PLC an Indispensable part of Industrial Automation

Automation is revered as one of the most prospective fields in the present day and age owing to colossal advancements and innovations taking place in this field. There are multiple types of automation tools that are being put to use in industries in order to bring efficiency in productivity and reduction in expenditures, PLC being the most commonly used for multiple input and output arrangements.

Role of PLC
With tools such as Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), the convertibility, flexibility and turnaround time is affected in a positive way as you will not be forced to build the production lines again and again or have a wall of covered with relays to control the functions performed by a particular machine. Switching from one product to another product is much easier than what it could be otherwise.

Technical Programming
Using the PLC automation tools is quite a technical task and one needs to have thorough knowledge as well experience in order to use it. It is possible to program the controller and use it but one needs to make sure that all the steps of the automation process are correctly analysed and performed accordingly.
 
Use of PLC
PLC is highly used in the automotive industry and can be put to use to automate processes like control of operations on workshop layout, to control and define functions of rides in amusement parks, in light shows and more...

PLC vs Computers
The Best feature of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) that sets it apart from other computers is it’s resistance against factory environment which is full of dust, abnormal temperature variations like too hot or too cold, moisture etc...

What’s more!
Apart from the core factory controls, PLC can also be used in basic industrial automation like switching off lights, fans, A/c at certain times of the day, monitoring security system, Workshop door opening and closing and more...

The above points make PLC an indispensable part of Industrial automation! Read more about PLC Automation at http://www.smartautomation.in/plc-automation/

How Automation Companies Are Creating Futuristic Homes – Benefits Of Smart Homes

It is a futuristic world we are living in today. Yes, devices and appliances in your smart home can today communicate with one another and with you digitally. You can control and monitor them with the touch of a button on your smartphone anytime anywhere! Automation companies are indeed creating smart futuristic homes involving use of PLC / SCADA, cables and wires, touch screen / plates / panels, LAN and networking linking all with lights, HVAC, electronic appliances, security systems, and various other devices electrically used at home. The key objective is facilitating comfort and convenience at the same time ensuring that you save energy significantly and live safe lives.

Top 5 benefits of smart homes:

1. Convenience: You cannot be at two places at the same time, but smart homes let you be there! Irrespective of where you are, you can access your home and accordingly control and manage electrical functioning of the various home systems. With the touch of a button on your smart phone, you can make everyday home activities happen automatically

2. Energy savings: Smart homes help manage energy consumption, leading to optimum energy usage. Certain smart devices like motion or occupancy sensors can be synced up to lights and HVAC so that they turn on and off automatically accordingly to occupancy. Use of LED lights and 5-star rated HVAC and electronic appliances further facilitate reduced consumption of energy

3. Automated security of home, assets and occupants: Installation of a comprehensive range of security products like CCTV cameras, DVRs, biometric door locks, glass break sensors, motion detectors, gas leak detectors, access control systems, and more ensure that you, your family members, and home assets are safe. Besides, you can monitor the security of your home from anywhere

4. Boon for the elderly and disabled residents: Easy accessibility and control of lights, door locks, HVAC, electronic appliances, and more, via a smart user interface such as smart phone, ipad or remote is a boon for the elderly and disabled residents.  Time can also be pre-set or scheduled for certain automatic tasks.  They, thus, need not be dependent on others. 

5. Increased resale value: Smart homes have high resale value compared to other conventional homes. It is worth the investment of turning your home into a smart home. You not only save big money on energy savings besides enjoying comfort, convenience, and security like never before but also enjoy high value appreciation of your property.

For more information on Smart and Luxury homes or to make your home as a smart one you can visit http://www.smartautomation.in/home-automation/

Role of RFID in Automation

The world today, is, to a great extent, steered by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). If automation technology is gaining momentum, RFID is equally seeing its heyday. Both technologies are here to stay and will steer the future. RFID plays a significant role in automation, especially in terms of security with application areas ranging from access control kids tracking and attendance in schools, keeping tab of IT inventory and assets to supply chain management, libraries, healthcare, animal tracking, and the list goes on.

RFID technology is generally used in the form of a tag (in passive and active options), consisting of a microchip applied to a miniaturized antenna, carrying a unique ID and programmed with information that can be read and written. The tag is invisible to the reader. It transmits information using radio waves.

11 application areas and benefits of RFID technology

1.      RFID enabled security cards enable control of access to gated communities, residential complexes, corporate offices or individual homes, modern parking lots, and other secure areas.

2.      RFID facilitates auto attendance of students in class / school negating the time wasted in manual roll calling.

3.      On security purposes, monitoring of students within the campus and while on the move in GPRS enabled school buses is easy with RFID tags embed in the ID cards of students.

