Issue 53, 2024

Welcome to the fall issue of AutomationDirect’s NOTEBOOK, your guide to practical products, technologies, and applications! This fall season has been difficult for many of us in the direct path of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our thoughts are with everyone personally impacted. From a business standpoint, AutomationDirect is paying close attention to the supply chain given the disruption to transportation routes in parts of the southeastern U.S. In addition, the recent dockworker strike across 36 ports on the east coast may also have affected AutomationDirect’s suppliers. Product availability is a toppriority for the company’s customers. As such, a statement on actions taken as countermeasures can be found here. In this issue of NOTEBOOK, we continue to explore the many ways industrial automation products are making a difference. In our cover story, we dig into the evolution of motion controllers and PLCs looking at how the lines are beginning to
blur between the two. Motion controllers are now equipped with multiple I/O points, can support a variety of network protocols, and are capable of handling PID control, making these controllers just as sophisticated as the PLC. Meanwhile, PLCs are going beyond basic machine control and expanding into safety and motion, as well. But the two technologies are not synonymous in every way. On page 10, AutomationDirect’s Kevin McClelion and Joe Scoccimaro explain how to choose between the two. In a technical brief, Joe Kimbrell, product manager for motion control products at AutomationDirect, explains the difference between Ethernet communication protocols. Turn to page 22 to learn more. In a separate story on page 24, Joe offers an overview of encoders, providing details on what they are, how they can be configured, and how to choose the right option for your application needs. We also dig into some examples of how industrial automation can be used outside of the factory floor. In the success story “Automating a Luxury Bus” on page 27, we learn how Mark McHenry, founder of Systems & Controls, has leveraged his systems integrator skillset within the custom coachbuilder industry. Speaking of system integrators, turn to page 4 to learn more about AutomationDirect’s Systems Integrator program that connects end users of all sizes with SIs ready to support their automation needs. Connecting people is important, especially given the current workforce crisis. A second feature story shines a spotlight on the growing skills shortage. It’s estimated that nearly 350,000 people are retiring from the manufacturing industry annually — and they can’t fill those roles fast enough. Even with automation advancements, the industry still needs people. AutomationDirect education specialist Chip McDaniel addresses the issues on page 17. There is much more to explore in the following pages of NOTEBOOK. Please take a read, pass it along to your colleagues, and send us a note if there’s something you want us to cover in an upcoming issue!