Industrial Automation Terms Glossary: Industrial Automation Terms in 2024
A
Actuator
An actuator is a mechanical device that is responsible for moving or controlling a mechanism or system.
Actuators
Actuators are devices that convert energy into mechanical motion or control.
Ai
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Alarm Management
Alarm Management involves the monitoring, analysis, and response to alarms generated by industrial processes.
Asrs
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) is a computer-controlled system for automatically placing and retrieving loads from designated storage locations.
Asset Management
Asset Management involves the systematic management of physical assets throughout their lifecycle.
Asset Performance Management
Asset Performance Management involves the optimization of asset performance to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Automation
Automation refers to the use of technology or machinery to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
B
Batch Control
Batch Control is the process of managing and controlling the production of products in batches rather than continuous or discrete manufacturing.
Batch Process
A Batch Process is a manufacturing process where the product is made in discrete quantities, rather than continuously.
Big Data
Big Data refers to huge volumes of data that cannot be effectively processed using traditional data processing techniques.
C
Cad
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to create, modify, and optimize the design of a product or system.
Cad/Cam
Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is the integration of CAD and CAM technologies to facilitate the design and manufacturing of products.
Cam
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate the manufacturing process.
Cip
Cleaning in Place (CIP) is a method of cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes, vessels, equipment, and filters in processing plants without disassembling them.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services, such as servers, storage, databases, software, over the internet.
Cnc
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is the automation of machine tools that are operated by precisely programmed commands.
Computer Vision
Computer Vision is a field of AI that enables computers to capture, analyze, and understand visual information from images or videos.
Condition Monitoring
Condition Monitoring involves the continuous monitoring of the condition of equipment to identify potential faults or failures.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement is an ongoing effort to enhance products, processes, or services through incremental and incremental improvements.
Control Loop
Control Loop is a feedback mechanism used to control a system by continuously comparing the actual system output with the desired setpoint.
Conveyor
A conveyor is a machine for transporting materials or products from one location to another.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity refers to the practices, measures, and technologies used to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access or attacks.
D
Data Analytics
Data Analytics is the process of examining and interpreting data to extract valuable insights and make data-driven decisions.
Data Historian
A Data Historian is a software program or appliance that archives and retrieves time-series data.
Data Logging
Data Logging involves the collection and storage of data from various sources for analysis and troubleshooting.
Dcs
Distributed Control System (DCS) is a control system that uses input and output instructions to control various parts of a machine or process.
Deep Learning
Deep Learning is a subset of Machine Learning that involves training neural networks with a vast amount of data to make accurate predictions or classifications.
Digital Twin
A Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, product, or process used for simulation and analysis.
Distributed Control System
Distributed Control System (DCS) is a control system that is used to control and monitor processes or operations in different locations in an industrial setting.
Distributed I/O
Distributed Input/Output (Distributed I/O) refers to the use of multiple input and output devices spread throughout a system.
Downtime
Downtime refers to the period of time during which a machine is not in operation or is unable to perform its intended function.
E
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency in industrial automation refers to the optimization of energy consumption and reduction of waste.
Energy Management
Energy Management involves the monitoring and control of energy consumption in industrial processes.
Erp
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business process management software that integrates different aspects of a company's operations into a unified system.
Ethernet/Ip
Ethernet/IP is an industrial network protocol that combines standard Ethernet and the Internet Protocol.
F
Fault Detection And Diagnosis
Fault Detection and Diagnosis involves the monitoring and identification of abnormal conditions or faults in industrial systems.
Field Device
Field Device is a physical device such as a sensor, actuator, or other component used for monitoring or controlling a system.
Field Instrumentation
Field Instrumentation refers to the devices used to measure and control physical quantities, such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level.
Fieldbus
Fieldbus is a digital communication protocol used in automation systems for connecting field devices.
H
Hart
Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) is a communication protocol used for sending and receiving digital information between field devices and a control system.
Hart Protocol
HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) Protocol is a communication protocol used in process automation field devices.
Hmi
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a user interface that allows interaction between humans and machines.
Hydraulics
Hydraulics is a branch of engineering that focuses on the mechanical properties of liquids and their control.
I
Iiot
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the extension of IoT technologies to the industrial sector.
Industrial Automation
Industrial Automation refers to the use of control systems, such as computers or robots, to handle different processes and machinery in an industrial environment.
Industrial Networking
Industrial Networking refers to the use of networks and communication protocols to enable information exchange and control between industrial devices and systems.
Industrial Robots
Industrial Robots are programmable machines designed to handle and perform tasks in an industrial environment.
Io
Input/Output (IO) refers to the communication between a computer or controller and external devices such as sensors and actuators.
Iot
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to exchange data with other devices and systems.
J
Jit
Just-In-Time (JIT) is a production strategy that involves producing items at the exact time they are needed.
L
Lean Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing is an approach to production that focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing value.
