As industrial automation technologies continue to evolve and advance, new abbreviations and acronyms are constantly emerging. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most commonly used industrial automation abbreviations:
PLC: Programmable Logic Controller – a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes, such as controlling machinery or factory assembly lines.
HMI: Human-Machine Interface – a software application that presents information to an operator or user about the state of an industrial process.
DCS: Distributed Control System – a computerized control system used to control large-scale industrial processes, such as chemical plants and power stations.
MES: Manufacturing Execution System – a computer system used to manage and control production processes on the factory floor.
IoT: Internet of Things – a network of physical devices, vehicles, and other objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data.
AI: Artificial Intelligence – the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
ML: Machine Learning – a subset of AI that involves the use of algorithms and statistical models to enable computers to learn from data and improve performance on a specific task.
CNC: Computer Numerical Control – a manufacturing process where a computer controls the movement of tools and machinery used in manufacturing.
VFD: Variable Frequency Drive – a device that controls the speed of an electric motor by varying the frequency of the electrical power supplied to it.
RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification – a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.
SCARA: Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm – a type of industrial robot with four degrees of freedom that is typically used for assembly and pick-and-place applications.
AGV: Automated Guided Vehicle – a mobile robot used for material handling and transportation within a manufacturing facility.
EOAT: End-of-Arm Tooling – the device attached to the end of a robotic arm that is used to interact with objects in the manufacturing process.
CAD: Computer-Aided Design – the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.
CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing – the use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing process.
CIM: Computer-Integrated Manufacturing – the use of computer systems to manage all aspects of the manufacturing process, from design and engineering to production and quality control.
PDM: Product Data Management – the process of managing and controlling all data related to a product, from design and engineering to manufacturing and distribution.
ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning – a software system that integrates all aspects of a business, including planning, inventory management, accounting, and human resources.
SPC: Statistical Process Control – a method of quality control that uses statistical methods to monitor and control a process to ensure that it operates at its full potential.
IIoT: Industrial Internet of Things – a network of interconnected devices and machines used in industrial settings that can communicate and share data with each other and with humans.
M2M: Machine-to-Machine – the communication and exchange of data between machines without the need for human intervention.
Industrial Automation Acronyms
P&ID: Piping and Instrumentation Diagram – a detailed diagram that shows the piping and instrumentation of a process flow in a plant or industrial facility.
BOM: Bill of Materials – a list of all the materials and components needed to manufacture a product or assembly.
FMEA: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis – a structured approach to identify and prevent potential failures in a process or product by analyzing possible failure modes and their effects.
RCA:
Root Cause Analysis – a method used to identify the underlying cause of a problem or failure in a process or product.
OEE: Overall Equipment Effectiveness – a metric used to measure the efficiency and productivity of a manufacturing process by comparing actual production output to the maximum potential output.
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure – a set of step-by-step instructions that describe how to perform a specific task or process.
LOTO: Lockout/Tagout – a safety procedure used to ensure that machinery and equipment are properly shut off and cannot be restarted before maintenance or repair work is performed.
HAZOP: Hazard and Operability Study – a structured approach used to identify and analyze potential hazards and operational issues in a process or system.
FAT: Factory Acceptance Test – a test performed at the factory before equipment is shipped to the customer to ensure that it meets the specified requirements.
SAT: Site Acceptance Test – a test performed at the customer’s site after equipment is installed to ensure that it is working as intended.
ROI: Return on Investment – a measure of the profitability of an investment, calculated as the ratio of the net profit to the cost of the investment.
TQM: Total Quality Management – a management approach that focuses on continuous improvement in all aspects of an organization to achieve customer satisfaction and business success.
TPM: Total Productive Maintenance – a maintenance strategy aimed at maximizing the productivity of equipment by minimizing downtime and optimizing maintenance activities.
SMED: Single Minute Exchange of Dies – a lean manufacturing technique used to reduce the time it takes to change over a machine from one production run to another.
5S: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain – a lean manufacturing methodology used to improve workplace organization and efficiency.
Kaizen: Continuous Improvement – a philosophy and methodology that emphasizes continuous improvement in all aspects of an organization, with the goal of achieving excellence in quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
JIT: Just-In-Time – a manufacturing strategy that aims to minimize inventory levels by producing and delivering products only when they are needed, thus reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Six Sigma: a quality management methodology that uses statistical methods to identify and eliminate defects in a process or product, with the goal of achieving near-perfect quality.
ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning – a software system used to manage and integrate all aspects of a company’s operations, including production, inventory, supply chain, finance, and human resources.
CAD: Computer-Aided Design – software used to create, modify, and optimize designs for products and manufacturing processes.
CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing – software used to control and automate manufacturing processes using computer-aided design (CAD) data.
ASRS: Automated Storage and Retrieval System – a computer-controlled system used to store and retrieve goods from inventory storage systems, often used in warehouses and distribution centers.
AMR: Autonomous Mobile Robot – a mobile robot that can navigate and operate autonomously, without the need for human intervention.
ROI: Robot Operating System – an open-source robotics framework used to develop and deploy robotic systems and applications.
NLP: Natural Language Processing – a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on the interaction between computers and humans using natural language.
RPA: Robotic Process Automation – a technology that uses software robots to automate repetitive and manual tasks in business processes.
AR: Augmented Reality – a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, often used in industrial settings for training and maintenance purposes.
