Newsletter

Modern PLCs Support Dependable SCADA Communications Water and wastewater treatment systems of all sizes are essential and roughly 90% of U.S. systems are considered small (serving 10,000 or fewer people). Though large and small plants often use similar technologies, they operate at very different scales and budgets for automation and staffing. Recognizing this disparity, the…

Five Ways AI Will Grow ROI on Plant Floors in 2026 AI isn’t new to manufacturing. Vision systems can already spot defects; predictive maintenance models can keep bearings from failing unexpectedly; and scheduling software can adjust production on the fly. What’s changing in 2026 is the reach and capabilities of these tools as well as…

Getting with the Object-Oriented Program Object-oriented programming concepts have become an important part of modern industrial automation, helping streamline PLC and HMI development. The introduction of user-defined instructions (UDIs) across the AutomationDirect Productivity PLC platform gives developers a new way to encapsulate logic and data. This approach accelerates development, promotes reuse of proven code, and…

Overcoming Problematic Installs with Wireless I/O While some industrial monitoring and control systems are easily connected to their associated field devices, the harsh reality is that many installations are much more complicated. Input/output (I/O) signaling over long distances, especially where there is not a convenient wiring path, is a costly proposition. Learn more Supplier Profile…

Free Online PLC Training – No Purchase Necessary As automation expands, understanding electrical control systems is increasingly important. To meet growing demand for PLC knowledge, we developed a free online training program available to anyone, anytime. This course covers PLC fundamentals and their application in industrial processes, as well as specifics for our PLC offerings…

Stepper Motors: What They Are and Their Role in Industrial Automation Trying to get perfect, repeatable motion can be a headache. A small mistake in positioning can ruin a job and cost you time. The solution is precision motion—that’s where stepper motors come in. So, what is a stepper motor? Watch the video PLC or…

Cooking Up a Partnership With busy lives and schedules often bursting at the seams, ready-to-eat (RTE) food has become a convenience that many indulge in—and some may even rely on. RTE meal providers highlight the taste, quality, and nutrition of their offerings, emphasizing premium ingredients and careful preparation as key selling points. However, an often-overlooked…

Automated Robotic Welding Cuts Production Time by Over 90% A manufacturing company teamed up with a systems integration firm to significantly accelerate an infrastructure project by integrating a robotic welder with precision motion control, intelligent safety systems, and other advanced automation components. Learn more Demystifying Motion Control Anyone who has ever observed a modern factory…