By Jose Rivera
We are on our final stretch toward the 2023 CSIA Executive Conference in New Orleans. Lots of work goes into planning the event by us (CSIA staff) and by all the presenters, panelists, and Expo exhibitors. The conference creates an ideal opportunity for hosting side events before the conference kick-off. Some vendor partners gather with their SI networks, some peer groups meet in-person, and one-on-one meetings are organized leveraging people’s travel.
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Download Recipes and Upload Production Metrics -
Bi-directional Connectivity Between Rockwell PLC and SQL Database
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TranTek Automation designs and builds automated welding, material handling, inspection and assembly solutions.
Recently, their client requested a system of six automated plasma cutting robots. The robots would be coordinated to work synchronously applying plasma torches to steel structural parts according to various recipes.
One of the challenges they faced during the machine-building processes involved connecting the customer’s higher-level IT system to the machine controller for downloading recipes and then storing manufacturing metrics after the production run was completed.
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The Alarming Truth About Digital Transformation |
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The vital role trusted partners play in this important journey.
By Keith Mandachit, PE, and Barbara Padgett
A million tablets of medication produced an hour, and it all starts at the front of the line where raw ingredients are carefully mixed, measured and monitored in large stainless-steel tanks.
It’s a finely tuned process; but what happens if something goes wrong with the pressure in these stainless steel tanks, for example? Plant workers depend on notifications for even the slightest pressure change, which could mean the difference between a smooth running, meticulously calculated production line and a major catastrophe.
Alarming Scenarios
It's an alarming scenario that threatens plants daily. The ability to monitor critical process variables and be notified when something is not right is vitally important in every stage of industrial manufacturing and utility processes.
But how do you ensure those notifications are seamlessly transferred to your operations and automation teams, and even beyond to business offices or whomever needs to know?
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Four Ways a Smart MQTT Broker Helps Ensure Data Consistency |
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By Xavier Mesrobian
We all need consistent data. If the gas gauge on your car is stuck at half full, you might find yourself taking a long walk one night, gas can in hand.
Likewise, an operator monitoring an HMI or SCADA system needs to know exactly what’s happening on the physical device. Any disconnects or network irregularities must be known. Data that’s stale or out of correct time sequence can lead to incorrect decisions.
Systems that use MQTT are no exception. But a regular MQTT broker is just a pass-through mechanism, with no knowledge of the data it handles. A smart MQTT broker, on the other hand, parses the data as it flows through, and makes intelligent use of it.
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Edge Computing Helps System Integrators Lay the Foundation for Project Success |
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By Mike Bradshaw
Edge Computing platforms should empower system integrators who want to help their clients stay competitive in this rapidly evolving digitalized environment. System Integrators who have used Stratus Edge Computing platforms have created best-in-class automation and control solutions with the following capabilities:
1. Resilience by design: Edge Computing platforms with built-in redundancy help protect from costly unplanned downtime. This means you can develop solutions that continue to operate mission critical applications like HMI/SCADA, without interruption.
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“Let’s Take it Outside” – Choosing a Dispute Resolution Forum |
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By Brian Clifford
Sooner or later, most systems integrators will have a project issue with a customer that reaches an impasse.
Perhaps it is an issue arising from some ambiguity in the scope of services – with each party having some legitimate basis for their position.
Or perhaps it is an issue arising from external factors unanticipated by either party in their agreement – such as distress of the project lender.
Or maybe the other side is just refusing to be anything but an unreasonable jerk.
Dispute Options
Regardless of the cause of a dispute, the contract terms you decide upon will control the method used to resolve the impasse – and you have several options to consider, including these three most common processes...
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Beyond the Multiple: How Profitability Impacts Value |
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By Bryan Powrozek
If you are a business owner curious about the value of your business, you probably already know that one method of determining it is to apply a multiple to your pre-tax profit, also known as your Earnings Before Interest Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA).
Once this method is learned, many owners become obsessed with determining and driving up their multiple. However, that is only half of the equation.
Profitability Is Half of the Equation
Every business works hard to improve the profitability of their operations. System integrators tend to focus on optimizing their project management, reducing costs and diversifying their service offerings.
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Defining General and Professional Liability |
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By Jeff Forbes
As I’ve heard it often. Why do I need both general liability and professional liability? What’s the difference?
In simple terms, general liability policies are designed to cover tort liabilities that cause bodily injury or property damage resulting from your business operations.
Professional liability policies typically insure against liability for monetary or other damages resulting from professional services.
The answer would be easy if we could stop there. But most general liability policies are endorsed to exclude claims, even bodily injury and property damage claims, that arise from professional services.
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Date: Wednesday, April 19
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. (CT)
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Date: Wednesday, May 3
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. (CT)
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Here’s your quarterly roundup of recent content you may have missed. |
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Talking Industrial Automation Podcast
If you are a podcast fan, you’ll want to check out CSIA’s Talking Industrial Automation. Some of the latest episodes include:
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Mike Bradshaw of Stratus Technologies (Episode 82) - Since April 2019, Stratus has completely revamped its partner ecosystem and the programs that support it, providing greater benefits to the partners while driving double digit growth for Stratus reports Mike Bradshaw, Senior Director - Global Channels and Partner Ecosystem. He explains why in this episode.
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Business and Technical Webinars
CSIA members and industry experts share their expertise in these free virtual event recordings.
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The past few months have been active on the M&A front for the industrial automation industry with the following transactions:
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KORE and Twilio have signed an agreement for KORE, a CSIA member, to acquire the IoT unit of Twilio. Details are here.
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Convergix Automation Solutions, an automation solutions company backed by leading private equity firm Crestview Partners, has completed the acquisition of Eagle Technologies. Read more here.
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VINCI Energies acquired Avanceon LLC, a CSIA Certified and founding member. Learn more here.
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E Tech Group acquired of E-Volve Systems. Both companies are CSIA members. Here are the details.
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CSIA Member Rockwell Automation acquired Knowledge Lens. It also announced a strategic investment in READY Robotics.
Disclaimer: M&A Corner is not intended to be a source for breaking news but a place to get caught up on recent deals.
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LATAM Update / Noticias de LATAM |
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By Carolina Casas Anzola
Due to the pandemic, we had to wait 3 years for José M Rivera, CEO, of the CSIA to visit Mexico. On this occasion, together with Carolina and Cynthia of the Latam team, we visited Partners in Mexico City and our Certified member in the City of Hermosillo, Sonora.
The visit began on Tuesday, March 14, we shared with several of our integrating members during the event organized by our Partner Beckhoff. In said event, they were able to observe the implementation of the Best Practices Manual and all the innovations that Beckhoff has for 2023, a combination that guarantees resounding success.
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Por: Carolina Casas Anzola
Debido a la pandemina, tuvimos que esperar 3 años para que José M Rivera, CEO de la CSIA visitará México. En esta oportunidad junto con Carolina y Cynthia del equipo de Latam, visitamos a Partners en la Ciudad de México y nuestro miembro Certificado en la Ciudad de Hermosillo, Sonora.
La visita comenzó el martes 14 de marzo, compartimos con varios de nuestros miembros integradores durante el evento que organizó nuestro Partner Beckhoff. En dicho evento pudidos observar la implementación del Manual de las Mejores Prácticas y de todas las innovaciones que tiene Beckhoff para este 2023, una combinación que garantiza un éxito rotundo.
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Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors! |
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Stay in the know on the latest CSIA and industry news. Follow us on social media! |
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