--- title: Premier Automation Blog | Premier Automation (8) description: The best blog on industrial automation, robotics, system integration, and electrical engineering. (8) --- - a - [eBay Store](http://stores.ebay.com/premierautomationllc) - [PanelShop.com](https://panelshop.com/) - [Careers](http://careers.premierautomation.com/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Visitors](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - b - [What We Do](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/) - [Solutions](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/) - [Robotics](https://www.premierautomation.com/robotics/) - [Who We Help](http://www.premierautomation.com/who-we-help/) - [Our Story](http://www.premierautomation.com/our-story/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) ## We’re here to help in any way we can, contact us today. **Phone:** [412.373.3700](tel:4123733700) **Fax:** 412.373.2900 **Email:** [sales@premierautomation.com](mailto:sales@premierautomation.com) [![premierautomation](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/logo.jpg?width=480&name=logo.jpg "premierautomation")](http://www.premierautomation.com/) - [PanelShop.com](https://panelshop.com/) - [Careers](http://careers.premierautomation.com/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Visitors](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - [What We Do](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integrator-overview/) - [Overview](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integrator-overview/) - [Project Methodology](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/project-methodology/) - [Systems Integration](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integration/) - [Repair Services](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/repair-services/) - [Field Services & Commissioning](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/field-services-commissioning/) - [Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) - [Overview](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) - [Core Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/core-solutions/) - [Drive Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/drive-solutions/) - [Power & Distribution](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/power-distribution/) - [Products](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/products/) - [Robotics](https://premierautomation.com/robotics/overview/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Case Studies](https://premierautomation.com/who-we-help/projects/) - [Literature](https://info.premierautomation.com/literature) - [Blog](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog) - [Visiting Premier Automation](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - [Supplier Code of Conduct](https://premierautomation.com/resources/supplier-code-of-conduct/) - [About](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-history/) - [Our Mission](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-mission/) - [Our Culture](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-culture/) - [Our History](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-history/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) ![tempBanner.jpg](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/tempBanner.jpg?width=1470&name=tempBanner.jpg "tempBanner.jpg") ![blog2.jpg](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/blog2.jpg?width=1584&name=blog2.jpg "blog2.jpg") # Innovative Thinking ## Premier Automation ### Recent Posts ## [Maximum Efficiency in Gear Motors for Automated Control Systems](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/max-efficiency-gear-motors-automated-control-systems) Posted on [January 02, 2019](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/max-efficiency-gear-motors-automated-control-systems) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Gear-Banner.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/max-efficiency-gear-motors-automated-control-systems) In today’s world of **[industrial automation solutions](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/)**, efficiency is one of the most heavily scrutinized aspects of automated control systems. Any part of an assembly line that is not operating at its maximum efficiency is going to end up costing more money in an energy analysis. In such an analysis, the energy usage of the components becomes the area with the most emphasis. ## [The 3 Tiers of Automated Quality Inspection](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-tiers-of-automated-quality-inspection) Posted on [January 02, 2019](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-tiers-of-automated-quality-inspection) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Automated_Quality_Inspection.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-tiers-of-automated-quality-inspection)   Implementing or integrating an automated quality inspection system can be a daunting task. To justify the cost, the system must be highly accurate, provide analytical insight, and allow the operator to communicate with and control the system. There are three tiers to quality inspection that can help you achieve the most value from an automated system. ## [Choosing Between Cobots and Industrial Robots](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/choosing-between-cobots-and-industrial-robots) Posted on [December 28, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/choosing-between-cobots-and-industrial-robots) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/cobots%20and%20robots.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/choosing-between-cobots-and-industrial-robots) Robots have served as the backbone of the manufacturing industry for decades, replacing humans in repetitive, laborious and time-consuming tasks. Advancements in engineering introduced robots to **[Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-future-of-industrial-robotics)** and soon, the idea of collaborative robots took over. The scope of having a machine understand and work with you was promising, triggering developers to vigorously work on the idea. Simultaneous advancements in technology and boom in processing capabilities, turned the entire idea into practicality. ## [Differences between SCADA & HMI](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/differences-between-scada-and-hmi) Posted on [December 28, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/differences-between-scada-and-hmi) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/acd%20drives%20vs%20dc%20drives%20%281%29.