India Must Accelerate Use Of Industrial Automation

Industrial Automation in India, is in its adolescence phase. Since the real drive for automation started only in early 90s we are still trying to play "catch-up” with the absorption of product technologies and manufacturing processes, with geographies that have had over 100 years to learn and deploy automation, while China has rapidly closed the gap in skills development and industrial deployment of highly automated processes” said Mr Vijay Paranjape, President AIA and Director & Member Managing Board (Siemens Ltd)

He was speaking during the “Excellence Awards for Innovation and Creative Automation” held during the “Automotive Engineering show” being organised by Automation Industry Association (AIA) and M/s Focussed Events, at Chennai.
These awards are specially focused towards celebrating the pioneering role played by mid-level operational management teams. The Show highlighted various technologies for “Manufacturing and Operational Excellence” in the Automotive sector, including advanced industrial Automation technologies.

The awards were envisioned to highlight how today’s automotive industry operates in a dynamic and increasingly competitive climate. Component suppliers, manufacturing equipment OEM’s and vehicle manufacturer’s are challenged with Rising consumer demands for quality and selection, Shorter product life cycles, Increasingly stringent environmental and safety standards and Fierce global competition among others . These factors drive improvement strategies and raise the bar continuously for plant engineering and production teams. In India, particular emphasis is laid on Lowering Life Cycle. Costs, Increasing Productivity, Enhancing Functional Safety, Optimising Energy Use, Simplifying Plant and Machine Visualisation.

“India’s 8- 9% GDP growth saga, is not a strong reason for jubilation, since the growth percentages are derived over a low base denominator (GDP). The fact that we have one of the lowest GDP ‘per hour worked’ also means that we are doing a chunk of the lowest- end jobs in our Manufacturing sector; and that too, rather inefficiently” cautioned Mr Paranjape.
At the presence of a large section of the industry, Dr. Ethirajan Bhaskaran - Deputy Director Dept. of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, said “ Innovative fora such as this provides direct interaction between government, administration and the industry thus shaping the future of Chennai’s Auto Industry, which is the base of nearly 1/3rd of India’s Automotive Industry, to strengthen direct interaction.

Adjudged on the basis of innovation and creative Automation, the five winning cases were SIEMENS ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARD - Mr. Neelakandan V, Deputy Manager - Body Shop, Ford India Pvt Ltd for Energy saving in robot systems, KENNAMETAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AWARD - Mr. Piyush Thakar, Manager Paint Shop, Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers Ltd for Intelligent Automation for Green Paint Shop, SIEMENS PRODUCTIVITY AWARD - Mr. Ramanathan Srinivasan, General Manager Manufacturing, Tata Cummins for Quick Changeover Cylinder block Machining Line, DEMAG SAFETY AWARD - Mr. S. Nagaraj, Manager Electrical & Electronics, Maintenance Dept. Ashok Leyland Ltd for Safety Improvement & Operation Scrap Elimination in “H” Series Cylinder Block Machining, EMERGYS VALUE IMPROVEMENT AWARD - Mr. Ashok Virmani, Manager Welding, Honda Siel Cars India Limited for 100% Spot Weld Assurance.

“Flexible, synchronised & efficient production system controlled through benchmarking & shopfloor management is the way to acheive excellence in manufacturing,” said Mr. V.K. Bhalla - Chief Executive Officer (Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles Ltd.), while commenting on the role of Automation in the Industry.

Jury Members at the event also included Mr. Balasundaram R. -Vice President -Powertrain Operations (Ford India), Prof. Nilesh. J. Vasa - Head Of Dept. Engineering Design (IIT Madras) and Mr. Jacques Foulquier - Sr. VP, Director (Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India.
While India has imported robotic systems or occasionally built automated machinery, the country has not proactively taken to higher research or commercial innovation, and done little to BUILD A CULTURE that would SUSTAIN Automation”.

In-house innovation and creative ways to knit-together Automation solutions, is integral to the mission of an Industrial economy. And the Automotive industry, known as the mother of innovation, has rightfully stepped in to take the lead. The Automotive Engineering Chennai show, now in its 4th edition, has consistently carried the message of Industrial Automation.

