One of the most common and powerful tasks an HMI can handle is the logging of information (data) from connected devices such as PLCs, VFDs, sensors, etc. Logged information can be used to generate trend graphs, export records for analysis, and troubleshoot alarms or machine failures – ultimately supporting continuous improvement across operations.
The world of Industrial Automation, Custom Machine Integration, and Advanced Manufacturing is filled with acronyms—many of which are essential to understanding systems, components, and processes. From PLCs to HMIs and everything in between, these terms are part of everyday conversations in engineering and operations—but they’re not always intuitive. To support engineers, technicians, and industry professionals, we’ve compiled a concise reference guide to the most commonly used automation and manufacturing acronyms every integration pro should know.
Ever found yourself frustrated by unexpected machine issues while you’re unable to see it from your desk or office? You’re not alone! In today’s highly digital and continuously expanding manufacturing environment, remote access capabilities are no longer optional but essential to keeping frontline operations flowing smoothly. In this blog, we cover how to connect to a Fuji Electric Monitouch V10 HMI using the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol. This protocol allows users to access and/or operate the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screen remotely without needing to be physically present at the machine. All you need is a network connection, so plug in and let’s get started.
At Live Automation (LIVE), we believe the future of industrial automation lies in strong partnerships and shared innovation. That’s why we’re proud to be a founding member of the ONDEX Automation Platform-a powerful ecosystem built to accelerate growth, streamline collaboration, and unlock smarter, more scalable solutions across the industry.
As automation continues to evolve, so do the demands placed on integrators, OEMs, and manufacturers. Digital Transformation, edge connectivity, cybersecurity, and data interoperability are no longer “nice to have”-they’re essential. The ONDEX platform was designed with exactly that in mind.
“The computer running the water treatment plant hasn’t been touched in 20 years.”
This statement would make any IT professional cringe given that security risks have been a concern of IT departments for decades, as their foundations are built on innovation and security, the need to constantly evaluate technology, remain compliant, and take measures to stay ahead of potential breaches. So when there’s a computer that has not been assessed and updated in 20 years, it’s basically an open door to a cybersecurity attack, one that could shake a business to its core, and along with it, customer faith and shareholder confidence. Read more
Older legacy control systems can be more than just a headache for manufacturers to deal with. Utilizing obsolete parts make it increasingly more difficult to purchase replacement parts – a sometimes lengthy process depending on part availability – with the length of operational downtime dependent on the availability. Once the part is available, then there’s the associated task of the programming resources required to get your factory up and running again.
Between the cost of system repairs and system down time, you can easily start to chip away at your bottomline. And when left unaddressed for too long, eventually your old control system will be the culprit behind more frequent unplanned downtime. Yet, the biggest risk with PLC and HMI solutions becoming obsolete and failing comes if you don’t have a back-up of the program. Read more
From assembly lines and quality checks to engineers and overseers, people have always played a vital role in the manufacturing of products worldwide. However, in recent years the need to exceed the expectations of the vast and growing economic patterns, manufacturing automation has slowly taken over and changed the way companies operate. From complex robotic systems to custom machine automation solutions, many roles once held by large individual workforces have been replaced, but also, human interaction has been reallocated to other positions needed to support industrial automation processes. Read more
Manufacturers looking to expand their operations and market share are keenly focused on operating more efficiently and increasing productivity, all while controlling costs and potentially working with limited staffing growth. And with today’s manufacturing processes being more advanced and complicated than ever before, manufacturers are investing in customized automation solutions to support their operations and business objectives. With that investment inevitably follows the question about who will support the company’s industrial controls systems? Is it better to staff the project internally or to seek outside help in the way of an PLC system integrator? Read more
