Unique sync solution for control systems and digital twins.

Keeps digital twins aligned with production plant operations to prevent configuration drift.

The Ovation™ Curation Tool is a first-of-its-kind synchronisation software for power and water control systems, delivering an easy way to maintain version control and detailed change history between multiple Ovation systems and simulators. The Curation Tool, released by Emerson, automates management of changes between power plant production systems and their digital twins to improve testing and training accuracy, save engineering time and enable faster troubleshooting and stronger governance.

One of the primary challenges of managing digital twins is ensuring that both the simulation and production are properly synchronised. Operators and engineers make regular changes to production systems to solve problems, improve performance and develop new control strategies. Over time, these changes cause the configuration of the plant’s control systems to drift from the digital twin simulation model. Manually tracking and implementing changes can take hours of engineering time, making the process both time-consuming and labour-intensive. The Ovation Curation Tool automatically tracks changes to the control system over time and enables fast and easy deployment of those changes to other control systems and simulations via an intuitive dashboard.

“Keeping a digital twin continually synchronised with live systems has always been a challenge, and that challenge continues to increase as workforce shortages make it more difficult to find and retain expert personnel,” said Rick Kephart, vice president of technology for Emerson’s power and water business. “The Ovation Curation Tool helps teams deliver lifecycle value for Emerson’s Ovation Digital Twin by making it easy to ensure simulations stay relevant, providing continuous benefit through improved training, testing, engineering and forecasting.”

The Curation Tool software can be set to run at an organisation’s desired frequency – weekly, monthly, ad-hoc – to automatically identify and track any changes made to the control system. Users no longer need to perform labour-intensive manual comparisons, and they have access to detailed change history and auditing via the intuitive dashboard, which shows what changed, who made the changes and when they occurred. This audit trail reduces the risk of undocumented or unexpected changes.

Once changes have been validated, a user can launch automated synchronisation between the production system and the digital twin, or between the digital twin and other Ovation control systems. Before deployment, the simulation snapshot impact analysis tool details any disruptions the changes will cause to the target system and suggests resolutions.

Using a system of repositories, the Curation Tool moves data between the production system and the simulator while maintaining synchronisation of the data. Multiple users can edit the same assets and merge their changes.

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• The Ovation Curation Tool will be on display at Emerson’s Ovation Users Group Conference 2026 from July 26-30 in Pittsburgh, PA USA.

@EmersonExchange @EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Water #Power

Intelligent condition monitoring for transformer substations.

For decades, transformer protection has primarily focused on preventing catastrophic failures caused by excessive temperatures. While this remains essential, modern power distribution networks require significantly more than simple overtemperature protection. Operators increasingly need comprehensive information about the actual condition of their assets in order to improve reliability, optimize maintenance schedules, and reduce operating costs.

ZIEHL has introduced the UR series of universal monitoring relays, This follows their long-established TR250 temperature relay, which has been protecting transformers worldwide against overheating for decades. One of its most versatile members, the UR840IP, is already being deployed in the first transformer substations, where it transforms conventional monitoring into a comprehensive condition monitoring solution.

The UR840IP is a web-enabled universal relay equipped with Ethernet connectivity, making it an ideal platform for implementing holistic condition monitoring in distribution transformer substations. Rather than monitoring only transformer temperatures, it combines multiple process variables, stores operating data, communicates with higher-level control systems, and enables advanced diagnostics based on real operating conditions.

The result is a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution that transforms a conventional transformer substation from an isolated "black box" into a transparent, intelligent component of the modern smart grid.

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@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #ZIEHL #Power #PAuto

Diagnosing your electronics issues.

Connector Clinic is a free remote diagnosis service designed to support engineers and companies that are facing interface, pinpoint, wiring, assembly and interconnect challenges just launched by Inelco Hunter.

This service gives engineers quick, practical guidance on issues such as sourcing alternatives, pin-out matching, environment sealing, continuity concerns and compliance considerations. Drawings, photos or a brief description of the problem can be submitted for a brief review with the Inelco Hunter team. The service supports interconnect challenges across industrial, high power and high current, EV, and harsh environment applications where connector selection or integration can slow development. Support includes reviewing likely failure modes, assessing materials and standards suitability, and highlighting practical options for moving forward.