Highlights of the show also included participation from over 125 leading Automotive and Industrial Automation companies including showcasing Manufacturing enhancers, IT solutions in Design, Development, Planning and Manufacturing, World renowned Manufacturers of Automation systems and Factory Control, Assembly Line System Integrators and Line builders, Machining Centers and Metal Cutting equipment including Laser cutting, Productivity Enhancers, latest concepts in Tools, Jigs and Fixtures, Specialized solutions in Welding including Laser welding, Automotive Testing, Metrology & Quality Inspection providers and End to end In-plant (Material) Handling systems.

AIA also had a dedicated Automation Learning Kiosk for working professionals and students which had 3 zones earmarked for hands on demos on emerging automation concepts such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Machine Vision ( Contour and 3D sensing), Energy Optimisation with the help of young volunteers from IIT Madras and NIT Tiruchy and MVGR University.

Source:-http://www.business-standard.com/article/press-releases/-india-must-accelerate-use-of-industrial-automation-111061500111_1.html

Indutarial Summer Training in Noida PLC Scada Embedded Systems Autocad Solid Works Primavera Catia Staad Pro Course

About Sofcon: - 

Sofcon India Private Limited is a Pioneer Institute in the Field of Automation and Industrial Training for Technical Aspirants since 1995. We are now affiliated and Funded by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) set up by the Ministry of Finance (Government of India) with a mission of 100,000 Placements till 2020.

Sofcon is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified company and System Integrated for Industrial Automation for Schneider Electric and ABCS(Authorized Building Controls Specialist) for Johnson Controls, We believe in Quality and delivering Excellence, We are working towards bridging the gap between Academics and Industrial requirements from more than last 2 Decades.

Sofcon institute have different branches across India to provide Quality teaching to technical students. At present Sofcon has following Centers across the country as mentioned below:-

1.Noida Sector-2(UP)
2.Noida Sector-6(UP)
3.Delhi
4.Gurgaon(Haryana)
5.Lucknow(UP)
6.Bhopal(MP)
7.Rajkot(Gujarat)
8.Baroda(Gujarat)
9.Ahmadabad(Gujarat)
10.Jaipur(Rajasthan)

About NSDC: - 

NSDC stands for National Skill Development Corporation set up by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. NSDC is one of its kinds a PPP (Public Private Partnership) not-for-profit company. NSDC was set up with a mission to upgrade the skills of manpower in India, focusing on different sectors such as Electronics, IT and Hardware, Agriculture, Automotive, Construction, Leather, Plumbing, Retail, Security and many more. Sofcon is Affiliated with NSDC covering Electronics Skills Sector.

Courses Offered by Sofcon: - At present Sofcon offers following courses with 100% Job Assistance.

1.)Engineering Courses:-

a)Industrial Automaton Engineer(For B.Tech./B.E./Diploma in Electronics/Electronics and Communication/Electrical/Electrical and Electronics/Industrial Engineering)

b)Building Automation Engineer(For B.Tech./B.E./Diploma in Mechanical/Automobile/Electronics/ Communication/Electrical /Industrial Engineering)

c)Embedded System Engineer(For B.Tech./B.E./Diploma in Electronics/Electronics and Communication/Electrical/Electrical and Electronics/Industrial Engineering)

2.)Technician Courses:-

a)Access Controls Installation Technician(For ITI/Diploma in any Stream)
b)Site Engineer-Control Panel(For ITI/Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical Eng.)
c)CCTV Installation Technician(For ITI/Diploma in any stream)
d)Maintenance Technician Electrical(For ITI/Diploma in any stream)
e)Electrical Assembly Operator(For 10th/12th/ITI/Diploma Students)
f)Wireman Control Panel(For 10th/12th/ITI/Diploma Students)

About Industrial Automation Engineer: - Industrial Automation Engineers design, program, simulate and test automated machinery and processes in order to complete exact tasks. They are responsible for proper working of the systems under their observations at peak efficiency in the Industries. They have to work in the controls and automation industry and are in charge of automating and manufacturing processes.

Course Contents of Industrial Automation Engineer:-This course covers Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA), Human Machine Interface (HMI) & Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) etc. These systems fall squarely in the Industrial Electronics domain. These systems are employed by the manufacturing sector and need engineering personnel for operation, maintenance, design, implementation and augmentation.

