Category: SCADA

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).

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

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