Automation Chat

Automation & Manufacturing News Report, January 2025

** Named “Best Podcast” for 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In our January 2025 news report, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck’s updates include Rockwell Automation’s smart water technology award, a major U.S. Dept. of Energy grants for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, and some new product announcements. Other topics include:

• ODVA-Certified Passive Harmonic Filter Technology.
• FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI quality inspection platform.
• Illinois Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program federal grant.
• ODVA process device profiles for RTD and thermocouple temperature sensors.
• New distribution fuses.
• New industrial cameras with embedded AI core.
• And more.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Trans-Coil International (TCI) PQconnect passive harmonic filter technology.
• Learn about the FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI quality inspection platform.
• Learn about Kezzler’s Connected Products Platform.
• Learn about the IMPERX Panther Series of Deep Learning industrial vision cameras.
• Learn about Mersen’s MDC15D Series Distribution Fuses.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Please share this episode with someone else who would benefit from the information. And kindly leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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BONUS Episode! Product Spotlight: Real-Time Collaborative Machine Alarm Notification

In this exclusive episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from the Automation Fair 2024 show floor, The Journal’s Managing Editor Amanda Joshi talks with Greg Jackson, Chief Operating Officer and John Oskin, Senior Vice President with SmartSights. You’ll learn about the company’s Peer issue-management accelerator for real-time intelligent alarms, alerts and engineer-to-operator collaboration for its WIN-911 machine & process alarms notification suite.

Also learn how SmartSights has made it easier for system integrators and distributors to install, configure and deploy its systems.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/_fmJz9Cr250.
• Learn more about SmartSights.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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Please share this episode with others who would benefit from the information.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

Product Spotlight: Compact, Wireless Process Measurement Instrumentation for Hygienic Applications

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

In this special episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from the expo floor at Automation Fair 2024, The Journal’s Managing Editor Amanda Joshi talks with Endress+Hauser’s Jason Pennington, Director of Digital Solutions and Keith Riley, Product Marketing Manager of Level+Pressure, about the company’s new compact, Bluetooth-enabled process measurement instrumentation for hygienic applications in industries such as food and beverage, life sciences, water wastewater, etc.

The product line includes Vibronic point level detection Liquiphant models, a vibration point level switch for safe liquid overfill prevention; Cerabar hygienic pressure transmitter; and Micropilot radar transmitter. Communication protocols include 4-20MA HART and I-O Link.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Learn more about Endress+Hauser.
• Watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/-p1YBQeXR0w.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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Please share this episode with others who would benefit from the information.

BONUS Episode! Product Spotlight: Smart Transformer Helps Prevent Power Loss, Maintain Uptime

In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from the show floor at Automation Fair 2024, The Journal’s Managing Editor Amanda Joshi has an exclusive interview with Sumant Vashisht, Product Solutions Manager, Hammond Power Solutions (HPS).  Learn about the HPS Smart Transformer that incorporates an HPS low or medium voltage transformer with a pre-installed IIoT-connected power meter.

It enhances predictive maintenance and helps prevent power loss by using real-time monitoring and advanced analytics to provide users with insights into transformer and electrical system health. Ideal for manufacturing, data centers, hospitals and other critical applications.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Learn more about Hammond Power Solutions.
• Watch their interview on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wi2Dpq1hyTQ.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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Find us on X (Twitter).

Please share this episode with others who would benefit from the information.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

Product Spotlight: Integrated Stepper Motor Controllers & Drives with CIP Sync

In this special episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from the expo floor at Automation Fair 2024, The Journal’s Managing Editor Amanda Joshi chats with Justin Stewart from Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI) about the company’s motion control technology, now with CIP Sync that allows for precise time synchronization between multiple devices on an EtherNet/IP network. This enables coordinated motion control with minimal latency across different devices within a system.

Also see new features such as Safe Torque Off, IP67 environmental protection, absolute encoder feedback and more.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/E_O5K32PsUE.
• Learn more about AMCI.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on YouTube.

Find us on LinkedIn.

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Find us on X (Twitter).

Please share this episode with others who would benefit from the information.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

Our #1 Episode of 2024! What’s Really Happening with Industrial Cybersecurity & What You Can Learn

This is a special encore presentation of our #1 most popular episode of 2024 in our “best of” series!

Manufacturing is now the #1 target for hackers. Smart, connected devices on the plant floor are high-value cyberattack targets because of the intellectual property they contain — and just one day of downtime can cost millions.

In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck talks with Richard Springer, Director of Marketing, OT Solutions at Fortinet, about findings of its revealing study, “Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk,” developed in collaboration with the Manufacturers Alliance Foundation.