4.      For the IT industry, RFID is a boon. Where hundreds or thousands of servers are used in busy data centres, keeping tab of the IT inventory is easy with RFID.

5.      Tracking of assets and management of infrastructure in IT units is simplified with RFID technology.

6.      In the manufacturing sector, potential cost savings and other benefits are ensured with the use of RFID technology. Fixtures and other components tagged with RFID can be further reused without lengthy hassles resulting in reduced impact on the environment and saving on manufacturing costs. While usage of paper is reduced, high quality, fewer errors, and better tracking of inventory are ensured.

7.      Today, RFID is integral in supply chain risk management. Disruption of supply flows and the ripple effect caused thereby is often common in the supply chain segment. This can be checked and prevented with RFID. Tracking and tracing movement of supplies, their efficient handling, and reduction in their shrinkage are all easy with this technology. Enhanced asset management and increased product availability are ensured with RFID.

8.      Most libraries today are equipped with RFID, facilitating faster, easier checkout and check-in of members. Checking out and reading RFID enabled books requires no support from the librarian and staff. Members can serve themselves and details of books read, taken and given back are automatically recorded.

9.      In the healthcare industry, RFID enhances patient tracking capabilities. Right from patient identification, use of sterilization trays to asset management and preventing manufacture of counterfeit pharma products, benefits of using this technology are many.

10. In expressways and other roads, electronic tolling facilitated by RFID saves time for both the driver as well as the toll collector.

11. Besides being used for automatic ticketing systems, RFID also finds application in identification of animals, things, persons, and home assets.

To get more information about RFID and its application in Automation Industry you may visit us at http://www.smartautomation.in/rfid-security/

Are Green Buildings the Future?

It is but a fact that one half of all greenhouse gas emissions are contributed by buildings that are not green. When we speak about green buildings, it is all about saving the environment, saving energy, creating sustainable design projects, and improving the productivity and livability of the dwellers. Maximizing of both economic and environmental performance can be achieved through adoption of green building strategies right from design to construction of a building, also encompassing renovation and deconstruction. Thanks to the development of home automation technology that has helped in the development of greener structures, facilitating efficient use of energy, water, and other resources besides protecting occupants’ health and reducing environmental degradation. Yes, green buildings are the future!

Top five benefits of green buildings:

1. Energy efficiency: Right from the construction stage to occupancy, green buildings consume less energy. Installation of high-performance windows including extra insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors are part of the green strategy. Occupants save big money on electricity bills with energy consumption varying in terms of installation of automation controls and energy efficient devices

2. Water efficiency: Recycling of rainwater and grey water for irrigation, urinal flow, and other external washing purposes is an integral constituent of a green building. This helps in preservation of potable water. Another objective of a sustainable building is protecting the quality of water and reducing water consumption

3. Designing a green building is directed towards the comfort, well-being, and productivity of dwellers ensuring superlativeness in indoor air (reduction of volatile organic compounds and control of moisture accumulation), lighting (careful blend of electrical lights and daylight), and thermal quality. In short, it is the enhancement of indoor ambience and environmental quality

4. Easy maintenance and low operating costs lead to high value appreciation of green building properties. While productivity of occupants increases, a stable health is equally ensured. Overall operating costs of a green building, whether it is used for residential or commercial purposes, is significantly reduced

5. A green building emits negligible greenhouse gas. It contributes towards creation of a sustainable earth through reduced energy consumption, thus conserving the earth’s natural resources. Occupants not only save money but also help shape a greener earth. Reduction of waste besides enhancement and protection of ecosystems are facilitated by green buildings

Top five systems / devices used in green buildings:

1. Automation systems (PLC) / SCADA: Controlling and monitoring of mechanical functions including automated electrical activities in a green building is facilitated by automation systems. While PLC is suitable for small buildings, larger areas require the SCADA. The PLC / SCADA is connected to various home systems connected via wires and cables and linked to a user interface through wi-fi

2. Security devices: Installation of security devices in green buildings ensures a secured premise, indoors and outdoors. Home owners generally install a comprehensive range of devices, starting from CCTV cameras, DVRs, alarm systems / siren horns, glass break sensors, biometric door locks to smoke detectors, gas leak detectors, access control systems, motion detectors, digital keypads, and more

3. LED lights: The most energy efficient lighting systems installed in green buildings are LED lights. They help save 80 percent of energy compared to other lights. LED lights are highly durable, environment-friendly, and shock-resistant and they operate approximately for 100,000 hours. Though costlier than conventional lights, they help occupants save big in the long run.

