Zero Trust — Your Best Industrial Cybersecurity Defense
Issue 52, 2024Notebook Issue

Zero Trust — Your Best Industrial Cybersecurity Defense

Protecting control systems from bad actors requires a holistic approach that includes technology, standards, and most importantly, a “never trust, always verify” attitude. By Tim Wheeler, Cybersecurity Manager, Automation Direct Industrial enterprises worldwide face ever greater numbers of cyberthreats, especially from malware and ransomware. According to global data and business intelligence platform Statista, last year,…
The Evolution of the Human Machine Interface
Issue 52, 2024Notebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

The Evolution of the Human Machine Interface

From high resolution graphics to more interconnectivity and mobility, the HMI has become instrumental to plant productivity. Around 40 years ago, operator interfaces on the factory floor consisted of manual push buttons, switches, and dials. More sophisticated versions might incorporate a few indicator lights that could flash or change color to communicate alerts sent by…
Investigating Smarter I/O Options
CommunicationsIssue 52, 2024Notebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Investigating Smarter I/O Options

IO-Link modules, sensors, and other automation field devices help designers architect intelligent and cost-effective digital solutions so they can easily connect with industrial edge data for monitoring and controlling equipment. Byline: Kevin Kakascik and Chris Kregoski, AutomationDirect Traditional hardwired input/output (I/O) works well for monitoring and controlling sensors, actuators, and other field-installed devices associated with…
Motion Control for the Many
Issue 52, 2024Notebook Issue

Motion Control for the Many

Recent advances in micro-PLCs that support integrated motion, and also drive/controller devices, make it possible to take advantage of high-performance servo motor motion control without breaking the bank. By Chip McDaniel and Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Servo motor motion control is a mainstay for many types of machinery and equipment. For example, this technology can be…
More Epson LabelWorks PX Series Label Cartridges from AutomationDirect
NewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

More Epson LabelWorks PX Series Label Cartridges from AutomationDirect

July 31, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added metallic, printable ribbon, and craft paper tape labels to their selection of Epson LabelWorks PX series label printer cartridges. Epson LabelWorks label printers provide industrial-grade labeling solutions for a wide variety of applications. Metallic labels are great for barcode labels and asset identification applications. They provide a nameplate-like…
AchieVe LPPT Series Pressure Transmitters from AutomationDirect
NewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

AchieVe LPPT Series Pressure Transmitters from AutomationDirect

July 31, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added the AchieVe LPPT series pressure transmitters which offer great value for general industrial applications. These pressure sensors feature a rugged, compact stainless steel construction, are ideal for space limited applications, and are extremely affordable. AchieVe pressure transmitters offer a male 1/4” NPT process connection, measuring ranges up to…