The explosion of new products and growing customer expectations require greater flexibility, reliability, openness, and performance in manufacturing and production operations. To meet these demands, companies are turning to a new generation of performance-driven technologies.More>>

With today's global economic crisis, the automation sector is looking to increase the efficiency of its plants while keeping costs down. As automation engineers and plant managers strive to optimize their systems, they are increasingly turning to IT technologies to get real-time information from...More>>

During the past year, I've been discussing some of the best practices required to successfully add a new sensor to your operations. This month, I'll examine the next to the last step in the process: commissioning the sensor. In this phase, you're simply ensuring the sensing device is functioning...More>>

Most people believe the least demanding part of making a measurement is installing the sensor, and sometimes it is. But in modern, complex manufacturing processes, the expense of installing the device can be greater than the cost of the sensor itself, and the process can be daunting and time...More>>

For complex inspection and part-placement applications, the vision system-and all the expenses required to support it-may be the only way to go. But for those less-demanding vision tasks, there's a solution that gets the job done without breaking the bank.More>>

This is the ninth essay in a series expanding on an article I wrote for Sensors titled A Twelve-Step Sensor Selection Checklist. In July, I talked about acquiring the sensor and the expert technical services you require. This month, I'll focus on making sure you get what you asked for.More>>

In many cases, the selection of a sensor, particularly in difficult applications, is the result of trial and error. Although the applications for diffuse-mode photoelectric sensors are diverse, the most effective selection and use of the technology requires an understanding of the operating...More>>

This is the eighth essay in a series expanding on an article I wrote for Sensors titled A Twelve-Step Sensor Selection Checklist. In May, I talked about the process of soliciting bids. This month, I'll focus on acquiring a sensor, or measurement device, and expert technical services.More>>

The harsh conditions that typify welding environments in automotive assembly lines play havoc with inductive proximity sensors, drastically reducing their operational life. To reduce replacement and maintenance costs, automotive manufacturers demanded more rugged sensing devices. Sensor providers...More>>

Continuing with my series on the twelve-step sensor-selection process, this month I'll look at the best practices for soliciting bids for the devices you've specified. Remember, your aim is to obtain price quotes from two to four qualified suppliers. The vendors should meet the requirements...More>>