Automation Services Defined

Automation services include all services provided by suppliers and system integrators associated with automation products and systems at various points in the lifecycle of the plant. ARC breaks down the major phases of the plant lifecycle into consulting, engineering and design, installation, operations, maintenance, and decommissioning.

What is Asset Lifecycle Information Management - ALIM?

Asset lifecycle information management (ALIM) assures high data integrity across systems and the associated people during the lifecycle of an asset from design, commissioning, handover, operations and de-commissioning.  A key function involves sharing of information so that all parties have the current document.  It also involves governance for authorization to read, edit or replace with an audit trail. 

Railway Cybersecurity: Securing Rail Operations and Assets

Cyber-attack has been a major issue for global rail operators, and it has been increasing the dependency on connected technology across the organization. Rail authorities have mechanisms in place which strengthen their cybersecurity posture, but these controls often lack a programmatic approach to securing the integrated communication systems (ICS) backbone. The path to success in railway cybersecurity begins with a logical, realistic counter measures.

Ethernet and OPC UA TSN for Automation Architectures of the Future

For years, the industrial world developed many of its own technologies, or reluctantly accepted proven “commercial” technologies, often with modifications. Today’s industrial companies feel the influence of commercial information technologies (IT) stronger than ever, driven by initiatives like Industrie 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Engineering Design Trends and Technologies for Plants and Infrastructure

Engineering design tools (EDT) are primarily used in two major industry segments: infrastructure projects; and process, power, and marine projects.  In both segments, the Internet of Things (IoT), laser scanning and photometry 3D models, and advanced asset information systems all support today’s digital assets and enable the smart, connected plant, building, ship, or other assets.  These, and other emerging technologies, tools, and approaches are changing the way engineers design assets, manage capital projects, and hand the assets over to operations.

Resolving the Quandary of Additive Manufacturing

New material formulations in metal powders and plastic polymers are being commercialized that allow additive manufacturing of finished parts with mechanical properties comparable to or better than those possible with traditional production methods.  These types of developments are expanding the scope of applications for additive manufacturing. In addition, the introduction of hybrid machines specifically for metal based printed parts, machine builders have combined both additive and subtractive processes.  This now offers another opportunity for