M
M2M
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) refers to direct communication between devices without human intervention, typically using wireless or wired connections.
M2M Communication
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication refers to direct communication between devices without human interaction.
Machine Vision
Machine Vision refers to the technology and methods used to provide imaging-based automatic inspection and analysis for applications such as quality control.
Manufacturing Intelligence
Manufacturing Intelligence involves the collection, analysis, and visualization of data from manufacturing operations.
Mes
Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is an information system that connects, monitors, and controls complex manufacturing systems and data flows.
Ml
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on getting machines to learn from data.
Modbus
Modbus is a communication protocol widely used in industrial automation for connecting electronic devices.
Motion Control
Motion control is the use of various technologies to control the speed, position, and torque of automated machinery.
N
Network Communication Protocols
Network Communication Protocols define rules and conventions for communication between devices or systems in a networked environment.
O
Oee
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is a measure of how effectively a manufacturing operation is used.
Opc
OLE for Process Control (OPC) is a set of standards and specifications for connectivity between devices and automation software.
Opc Ua
OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is an industrial communication standard for secure and reliable exchange of data.
P
Pid
Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) Controller is a control loop feedback mechanism commonly used in industrial control systems.
Plc
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes.
Plc Programming
PLC Programming is the process of creating and editing programs for a programmable logic controller.
Plm
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is the process of managing the entire lifecycle of a product from inception to disposal.
Pneumatics
Pneumatics is a branch of engineering that uses compressed air or gas to generate mechanical motion.
Ppe
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment used to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive Analytics uses historical and real-time data to forecast future events or trends in industrial processes.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive Maintenance is a technique that uses data analysis to detect and predict equipment failures before they occur.
Predictive Quality
Predictive Quality involves the use of data and analytics to predict and prevent quality issues in manufacturing processes.
Process Optimization
Process Optimization involves the improvement of industrial processes to maximize efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness.
Q
Quality Control
Quality Control involves the processes and techniques used to ensure that products or services meet specified requirements.
R
Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch that allows control of one electrical circuit by an independent low-power signal.
Reliability Engineering
Reliability Engineering is a discipline that ensures products or systems perform their intended function consistently over time.
Remote Monitoring
Remote Monitoring is the process of using sensors, devices, or systems to monitor and collect data from a remote location.
Rfid
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.
Robot Gripper
A Robot Gripper is an end effector used on robotic arms to grip, hold, and manipulate objects.
Robot Programming
Robot Programming is the process of designing and implementing sequences of instructions to control the operation of a robot.
Robotics
Robotics refers to the study, design, and use of robots for automation and control.
Root Cause Analysis
Root Cause Analysis is a problem-solving method used to identify and address the underlying causes of problems.
Root Cause Failure Analysis
Root Cause Failure Analysis is a method used to investigate failures and identify the underlying causes.
Rpm
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) is a unit of rotational speed, indicating the number of complete rotations a mechanical component makes in one minute.
Rtu
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a control device used in SCADA systems to interface with field devices.
S
S88
ISA-88, also known as S88, is a standard for batch control in the process industry.
Safety Interlock
Safety Interlock is a device or system that prevents a hazardous operation from occurring until conditions are met.
Safety Plc
A Safety PLC is a specialized programmable logic controller designed to ensure the safety of industrial processes.
Safety Systems
Safety Systems are designed to protect personnel and equipment by mitigating and preventing hazards in industrial environments.
Scada
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces.
Scara
Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) is a type of robotic arm that is equipped with horizontal and rotary motion capabilities.
Scm
Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the management of the flow of goods and services, involving the movement and storage of raw materials, inventory management, and coordination of production.
Sensors
Sensors are devices that detect and respond to physical input such as light, heat, pressure, or motion.
Serial Communication
Serial Communication is a method of sending data one bit at a time over a communication channel.
Servo Motor
A servo motor is a rotary or linear actuator that precisely controls position, velocity, and acceleration.
Simulation
Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement, aimed at reducing defects and variation.
Sop
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a documented procedure that outlines the steps to be followed in various routine or non-routine tasks.
Stp
Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) is a set of standard conditions of temperature and pressure used for measuring and comparing chemical and physical properties of substances.
Supervisory Control
Supervisory Control is the process of monitoring and controlling a system or process from a higher-level computer.
Supply Chain Automation
Supply Chain Automation involves the use of technology and automation to optimize supply chain operations.
T
Tpm
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a methodology for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of production equipment through employee involvement.
Traceability
Traceability is the ability to track and trace the history, location, and usage of a product or component.
V
Vfd
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor.
Virtualization
Virtualization is the creation of virtual versions of computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networks.
W
Wireless Sensor Networks
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are networks of spatially distributed sensors that communicate wirelessly to monitor physical or environmental conditions.
Work Order Management
Work Order Management involves the planning, scheduling, and tracking of work orders for maintenance and operations.
Workforce Management
Workforce Management involves the planning, scheduling, and management of personnel in industrial operations.