Business - A Brief Introduction to the Programmable Logic Controller

By Syed Ali Zain-ul-Abideen

The term programmable logic controller (PLC) refers to the industrial digital computers that are designed for controlling various manufacturing equipment such as industrial robots, escalators, power stations, and assembly lines. These sophisticated devices are used to control production processes where dependable controls, flexible programming, and ease of troubleshooting is of immense importance.

The significance of industrial computers increases in applications where precision with zero error is critical. Initially, it was the automotive industry that utilized computer-controlled systems in order to replace cam timers and hard-wired relays. Now, computer-driven tools have become a vital part of industrial process control and factory automation.

Unlike personal computers, PLC is capable of performing in harsh industrial environments where temperature, humidity, dust, mechanical shocks and other hazards are prevalent. Manufacturers need a variety of equipment in order to produce a product and make it work for the end users.

All the equipment or devices working on producing something in a facility needs to be organized in terms of time intervals. For instance, in the automobile industry, one device or a set of devices works on painting car exterior and the other machine works on engine parts. One of the functions of an industrial digital computer is to set the specific time frame for machines so that all the processes can be performed in a perfectly harmonious manner.

Industrial computers were introduced in the 1960s and before that, manufacturers relied on cam timers, relays and other similar kinds of devices to streamline their manufacturing processes. They control a wide range of applications from small production systems to large processing plants. Some of the advantages of PLC include:

Ease of maintenance and installation

Accuracy and dependability

Cost-effectiveness

Low power consumption

Higher flexibility and integration

Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and input & outputs are the three fundamental component of an industrial digital computer. Like in the personal computer, CPU plays the part of a brain in a computer as it performs all the communication, arithmetic, logical and memory related operations. The memory component in PLC operates almost the same way as that of personal computers.

As mentioned earlier, the ability to perform effectively for years in harsh industrial environments is what makes PLCs different from personal computers. A digital computer has to be flexible and configurable. The 21st Century process control expects functional flexibility, superior performance, and a smaller form factor from a control system.

The rapid development in the industrial automation technology has made it possible for manufacturers to produce high-quality products cost-effectively and at large scales. Powerful industrial computers, robots, sensors, intelligent and automated devices are the present and the future of modern industries. It would be hard for industries to stay competitive in future without embracing the modern industrial technologies.

BP Automation is an   engineering company in Canada that provides a comprehensive range of automation solutions to manufacturing industry.

Software - Performance Monitoring of Applications and Infrastructure Is Critical For An Enterprise

By Jaideep Khanduja

Performance Monitoring has become a critical factor for all business applications running in an enterprise. There are various reasons for it. Firstly, no application functions in isolation. There is always a dependency either backward or forward. It is either pushing data to another application. Or is pulling data from another application. As a matter of fact, infrastructure is not away from the scan of it. Everything has to be in sync. Because it is the overall performance that matters in the organization. So, even if your infrastructure is modern and state-of-the-art performing at a rocket speed it loses its value if applications residing on it are under-performing. Let us have a look at the rising trends for both - application as well as infrastructure. The key contributors to it are Big Data, Machine Learning, IIoT, etc. SaaS delivery model plays a significant role in this.

Overall, industrial architecture is not as simple as it was a few years back. This is the age of complex applications. Features like Containerization, Microservices, and Heterogenous clouds to tackle data overloads are becoming critical and important. Data, in fact, is flooding from all directions. It is very important to analyze it. There are various ways to adapt to a proper mechanism. It is necessary to learn about each. These are Code-level APM (Application Performance Monitoring), Network Performance Monitoring or NPM, Performance Testing, Real User Monitoring or RUM, and Synthetic Monitoring. Code-level APM is a good tool to report load time and response time. In fact, it smartly figures out the lines of code in the application that are causing these troubles. New technologies obviously require new approaches. For instance, technologies like containerization and microservices need tracking of the tremendous amount of data to ascertain performance.

Looking at the complexities of performance monitoring, vendors offering APM and similar services include machine learning methodologies to attain optimum results in data mining and generate important information. After all, it is the performance that matters most in an organization. And it becomes the responsibility of the IT department to ensure the performance of any employee in the organization doesn't get any negative impact due to the poor performance of an application or infrastructure in place. Usually, it is somebody on the top in the technology department of an organization to own this responsibility. In fact, this is the person who is answerable for any kind of issues in the performance.

