The Magic Blog
Insights on ERP integration, AI readiness, and application modernization from our team of experts.
How to Install Magic xpi 4.14 Yourself: A Step-by-Step IMM Deployment Guide
How Magic xpi 4.14 installation works: the architecture, the six steps, connecting to the IMM on Kubernetes, and answers to common questions.
Upgrading PLCs: How to Plan a Successful Control System Migration
A successful PLC upgrade starts before the shutdown. Learn how to assess risk, define scope, test the application, and plan a controlled migration to a supportable control system.
Magic xpi 4.13 to 4.14 Upgrade: Prepare Before Your GigaSpaces License Expires
GigaSpaces licenses begin expiring December 31, 2026. Learn why to upgrade Magic xpi 4.13 to 4.14 and how to plan before integrations stop running.
Bridging the Manufacturing IT-OT Gap
That’s the manufacturing IT-OT gap. It isn’t a technology gap — the protocols, connectors, and architectures to close it have existed for years. It’s an ownership gap. And until you treat it that way, every convergence project you fund will stall in the same place.
5 Mistakes We See in Machine Safety Retrofits
These are the top 5 early signs that your control system needs a health check. Just like your car requires routine maintenance and inspections, so does your control system.
AI-Ready Manufacturing: 7 Steps to Prepare Everything Between the PLC and the P&L
AI readiness in manufacturing starts below the algorithm in the data architecture between your control layer and your business systems. Here are 7 practical steps to prepare your plant.
Matrix IT and Magic Software Complete Merger
Magic Software has been around since the 80’s providing software application solutions and IT services to F500 companies globally. This year, we merged with Matrix IT, moving our Nasdaq ticker from MGIC to MTRX and making us one of the top 10 publicly traded IT services companies in the U.S. with $4B in combined revenue.
Top 5 Early Warning Signs Your Control System Needs a Health Check
These are the top 5 early signs that your control system needs a health check. Just like your car requires routine maintenance and inspections, so does your control system.
Magic Software Americas and Axiom Systems Complete Acquisition of MartinCSI
Acquisition creates a full-spectrum manufacturing technology and automation delivery organization
You're Migrating a Legacy App to the Cloud... Which Path Do You Take?
1 Migration. 2 Paths.
Industrial Control System Health Check Maintenance
Tips for prolonging your automation system through regular control system health checks and preventative maintenance.
The Ultimate Guide to Manufacturing ERP Integration
The Hidden Costs of Vision System Integration
As control system integrators, we’re often brought in after the initial excitement around a new vision system begins to fade and challenges have begun to appear. What began as a plug-and-play solution has started creating frustration for plant engineers and quality teams. The system technically oper
Why Projects Fail Before They Start
After working on enough industrial control projects, you start to see a pattern. When a project struggles or fails, it’s rarely because the PLC hardware was wrong or the code was bad. Most of the time, I can trace the problems back to decisions that were made before the project ever started
Medical Device Manufacturing Case Study
A medical device manufacturer overcomes machine builder limitations through innovative data collection architecture, achieving significant throughput and yield improvements.
Manufacturing Production KPIs – Infographic
Discussion of manufacturing metrics questioning overcomplication and advocating for proven SQDC board frameworks.
Axiom Acquired By Magic Software
Axiom Manufacturing Systems has been acquired by Magic Software Enterprises. And we, the Magic Americas team, couldn't be more excited about what this means for our customers.
The Smart Manufacturing Roadshow: Texas Manufacturing and Technology Summit
Axiom announces sponsorship of CESMII's Smart Manufacturing Roadshow in Texas.
Key Elements Required To Successfully Manage A Digital Journey
Patrick Gaughan from Axiom discusses essential factors for digital transformation, emphasizing corporate sponsorship, empowering internal advocates, and establishing core strategy with expert guidance.
Trailblazing Digital Lean: Axiom's Approach to Revolutionizing Manufacturing
Axiom Manufacturing Systems positions itself as a Digital Lean pioneer, delivering tangible transformation results in mere days, not years, functioning as an objective advisor through technological evolution.
Axiom Manufacturing Systems Leads Innovation at Smart Manufacturing Roadshow in Florence, SC
The Smart Manufacturing Roadshow in Florence, South Carolina featured Axiom leadership including Mike Manzi and David Deden, showcasing cutting-edge solutions alongside partner technologies.
Digital Lean: The Axiom Blueprint for Maximizing ROI in Manufacturing Through Strategic Digital Transformation
Digital transformation requires evaluating current processes before adopting technology. Rushing into digital tools without process optimization risks amplifying flawed operations.
The Crucial Role of ISA 88 & 95 in an IIoT World: A Perspective by Michael Manzi, Managing Partner of Axiom Manufacturing Systems LLC
Michael Manzi advocates for ISA-88 and ISA-95 standards in IIoT systems, aligning them with RUMS (Repeatable, Upgradable, Modular, and Scalable) design principles for secure, evolving industrial systems.
