--- title: Premier Automation Blog (18) description: The best blog on industrial automation, robotics, system integration, and electrical engineering. (18) --- - 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 ## [The 3 Most Fundamental OEE Terms](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-most-fundamental-oee-terms) Posted on [July 13, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-most-fundamental-oee-terms) by [Ryan Breen](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/ryan-breen) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/The-3-Most-Fundamental-OEE-Terms.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/the-3-most-fundamental-oee-terms) One of, if not the most important term in manufacturing to understand is OEE, or overall equipment effectiveness. In general, OEE is the measurement of plant equipment’s technical performance in accomplishing a task so that the manufacturer can judge the effectiveness of the asset. They can then use this information in order to add value to the business through the analysis of capacity losses or gains through the part. ## [6 Ways to Improve Profits with Control Engineering](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-improve-profits-with-control-engineering) Posted on [June 20, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-improve-profits-with-control-engineering) by [Gregory Kinzler](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/gregory-kinzler) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/6WaysControlEngineering2.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-improve-profits-with-control-engineering) Control engineers are capable of boosting productivity, profit, quality of products, and overall plant safety. A key aspect to the success of effective control engineering design is exploring sensible controls early in a project's design. Creative ideas are a pivotal point when designing a control system and are crucial to the operation of any manufacturing project. ## [Revisiting Automation: The Big Picture](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/revisiting-automation-the-big-picture) Posted on [June 20, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/revisiting-automation-the-big-picture) by [Michelle Szemanski](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/mszemanski) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/revisiting.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/revisiting-automation-the-big-picture) When do you turn to an automation solutions company — when your current automation system fails? Many companies regard automation systems with the bare minimum of concern, only closely examining a system when something breaks. Efficiency gets reduced to making equipment run for as long as possible with as little maintenance and attention — and therefore cost — as possible. So when an automation system breaks down, companies often replace the broken pieces with slightly newer parts that function the exact same way. ## [3D Printing and the Skilled Manufacturing Challenge](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/3d-printing-and-the-skilled-manufacturing-challenge) Posted on [June 15, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/3d-printing-and-the-skilled-manufacturing-challenge) by [Ryan Breen](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/ryan-breen) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/3D_Printing_Skilled_Mfg.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/3d-printing-and-the-skilled-manufacturing-challenge) Every generation of engineers tries to challenge the traditional idea of engineering — it's the nature of engineering to constantly push for more efficient, innovative ways to solve problems. Yet basic fundamentals of entire industries rarely change. Now, with a new generation of computer-savvy engineers, a tremendous shift has started to transform the manufacturing sphere of engineering. ## [Simple Tips to Reduce Risk on Automation Projects](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-manage-and-reduce-risk-on-automation-projects) Posted on [June 08, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-manage-and-reduce-risk-on-automation-projects) by [Gregory Kinzler](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/gregory-kinzler) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Simple_Tips_to_Reduce_Risk_on_Automation_Projects.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-manage-and-reduce-risk-on-automation-projects) Some projects seem straightforward and simple in the beginning; more often than not, problems arise that were never considered and end up costing a big chunk of precious time and money. Delays can be avoided by just taking a few steps to minimize risk and increase productivity. In this article we are going to take a look at how uncertainties can derail a project and how to reduce damage to your company’s timeline and budget. ## [How to Adopt OEE More Effectively: Part II](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively-part-ii) Posted on [June 01, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively-part-ii) by [Peter Dorsey](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/peter-dorsey) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Adopting_OEE_More_Efficiently_Part_2.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively-part-ii) In the first part of **[How to Adopt OEE More Effectively](http://premierautomation.com/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively)**, we reviewed OEE calculation (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and how it can be used to improve a plant's performance. This week we are going to talk about how to use it properly. ## [How to Adopt OEE More Effectively](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively) Posted on [May 25, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively) by [Peter Dorsey](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/peter-dorsey) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/How_to_Adopt_OEE_More_Efficiently.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-adopt-oee-more-effectively) OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) is used on a global scale to help manufacturing companies improve production and reduce losses. OEE is a measure of how effectively your equipment is being used in your production line. It is not a measure of your plant as a whole, but rather a measure of each machine that is a part of the process. The goal of OEE is to isolate parts of your production process that can be improved. OEE is best adopted as a measurement tool to help you identify and track the progress of changes in your line. If OEE calculation is about using your equipment effectively, how can you use OEE itself to the best effect? ## [How to Integrate Your HMIs for Plant-wide Control](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-hmi-server-client-configuration) Posted on [May 18, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-hmi-server-client-configuration) by [Jeff Hessom](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/jeff-hessom) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/integratedHMIs.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-hmi-server-client-configuration) How do you keep up with your processes – walking from machine to machine? Integrating your **[HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/5-steps-to-effective-hmi-programming)** into an Ethernet networked control system gives you a centralized window into your entire process. It works by gathering data from the control system and distributing it to different areas of the facility. One PC at an operator station or in a control room can lay out real-time processes, report data over time, and make live adjustments to day-to-day operation. **HMI Server/Client Configuration** breaks down into just two components: **Servers and Clients.** ## [Remote Monitoring with Telemetry, Part 2](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-remote-monitoring-with-telemetry-part-2) Posted on [May 10, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-remote-monitoring-with-telemetry-part-2) by [Jeff Bishop](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/jeff-bishop) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Remote_Monitoring_with_Telemetry_Automation_Solutions.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-remote-monitoring-with-telemetry-part-2) In **[Remote Monitoring with Telemetry: Part 1](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/automation-solutions-remote-monitoring-with-telemetry)**,  we reviewed the top 10 advantages of using radio telemetry for remote monitoring. Those benefits included faster response time, lower cost, security, low maintenance, ease-of-use, and more. But there's also more to telemetry than the basics. In Part 2, we'll take a look at transmission distance and signal power for use of telemetery in automation solutions. ## [Drive Solutions: Preventative Maintenance for Variable Frequency Drives](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/drive-solutions-preventative-maintenance-for-variable-frequency-drives) Posted on [April 21, 2016](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/drive-solutions-preventative-maintenance-for-variable-frequency-drives) by [Michelle Szemanski](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/michelle-szemanski) [![](https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/PM_for_VFDs.png)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/drive-solutions-preventative-maintenance-for-variable-frequency-drives) **[Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/understanding-variable-frequency-drives)** can extend the life of your motors, but how can you extend the life of your VFD? The most expertly specified VFD is only as useful as its operational reliability. This guide reviews variable frequency drives basics of care to ensure long-term productivity and cost-effectiveness. 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