For more articles on enterprise technology, you can visit my blog on TechTarget   https://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/quality-assurance/

Computers and Technology - Do QA Practices Deliver the Highest Business Value?

By Mark Watson

A QA team today faces many new challenges related to faster project deliveries, higher user expectations, rapidly changing technologies and support around-the-clock.

The role of the QA team is no longer to simply ensure that the product is delivered defect-free. But now-a-days, QA must also support the organization's strategic business goals and deliver business value through software testing practices. We call this Business Value QA.

It is important to follow more mature Quality Assurance processes, that are designed keeping the following aspects in mind:

From Business Perspective, the QA team needs to understand the business process that a particular application supports and can also be designed based on the criticality of business needs, thus optimizing QA efforts.
From End-user's Perspective, the QA team must follow those software testing best practices that ensure the best user experience.
From Analytics, become more relevant to measure and monitor the business benefits of the Quality Assurance methods and practices, rather than just monitoring testing metrics. This helps to further improve the QA practices and make them more mature.
Traditionally, QA would detect defects, but had no way to predict their future occurrence. In business value QA projects, analytics are used to predict possible defects. In Business Value QA, the objective is to prevent defects from occurring.

How do Business Value QA projects differ from traditional QA projects?

Traditionally, QA projects were designed from the QA team's perspective. Now, the business function's perspective is the centre of focus. This means a change from testing functional requirements to business requirements.

Traditionally, QA would detect defects, but had no way to predict their future occurrence. In business value QA projects, analytics are used to predict possible defects. In Business Value QA, the objective is to prevent defects from occurring.

In the traditional approach, testing plans were created so as to achieve the maximum test coverage. However, in Business Value QA projects, risk based testing is used to achieve the maximum coverage in the most optimal time. Metrics to determine the effectiveness of the QA are related to the business and not just the testing function. Traditionally, QA service providers would work on a fixed price or time-based model, but with Business Value QA, the service provider may work as a partner and price based on defined outcomes.

Techniques to develop Business Value QA practices -

Collaborative approach: Involving the various stakeholders, and having clear communications at every stage,
Lean approach: Focus on faster go-to-market by eliminating inefficiencies and delays in the system.
Early validation: Validation early in the lifecycle can ensure that business requirements are fulfilled at the system level, before integration of the whole. This reduces testing costs as defects are identified earlier.
Automation: Planning for automation at the design stage helps to get a better ROI.
Reuse: Artefacts from a previous release in regression testing can be reused to improve productivity.
Advanced techniques: The use of techniques such as risk-based testing, intelligent test data management and defect prediction leads to better test coverage and productivity.
An organization can gain from the Business Value delivered by the QA function if all stakeholders understand the business perspective, and there is open communication at all stages. The gains are tremendous and include better product quality, faster project deliveries and optimized testing efforts. Hence, there is a need for testing practices to evolve into more matured ones that deliver real Business Value.

SelfImprovement - 10 Little Steps to Happiness

By Jessica J Lockhart

What is happiness? Happiness doesn't mean being joyful or laughing all day long. Although happiness should be defined by each of us for ourselves, a general understanding of it could be having more good moments and memories than bad ones and having an overall feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. So, how can we have more happy moments?

Give yourself permission. Give yourself permission to be happy. Many of us have the impression that we're not allowed to be happy, that we don't deserve it. Well, we're all WRONG! We ALL deserve to be happy, no matter what others say or even what we believe. And if you look deep inside you, you'll feel it in your gut. I am right. You DO deserve to be happy. So give yourself permission to be. Start enjoying that freedom. YOU CAN BE HAPPY.

Smile... even if you don't feel like it. Yes, smile as often as you can. If you are with people, they'll feel warmer and respond likewise. If you're alone, smile for at least 3 minutes and your brain will take it as a real smile and will start producing feel-good hormones and other chemicals.

Enjoy the now. Feeling bad about the past will not change it a bit and worrying about the future will not make you any more ready for whatever it is that finally happens. Hopelessness lives in the past, fear in the future. Choose the now and make an effort to live it. Only in the now can you truly be free.

Like yourself. Make a list of everything you like in yourself, no matter how small or big and remind yourself of all those traits a few times each day.