Unleashing Efficiency and Precision: The Impact of AI-Enabled Machine Vision in Modern Manufacturing
AI-powered machine vision provides manufacturers with unprecedented data insights, covering quality assurance improvements, production efficiency optimization, and design innovation.
Unleashing Efficiency: The Role of Wireless Sensors in Small to Midsize Manufacturing Facilities
Wireless sensors enable real-time monitoring of various parameters within a manufacturing facility, providing instant data for Industry 4.0 operations.
Unlocking Efficiency: The Power of Fractional Engineering for Small to Midsize Manufacturing Facilities
Fractional Engineering involves engaging part-time or temporary engineering professionals to address specific challenges or projects within a manufacturing facility.
Sustainable Energy for Manufacturing & Life – Data-Driven Sustainability
Video episode discussing data-driven sustainability approaches for manufacturing operations.
IT/OT Systems Integration – Who to Trust in Manufacturing
Video content addressing IT/OT systems integration challenges and guidance on selecting trusted integration partners in manufacturing environments.
Top 3 Requirements & Pitfalls for Achieving Success in Smart Manufacturing
Video presentation outlining critical requirements and common pitfalls for smart manufacturing implementation success.
Safeguarding Success: The Imperative of Cybersecurity for Small to Midsize Manufacturers
The post discusses mounting cyber vulnerabilities in manufacturing, including ransomware and data breaches threatening operations.
Your Untapped Resource: Your Workforce – Unlocking Potential in Small to Midsize Manufacturing Companies
Focuses on employee experience, adaptability, innovation potential, and continuous improvement capabilities for small to midsize manufacturers.
IoT vs. MES: What Do They Mean to Me, Which Should I Pick, and Why?
Distinguishes between IoT's data collection capabilities and MES's production control functions, and when to use each.
Choosing Between Point Solutions and Holistic Approaches for Manufacturing Digital Transformation
Explores the decision between point solutions and holistic approaches for manufacturing digital transformation, covering IoT and MES considerations.
Electrical Toolset Helps Make Ice Cream Sandwich Machine a Reality
AutoCAD Customer Success Story Ranging from programming PLCs to upgrading controls and integrating motion drives and vision systems, the company’s team of engineers create innovative solutions no matter the customer or industry. And they rely on AutoCAD and the Electrical toolset to make it happen—including using it for an ice cream sandwich filler machine.
Upgrading SCADA Software Functionality to its Fullest Potential
Akzo Nobel wanted to improve their operational efficiency. To accomplish that, they needed to upgrade the Klieverik Automatic Dosing Unit (ADU). Before the upgrade, the Klieverik was limited on the amount of storage and could only hold about half of the ingredients needed for the formulas that are m
Packaging Supplier Solves Ice Cream Headaches
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of ice cream novelty packaging and filling machinery, Norse Dairy Systems, was watching its profit melt away through mechanical downtime and wasted materials on its production lines. It turned to Martin Control Systems for a solution that boosted production by more than 27%.
Simulation Training for the U.S. Army
A more efficient training method for our soldiers on water purification systems
Using Ultrasonic Sensing and Inductive Couplers
A paper processing manufacturer wanted to find a way to automate the measurement of their paper rolls. Their machine operator would manually measure each roll before it was put onto the machine, which led to delays in production and inaccuracy.
Increased Operational Efficiency with Automation Technology
An OEM machine builder had mechanical machines that were used to load, fill, and seal ice cream cups for a client. The mechanical cams that ran the machine, consisted of too many components, making it hard to service. The cams also limited the ability to change the line with ease. The machine did no
Sensors Help Provide a Higher Quality Product
An Ohio-based animal feed company noticed some of their feed bags were not completely filled to capacity before being put on a pallet for the delivery trucks. After careful examination of their production line, they noticed some feed would spill out of the bag when it was laid down horizontally after the sewing portion of the production process
Operational Technology: Data Acquisition, Data Architectures, Data Analytics
Using Big Data for operational technology (OT) automation and control applications is increasingly important and can be a bewildering journey if the right questions aren’t asked. See four elements of data analytics system architecture.
Edge Computing Terms and Skills
Six edge computing questions to ask about data collection, networking and control systems
3 Steps to a Successful Machine Vision Project
Machine vision can add to a project’s quality and throughput. Heed these three ways to help a vision project succeed.
2019 Engineering Leader Under 40: Ian Visintine, 37
Senior Project Engineer, MartinCSI, Plain City, Ohio, AS Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Columbus State Community College
Ask 11 Questions to Simplify System Integration
Being prepared, having project management structures and processes in place, and building trust with the customer are the most reliable ways to simplify the systems integration process. See eight system integration project management tips.