Career for Industrial Automation Engineer: - There are a number of opportunities waiting for an Automation Engineer within India and across the globe. As the job profile is completely based on industrial requirements, there is a good opportunity for an individual having knowledge and a job role of Industrial Automation Engineer.

There are a number of Automation companies for placements such as JCT Electronics, Bajaj, Motherson Ltd, ABB, Samsung, Emerson, Omron and many more.

About Building Automation Engineer: - Building Automation Engineer is responsible for the design of building automation systems using company tools and operating protocols. The individual at work needs to control and supervise microprocessor and microcontroller based automated systems, it includes Fire Detection & Alarm System (FAS), Access Control Systems, Biometrics (ACS) & CCTV Surveillance Systems along with a variety of Sensors and actuators. The individual at work is responsible to supervise the installation and maintenance of automation systems that control such features as lighting, temperature, water heating etc. Job duties include providing cost estimates, designing and wiring systems, checking software parameters, and training personnel in the use of systems. Building automation engineers must have the ability to work with CAD software to design system schematics and must be comfortable with HVAC systems.

Course Contents of Building Automation Engineer: - This course covers Building Automation Systems comprising Direct Digital Controllers (DDC), Microprocessor based Fire Detection & Alarm System (FAS), Access Control Systems, Biometrics (ACS) & CCTV Surveillance Systems along with a variety of Sensors and actuators. These systems are employed and embedded within all Infrastructure like Metros, Airports, Buildings, Environmentally sensitive locations like Pharmaceutical & Food plants, Hospitals, Chip fabs etc and Building Automation Engineers are required for operation, maintenance, design, implementation and augmentation of these systems.

Career for Building Automation Engineer: - As the need of construction and safety is increasing every day, the requirement of automated buildings is raised so there are huge opportunities waiting for a candidate with similar job profile. There are a number of companies in which Building Automation Engineer can be placed such as Campbell, Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Schneider, Pepsico, JP group, Honeywell and many more.

About Embedded System Engineer: - Embedded Software Engineer has to execute complete embedded software development lifecycle. The goal is to create scalable and optimized software and hardware systems. The individual at work is responsible to Design and implement software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and commercial deployment. He have to Design, develop, code, test and debug system software as well as Hardware.

Course Contents of Embedded Systems Engineer: - This course covers microcontrollers (8051, ARM, PIC, AVR) along with a variety of Sensors and actuators. We also cover Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) besides Embedded C. These systems are employed and embedded within all electrical and electronic durable equipment and Embedded Systems Engineers are required for operation, maintenance, design, implementation and augmentation of these systems.

Career for Embedded Systems Engineer: - Embedded System Engineers can start their career in core electronic companies such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Mitsubishi, HCL, BEL, Ericson and many more.

About Access Controls Installation Technician Course: - The Access Control Installation Technician provides after sale support services for access control devices and systems such as point of sale scanners, finger print or iris scan etc. He is responsible for installing the access control system at the customer's premises. The individual undertakes site assessment, installs the hardware and integrates the system to meet customer's requirement. The course contents are Installing and setup the access controls systems, engage with customer for installation. The individuals can be placed in the companies installing and commissioning Access controls systems.

About Site Engineer Control Panel Course: - The Site Engineer provides after sales support and is responsible for installing and commissioning the control panel at customer's site. The individual at work is responsible for installing the control panel at customer site and ensure its operation on being powered up. The individual must: have the ability to work in high-decibel noise environment, lift heavy objects and work in a standing position for long hours.

About CCTV Installation Technician Course: - The CCTV installation Technician provides after sale support services to customers, typically, at their premises. The individual at work is responsible for installing the CCTV system in the customer premises. The individual understand the customer and site requirement, installs the camera and integrates the hardware for effective CCTV surveillance system functioning. The job requires the individual to have ability to build interpersonal relationships, patience, listening skills and critical thinking. The individual must be willing to travel to client premises in order to install equipment at different locations.

