IT/OT convergence isn’t just a concept, a catchy mnemonic, nor a convenient abbreviation jumble It’s a very real and significant challenge facing manufacturers. At the crux of the issue is how information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) have historically approached the planning, structure and governance associated with their respective technology layers. In general, manufacturers […]
The impact of cybersecurity breaches on infrastructure control system owners/operators is more visible than ever before. Whether you work for an infrastructure owner/operator or are a consumer of an infrastructure service, the events of the past few months have made it clear that cybersecurity is an important factor in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery […]
Today, many industrial organizations face a common question when considering how to adopt new technology, “To be successful, what is the best way to install, manage, monitor and maintain technology?” which quickly leads to the related question, “If I embrace new technology, should the information technology (IT) or operations technology (OT) function be responsible for it?” And finally, “Do we have the knowledge and expertise […]
The concrete world that surrounds us owes its shape and durability to chemical reactions that start when ordinary Portland cement is mixed with water. Now, MIT scientists have demonstrated a way to watch these reactions under real-world conditions, an advance that may help researchers find ways to make concrete more sustainable. The study is a […]
FDT Group, an independent, international, not-for-profit industry association supporting the evolution of FDT technology, today announced that in cooperation with the OPC Foundation it has developed an update to the FDT OPC unified architecture (UA) companion specification merging the information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) domains within a new server-level universal device information (DI) Model. […]
Learning Objectives Engineers play a major role in virtually every aspect of life. Industry demand for engineers is outpacing the supply of graduates. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is looking to expand enrollment and upgrade facilities. Many of Wisconsin’s most notable companies have grown from family businesses founded decades ago into multibillion-dollar companies with an […]
Sulzer’s Pasadena Service Center has opened an extra-large capacity test center for ac and dc motors. Located in Houston, this capability further strengthens the company’s maintenance and repair offering for large and extra-large motors used in the process, power, marine and heavy industry sectors. The new test facility at Sulzer’s Pasadena Service Center is part […]
Last summer, researchers from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering including Adam Smith received a grant to study wastewater in different cities as a way of predicting future outbreaks ahead of testing data. The foundational concept: the RNA from the COVID-19 virus sheds in fecal matter, even in asymptomatic patients, and thus can share ahead of time trends of […]
Diversity hiring is the most overlooked aspect of company success. Hiring members of underrepresented groups offers both economic and social value, but it’s not easy. If it were easy to successfully hire and retain a diverse team, everyone would be doing it. Which would mean you’ve lost a massive competitive advantage. I’m going to address […]
For years, process plant personnel have pursued the elusive goal of predictive maintenance. Rather than running to failure or servicing too frequently, plants try to monitor their equipment status, note developing problems, and address issues proactively. Such techniques cut maintenance cost significantly while providing dramatic production and profitability improvements. Unfortunately, most maintenance crews have had limited success in their quest. Predicting impending problems is often quite difficult to achieve in practice, with the biggest impediment to success usually a lack of information. How can […]