Category: PLC

Inside the Logic: A Technical Look at PLCs and Their Role in Automation

What Is a PLC and Why Quality PLC Programming Is Critical

If you’ve ever walked through a manufacturing facility and seen a machine come to life at the push of a button, chances are a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) was behind the scenes making it all happen. Think of a PLC as the brain of an automated system—taking in inputs, making decisions based on logic, and then triggering outputs that control everything from motors and valves to lights and sensors (and more).

From PLC to Trendline: Data Logging with Fuji Monitouch V10 HMIs

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.

Lost in the Alphabet Soup? A Real-World Manufacturing Guide

The world of Industrial Automation runs on a special kind of alphabet soup. PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD… these aren’t just letters; they’re the language of the plant floor. While the engineering textbooks give you one definition, we all know they have a second, unwritten meaning—the one you learn at 2 AM when a line goes down.

Powering the Future of Automation Through Innovation & Partnership

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.

ICS Security Solutions to Protect Critical Business Operations

“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

Avoid Obsolescence Risk with PLC Retrofitting

Increase Operational Productivity and Reduce Machine Downtime

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

Benefits of PLC Remote Access to Manufacturers

Integrating more efficiency makes way for competitive advantages

As you may be experiencing first-hand, world events like COVID-19 impact the ability for manufacturers to insure uninterrupted production given supply-chain pinch points as suppliers, transport logistics, etc. are affected by government regulations. And for those manufacturers who have a labor force impacted by illness, or who have had to limit operations due to resource availability, the fear of a total stop in production is an added stress at this already heightened time.

To minimize downtimes and stoppages from a machine performance perspective, and to have a plan to cover workforce absences, forward-thinking manufacturers are setting up their factories with remote access to machines for monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance purposes. With PLC remote access offering fast, secure and easy remote monitoring, the short-term investment produces a quick return for most companies who are realizing the need to transform the way in which they work in the wake of COVID-19 and its impact on the global economy. Read more

Outsourcing an Automation System Integrator

Benefits to Industrial Manufacturers

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 solution s 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