“Engineers often need quick, informed guidance when interconnect issues arise,” says David Bushnell, Inelco Hunter MD. “The Connector Clinic provides fast, focused support based on proven solutions from Amphenol Ltd, LTW and Anytek portfolios, as well as other compatible technologies where appropriate.” 

The Connector Clinic is a brand-neutral specialist service, designed for engineers working with a wide range of connector technologies, including those looking for alternatives to their current solution. The aim is to give engineers a clearer understanding of the issues and options available.

Open to OEMs, design houses and engineering teams working on new or existing designs, upgrades or troubleshooting tasks. Sessions can be booked by contacting Inelco Hunter directly.

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@InelcoHunter #PAuto

Automation society is top non-profit.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has been named a 2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, the primary platform for community-sourced reviews about nonprofit organizations. This is the third year ISA has received this recognition.

Claire Fallon CEO ISA

“We are proud to be named a 2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit, and to celebrate our third year in a row with this special distinction,” said Claire Fallon, ISA CEO and executive director. “ISA experienced another year of sustained growth in 2025. Since 2021, ISA membership has grown by 50% and the society’s revenue has increased by 84%. It is inspiring to see our dedicated volunteers and members celebrating and spreading the word about this meaningful momentum. We are grateful that the ISA community has created so many impactful experiences for automation professionals around the world. We would like to thank GreatNonprofits for showcasing our mission to create a better world through automation.”

The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is based on the five-star rating and number of reviews that ISA received from its volunteers and members. Review contributors with a wide range of experiences shared how ISA has transformed their professional lives:

• “ISA does a great job of bringing people together in a way that feels approachable and collaborative, especially for younger professionals trying to grow their network and get more involved in the industry. Through volunteering, I’ve gained leadership experience, expanded my industry knowledge and met people from all over the world who are passionate about automation and helping others succeed. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that invests so much in its members and volunteers.”

• “ISA provides a very encouraging forum where professionals can interact with each other on subjects of interest, contribute and hear from the experts in their field. It’s also a lovely organization to interact as a volunteer with excellent values. If you are in the field of automation, you should definitely think about participating as a volunteer.”

• “What began as a way to stay connected to the automation world has grown into a true family, a place where people support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and work together with generosity and purpose.”

•“ISA gives me the opportunity to give back to the industry I love and whilst doing so create connections and friendship that go far beyond mere networking.”

GreatNonprofits is the leading website where people share stories about their personal experiences on more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the organizations — as donors, volunteers and recipients of aid.

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@ISA_Automation @GreatNonprofits @automation_com #Pauto #Research

Drop-in analog parts with increased functionality.

European customers no longer need fear being dictated to by ‘big brands.’

A distribution deal with 3PEAK Incorporated, semiconductor company focusing on high-performance, high-quality, and highly reliable ICs, including signal chain, power management, and mixed-signal front-ends has been agreed with Anglia Components. 3PEAK’s wide range of analog parts which are cost-effective, drop-in alternatives to devices from big brand US semiconductor makers will be attractive to customers.

“The market is fed up with being dictated to by a few major US names who have increased prices substantially over the past 18 months and want to tell you who to buy from”, says John Bowman, Anglia’s Marketing Director. “Anglia is building a strong analog IC portfolio of high quality products from manufacturers such as 3PEAK, which not only offer parts at substantially lower prices, but also with increased functionality.”

Stella Duzsar, Senior Sales Director, EMEA at 3PEAK adds: “We are delighted to be working with experienced supply chain partners such as Anglia, who know the market and who demonstrate their commitment to offering technical design-in support by employing talented FAEs.”

3PEAK is leading fabless semiconductor company, offering a broad analog and mixed signal IC portfolio that includes thousands of replacements for parts from established competitors at the lowest 1000-off price points. However, 3PEAK is also committed to innovation and invests over 50% of its annual revenue in R&D, leading to the introduction of many ICs with performance benefits over other suppliers. The company partners with independent top-tier fabs in every major region, resulting in a robust supply chain, and most devices are still available on an 8 to 12 week lead time.

