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Introduction to Industrial Automation Systems
A foundational tour of how sensors, controllers, actuators and software work together in an industrial automation system, and how the pieces fit into one loop.
Automation and Operations
Automation Fundamentals
Core concepts, parts and measurements behind industrial automation.
Key Components of Industrial Control Systems
The physical building blocks of an industrial control system: controllers, I/O modules, field devices, power supplies and enclosures, and how they connect.
Measuring and Controlling Industrial Process Variables
How plants measure temperature, pressure, flow and level, and how feedback control with a setpoint keeps those process variables where operators want them.
Overview of Industrial Automation for Beginners
A plain-language starter for newcomers to industrial automation: key terms, typical examples from real plants, and a sensible order in which to learn the subject.
Understanding Industrial Automation for Beginners
A gentle first explanation of sensors, controllers and actuators, using everyday analogies and a simple example so newcomers can see how automation works.
What is Industrial Automation? A Comprehensive Overview
A definition of industrial automation plus a survey of its main components, the usual levels from field devices to enterprise software, and where it is commonly used.
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Automation and Robotics Control systems, robots, IIoT and conveyors. Maintenance and Repair Keeping equipment running and fixing common faults. Safety and Compliance Safer workspaces, equipment features and regulations. Choosing Equipment Matching equipment to budget, business size and industry. Equipment Performance Efficiency, monitoring and lifespan of running equipment. Automation Technologies PLCs, SCADA, networks, robots and smart factory building blocks. Automation Approaches Reviews, guides and example scenarios for adopting automation. Automation in Process Sectors How automation is applied in chemicals, food, energy and water. Automation in Manufacturing Sectors How automation is applied in vehicles, metals, textiles and other built products. Safety Equipment Protective gear and safety equipment for different industrial hazards. Regulations and Training General guidance on safety rules, chemical handling and worker training. Lean and Quality Lean manufacturing ideas and quality control in production. Predictive Maintenance Condition data and sensing used to predict equipment failures. Maintenance Strategies Preventive, total productive and mixed approaches to keeping plant running. IIoT and AI Connected sensors and artificial intelligence in industrial operations. Automation for Efficiency Using automation to streamline plants and raise productivity. Small Business Automation Automation options sized for small workshops and businesses. Equipment and the Business How owning, renting or leasing equipment shapes growth and output. Automation Outlook Where industrial automation came from and where it may be heading. Automation Benefits What automation and connected systems change for processes, energy use and jobs. Robots and Drones How robots and inspection drones have developed and what they do on site. Workplace Health How equipment, noise and layout affect the people who work around them. Industrial Data Analytics Using plant data to support business decisions. Electrical Safety Safety equipment, installation, training and panel repair for industrial electrical systems. Fire and Emergency Readiness Fire suppression and recovery equipment for facilities. Maintenance by Equipment Type Upkeep practices for machinery, pumps, generators, conveyors and harsh conditions. Supply Chain Operations How supply chain management and automation connect plants, suppliers and customers. Quality Control and Automation Equipment, automation and AI used to keep product quality consistent. Equipment Trends Review A look back at equipment, machinery and automation trends around 2023. Industrial Sensors How sensors support process control, quality checks and maintenance. Reliability and Maintenance Management How teams plan, measure and improve equipment reliability. Installation and Commissioning Getting new equipment installed, tested and handed over. Motion Control and Actuators The parts that make machines move precisely: servos, steppers, encoders and actuators.