About Maintenance Technician Electrical Course: - Individuals at this job are responsible for maintaining the Electrical/ electronic systems of equipment and machinery. They use laid down procedures, and knowledge of the equipment to conduct routine maintenance and organize repairs. They are also involved in control and monitoring devices and occasionally in the manufacture of items that will help in maintenance.

About Electrical Assembly Operator Course: - The Electrical Assembly Operator is responsible for make electrical connections of control panel assembly. The individual at work mounts and installs and connects internal electronic modules devices and components on the control panel.

About Wireman Control Panel Course: - The Control Panel Wireman reads the wiring diagram and routes and wires various components within the panel in accordance to the diagram. The individual at work is responsible for wiring all components present within the panel as per specifications provided by the design engineering team.

Source:-http://goarticles.com/article/Indutarial-Summer-Training-in-Noida-PLC-Scada-Embedded-Systems-Autocad-Solid-Works-Primavera-Catia-Staad-Pro-Course/9732814/

Sofcon Conducted Industrial Automation | Embedded technology Workshop

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you, yesterday Sofcon has conducted a workshop upon Industrial Automation and EmbeddedTechnology in R.P.Educational Trust,Karnal Haryana.

We were highly and sincere appreciated by college management and students.College has given AWARD OF HONOUR to our team, in the regnition of the contribution for ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

Automation Future Growth of Indian Manufacturing Sector | Industrial Automation Training With Sofcon

It is essential for current-day manufacturers to be extremely efficient and prudent in order to handle fluctuating market demand, and simultaneously ensure profitability. Clearly, Indian manufacturers are trying to achieve more with fewer resources. Therefore, they are relentlessly striving to reduce costs and remain competitive. Advances in the automation and control solutions space are also expected to maintain the same pace as evolving end-user challenges. Hence, despite the prevailing economic scenario, demand for best-in-class solutions in the manufacturing sector would remain high. Significant growth potential in the automotive segment, automotive sales and exports, sustained interest toward electronics manufacturing, and increasing investments in consumer packaged goods, among others, stand out as shining examples of the underlying potential of implementing automation in the industrial sector.

Major end users of automation technology will continue to be power, oil and gas, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries, as they continue to provide significant growth potential. Other industries such as consumer packaged goods (CPG), electronics, and textiles are also expected to generate significant demand for automation in the coming years. The total automation and control solutions market in India (including DCS, PLC, MES, HMI, SCADA, and APC), which generated USD1352.4 million as revenues in 2011, is expected to generate USD 2077.3 Million in 2015; with Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.3 percent.

The Industrial Automation and Process Control Practice of Frost & Sullivan will be hosting the 2012 India Industrial Technologies Summit, an annual forum focused on highlighting the evolving, discrete industry imperatives on December 11, 2012, in Bangalore. This edition of the Industrial Technologies Summit will focus on the Discrete Manufacturing Segment.; while the subsequent edition will focus on the Process Segment-which is scheduled to be held in February 2013.

Arunkumar Janarathnan, Industry Manager, Industrial Automation & Process Control Practice, Frost & Sullivan, emphasizes that, "Frost & Sullivan's 2012 India Industrial Technologies Summit reflects the sense of urgency felt amongst the Indian industrial community to be future-ready now; and seeks to address this immediate need through a forum focused on innovations and best practices."

Key focus areas to be discussed at the Summit include Anticipated Challenges and Growth Strategies, Economic Indicators and Impact of the Global Investment Climate, Vital Market Drivers, Companies Success, Consistent Innovation in Process and Technologies to Enhance Productivity as well as Shareholder Returns, and much more. The Summit will provide a strategic platform for product/solution/component providers and end users to deliberate on key factors that would ensure future readiness of Indian manufacturing.

The vision partner supporting the Summit is Mitsubishi Electric India Private Limited (MEI) and the knowledge partners are Omron Automation Private Limited and Siemens. The media partners supporting the summit are Automation and Controls Today, A&D India, Automonitor, Bizxchange.in, Industry2.0, and Manufacturing Today.

Source:-http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/automation%27future-growth-of-indian-manufacturing-sector-frost-and-sullivan-5547691842_1.html

Ratan Tata invests in Urban Ladder

MUMBAI: After making personal investments in e-commerce major Snapdeal and online jewellery store Bluestone, Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus, Tata Sons is now laying a wager on furniture e-tailer Urban Ladder.

