---
title: "Automation and Controls: Hot Topics You Need to Know"
description: Stay informed on the latest industry trends and solutions for navigating the complexities of process and automation controls.
image: https://info.polytron.com/hubfs/Blog/Feature%20Images/Automation%20and%20Controls%20Hot%20Topics%20You%20Need%20to%20Know.webp
---
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# Automation and Controls: Hot Topics You Need to Know
By [Ron Rich, P.E., PMP](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/ron-rich)
March 20, 2023
1 Minute Read
As production demand increases, manufacturers are focusing on automation and control system upgrades. Out-of-date controls and infrastructure upgrades improve efficiency and operational performance to meet these business objectives, so manufacturers can achieve growth targets, remain competitive, and gain sustainability for future growth.
Included in this infrastructure is the upgrade and modernization of batch and recipe management for process systems. These upgrades usually focus on quality, agile production, reducing waste, and returning a greater ROI.
## **Hot Topics in Process and Automation & Controls:**
- Delivering and upgrading infrastructure to improve efficiency and operational performance
- Allowing safe and secure remote access to automation to receive immediate service and support with less travel
- Implementing smart devices, sensors, and robotics to allow operators and manufacturing personal to do more on the plant floor
- Adapting to versatile systems to make multiple products in the same process system
- Performing predictive maintenance with accelerometers and other smart sensors
- Execution of emulation and simulation for more accurate project decisions
More manufacturers are including emulation and simulation in process, and automation and controls to make better project decisions. Emulation removes the guesswork and delivers an efficient real time approach for confident outcomes. With high demand and constant production running, manufacturers are seeking lower risk solutions and design validation before projects are implemented. This delivers cost-savings and faster startups. Polytron offers proven solutions to help you meet the demands of today’s market.
### Hear Polytron's experts talk more about industry trends:
[](https://info.polytron.com/blog/author/ron-rich)
#### Ron Rich, P.E., PMP
With 30+ years of experience at Polytron, Ron Rich was appointed CEO in 2017. He is focused on connecting with customers and industries, setting vision and strategy for the organization, and strengthening the company’s culture and leadership team. Ron holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, a MBA from Georgia State University, and a certificate in Change Leadership from Georgia State. Ron is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Georgia, and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Author
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