Automation Chat

8 Accidental Discoveries that Advanced the Chemical Industry: Guest Episode

In this episode, we’re sharing a guest episode from the “Chemical Processing Distilled” podcast from our sister publication Chemical Processing, hosted by its Editor-in-Chief Traci Purdum. She describes eight happy and fascinating accidents that ended up having profound effects on the chemical industry and on humanity. Even if you’re not in the chemical industry, you’ll enjoy this look at unintended discoveries that changed the world.

If you work in the chemical industry, you’ll want to subscribe to “Chemical Processing Distilled” on your favorite podcast app. This is one of the best podcasts for this industry — it’s educational and interesting, and I look forward to it coming out every week.

And as always with each “Automation Chat" episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck shares a family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Visit Chemical Processing magazine online at www.chemicalprocessing.com.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• 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. Please subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and review.

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** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Special Announcement: Webinars on Industrial Gateways, Harmonic Disturbances

In this special episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck announces two upcoming webinars she’s moderating in the next couple of weeks. If you can’t attend the live event, they’ll be available on demand afterwards.

“Industrial Gateways – Bridging the Communication Gap” will explain industrial communication protocols and challenges of needing different systems to interact harmoniously. “Mitigating Harmonic Disturbances for Better Electrical System Performance” will explain how to prevent energy loss & equipment downtime, boosting performance and saving costs.

Here are links to learn more and register for these webinars:

• “Industrial Gateways – Bridging the Communication Gap.” June 12, 2024, 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT. / 3 p.m. GMT. Register: https://rebrand.ly/psc612tj
• “Mitigating Harmonic Disturbances for Better Electrical System Performance.” June 18, 2024, 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. GMT. Register: https://rebrand.ly/phps618

“Automation Chat” is Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Solution Spotlight: SmartSights’ Analytics, Reporting & Notification Help Boost Performance

In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck talks with Greg Jackson, COO of SmartSights. Greg explains how WIN-911 Software acquired SyTech and rebranded the company as SmartSights, and what that means for its offering of analytics, reporting and notification solutions. Learn how the larger team allows the company to support a broader solutions portfolio and a full ecosystem, a larger R&D budget and its combined 3-in-1 solution.

Also see how these solutions help manufacturers with challenges like industrial data overload and the worker shortage, so users can view operations and get real-time information to make decisions and improve performance.

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

Resources from this episode:

• Video: How SmartSights Elevates Rockwell Automation Software.
  • On-Demand Webinar: SmartSights WIN-911 Mobile for Notification & Process Insights.
• SmartSights SmartBundle Web Page: WIN-911 + XLReporter.
• Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
  
  

You can also watch Theresa & Greg’s conversation on YouTube at https://youtu.be/9yuB7yoX9Fc. 

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 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Automation Chat News Update, May 2024

In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about new research on IT spending growth, enterprise adoption of GenAI, and an increase in both manufacturing jobs and facilities and how companies are dealing with the worker shortage.

You’ll also get news on:

• How the EPA’s Clean Air Act air-monitoring ruling will affect chemical processing companies, and implications of the EPA’s ban on methylene chloride.
• Unilever Ice Cream’s $21 million awarded to reduce carbon emissions.
• How marketing pros plan to protect their social-media brands from deceptive GenAI practices.
• How students and young professionals can win $1,000 from the IEC.

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

Resources from this episode:

• Download the MIT Technology Review Insights report, “The Great Acceleration: CIO Perspectives on Generative AI.”
• Read results of the “2024 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute Talent Study.”
• Learn about and enter the IEC U.S. National Committee Don Heirman Award Program.
• 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 leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we appreciate it.

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

** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

The Basics of Industrial Gateways

In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck brings the written word to life by reading the article, “The Basics of Industrial Gateways,” from Spectrum Controls. You’ll get a quick tutorial on gateways and the types of common industrial communication protocols, and how they can be used in mixed-protocol environments. 

Resources from this episode:

• Read the article online: “The Basics of Industrial Gateways.”
• Download the Spectrum Controls white paper, “Industrial Gateways: Bridging the Communications Gap.”
• 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 give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we really appreciate it.

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).

** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

What’s Coming Up in The Journal: May 2024 Issue

In this brief episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next edition of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our May issue. Our print magazine mails May 14, and our digital issue launches May 22. Learn about upcoming stories on:

• Protecting OT systems from aggressive cyberattacks.
• A case study about how a craft brewery switched from bottles to cans.
• The basics of encoders for motion systems.
• The basics of industrial gateways.
• 10 electrical safety mistakes to avoid.

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

Resources:

• 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 by visiting http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

If you like “Automation Chat,” please 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 LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Automation Chat News Roundup, April 2024

In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck reviews news highlights in industrial automation and manufacturing. This month, we cover an impactful robotics and simulation collaboration between READY Robotics, NVIDIA & Toyota for the automaker’s aluminum hot forging production.

We also report on important cybersecurity reports from Fortinet and Dragos Inc.; a cybersecurity firm acquisition by Rockwell Automation; cybersecurity awards; and sustainability achievements in hydroponics farms, green hydrogen and decarbonization.

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

Resources from this episode:

• Dragos Inc. 6^th Annual “Dragos OT Cybersecurity Year in Review.”
• Fortinet White Paper: “A Solution Guide to Operational Technology Cybersecurity.”
• System Integrator Avid Solutions.
• Learn about the READY Robotics and Toyota & NVIDIA collaboration.
• 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 leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we appreciate it.

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

** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Why Plant Managers Care About Outcomes, Not AI

In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck brings the written word to life by reading the article, “Why Plant Managers Care About Outcomes, Not AI.”

It's written by Mike Bacidore, contributing editor of The Journal and Editor in Chief of our sister publication Control Design. You'll learn the difference between and automated and autonomous system; how they're changing industrial automation; and artificial intelligence's role in determining results.

Resources from this episode:

• Read the article online: “Why Plant Managers Care About Outcomes, Not AI.”
• 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 give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we really appreciate it.

Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

What’s Really Happening with Industrial Cybersecurity & What You Can Learn

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’s blog: “Tracking Cybersecurity Progress at Industrial Companies.”
• Richard Springer on LinkedIn.
• Fortinet.
• Manufacturer’s Alliance.
• Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• 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 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Control Intelligence Guest Podcast: Insights from the 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report

We’re bringing you a surprise this episode of “Automation Chat” by providing a guest episode from our sister publication Control magazine. Rockwell Automation just released its 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, and for its “Control Intelligence” podcast, Control VP and Group Publisher Keith Larson interviewed Gerry Abbey, Rockwell Automation Manager of Analysts, Relations and Insights, to talk about the results.

You’ll learn how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) rocketed up the technology priority list. Why cobots, AMRs, AGVs and wearables ranked highly in new areas for technology investments. How cybersecurity continues to increase as OT and IT work together more and connectivity increases between digital and physical operations. And more.

“Control Intelligence” is hosted by Control editors and provides in-depth discussions with industry experts about important topics in the process control and automation field. Episodes explore underlying issues affecting users, system integrators, suppliers and others. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and get an archive of past episodes at www.controlglobal.com/podcasts. 

And as always with each“Automation Chat" episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck shares a family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:  

• Download the Rockwell Automation 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report.
• Visit Control magazine online at controlglobal.com.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• 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 LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook. 

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe, and leave us a 5-star rating and review.

** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.