Love yourself. Every night, when you go to bed, devote a few minutes to just feel love for yourself. Thank yourself for anything good you did during the day and let the warmth of love fill you up. If that's too hard, close your eyes and look for the little child you once were and who still lives inside you and shower that kid with your love.

Flip it around. Somebody tells you something or does something you don't like? You might get angry, upset or feel ill-treated. Or you might turn it around by being original and choosing to interpret it as a wakeup call or as a funny situation. They called you something... choose to find it funny instead of offensive. They push you, ignore you or even talk about you... choose to consider it just a reminder that we are all humans and, as such, make mistakes. Love the humanity in those who upset you.

Dare yourself. Early in the morning dare yourself to do something unexpected or different throughout the day. Choose the action in the morning so you have the whole day to find the right moment to do it. You don't need to think of very difficult or adventurous plans but just something you wouldn't usually do, like going to a certain store or eating a new type of food.

Share love. Say something loving to one person (or more) today. You can say it out loud or in writing. You can even draw it or sing it.

Try new words. Are you one of those who often uses words such us... 'can't', 'don't know', 'never'... ? Why don't you try to use some easier ones like: 'don't feel like', 'would like to learn' or 'not in the habit of'... ? Or choose a positive or happy word you want to use today and try and apply it as often as you can. Be brave and imaginative with your words.

Count your blessings. Take a piece of paper and something you like to drink and sit comfortably maybe with some nice music in the background. Then write. Write a list of all and every blessing in your life. Start with the smallest ones: I'm alive... to the biggest ones you can feel. Don't leave anything out. Once you're done, leave the list on the table. Read it every morning during breakfast for a week.

Enjoy life... ALL of it,

Humanology http://www.jessicajlockhart.com/en
More information on my YouTube channel as well: http://youtube.com/jessicajlockhart

Sports - Things You Might Not Know About Table Tennis & Its Manufacturers

By Hemant Chaudhary

Playing sports requires quality sports equipment and accessories. Same is the case when you play table sports. You need to have quality accessories like ping pong, table, ball, net etc.

Manufacturers and suppliers offer best quality table tennis equipment and accessories for competition and practice purpose. You need to verify all different types of tables which you want to use in competitions.

With so many table tennis tables to choose from, how you can ensure that you have chosen the best one. Not just the best available table, but one that's best for you.

Most often, you think every, every table is the same, but that's not the reality. And, you shouldn't make an expensive mistake when buying a ping pong!

Find Brief Information about Table Manufacturers

Different organizations are involved in manufacturing and supplying a wide range of table tennis accessories. But, you need to be careful in choosing one. Try checking out the table for your tennis sport, which is manufactured using high-grade raw materials and quality tested has been done at each stage of development. This ensures zero defects as end results.

Using high-grade table-tennis manufacturers are able to design their products in different colors that give excellent bounce and speed to players. There is some ping pong that comes equipped with safety locks and speed breaks in order for better stability.

How to Choose Professional Manufacturers

You should know that not all table-tennis-manufacturers are reliable. Before selecting one, to visit their official websites and make sure if they conduct the quality check of every table, and design the product as per the need of national and international sports clubs, universities, organizations and individual requirements.

Skilled and talented work can only be done with the experienced workforce and infrastructure and professionals working with them produce best quality products with added quality value. The type of table that's best for you depends upon how you intend to use it.

Consider the following:

How often the table will be used:

1. Daily
2. Weekly
3. Monthly

Who will use the table?

1. Professional players
2. League players
3. Club players

Where the table is used:

1. Table tennis events
2. Table tennis clubs
3. Sports center
4. School

The purpose of the table is important but the thickness of table is a key to concern. Lots of people think to buy the cheapest one. They choose one which is usually only 12mm thick and even ball doesn't bounce correctly. The best table tennis tables are the compact ones. Some of them are:

So, if you want to buy a table tennis, make sure who you are buying the table for: is if you're your employees, for students, for your children or for yourself. Choose the table according to the requirements. If you're a first-time buyer, it's advisable to seek the help of a professional and experienced tennis player or coach or any sports player.

