50 posts
PLC Program Backup Best Practices: Protecting the Code That Runs Your Plant
The only copy of a machine's logic should never live on a single laptop. A practical backup strategy for PLC programs of any age.
MQTT Sparkplug B: The Payload Standard That Makes IIoT Data Usable
Raw MQTT topics are easy to publish and hard to govern. Sparkplug B adds structure, birth certificates, and last-gasp messages.
The Purdue Model Explained: Designing IT/OT Network Zones That Actually Work
The Purdue reference model is the backbone of industrial network design. Here is how to map your plant to levels and where the DMZ belongs.
IEC 62443 for Beginners: What the OT Security Standard Actually Requires
IEC 62443 is the reference framework for industrial cybersecurity. Here is a plain-language map of its parts and how to start applying it.
OPC UA vs MQTT: When to Use Each in an Industrial Architecture
OPC UA and MQTT solve different problems. This guide maps each protocol to the architecture where it earns its place.
Modbus TCP vs Modbus RTU: Choosing the Right Protocol for Your Line
Both protocols move register data between controllers, but they differ in transport, latency, and wiring. A practical comparison for retrofit and greenfield projects.
LoRaWAN in Industrial Environments: Long-Range IoT for Factory and Field
When Wi-Fi is too short-range and cellular is too expensive, LoRaWAN fills the gap — connecting sensors across warehouses, yards, and remote sites at a fraction of the cost.
Industrial Data Historians: Choosing Between OSIsoft PI, Ignition, and InfluxDB
Every factory needs a historian — but the choice between enterprise platforms, SCADA-native solutions, and open-source time-series databases depends on your scale, budget, and team skills.
Energy Monitoring for Manufacturing: From Sub-Metering to Real-Time Dashboards
Energy is the third-largest cost in most manufacturing operations — and the least measured. A structured energy monitoring program typically reveals 15-25% savings opportunities that were invisible before.