppliers for Merck's next-level automation, boosting global smart manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator platform
Process industries, with a focus on Chemicals plants, are currently experiencing an evolution. Plant operators are grappling with a market that is shifting towards shorter product lifecycles, regularly changing feedstocks, an overall more precise yet rapid approach to production and narrowing profit margins.
Modular valve engineering for a more efficient and sustainable valve, suitable for liquids, gases and vapors
Hygienic flow measurement with high accuracy
Absolute sterility, optimised processes and lower operating costs – the food industry is challenged to align its production procedures amid these conflicting interests. The measurement technology employed to check individual process parameters plays a decisive role here. WIKA has now opened up a new chapter in pressure instrumentation: an in-line process transmitter with a “dry” measuring cell takes monitoring of this variable in sterile applications to a higher level.
Margo is a new open standard initiative for interoperability that will address key roadblocks to digital transformation. The initiative is hosted by the Linux Foundation and driven by a founding group of industrial automation solution providers, including ABB Process Automation and ABB Machine Automation (B&R)
For fluid control applications in sectors such as pharmaceuticals as well as food & beverage production, manufacturers can increase productivity and reduce costs while helping to meet their sustainability objectives by integrating improved control valves. Hydroformed valve bodies for diaphragm valves achieve high strength and light weight. This makes hydroformed valve bodies far more energy efficient compared to forged or cast designs, and the manufacturing process is inherently more sustainable too.
New family members in versatile rugged tablet series
New Emerson Software solution provides a sandbox to deploy and run applications with easy, secure, contextualized data access
Adjustable speed options for modulating and part-turn actuators
Engineered for quick and easy commissioning and reliable open/close valve position feedback
New range of tools for maintenance duties included in customer care plans
At SPS – Smart Production Solutions 2023, the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) announced new products and services for the development of safety devices with CC-Link IE TSN connectivity. This addition to the existing offering, supported by CLPA members Mitsubishi Electric and Neuron Automation, will help drive the implementation of highly effective, convergent industrial automation applications for functional safety.
Simplified collaborative engineering for automation projects
A digital twin is not only the basis for a holistic view of the system and the individual processes. It is also the basis for automatic routines that react autonomously to changes in the process. It helps applications identify unwanted situations and the countermeasures to be taken often long before the plant comes to a standstill. Predictive maintenance is a key to the efficient operation of a process plant. However, digital processes are not a question of individual products or components, but require the seamless interaction of people and systems.
For level measurement in a hygienic environment
Reduced complexity and installation effort with a single-cable solution for both power and data transmission
Digital Edition Download PDF
