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Rockwell Automation recently held PowerTechED in Perth to keep customers informed on the latest advances in motor control and energy technologies.
With a strong emphasis on intelligence, information and safety, the event was well attended by people from a wide range of heavy industries.
As technology continues to advance at a rapid rate, the line between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is becoming less defined. Machines are getting smarter to meet endusers networking, integration, diagnostics and intelligence demands.
PowerTechED had a strong focus on this higher level intelligence and how companies can use information to improve business performance and drive profitability. Motors and drives are gaining improved integration and connectivity. Energy monitoring and efficiency technologies are advancing their real time data capabilities and mobility. These latest technology advances can help customers improve their competitiveness in the current global markets.
According to Matthew Treeby, commercial marketing manager, Rockwell Automation, “The event was a huge success because the topics covered resonated with the interests of our customers. Most people have heard about the benefits that the Connected Enterprise can deliver but they may not be fully equipped to utilise the intelligence generated by these smart motor control devices.”
“PowerTechED is the only event of its kind that bridges the gap between information and operational technologies in this space. It provided ‘hands on’ opportunities for attendees to see firsthand how the information generated by motor control devices provides valuable insights for operational efficiency,” he explained.
Held in collaboration with Rockwell Automation Authorised Distributors, NHP Electrical Engineering and Rexel Industrial Automation, PowerTechED highlighted the latest advances in the areas of network integration with drives and overloads, energy management software, safety considerations for motor control and network security.
Best practice for collecting, analysing and displaying operational data to improve operator effectiveness and identify optimisation opportunities were also explored.
METS Ignited Board Member, Paul Lucey, delivered the opening welcome, which provided an informative overview of the mining industry and highlighted the importance of innovation to accelerate the growth of mining. METS Ignited works with Australian suppliers to the mining industry, global miners, research organisations and capital providers to improve the competitiveness and productivity of the Australian METS sector.
Throughout the two day event, attendees chose from four streams running concurrently that focused on industry topics relating to motors and drives, connectivity and intelligence, safety and operational visibility.
PowerTechED revealed how the Industrial Internet of Things and advances in enabling technologies deliver greater connectivity and information sharing throughout the entire Connected Enterprise.
Michael Boland, distinguished systems engineer at Cisco, delivered an insightful presentation about digital transformation in relation to the challenges and trends driving change in manufacturing.
He explored the digital manufacturing journey and how digitisation can unleash dramatic business outcomes including reduced downtime, improved flexibility and quality, and greater safety and security.
The safety stream of PowerTechED provided valuable industry information on topics including designing a safe motor control system, Arc fault containment in variable speed drives, safety standards and safety solutions for intelligent MCCs.
In addition, attendees were given the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ with drives and safety; using drives and safe torque off over Ethernet.
The technical sessions, labs and workshops collectively demonstrated how integrated safety systems help optimise safety, enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Companies are incorporating smart devices and embedded intelligence within their plants are processes at an unprecedented rate. There is a strong drive to use technology to get more out of assets by accessing data and providing it to the right person in the right time.