Resident PROFI-expert Carl Henning offers up some historical perspective on automation -50 years worth! Included are links to some of his more popular articles over the years... and a farewell.

Rigorous testing and certification ensures PROFINET devices 'just work' on the plant floor. Why then hold Plugfests? Because they allow device manufacturers to test PROFINET 'systems' as a whole.

How easy is it for you to find that IO-Link IODD file you're looking for? Well, in just six months after its introduction, more than 80% of all IO-Link devices on the market can be found in the IODDfinder, the central database for IODDs.

A new round of technical innovation and industrial reform, observed with new development trends and characteristics, is sweeping across the world. The technical innovation is aimed to foster a digitalized, web-based, and intelligent manufacturing industry by thoroughly integrating the industry with information technology, exerting far-reaching influence on worldwide manufacturers. To conquer challenges faced in fulfilling the visions of “Industrie 4.0” and the “Industrial Internet of Things” and the “Made in China 2025” strategy, the whole world is vigorously advancing digitalized manufacturing.

The 29th joint annual meeting for PI Chairman, PI Competence Centers (PICCs), PI Training Centers (PITCs), and PI Test Labs (PITLs) was successfully convened by PI China on June 19-23 in Beijing, China. 58 representatives were present at the annual meeting, including PI Chairman and Vice Chairman, Regional PI Association Chairmen, and responsible persons and experts from various PICCs, PITCs, and PITLs around the globe. PI-China Chairman, Executive Vice Chairman, Directors of the Council, Secretary-General, and Commissioner to the Secretariat also attended the event.