By leveraging real-time data analysis and predictive modelling, Advanced Process Control (APC) technologies enhance process stability, product quality and operational efficiency. Here Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff UK, explains how APC can significantly enhance operational performance, reduce variability and drive cost savings.

Choosing the right bearings and linear motion systems can make all the difference in harsh food and beverage environments, where machines and processes operate round-the-clock and where frequent washdowns occur. Preventing production downtime and extending the life of machines and equipment is the ultimate goal, says Tom Richmond, food and beverage sales engineer at Schaeffler UK.

Kieran Bennett, Industry Account Manager for food and beverage at Burkert, looks at the recent innovations in process control and the benefits they bring to the food and beverage industry generally, and the brewing process in particular.

In industrial facilities, electric motors drive everything from conveyor belts to fans and compressors. Now, with the cost of energy rising, manufacturers are trying to find new ways to reduce consumption - and motors are in the spotlight. Here Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains how manufacturers can improve motor control through the use of soft starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and DC motors.

Stephen Hayes, managing director of automation and control technology specialist Beckhoff UK, explains the role of advanced automation in helping warehouses achieve seamless fulfilment across all sales channels.

Food safety specialist Fortress Technology analyses the dairy industry's role in enhancing global food security through sustainable production, particularly in the rapidly expanding global milk powder market.

With challenges to traditional agricultural approaches continuing, including a reduced workforce, the sector will increasingly rely on robotics and automation. This shift is raising the dependence on motion systems, based around DC motor technology, to power these new agricultural systems. maxon's Martin Leahy explains.

At Hannover Messe 2024, Siemens unveiled the first generative AI product tailored for engineering in an industrial environment, called the Siemens Industrial Copilot. Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains how the shift from theory to practical application of generative AI-powered tools will benefit engineers.

PLCs can survive for over 20 years. But although the component parts of a PLC, such as central processing units (CPUs) and power supply units (PSUs), boast long lifespans, components such as input/output (I/O) modules and communication modules are not so robust. Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains how engineers can ensure PLCs last for their expected duration.

With Make UK revealing that we've dropped out of the top 10 manufacturing nations for the first time (down to 12th), our position is vulnerable unless we significantly increase our level of automation. Oliver Selby, Head of Sales for FANUC UK, outlines six key design considerations for seamless automation integration.