The importance of omnichannel – Part 2

13 December, 2021

Ian Simpson: “The omnichannel approach is already the norm in the consumer space – now is the time for the fluid power industry to follow suit and in so doing reap all the major benefits that are to be had.”

By Ian Simpson, divisional managing director, Flowtech Fluidpower plc.

A better skills future – but not tomorrow

04 November, 2021

The recent Government push into addressing skills shortages in the UK is welcome – but is it too late, asks Chris Buxton, outgoing CEO, the British Fluid Power Association

Edge software for quick development of advanced machine analytics

27 October, 2021

Emerson has announced the PACEdge industrial edge platform designed to help manufacturers accelerate digital transformation projects by enabling users to quickly create and scale up performance-improving applications.

360 degree process indicator sensor

07 October, 2021

Achieving simple and effective confirmation of process transparency would be high on most system operators’ wish list. For example, what medium is currently in the tank? Is the process proceeding as planned? Or are the values outside of the tolerance limits? The new KingCrown process indicator from sensor and instrumentation specialist Baumer presents this critical information to operators easily and conveniently at a single glance.

The importance of omnichannel – Part 1

27 September, 2021

Ian Simpson: “Companies that don’t embrace the digital advancements that are available to boost sales and cater for changing customer sales channels are going to be left behind or, in the worse-case scenario, go out of business.”

By Ian Simpson, divisional managing director, Flowtech Fluidpower plc.

SICK’s sHub helps to prevent machine downtime

24 September, 2021

SICK has launched the sHub sensor hub, a smart add-on to its Hiperface DSL single-cable motor feedback system, which turns servo motors into a source of data for real-time condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of machines.

Task Controller software for agricultural machinery

27 August, 2021

Parker Hannifin is expanding its ISOBUS Suite software by launching the full version of its ISOBUS Task Controller (TC) for standardised work management on agricultural vehicles such as tractors, harvesters and other self-propelled machines. ISOBUS TC functions as a link between FMIS (Farm Management Information System) software and implements controls on the vehicle, managing an ISOBUS task from FMIS and issuing accurate documentation of completed work and other relevant data. The major benefit for users is that farming becomes more precise and effective, while costs and time reduce. To help meet the demands of modern precision farming, ISOBUS TC is able to gather geo-referenced data using GPS. As a result, it is possible to plan location-based tasks by means of variable-rate prescription maps. Variable rate control can utilize vegetation growth map data captured by satellites and drones, or crop yield map data captured from the previous season by harvesters. The use of GPS also offers another type of functionality known as section control. During operations such as spraying, sowing or fertiliser spreading, farmers can avoid distributing the product twice in the same place by automatically closing sections of the implement in areas where application has already occurred. Parker’s ISOBUS TC features an easy-to-use interface that provides an intuitive and simple way to configure even the most complex multi-function implements. Features such as clear product assignment and drag-and-drop functionality provide particular assistance. Besides the ISOBUS TC app, Parker’s ISOBUS Suite software also includes an app for the ISOBUS Universal Terminal (UT), a user interface for ISOBUS-compatible implementations, and a file server for the ISOBUS network to facilitate easy data transfer.

Coils for demanding applications in agriculture, forestry and farming

10 August, 2021

ATAM, provider of encapsulated coils and industrial connections, has introduced a new range of coils, the series 471, 472 and 473. The coils are offered with the 3 different external diameters of 37mm, 45mm and 65mm, and with different electrical connections, DIN, DEUTSCH and AMP JT, to meet several customer requirements.

New row spacing technology – a move towards pure agronomy

21 July, 2021

A key to secure productive and sustainable farming, is the placing of seeds at optimal distance from each other. However, most present seeders have fixed row distance and thus have low adaptability for different crops or soil conditions. Now, a recently launched concept called Flexrow has been designed for dynamically adjusting the row spacing in agricultural machines. According to the company, it paves the way for pure agronomy when it comes to row spacing.

Improving sustainability in food processing

04 June, 2021

Energy efficiency is an important consideration for sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing. In any industry, sustainability is a growing concern. Manufacturers are taking action by implementing innovative technologies that tackle the waste of energy but also wider sustainability concerns, such as recyclability and waste management. Here, Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses three of the most popular trends for improving energy efficiency and sustainability in food and drink processing.

Boosting glass vial and syringe production

29 April, 2021

Fluke Process Instruments, the international manufacturer of industrial temperature measurement systems, offers powerful sensing tools for glass vial and syringe production that allow manufacturers to ramp up production while ensuring consistent high product quality.

New jet pump hydraulic artificial lift for lowest cost of lifting a barrel of fluid

22 March, 2021

Wanner International Ltd has launched its new Hydra-Cell jet pump hydraulic artificial lift solution that is claimed to offer the lowest cost of lifting a barrel of fluid, reducing costs in oil and gas production, generating major savings over the lifetime of a well. The seal-free, no packing API 674 system is suitable for mainstream oil and gas production. It does not require a workover rig, pulling unit or slick line unit for servicing or well production optimisation.

Beyond Brexit – insight on the industry impact in 2021

09 March, 2021

The UK has left the single market and customs union, meaning the rules for moving goods between the UK and the EU are now more complex. The free trade agreement means that tariffs and quotas won’t apply but businesses must still navigate customs declarations, requirements on products’ origins, and other sources of increasing paperwork and cost.

Virtual operator training offers learning without limitations

07 January, 2021

By Matthew Masarik, marketing manager, design software, Rockwell Automation.

Keeping the blades turning to ensure customer continuity during the pandemic

26 November, 2020

There is little doubt that the world is witnessing unprecedented times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A vast majority of the world’s population and businesses have been affected in some way, and the global engineering community is no exception. National lockdowns have proven particularly challenging for factories trying to remain operational and ensure deliveries to key customers.