Communication securely to IoT Clouds. - Softing's new MQTT Connector enables the integration of automation devices via MQTT Publisher functionality in IoT cloud applications, e.g. IBM Bluemix Cloud. Highest security during transmission is guaranteed through the encryption of the data using SSL/TLS.

Light speed for hazardous areas. - In introducing their series 9721 unmanaged switches with ATEX and IECEx certifications, R. Stahl is presenting a networking product geared towards process plants with fast Ethernet infrastructure in hazardous areas.

Checking monoblock containers. - Fluke® Process Instruments has developed a miniature monitoring solution for monoblock cure processes. The DATAPAQ MonoPaq2 system profiles the metal temperature of coated aluminum bottles, aerosols, and collapsible tubes both in IBO and OBO lines.

Wireless Sensor Connection. - The new WIS 2 (Wireless Inductive System 2) is an ideal way for Pepperl+Fuchs to round off its portfolio for the wireless connection of sensors to moving machine parts with a higher-performance system, according to a company statement.

Werum IT Solutions has appointed Rajesh Vedak as India-Country Manager.

Snap-on pre-printed wire markers. - TE Connectivity has highlighted its market-leading STD and STB snap-on pre-printed markers for wire and cable identification.

Connectors - waterproof when not connected! - The Binder 620 and 720 sub-miniature and miniature all-plastic snap-in modular connectors are available from Foremost Electronics. The lightweight and compact NCC (non-connected closed) design features internal seals that provide protection to IP67 with excellent electrical characteristics.

Fault monitoring alarm system. - Mantracourt has launched a significant upgrade to its Load Cell Integrity Box and Fault Monitoring Alarm – the LCI. This innovative product has been designed to continuously monitor the condition of individual load cells and activates an alarm when faults in the system detected.

Red Lion Controls has appointed Bruce Macpherson as Vice President of Sales for the EMEA and SAARC regions.

Call for Analysis Papers! - The International Society of Automation (ISA) and its Analysis Division invite authors, innovators, thought leaders, and other professionals in the process and analytical sciences industry to submit abstracts for presentation consideration at the 2017 Analysis Division Symposium. This 62nd annual technical conference and exhibition will be held 23-27 April 2017 in Pasadena, CA USA.

Impressive showing for photoionisation detectors. - Ion Science has doubled sales of its high performance fixed photoionisation detectors (PIDs) compared to 2015. This latest success is being attributed to the launch of the company's Falco series of fixed continuous volatile organic compound (VOC) monitors and MiniPID 2 sensor earlier this year.

Beta testers wanted for WirelessHART gas detector. - United Electric Controls has announced the availability of beta versions of its Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector. The company offering free beta trials to gain additional feedback on customer experience and product performance prior to the official product roll-out in early 2017.

NDIR sensing - The Guardian NG NDIR gas monitors from Edinburgh Instruments, typify their commitment to customers convenience and safety, backed by over thirty years of sensor design and manufacturing experience.

Rotation speed monitor enhanced. - The SC-System's family of signal conditioners by Pepperl+Fuchs can now be used even more comprehensively: the single rotation speed monitor with just a 6 mm installation width processes digital input signals of all binary sensors currently on the market and is now fitted with a restart inhibit.

Energy award for Irish PSU manufacturer. - Excelsys Technologies are winners of a Top Supplier award in the Energy category at the 21st Annual SPDEI Awards ceremony held in Paris (F) on the 2nd of December.

Bidirectional data memory module. - A compact memory module with IP 67 protection is just 34 x 16 x 8 mm in size is available from Balluff. It can be used as a memory storage device on interchangeable units such as milling heads on gantry type machining centres.

Light & vision sensors. - The light section sensors from the Pepperl+Fuchs SmartRunner range uniquely combine a high-precision light section sensor and vision sensor into one compact device.

Mrinal Iyengar is the Vice President, Product Management with Abaco Systems.

Moving From Data Paralysis to Predictive Analysis. - The National Maritime College of Ireland was the venue last month (Nov 2016) for a joint seminar organised by the Irish Affilate of the ISPE and the Ireland Section of International Society of Automation (ISA). The topic, "Moving From Data Paralysis to Predictive Analysis," proved very attractive and attracted a large number of delegates. This report is from the ISA.

Wireless vibration sensor. - Yokogawa has developed an ISA100 WirelessTM-based field wireless vibration sensor with the ability to quickly update data as well as a long battery life.

Workshop on dust, arosols & particulates! - Following the success of a similar event last January, TSI and Ashtead Technology have organised another workshop focusing on workplace dust, aerosols and environmental particulates. The event, which is free to attend, will take place on Wednesday 11th January 2017 at TSI's headquarters in High Wycombe (GB).

Compact connector. - Harting's new Han® Q 1/0 Axial Screw Protected connector is a compact single-pole unit that enables the transmission of high currents - greater than 100 A - within the small footprint of a standard 3 A housing.

Japanese Award for automation and control manufacturer. - IDEC Corporation's MicroSmart FC6A PLC has received the Good Design Award from the Japan Institute for Design Promotion, a public interest foundation

White paper on FTIR. - A free White Paper on the simultaneous measurement of multiple gases in a wide variety of applications using FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed) technology has been published by Quantitech.

Advanced vibration monitor for rent! - Ashtead Technology has added the Vibrock V9000 Ground Vibration Monitor to its rental fleet of instruments. Portable, lightweight and battery powered, the V9000 is supplied fully calibrated and ready for immediate use, making it ideal for a wide variety of site investigation applications.

Air pollution conference at show! - AQE 2017, the international Air Quality and Emissions show (Telford, GB, 24th- 25th May 2017) has partnered with IAPSC (Investigation of Air Pollution Standing Conference) to deliver the conference on the second day of the AQE event.

Gas detection instrumentation for German agency! - Ion Science has recently supplied 300 Tiger volatile organic compound (VOC) monitors to Germany's Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) where they are part of the vital chemical measurement system on board CRBN 'first responder' reconnaissance vehicles.

Examining components with shiny & diffusely-scattering surfaces. - The new Trevista X4 models from Stemmer Imaging, utilise a patented 2.5D process, called Shape from Shading, identifies surface defects such as scratches, burrs, dents, discolouration or grinding marks, even if only a few micrometres deep. They can be detected with significantly greater certainty with this process than with conventional image processing systems.

Room climate transmitter! - The EE800 room transmitter from E+E Elektronik combines CO2, temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) measurement in a single device. It is ideal for use in demand-controlled ventilation and indoor climate control.

Logistics module for Slovenia. - The P&P Group in Slovenia, recently expanded their business to incorporate SMT d.o.o in 2003 and specialises in the development of complex electronic systems with extensive experience in the development and manufacture of sophisticated custom-made electronic devices.

Low cost RF Connectors. - Intelliconnect (Europe) has introduced the new Taurus range of low cost high quality, industry standard coaxial connectors and adaptors available from stock in Britain and delivered on a 1- 3 day lead time.

Level with optimised communications. - Baumer has expanded the successful CleverLevel series with two new variants - the LBFH and LBFI. They are available with two switching outputs, qTeach and a 360° output status indicator.

Cameras for harsh environments. - The GigE uEye FA camera series from IDS Imaging Development Systems is designed for use in the harshest industrial environments.

Identification marker. - TE Connectivity (TE) has launched ZHD, a new, versatile cable identification product. Until now, heat shrink cable identification systems were either low fire hazard or diesel resistant - but not both. TE's new ZHD identification products combines these two features into a single product.