Business Models Affected by Industry 4.0 and IoT/IIoT in Canada

Source: Navgator 2018
In the world of Internet of Things (IoT) the main currency is messages. Even as you read this hundreds of thousands of devices are sending status reports, receiving orders (like “turn up the heat”, “measure the room humidity” etc.), storing data from other devices or doing numerous other tasks that make our lives easier. And they all need to exchange information, as without connectivity, their usefulness is immensely reduced.
BiSS-C & SSI Encoder Interface Protocols Differentiations. Absolute encoders are critical components in motion control and automation, providing precise position feedback. Two commonly used serial communication protocols for absolute encoders are BiSS-C and SSI. Both interfaces enable data transmission between encoders and controllers, but they differ in terms of architecture, data integrity, speed, and flexibility. This paper provides an overview of these protocols and highlights their key differences.
The first step when starting any Industry 4.0 initiative or digital transformation within a manufacturing environment, is to define the common goals and consistent use of terms. One goal should be to achieve real-time processing of measured values through the use of more IT and additional sensors. This will enable innovative applications, such as machine learning, process optimisation and predictive maintenance, which can only be done via big data analysis. Deviations can be recognised very quickly, increasing the reliability of these environments.
Rockwell Automation: What to Know About Navigating the End of RSlogix 5. For nearly four decades, the Allen‑Bradley PLC-5 and its programming software RSLogix 5 have been the cornerstone for industrial automation. While paving the way for future PLC and software development seen today, the longevity speaks to its reliability and robustness of the platform. However, as technology evolves, the industry must continue to evolve along with it to achieve modern business and expectations. RSLogix 5 will reach its final lifecycle phase on December 31, 2025.
Littelfuse, Inc., has released the technical paper “Prevention Through Design with Special-Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)” describing the hazards of electrical shock and the best prevention methods and products that help keep workers safe from serious injuries and death caused by electrical shock.
The food processing industry has embraced automation, and indications are that its adoption in the food and beverage industry is expanding rapidly. According to a robotics report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), in 2021, “the food and beverage industry installed 25% more robots, reaching a new peak level.” A reason for this growth, the report suggests, may be that the robotics industry offered hygienic solutions, which were in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Please join ECS Electrical Cable Supply in congratulating Hossein K Mohseni on his promotion to Chief Executive Officer! Hossein’s journey with ECS began in 1998 in their warehouse. Over nearly three decades, he has grown alongside the company, building his leadership through dedication, discipline, and a deep commitment to their people and customers. From frontline… Read More…

The Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX) is Canada’s major industry event for HVACR and plumbing professionals. Held every two years, CMPX brings together the entire value chain — from manufacturers, contractors, and wholesalers to engineers, architects, educators, and students — to innovate, explore, connect, and learn. CMPX is proudly co-produced by the Heating, Refrigeration… Read More…

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.
Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.
Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.
Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.
Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.
Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.
Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

When you’re trying to keep an electrical job moving, you don’t have time for long lead times or wrestling with a box in the field. Panelboards should be the easy part: available when you need them, straight-forward to install, and reliable once they’re in. That’s why E.B. Horsman & Son is proud to carry Siemens… Read More…

Industrial systems create large volumes of data as they implement predictive maintenance and automation. Global data generation reached 181 zettabytes (ZB) in 2025, with estimates predicting 221ZB in 2026. Moving all that data to the cloud can overwhelm networks and slow response times. The latency of round-trip data to the cloud can range from tens… Read More…
This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