Tata's investment comes just four months after the Bangalore-based startup raised $21 million in a second round of funding from Hong Kong's Steadview Capital and its existing investors, as reported first by TOI in July this year. The undisclosed investment amount from Tata comes at a time when the country's online commerce market is witnessing frenetic growth leading to top dollar being funnelled into the sector.

"He (Tata) understands the furniture space very well, specially our focus on product design since he has a lot of knowledge of the subject. His inputs and guidance will be very valuable for us," said Ashish Goel, CEO & co-founder of the two-year-old company. "We are extremely proud that Urban Ladder caught his attention. His investment in the company reassures us of the path we have taken towards creating value for customers with great products and exceptional service," Goel said.

Urban Ladder was launched in July 2012 by IIT & IIM graduates Goel and Rajiv Srivatsa and competes with other online furniture retailers, including Pepperfry and Rocket Internet-backed Fab Furnish, in a category which is growing steadily and has attracted interest from e-commerce biggies like Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal. The impending launch of Swedish furniture

giant IKEA is likely to stir up the largely unorganized furniture market in India, which is estimated at $8-10 billion. The e-tailer has so far raised around $30 million in risk capital with investors like Steadview Capital, SAIF Partners and Kalaari Capital on board.



Urban Ladder offers as many as 30 sub-categories, presently which are divided into core, distinctive and unique offerings. The e-tailer aims to have 10% unique offerings, 20-25% distinctive products while the rest would come under its core offerings.



Source:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Ratan-Tata-invests-in-Urban-Ladder/articleshow/45154040.cms

Auto Mains Failure PLC Program Using Omron PLC

Auto start up of the DG when the Mains Supply fails . This is a very common system and is the first step in DG synchronization.
Here we will see that what is the basic concept in AMF? What hardware is required to set up AMF and how PLC Programming is done.

First of all let us understand what is AMF?
Generally all the major industries/companies/institution have the DG for power back up , but when when main power is cut off , someone has to go to start the DG and this takes time and also a man has to be kept for this purpose. So to eliminate this process PLC panel is installed to Auto start the DG when main power fails.

Working is as follows:- when main power goes , a signal is received to PLC and after 2 minutes DG starts . When the Main supply fail signal is received by PLC then after a delay time (can be from 1 to 2 minute) , output for ACB/Contactor of DG is ON and DG starts automatically. Also the ACB/Contractor of main transformer if sent OFF Command. When main power comes then the signal is again sent to PLC and PLC off the ACB/Contactor of DG and after 2 seconds it on the ACB/Contactor of main transformer and after 30 seconds it off the DG. DG is sent OFF command a little late so that the load beared by DG for a long time can be compensated by running at no load for some time.

NOTE :- In no Condition the ACB/Contactor of both DG and Main transformer should be ON.

So this is the main concept in DG AMF system.
In a simple system there are generally 4 inputs and 4 outputs.

Inputs :- 1. DG ACB/Contactor close feedback.
2. Transformer ACB/Contactor close feedback.
3. Transformer Voltage Available.
4. DG Voltage Availaible.

Outputs :- 1. DG start.
2. DG Stop
3. DG ACB/Contactor close.
4. Transformer ACB/Contactor close.

How to Make Start Stop Logic in PLC using Different NO-NC Combination

This Tutorial Will teach you how to use NO and NC for making Start stop logic. For this we understand that you have basic knowledge of No and NC . You can also learn Basic of PLC here.

To make start-stop logic you just have to write a simple program in PLC. In Electrical it is possible to make start – stop logic with a NO start push button and NC stop push button BUT in PLC you can make start-stop logic with any combination of start and stop push button.

Let us understand ……..

**PB- Push Button, NO – Normally Open, NC – Normally Closed**

1> Start PB – NO , Stop PB – NC



2> Start PB – NO , Stop PB – NO



3> Start PB – NC , Stop PB – NO




4> Start PB – NC , Stop PB – NC




Source:-http://www.automation-talk.info/2010/07/how-to-make-start-stop-logic-in-plc.html