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/differences-between-scada-and-hmi) Many beginner automation enthusiasts often fail to establish appreciable differences between **[Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/hmi-historian-integration)** and **[Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/5-steps-to-effective-hmi-programming)**. They often confuse both these entities as being similar and working for the same end-result. While the latter may be true, as in the end achieving automation is the desired result, the two terms are quite different and have limited overlap. ## [Finding New Value in Automation: Redesigning Processes](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/finding-new-value-in-automation-redesigning-processes) Posted on [December 28, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/finding-new-value-in-automation-redesigning-processes) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/New-value-in-automation.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/finding-new-value-in-automation-redesigning-processes) Automation has been a driving force in production and manufacturing over the past few years. Automation and control engineers are becoming more and more valuable as improvements in manufacturing become more necessary to keep up with technology.  Automation can bring great value to companies and improve production quality and efficiency.  Companies need to evaluate how automation can improve their business and give the company a step up in competing with other manufactures. ## [Motor and Motor Control Troubleshooting Techniques](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/motor-and-motor-control-troubleshooting-techniques) Posted on [December 28, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/motor-and-motor-control-troubleshooting-techniques) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/How%20Safe%20is%20Your%20Motor%20Control%20Center-.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/motor-and-motor-control-troubleshooting-techniques) The widespread use of **[motors](http://panelshop.com/products/ac-motors/)** in fields ranging from manufacturing to household applications means that downtime due to a malfunctioned motor can result in a great loss of productivity. A step-by-step approach is the best way you can analyze and subsequently troubleshoot a failed system. ## [AC Drives vs. DC Drives](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/ac-drives-vs-dc-drives) Posted on [December 28, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/ac-drives-vs-dc-drives) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Key-Differences-AC-and-DC-Drives.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/ac-drives-vs-dc-drives) The need for **[Electric Drives](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/drive-solutions-what-is-a-line-reactor)** is universal, and is increasing at a resounded rate due to constant innovation in the field of industrial automation—specifically **[robotics](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/robotics/)**. Electric Drives offer the most efficient solution to controlling the output of a motor, and therefore are widely used in almost all industries, big or small. **[Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/understanding-variable-frequency-drives)** are required for precise control of speed, position and torque at different loads, which is not efficiently achievable through other methods such as introducing resistance. Some of the benefits of Electric Drives, AC or DC are: - A high level of efficiency in an industrial environment - Have a predictable behavior - Allow the control of starting current - Have faced great advancement in recent years and are now embedded with microprocessors and digital electronics components ## [Basics of Lean Manufacturing](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/basics-of-lean-manufacturing) Posted on [December 17, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/basics-of-lean-manufacturing) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Template%20%2812%29.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/basics-of-lean-manufacturing) While the entire idea of **[Lean Manufacturing](https://premierautomation.com/tag/lean-manufacturing/)** and the benefits that come with it do sound enticing, several system integrators and vendors that have tried to implement it have run into hurdles which have prevented a complete adoption of the framework. From unfinished actions following Kaizen, to constant doubts from the management team, to individual personalities, Lean Manufacturingoften leaves engineers scratching their heads. ## [What Does Signal Processing Have in Store for Industrial IoT?](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-does-signal-processing-have-in-store-for-industrial-iot) Posted on [December 11, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-does-signal-processing-have-in-store-for-industrial-iot) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Template%20%2811%29.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-does-signal-processing-have-in-store-for-industrial-iot) [**Internet of Things**](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/roadblock-for-smooth-transition-to-industrial-iot) isn’t a far-fetched concept any more. The industrial world is making strides in its implementation backed by accelerated R&D, and while multiple definitions regarding the concept still exist, almost all stakeholders consider it a distributed network of intelligent sensors that allow operations to be controlled from a remote location in a precise manner. ## [What Happens When a Cobot Becomes Your Coworker?](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-happens-when-a-cobot-becomes-your-coworker) Posted on [December 03, 2018](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-happens-when-a-cobot-becomes-your-coworker) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Template%20%2810%29.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-happens-when-a-cobot-becomes-your-coworker) Advancements in Artificial Intelligence are becoming more rapid allowing today’s industrial plants to become more smarter, faster and safer. Collaborative robots present the best use case for AI technologies, guided by visioning camera system, driven by machine learning algorithms. 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