--- title: Premier Automation Blog (17) description: The best blog on industrial automation, robotics, system integration, and electrical engineering. (17) --- - 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 ## [What Industrial Analytics Platforms Offer Manufacturers](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-industrial-analytics-platforms-offer-manufacturers) Posted on [July 25, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-industrial-analytics-platforms-offer-manufacturers) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/industrial%20analytics.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/what-industrial-analytics-platforms-offer-manufacturers) [Internet of Things](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/3-high-tech-trends-in-industrial-solutions) has brought several changes to the conventional manufacturing landscapes, one of the major ones being the new wave of data streams due to a wide variety of sensory devices. Industrial Analytics is a concept that sits at the helm of all this, turning raw machine data into information that can be used to drive intelligent operations and processes. ## [Benefits of Manufacturing Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/benefits-of-manufacturing-automation) Posted on [July 18, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/benefits-of-manufacturing-automation) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Banner_benefits%20of%20mfg%20auto_square.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/benefits-of-manufacturing-automation) [**Automation**](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/revisiting-automation-the-big-picture) is the process of embedding industrial machinery like welders, material handlers, palletizers, cutters, dispensers, etc. into manufacturing industries. The utilization of hardware and software automation brings an increase in productivity, profitability and safety of the industry, and as a whole increase competitiveness. ## [DC Drives Still Important in the Time of the AC Drive](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/dc-drives-still-important-in-the-time-of-the-ac-drive) Posted on [July 12, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/dc-drives-still-important-in-the-time-of-the-ac-drive) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/dc%20drives-%20still%20important.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/dc-drives-still-important-in-the-time-of-the-ac-drive) [**AC Drives vs. DC Drives**](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/ac-drives-vs-dc-drives) is a battle that’s been going on for too long, and even though AC may have emerged the victor in several fields such as generation and transmission, DC is still a force to be reckoned with. ## [The Future of Additive Manufacturing](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-future-of-additive-manufacturing) Posted on [June 28, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-future-of-additive-manufacturing) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/1480603892662.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-future-of-additive-manufacturing) Ever since its inception, [**3D printing**](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/3d-printing-and-the-skilled-manufacturing-challenge) has been a hot-topic for research in the industrial world, as it introduced time and cost benefits that were otherwise inaccessible. Building on the very same base, [**Additive Manufacturing**](https://info.panelshop.com/blog/additive-manufacturing-the-tech-of-the-future-is-here) has proven to be an even more beneficial technique as it has fused together the sleekness of 3D printing and wide selectivity of manufacturing materials. ## [How Safe is Your Motor Control Center?](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-motor-control-center) Posted on [June 21, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-motor-control-center) 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/how-safe-is-your-motor-control-center) A **[Motor Control Center (MCC)](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/power-distribution/)** is an integral part of a manufacturing plant, and its continuous operation is vital if the company wants to make a profit. The **[safety of Motor Control Centers](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/safety-beyond-the-motor-control-center)** is a hot-topic in modern equipment design due to the ensuing hazards, most notably arc flashes. The safety of both the MCC as well as the personnel who operate it should therefore be a priority and appropriate guards must be in place to tackle any emergency. ## [How to Manage & Reduce Risk on Automation Projects](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/manage-and-reduce-risk-on-automation-projects) Posted on [June 08, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/manage-and-reduce-risk-on-automation-projects) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Banner_how%20to%20manage%20and%20reduce%20risk_square.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/manage-and-reduce-risk-on-automation-projects)   Some projects may appear to be simple in the beginning, however problems arise that might not have been considered, which can ultimately end up costing a large amount of precious time and money. Delays can be avoided by taking a few steps to minimize risk and increase productivity. We will explore how uncertainties can derail a project and how you can reduce damage to your company’s timeline and budget. ## [Improving Shutdown Process](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/improving-shutdown-process) Posted on [May 11, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/improving-shutdown-process) by [Michael Rukavina](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/michael-rukavina) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Banner_improving%20shutdown_square.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/improving-shutdown-process) **Millions of dollars are wasted on shutdowns by companies who are not aware of the ways to develop their shutdown process.** If an employee is hurt on a machine, all of the machines must be shut down in your facility. **[Factory shutdowns](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-3-ways-to-defeat-choice-paralysis)** are necessary in this case, but they are often done incorrectly. You can look at other companies having these problems and understand how to fix certain issues. The process of shutting down is a series of documents and meetings resulting in a final report that displays everything that was learned and what to do if this happens again. ## [The Rise of Industrial Robotics](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-rise-of-industrial-robotics) Posted on [May 05, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-rise-of-industrial-robotics) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Banner_the%20rise%20of%20industrial%20robotics_square.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-rise-of-industrial-robotics) While the Great Recession may have put a dent in several industries, it did push-start the rise of industrial robotics. The sudden spotlight drew attention from all corners and in 2013 more than 5000 patents were passed for **[robotic technologies](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/robotics/)**. Plus, the annual order for robotics in North America surpassed its 20,000-unit threshold as a result of increased investment by several venture capitalists. ## [Five Factors of a Successful Launch of Your Lean Journey](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/five-factors-of-a-successful-launch-of-your-lean-journey) Posted on [April 27, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/five-factors-of-a-successful-launch-of-your-lean-journey) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Banner_5%20factors%20of%20a%20successful%20launch%20of%20_square.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/five-factors-of-a-successful-launch-of-your-lean-journey)   **[Lean manufacturing](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-most-fundamental-oee-terms)** can be a very worthwhile investment, as it can have a very significant effect on your productivity and profitability. But beginning your lean journey is a daunting task and a serious investment, involving a lot of effort and a bunch of money. If not managed properly, a launch into the lean is at risk for serious failure, so keep the following factors in mind to greatly increase your chances of a successful launch. ## [Safety Beyond the Motor Control Center](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/safety-beyond-the-motor-control-center) Posted on [April 19, 2017](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/safety-beyond-the-motor-control-center) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Premier%20Banner_safety%20beyond%20the%20motor%20contro%20center_square.jpg)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/safety-beyond-the-motor-control-center)   Safety is a top priority for companies and facilities not only because it protects its workers but it can also protect its machinery.  **[When developing safety and control systems, facilities](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-top-3-safety-concerns-in-manufacturing)** tend to focus on the machines and products inside the facility, but outside factors should not be forgotten.  Companies should look beyond what is controllable in their facility when setting up their motor control centers. 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