News Economics - Crisis Mode

By Dr. Tim G Williams

Due to foreseen events the world has become a meaner, more hostile place. Trumpism has given credibility to the madness. The lust for power, and wealth by men have always given way to the anguish so many suffer. And, too many suffer still. The words of Thomas Jefferson have no place in the America we see today. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, well, it is suffice to say they have all been taken away. They have been replaced by an oligarchy rule. An oligarchy rule that has tarnished the respectability and shattered the credibility that was our birth right when our founding fathers first penned the Constitution.

As a child of the 50's the serenity of my childhood evoked a calmer more thought provoking demure. This was when the pace of life was much slower for it gave time for reason and sanity compared to the insanity of now. And, yet there continues to be no authentic ground swell movement to rid ourselves of the status-quo. A status-quo that is a cancer on this nation. Sure, there is that lone wolf, Senator Sanders who has tried to galvanize national support for much needed reforms. But, unfortunately the mind frame of many can't seem to grasp the cold harsh realities facing this nation.

When we have leaders and much of the public too blind to see, to oblivious to care, to ignorant to face the facts, and too unscrupulous to know what is needed are all the ingredients needed for the impending disaster. The lust for power, control and wealth has turned the United States into a juggernaut of insatiable appetites for more power, control and wealth. The embezzlement of American tax dollars as well as the fleecing the American dream has only further entrenched the oligarchy rule. Today, the rule of law is squarely stacked against the majority of Americans. One cannot help wonder has America's best days are behind her? The status-quo of today suggests that just maybe some 60 years ago weren't so bad after all.

I wonder how many realize what Thomas Paine wrote about over 200 years ago? He stated quite profoundly "A republic is supposed to be directed by certain fundamental principles of right and justice, from which there cannot be any deviation. It is executed by a select number of persons, who act as representatives and in behalf of the whole, and who are supposed to govern as the people would do were they all assembled together. When a people agree to form themselves into a republic they mutually resolve and pledge themselves to each other, rich and poor alike and to support this rule of equal justice among them. A republic properly understood, is a sovereignty of justice, in contradistinction to the sovereignty of will."

Things have changed since Thomas Paine. Now, we have to ask ourselves did we as a people allow America to degenerate to the point of insolvency and ruin? Did we allow the creation of an economic system based on a foundation of greed and fraud? Did we allow an oligarchy bureaucracy dictate to the American people and the world that they alone know what is best not for the country but in reality for themselves? With this latest blunder by Trump in regards to Iran just shows the kind of mentality we have running this country today. This decision alone will affect every American's wallet as the cost of living will only continue to push more Americans into poverty if they are not already there.

Not only do we have to contend with this latest travesty on the American public but we still have to deal with the ramifications of the past 2008 financial crisis. We have to remember just what transpired in 2008 by governmental intervention of that financial crisis to realize just how deceitful our own government really is. When the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act was enacted, essentially the Quantitative Easing by the Federal Reserve, it pumped billions of fresh cash into the same financial institutions that started the financial crisis in the first place was all arranged behind close doors on Capital Hill.

This EESA in actuality did defraud the American public. It rewarded the financial guru's on Wall Street while ignoring the plight of Main Street where millions of Americans are still suffering. The deceit was right from the start when both parties overwhelmingly voted on the passage of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act stating that this Act was going to insulate Main Street and everyday Americans from the mess that Wall Street created. When actually this Act did the exact opposite. It was both parties that rejected a $56 billion stimulus package that would have extended unemployment benefits, increased food aid, and would have funded new construction projects to create much need good paying jobs in a time when the country was reeling form this financial disaster.

Today, the after effects form governmental deception are still being felt all across the country. Our infrastructure is at a point that is putting more lives in danger everyday, homelessness is a national disgrace and the plight of millions where they are so many underemployed is threatening the economic stability of the United States. To top it off we have both political parties that are so inept at understanding what is actually needed to rid ourselves of the quagmire that the US is in. They are completely oblivious to the facts that have made the United States government the instrument of the power elite. The lust for power, control and wealth by an oligarchy ruling class has only deepened the Abyss that the US has fallen into. Then of course there is the Trump Administration who continues to be the epitome of ineptness to the needs of the United States and the world that he is putting not only America in harms way but has made the world that much more unstable.

We the people have to always remember the writings of Thomas Paine and the rest of our founding fathers and put into practice the rudiments of what they epitomized when our nation was founded. Only when we get back to the roots of our founding will the United States break free of the strangle hold of a government that is siphoning off the life blood of our nation and threatening the stability of the world.