Controllers, Drives and robots have thousands of lines of programme and equal amounts of variables. Linked with IT systems controls can become vulnerable to security issues both internal and external.

Proactive monitoring of equipment and control systems, can lead to increased plant efficiencies, reduced unplanned downtime and operating and maintenance costs.

This article is targeted towards the more technically aware but it also has an underlining message to anyone commissioning new PLC work - to insist on the use of International standard IEC 61131-3.

Most electrical installations suffer damage and deterioration or alteration through their operational life, therefore electrical inspection and testing will be essential to confirm the safe operation of the installed installation.

In today's manufacturing environment efficiency and control have become paramount in order to maintain a competitive advantage. Technology is now capable of bridging different software applications to merge information and control from manufacturing systems through to resource planning and management.

According to the General Food Law traceability systems are a requirement in the food industry. All food and feed manufacturers are obliged to keep records for the 'one up, one down' supply chain relating to ingredients bought and products delivered including a record of processes in between.

Users, integrators and OEMs save money and improve information flow with a variety of digital networks. Here's a brief look at the networks, benefits and applications.

Common processes that generate an explosive hazard include flour and animal feed milling, sugar grinding, spray drying of milk and instant coffee, the storage of whole grains and most finely divided materials. In the article we show how hazards can be avoided and automatic safety warnings applied.

Mill operators should be well aware of the importance of complying with British and International safety standards in order to ensure continued functionality of equipment and safety for users. In this article we show how full protection is built in to the control system.

To face the challenge of increased demand for its quality flour and its own need for recipe based home baking products, Wrights Flour Mill needed the greater flexibility and efficiency that would be gained from modern control technology.

In today's factory environment PLC's have led to far greater flexibility allowing manufacturing changes to happen quickly and easily, reducing the cost of change and the downtime of machinery. We describe how a PLC works and the benefits that can be obtained through modern process technology.

In the design and build of process control systems for the milling and food industries there is need for vigilance and accountability regards safety procedures and record keeping. Flour and feed mills represent a high risk environment and for historic reasons mills are often situated in older, inadequate buildings.