Control Design – May 2019

machine performance, quality and availability. With cloud

and edge computing, the data can be shared across multisite

operations and analyzed more closely to compare machines,

lines and plants around the world. These technologies are all

available now from a single vendor in an open hardware and

software ecosystem.

Mike Freund, managing director at Rittal North America (www.

rittal.us), As the manufacturing facilities become

more automated, and the general capabilities of

automation become more advanced, companies are going to

have to track technology. One of the biggest challenges that

we’re all going to face is going to be attracting and inspiring

talented people. The shortage of talent is out there, so

partnering with a company like Rittal will you give you the

ability to integrate software with the panel itself and the

design. It helps companies become more ef cient as OEMs to

evolve their machines. And it helps end users to integrate

those machines into their processes.

Robert S. Grzib, marketing manager at CDM Electronics (www.

cdmelectronics.com), What we’ve found for smaller to

mid-sized companies is that staf ng levels have

maintained or increased, contrary to the traditional fears of

front-line production personnel. Much of the automation imple-

mented, mainly cobots, relieved pinch points in the production

process caused by human fatigue, variances in experience

levels and training issues. If upstream productivity has a new

level of both output and consistency, more staff are potentially

needed to address downstream operational areas associated

with manufacturing, quality, shipping and even administrative

functions. Retraining and shifting robot-displaced employees

to new roles seems to be the rule, hence staf ng levels are at

the very least remaining steady.

Fran Bridges, vice president of engineering at Magline (www.

magliner.com), Machine automation and controls will

reduce staf ng and create opportunities for a more

diverse workforce with fewer injuries.

Finally, an I/O solution we

can milk for all it’s worth.

Sealevel is an American-owned designer and manufacturer of critical

communication products, I/O and industrial computers. With more than

30 years of experience and over 250 standard products, our forte is using

in-house engineering to create custom adaptations for our partners,

precisely matching their application requirements.

Industrial automation. It’s where Sealevel got its start. Let’s start something together.

30 years of experience and over 250 standard products, our forte is using

SEALEVEL.COM

The SeaLINK® 2402 USB

serial I/O adapter provides

USB connectivity to legacy or

non-USB compliant devices.

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