iiot

How to Meet Shortages in IIoT Skill Sets

Complete operation efficiency can be one of the most challenging goals for any manager to accomplish, especially in today’s world. Meeting new technological challenges, optimizing systems, and addressing outdated technologies as you defend against cyber attacks is no small task.  IIoT technologies are becoming increasingly demanding, and it can be hard for companies to fill…

automation

How Automation Solves the Talent Gap Problem

In business, planning for what comes next is essential—but it’s definitely one of those things more easily said than done. There’s a trio of aspects necessary for planning to happen: vision, experience, and expert input, whether in-house or outsourced. Plenty of companies have vision—and many among that number have experience, at least when it comes…

scada

SCADA Is Changing—Here’s How

When talking about technology, fast-paced change is the name of the game. SCADA is no different. For decades, SCADA has been a critical piece of many automation systems, with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) only increasing SCADA’s potential value and impact in the automation field. But the increased inclusion of IIoT gives both returns…

PLCs

The Difference Between Microcontrollers and PLCs

Look in almost any automated factory today and you’re bound to see machinery running on PLCs (programmable logic controllers). Their rugged durability has made them prime assets on production floors. Another contender, microcontrollers, carry very similar functionality to PLCs—and also have their uses.  But while this small, single-chip computing device has an edge on PLCs…

scada

Bridging the IT/OT Gap with SCADA

Sometimes it can seem like operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) live on two separate planets, especially where data retrieval is concerned. But as Industry 4.0 develops, a business’s continued success is tied to how well both OT and IT staff can access data essential for decision-making and efficient plant procedures. SCADA may provide…