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@angliaLive @BWW_Comms #3PEAK #Electronics #PAuto #Europe

New head for Automation body.

Dan Thombs is the new Chief Executive Officer of Automate UK, tasked with accelerating the organisation’s reach and impact across the complete industrial ecosystem. He succeeds Peter Williamson, who has taken on the role of Policy Director further to reaching the end of his term.

Dan Thombs

Dan brings 30 years’ experience in automation and advanced manufacturing to the role and is already focused on what comes next for Automate UK: expanding its member services, reach and impact and accelerating automation adoption in all sectors of the UK economy.

“I consider it a privilege to have been appointed to this position,” said Dan. “There is a whole world of possibility around what this organisation can and should do to advance the industry. Our ambition is to make Automate UK the leading force for automation adoption, helping manufacturers unlock productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth. Through stronger collaboration between technology providers, integrators and end users, we can drive innovation that benefits manufacturing in the UK and beyond.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Automate UK is a neutral body and trusted partner to the industry, with no vested or commercial interest of its own. My role, and that of Automate UK, is to support our members and UK industry as a whole by helping to drive productivity and growth through the adoption of automation.

“We are committed to making a difference to everyone working across all the industries we support, building on the excellent work that my predecessors Peter Williamson and James Causebrook, and the wider Automate UK team, have delivered to date. As part of that vision, we will be introducing a new End-User Membership programme, bringing manufacturers closer to the automation community, giving them a stronger voice in industry discussions, and helping shape the future direction of UK manufacturing,” he said.

Dan said the organisation, which continues to unite a whole spectrum of industries across the machine vision, automation, manufacturing, robotics, and processing and packaging sectors via its exhibitions, events, collaborations and government programs, aims to further maximise its lobbying powers to partner with other trade associations, funding bodies and government agencies to grow the economy through increased productivity..

“By partnering with senior leaders and other associations, we can create the momentum to build representation across industry, but I want more than that, I want to build a voice that delivers change: it will be easier to create an environment where we can grow the economy if all the stakeholders share a common objective.

“If end users adopt more automation, they will become more competitive and more profitable, which will help members sell more technology, creating growth and more jobs. But to do that, we need to understand our end users’ objectives and the roadblocks to achieving them. Only then can we identify the solutions, create the equipment and systems to meet their needs and drive the economy forward,” he said.

Building on recent momentum – including the launch of the UK Automation Forum, new BSI standards, integrator certification programmes, government-funded projects such as Robot Adoption for Business Leaders and Cobot Safety Guidance, and growing international reach through the Automate UK Pavilion, Preparations are underway for the organisers’s biggest step yet: Automate UK Week 2027.

This landmark event, which will unite the UK’s processing and packaging, robotics, industrial vision, drives and controls, and warehouse automation communities, will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 28-30 September 2027.

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@theautomateuk #Britain #PAuto #Automation

Alternative to plastic housing.

The new ODU-MAC® RAPID metal housing is an additional variant of the ODU-MAC® RAPID. Using metal instead of plastic allows for a thinner wall thickness. This makes the housing ideal for systems with limited space, particularly in the medical, industrial, and test and measurement sectors. Both ODU-MAC® Blue-Line frames and ODU-MAC® White-Line frames in size 4 can be installed.

The connector is available as standard in black or orange housing options, allowing it to blend in well with your device. The space-saving spindle locking and the half shell design ensure easy assembly, component replacement, and proper cable routing. To ensure even greater stability and durability, optional perforated metal sheets are used for strain relief.

Its key features include not only its robust and space-saving design, but also its high contact density, the flexibly adjustable cable outlet, and the flush mounting of the receptacle. For the proven ease of use, the built-in ODU-MAC® Blue-Line modules have high mountability and can be installed and removed without tools. In addition, the connector is available complete with cable assembly, in line with the “one-stop shop” principle, whereby the interface, termination technology, and cable are all provided directly by ODU.

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@ODU_Connectors @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #PAuto #Housing