--- title: Premier Automation Blog (16) description: The best blog on industrial automation, robotics, system integration, and electrical engineering. (16) --- - 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 ## [How Robots are Changing Heavy Fabrication](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-robots-are-changing-heavy-fabrication) Posted on [October 30, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-robots-are-changing-heavy-fabrication) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/robots.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-robots-are-changing-heavy-fabrication) A technological evolution is underway in the Heavy Fabrication industry, particularly those that involve large-part & large-plat foundry applications. Conventionally, the industry has relied heavily on human labor, hoists and cranes to get the job done, but the downward trend in the cost of robots has allowed these industries to look towards **[robotic automation](http://www.premierautomation.com/robotics/overview/)**. ## [What to Consider When Specifying for New Components](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-to-consider-when-specifying-for-new-components) Posted on [October 16, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-to-consider-when-specifying-for-new-components) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/new%20components.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-to-consider-when-specifying-for-new-components) At one point or another, system engineers have to go through the challenging task of [replacing a component](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/finding-new-value-in-automation-redesigning-processes) with a new one. It may be due to a vast amount of reasons such as: - The manufacturer discontinued support - Lack of reliability in terms of procurement - Overly-inflated cost - Frequent failures - Technical conflicts However, replacing a part isn’t that easy, especially when choosing it in the first place required going through a lengthy process. The major problem is the absence of a direct cross-reference pointing to the new item. The entire product specifications have to be dissected and then searched through various manufacturers’ products. ## [Speak to Your Electrical System with PLCs](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/speaking-to-your-electrical-system-with-plcs) Posted on [October 16, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/speaking-to-your-electrical-system-with-plcs) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/PLCs.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/speaking-to-your-electrical-system-with-plcs) The **[Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/core-solutions/automation-solutions/?_ga=2.69635988.526222128.1506517665-1846552895.1490626045)** has been one of the most evolving components of the automation industry, quick to take on changes that would enhance its capabilities and functionalities. PLCs have become completely assimilated into all major industries that require some sort of automation to complete their processes. ## [The Benefits of Busbar Power Distribution Systems](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-benefits-of-busbar-power-distribution-systems) Posted on [September 29, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-benefits-of-busbar-power-distribution-systems) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/busbar.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-benefits-of-busbar-power-distribution-systems) A typical busbar system is made up of copper busbars and splice connectors, and provide a standard way of making connections to panel mounted and bus mounted components. A high degree of safety is maintained throughout all such actions. Busbar power distributions systems are gradually taking over conventional wiring methods as they have a number of benefits attributed to them. ## [Trends Impacting Motion Controls](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/trends-impacting-motion-controls) Posted on [August 28, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/trends-impacting-motion-controls) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/trends.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/trends-impacting-motion-controls) Two major trends have greatly impacted the Motion Controls industry, and are currently affecting the global controls market: **safety and single-cable servo motors**. Therefore, knowing about the changing trends beforehand can serve as a great way to route the selection of your automation hardware in the right direction. ## [The Knowledge Required for IoT](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-knowledge-required-for-iot) Posted on [August 22, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-knowledge-required-for-iot) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/iot.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-knowledge-required-for-iot) **[The Internet of Things (IoT)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-future-of-additive-manufacturing)** is one of the most important, if not the most important topic of R&D units throughout the global industrial landscape. It is part of the new industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0, and its prime focus is to offer greater reliability, flexibility and security within industrial systems through connectivity. As **[IoT](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/3-high-tech-trends-in-industrial-solutions)**is combination of various technologies, and focusses on the coordinated operation of multiple assets, it is impossible for traditional developers to adjust to the new reality without uplifting their knowledgebase. ## [Switching from AC to DC for Clean Energy](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/switching-from-ac-to-dc-for-clean-energy) Posted on [August 17, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/switching-from-ac-to-dc-for-clean-energy) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/switching%20from%20ac%20to%20dc.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/switching-from-ac-to-dc-for-clean-energy) Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison are two polarizing figures in the field of electricity, both being equally credited and acclaimed for their inventions and innovations. As we know **[AC, or Alternating Current](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/drive-solutions/ac-drives/?_ga=2.29561983.1117422405.1498224540-1836542848.1498224540)**, was invented by Tesla while Thomas Edison put his [**DC power**](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/drive-solutions/dc-drive-solutions/?_ga=2.29561983.1117422405.1498224540-1836542848.1498224540) to work, with both sides trying to prove their technology’s worth. At the time DC won the battle but in the long-run lost the war, as eventually the entire global electric infrastructure adopted AC as the standard for transmission and distribution.   ## [Premier Automation is Recognized as Fastest Growing Company & Best Places to Work](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/premier-automation-recognized-by-pittsburgh-business-times) Posted on [August 07, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/premier-automation-recognized-by-pittsburgh-business-times) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/W%20%283%29.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/premier-automation-recognized-by-pittsburgh-business-times) **August 7, 2017 -** Premier Automation has recently been confirmed a winner of the 2017 Fastest Growing Companies by the Pittsburgh Business Times! In addition to receiving this recognition, Premier Automation was also a winner of the Pittsburgh Business Times 2017 Best Places to Work. With nearly 100 employees, 8 of whom were part of the original founding team, Premier Automation’s vision remains the same as they strive to help local, national, and international companies become more technologically advanced, efficient and competitive through innovative answers and passionate engineering. Premier Automation looks forward to many more successful years. **Stay tuned for more information on Premier Automation's rankings!** ## [Design Out Waste and Build Lean In](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/design-out-waste-and-build-lean-in) Posted on [August 02, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/design-out-waste-and-build-lean-in) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Design%20Out%20Waste%20&%20Build%20Lean%20In_small.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/design-out-waste-and-build-lean-in) Industrial Automation may have eased the manufacturing sector’s worries about an abundance of things, but there are undoubtedly times where over-automating a unit isn’t the solution. It is noted that product and process designs take up 80% share of the total manufacturing costs, but almost always control engineers work hard to reduce the 20% left, rather than rectifying any errors in the former. The **[father of Toyota’s Production System, Taiichi Ohno](http://www.toyota-global.com/company/vision_philosophy/toyota_production_system/origin_of_the_toyota_production_system.html)** devised seven canons of any design process that account for wastage of resources, and ultimately drive up costs. Today, the concept is known as [Lean Manufacturing](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/five-factors-of-a-successful-launch-of-your-lean-journey), and heavily followed throughout the world. These seven wastes included overproduction, waiting, transportation, over-processing, inventory, defects and motion. ## [4 Ways to Improve Midstream Process Optimization](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/four-ways-to-improve-midstream-process-optimization) Posted on [July 28, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/four-ways-to-improve-midstream-process-optimization) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/acd%20drives%20vs%20dc%20drives%20%281%29-1.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/four-ways-to-improve-midstream-process-optimization) Uncertainty in global markets acts as one of the biggest motivator for optimization of all sorts. The recent oil price slump was alarming for all, from government-owned oil companies to century old gas-giants. In such situations, every dollar saved per unit is rewarded, as the stakes are simply too high. Process Optimization is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve profit margins and drive a company through prolonged market slumps. 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