4. 5-star rated HVAC and electronic appliances: Installation of 5-star rated HVAC and electronic appliances is integral to green buildings for optimum utilization of energy. They may cost high initially, but occupants save big on electricity bills every month, thus quickly getting returns in the long run.

5. Motion / occupancy sensors: Installation of motion / occupancy sensors connected to lights and HVAC helps in reduced energy consumption further. Lights and HVAC turn on and off automatically based on occupancy or motion thus facilitating occupants save energy significantly. Automation of green buildings is the solution!

See more about Green Buildings at http://www.smartautomation.in/green-buildings/

Smart Automation Events

In the Past few years Smart Automation has traveled with speed of the time and has given various technologies to the society. It was a collaboration of our technical team and support of the people who voted on the account of our work and techniques to make Smart Automation grow higher. Here is a little flashback of some events that Smart has celebrated with society and partners. 

SMART Home Launch

Riverdale Zirakpur, Punjab

November 3, 2012

Big 5 Construct India

Mumbai Exhibition Center, Goregaun

September 2, 2013

JBL Everest Launch
Gulmohar Marg, Plot Number 10 DLF Phase-2, Haryana Gurgaon
September 28, 2013 to October 7, 2013

ITPO-Trade Fair
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
November 14, 2013 to November 27, 2013 

UBM EVENT - Smart Automation
Hotel Park Plaza, Sec-17, Chd
November 22, 2013

UBM Event-Building Sustainable Architecture
The Westin, Pune
December 6, 2013

For More Information about Smart Automation Events you may visit on the site www.smartautomation.in/events/

Live The Smart And Green Way With Building Automation!

Have you ever delved on the fact that technology can influence every aspect of our daily life? Yes, building automation makes it possible. Letting your home surroundings populated with automation systems can change the very way you live your life in terms of comfort, luxury, convenience, safety, and security. And energy saving measures being an integral part of building automation, you directly contribute towards creating a greener environment by conserving the earth’s natural resources for future generations.

Reducing energy consumption by following energy saving measures is the initiative followed by many a green-conscious citizen across the world today. Thanks to the availability of building automation technology solution providers! Contact a reliable partner, one that not only provides state-of-the-art automation solutions according to your home space / building needs and budget but also one that provides smart after sales service support on time every time you need it. 

Incorporating building Automation Technology into a new building in the construction stage, especially when electrical wires are laid, is easy, time-saving, and cost effective. An existing / old structure can be automated with added costs and little refurbishments. Irrespective of whether it is a new or existing building, your investment will yield you returns in the long run. You will start saving big on electricity bills every month. Besides, your building will reduce its carbon footprint significantly.

When we speak about energy saving initiatives in an automated home, it is about using energy efficient lights such as LED lights, 5-star rated HVAC and electronic appliances. The repetitive tasks such as switching on and off of lights, fans, curtains, HVAC, security systems, sprinklers in gardens, and electronic appliances happens automatically with the touch of a few buttons on your smart phone.

Yes, with building automation, you not only save money on energy consumption but also save the earth and add enhanced convenience to your lifestyle. Automate your home and live the smart way of life!

PLC And Its Usage In Industrial Automation!

In the context of home and industrial automation, the term PLC is always linked. What is a PLC? It is the abbreviated form of programmable logic controller. It is a digital computer used for electrically controlling and managing mechanical components and activities electrically. PLC is different from a desktop computer in terms of the multiple inputs and outputs it comes with besides operating under extended temperature ranges.

More reasons why PLC is used in industrial automation is its resistance to vibration and impact and immunity to electrical noise. This digital computer either comes with non-volatile memory or options of storing the programs in battery-backed memory. Yes a PLC can do numerous tasks at a moment – a device synonymous to quick response and enhanced productivity! It is an integral part of industrial automation today irrespective of whether it is control of factory assembly lines, machines, power consumption or automation of electrical activities at home and commercial properties, security systems, and the list goes on.

To control activities, the PLC comes equipped with software and hardware, viz. input / output interface system (information providers and controllable devices) and the central processing unit (CPU). The CPU contains the memory system and the processor, both components controlling all PLC activities. Field devices like sensors, switches, connectors, etc. are connected to the input/output system, which act as the interface between the system and the CPU.

Programming languages and communications capabilities are the essence of a PLC. They differ according to the type of functions. Ladder logic is the language generally used; this programming language strongly resembles a relay-based wiring schematic. Prior to operation, the languages are entered into the CPU's memory.

MODICON was the first PLC device introduced in 1968 by Bedford Associates for General Motors (GM). Since then myriad developments took place with time. Today’s PLC is highly advanced, coming with a whole range of special features that can be configured to specific home and industrial automation requirements.