Have You Read the Top Industrial Blogs of 2022?

 

As 2022 wraps up, we took time to reflect on the topics and conversations that were most important to you in the past year, and we’re sharing your favorites here.

 

Most-Read Industrial Blogs Published in 2022

 

1. Create Your Own Path to an Automated Warehouse

 

Automated warehouses optimize costs, boost productivity throughout the supply chain, support efficient workflows, ensure safety and maximize worker output. If you’re considering a new automation system or network upgrade, then the five design tips covered in this blog will point you in the right direction. They don’t need to be followed in a certain order. Deploy them however it makes sense for your warehouse operation.

 

2. Why the Data Ingestion Phase Is Critical to the CPG Sector

 

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is ever-changing, with new competitors emerging every day as consumers shift their expectations and buying behavior. As a result, CPG plants are taking steps to improve data ingestion and make production processes leaner. An important part of this shift involves moving from reactive to predictive maintenance—and data ingestion is what makes it happen. Read this blog to learn more about the role that data ingestion phase plays and how to establish your data ingestion framework.

 

3. Industrial Edge Solutions: Why Are They Necessary?

 

In order for organizations to take advantage of the valuable insights that data can provide, the proper solutions must first be in place to connect, transport and process this data. Especially in mission-critical applications, it’s imperative that industrial edge solutions securely deliver fast, reliable and accurate results. If you want to learn more about what industrial edge solutions are, how they work and why you need them, then start with this blog.

 

4. How Zero Trust Security Stands Up to Data Theft

 

Although this blog was published in October 2022, it still made it onto the list of most-read blogs published this year—which is an indicator of how important industrial cybersecurity is. The security concept of zero helps curb the problems associated with providing external network access to corporate resources. Instead of focusing on classic perimeter security, zero trust focuses on resources. This blog explains how zero trust makes it possible to guarantee data security while meeting modern network security requirements.

 

5. Barriers of OT/ICS Adopting Cloud

 

As the need for cloud solutions in OT/ICS environments increases, so do barriers to ensuring cybersecurity. To better understand how these barriers can be addressed and uncover some of the key obstacles facing OT/ICS, Belden interviewed a group of seven security experts. Find out what they say about how unauthorized, cloud-based access to management systems can compromise the OT/ICS infrastructure—and what you can do about it.

 

Our Most-Read Industrial Blogs Ever

 

Although these blogs were published prior to 2022, they represent Belden’s most-read industrial blogs since we began blogging nearly a decade ago.

 

1. Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches: Are They Really that Different?

 

When it comes to the inner workings of your wired industrial network, switches act as building blocks: They connect your devices over the network so they can transmit data to the right places. Managed and unmanaged switches seem fairly similar upon first glance, but comparing managed and unmanaged switches is almost like comparing today’s smartphones with the first mobile phones. Each device serves the same purpose—but that’s where their similarities end. Get the lowdown on managed vs. unmanaged switches here so you can determine which is best for your application.

 

2. Form A, B and C: Do You Know Your DIN Valve Connectors?

 

A DIN valve connector supplies power and, in some cases, signal transmission to end devices like solenoid valves by connecting them to voltage supplies and/or data networks. Wherever you find manufacturing processes, you’ll find DIN valve connectors. This blog covers the different types of DIN valve connectors available so you can make the right choice.

 

3. Direct-Burial Cable: Your Questions Answered

 

Three cable types normally rise to the surface in discussions about outdoor installation: outdoor cable, underground burial cable and direct-burial cable. But not every cable that is outdoor-rated or says “burial-rated” can be directly buried underground with no protection. This blog takes a closer look at these three types of cable often considered for outdoor applications and explains where each should be used.

 

4. Industrial Cables for Oil and Gas Projects

 

An oldie but a goodie: This blog was published in 2014, but it’s still used as a valuable resource. The article cuts through the hype and confusion associated with choosing the right cables for oil and gas projects by spelling out three simple steps to help you select the right cable.

 

5. Moving from Analog to Digital

 

The transition from analog to digital starts with smart sensors that control machines and provide health monitoring. Unlike normal sensors that communicate a single message, smart sensors collect and report on many data points, such as temperature, humidity, speed, weight, waterflow and more. They’re also able to receive data from the control system, which allows for things like parameter adjustments and turning sensors on/off. This blog explains the shift from analog to digital and how Belden can help you make this transition.

 

Are there industrial automation and cybersecurity topics you’d to learn more about in 2023? Let us know, and we’ll plan to talk address your questions! Or speak directly to one of our industrial automation and cybersecurity experts.

 

Related Links

 

Form A, B and C: Do You Know Your DIN Valve Connectors?

Create Your Own Path to an Automated Warehouse

Why the Data Ingestion Phase Is Critical to the CPG Sector