Edge Computing for Efficiency, Quality
Edge devices streamline operations and offer many benefits including enhanced efficiencies and quality of service for industrial manufacturers.
Understand Network Security: Public Key Encryption and Industrial Automation
Remove unnecessary fear, take a proactive approach to network security as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to rapidly expand.
Case Study: IIoT Effectiveness on the Plant Floor
Create and collect machine and sensor data to augment overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and determine machine efficiency.
Finding Common Ground for IT/OT Convergence
Finding a common understanding between information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) means avoiding a lot of issues with overall facility operations.
How to Transition from Traditional to Digital Plant Floor Technologies
Improving plant efficiencies starts with bridging the gap between workforce generations. Generation X can help connect traditional industrial applications with digital manufacturing. See three benefits of mobility on the plant floor and implementation advice.
Control Engineering & Plant Engineering 2017 Engineering Leader Under 40
Nate Kay has been a part of MartinCSI since 2005. In those years, he has earned a professional engineer designation and been promoted to Project Manager.
Proof of Concept, Testing for Integrated Vision Applications
Inside machines: A control system integrator and automation vendor have jointly developed a vision lab where they will offer machine vision testing, advice, proof-of-concept work and validation services. See advice about machine vision applications.
A Tale of System Integration Success
When looking for a system integrator, users should seek out those with knowledge, experience, reliability, and integrity.
Omron FH/FZ Vision Training
MartinCSI Project Engineers, Josh Terrell and Ian Visintine received Omron FH/FZ Vision training certifications in Illinois, February 2017
Opening Eyes to Machine Vision
System integrator adds machine vision lab to its technology showcase to help manufacturers better understand the technology’s range of applications.
Best Practices to Help with Multiplatform System Integration
Learn these tips when integrating industrial automation devices and systems across control system platforms. When integrating different platforms for devices in at a plant, there are many steps to take to make sure different platforms are integrated correctly and efficiently. These three key tips and tricks can help determine if multiplatform system integration is the best path to take.
A Vision for the Future - Ohio's Only Omron Vision Lab
When we moved into our new building in 2015, we were approached by Omron to help create a new state of the art Vision Lab in our facility. Vision systems use cameras, lights and lenses to inspect and process information used for quality control. This Vision Lab is unique in many different aspects, and is the only Omron Vision Lab in the state of Ohio.
Five Automotive Industry Advances, Lessons for Other Industries
The automobile is used every day by millions of people to get them where they need to be safely. Lessons learned in the automotive industry can be applied to other industries. Five advances, in particular, should be considered if they haven't been already, on the topics of traceability and data collection, upgrades, machine vision, robotics, and safety systems.
Selecting a Control System Integrator for Your Automation Needs
There are many options out there — how do you choose one Control System Integrator over the rest? Automation is a key part in keeping your operation running, and it’s very important to find the perfect system integrator for you. Here are some suggestions we thought would help in your decision making process:
Control Engineering & Plant Engineering 2016 Engineering Leader Under 40
David King has been a part of MartinCSI since 2004. He started out as a design engineer and has moved up to principal, project manager.
Control Engineering Editorial Advisory Board
Joe Martin, Martin Control Systems, joins Control Engineering editorial advisory board
Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition
“MartinCSI along with our Peer Group of companies (IAC, Loman Control Systems, A&E Engineering, Viewpoint Systems, Apex Manufacturing Solutions, & Banks Integration) are industry partners of the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC), which was selected on June 20th by President Obama to lead the new Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.” Please check out the recent article: http://www.energy.gov/articles/fact-sheet-president-obama-announces-winner-new-smart-manufacturing-innovation-institute.
How I Ride the Ups and Downs of Business
Manufacturing can be a fickle, cyclical industry, so imagine the ups-and-downs of being a business tethered to it. That’s where Martin Control Systems Inc. stands.
MartinCSI Earns Control System Integrators Association's Certification for the Fifth Time
MartinCSI announces their completion of the Control Systems Integrators Association (CSIA) “Best Practices and Benchmarks” recertification. This is the fifth consecutive time MartinCSI has passed the CSIA Certification audit process.
MartinCSI Project Featured in 2016 Ignition Discover Gallery
2016 Firebrand Gold Award Winner By creating an exact duplication of the actual system or process, the Guild Training Simulator sets a new standard in equipment training. The Guild Training Simulator — engineered to the exact specifications of the original piece of equipment — gives both the instructor and trainee virtual product accessibility where they can gain hands-on experience before they ever activate a switch.
Control System Integrator Association's 2015 Integrator Member of the Year
MartinCSI was awarded the Control System Integrators Association’s (CSIA) 2015 Integrator Member of the Year at the annual CSIA Executive Conference in Washington D.C.