They discuss key takeaways, cybersecurity trends, and lessons that can help manufacturers fortify their cybersecurity efforts. Also learn how IT/OT collaboration is a key to finding mutual goals that balance security and operational priorities. And discover what the U.S. SEC has to do with cyberattack reporting.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Download the report, “Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk.”
• Richard Springer on LinkedIn.
• Fortinet.
• Manufacturer’s Alliance.
• Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
  
  

You can also watch Theresa & Richard’s conversation on YouTube at https://youtu.be/esFAKPAbCSY.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

 ** Named Best Podcast 3 Consecutive Years! 2022 – 2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

BONUS Product & Manufacturing News Report, December 12, 2024

** Named “Best Podcast” for 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In our bonus news report this month, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck’s updates include life sciences market trends as well as new products announcements. Some of this episode’s topics include:

• Fortinet’s new innovation hub in Chicago.
• Integration of the Rockwell Automation NVIDIA Omniverse programming interfaces into the Rockwell Automation Emulate3D digital-twin software.
• Rockwell Automation & Microsoft’s advanced cloud and AI solutions.
• Festo’s suite of pneumatic systems safety products.
• HPS Smart Transformers from Hammond Power Solutions.
• ProSoft Technology’s IEC 61850 ControlLogix module.
• Hardy Process Solutions’ HI5069-WS Series weight modules for Rockwell Automation Compact5000 PLCs.
• And more.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• 1756 ControlLogix Integrated Motion Module Migration from AMCI.
• Hammond Power Solutions HPS Smart Transformers.
• IEC 61850 ControlLogix module from ProSoft Technology.
• Learn about HMS Networks.
• To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Please share this episode with someone else who would benefit from it. And kindly leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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Find us on X (Twitter).

First Look: Automation & Manufacturing News, December 10, 2024

** Named “Best Podcast” for 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode’s news report, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck provides updates about:

• 2025 smart manufacturing and mobility trends & predictions, including GM layoffs, Chinese manufacturers relocating and more.
• Endress+Hauser’s TÜV Rheinland IEC 62443-4-1 security standard certification.
• Key leadership changes at Fluke Corp. and Rockwell Automation.
• HMS Networks’ reorganization into three divisions.
• And more.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Learn about HMS Networks.
• To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

 

Please share this episode with someone else who would benefit from it. And kindly leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on YouTube.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Our #2 Episode of 2024! Practical Steps for Protecting IT & OT Systems from Ransomware Attacks

This is a special encore presentation of our #2 most popular episode of 2024 in our “best of” series!

In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Dave Kang, Advisory Solutions Architect at Dragos and Kamil Karmali, Senior Global Commercial Manager, Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation. Get nuts-and-bolts, practical information about strengthening cybersecurity for industrial networks and systems, including:

• How ransomware attacks have evolved over the past year.
• Steps you can take to prepare for — and recover from — an attack.
• Common governance models and decision-making structures.
• 3 key considerations for developing a unified IT and OT strategy.
• Workforce needs for an effective cybersecurity strategy.
• How effective cyber hygiene and risk posture helps reduce risk of cyber incidents.
• Cybersecurity-related compliance requirements in North America and around the world.
• Why it's vital for manufacturers to have a business continuity plan.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Blog: 6 Steps to Reduce Industrial Cybersecurity Risks.
• Q&A with Executive Editor Theresa Houck: Understanding the OT Threat Landscape Helps Manufacturers Improve Cybersecurity
• Rockwell Automation Manufacturing Industry Cybersecurity web page.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at n

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8Pm670QAO9E.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on YouTube.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe to “Automation Chat" and give us a 5-star rating and a review.

Our #3 Episode of 2024! How Edge Computing Simplifies & Enhances AI-Based Cybersecurity in IT & OT

This is a special encore presentation of our #3 most popular episode of 2024!

As advancements in cybersecurity have improved detection and response capabilities, managing the immense amounts of data required by AI-based cyber solutions remains a challenge. So, in this episode, we chat about how edge computing can enhance cybersecurity. Executive Editor Theresa Houck is joined by Valerie Schneider, Business Development Manager and Mike Wurster, Director of Strategic Alliances with Stratus Technologies to discuss:

• The biggest cyberthreats facing manufacturers & producers.
• How industrial firms can deal with these cyberthreats.
• How AI can be integrated with existing OT security technologies & processes to provide a comprehensive Defense-in-Depth strategy.
• How AI can enhance threat detection & response in OT environments.
• Best practices for improving cybersecurity.
• How edge computing & virtualization let users consolidate multiple applications on a single platform, allowing cybersecurity protocols to integrate with applications like HMI, SCADA, MES and batching.
• How to balance security measures with usability & productivity.
• Steps for improving OT cybersecurity without significant investment or disruption to operations.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0kQ1c3z36MM.

Resources from this episode:

• Stratus & Rockwell Automation Partnership: “Together, Simplifying Edge Computing for the Connected Enterprise.”
• Analyst Brief: “Virtualization with Stratus Zero-Touch Computing Platforms.”
• White Paper: “Edge Computing Bridges IT and OT People, Process, and Technology.”
• Email Valerie Schneider at valerie.schneider@stratus.com.
• Email Mike Wurster at mike.wurster@stratus.com.

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Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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Find us on X (Twitter).

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.