Wired for Innovation: The elliTek Blog

Cyber threats targeting OT environments are accelerating, exposing manufacturers to unplanned downtime and safety risks. In this guide, elliTek breaks down the biggest vulnerabilities we see on plant floors, and the practical steps you can take today to secure your industrial networks using Siemens SCALANCE, TIA Security, WAGO secure VPN, and Pilz SecurityBridge.

Standardization is no longer a “nice to have” in modern automation — it’s the backbone of sustainable engineering. In an industry where machine complexity is rising and skilled labor is becoming harder to find, manufacturers who embrace standardization see measurable gains in speed, scalability, and quality. At elliTek, we see this every day when working with machine builders and OEMs, and Siemens’ standardized engineering ecosystem gives our customers a clear path to faster

Safety shouldn’t slow you down. With PILZ PNOZmulti + PSEN, Siemens S7-1500F, and Werma signaling devices, manufacturers can eliminate nuisance trips and keep production safe and productive. Learn how these solutions work together to protect people and performance.

Discover how Siemens’ Efficient Engineering solutions help manufacturers do more with less. By automating repetitive tasks, enabling digital workflows, and standardizing design processes, engineering teams can reduce errors and accelerate innovation. With 4 Application Engineers and 4 Field Sales Engineers, elliTek is ready to meet you where you are in your automation journey and help you engineer smarter.

Need industrial-grade computing that won’t flinch on a production line? SIMATIC Rack PCs bring server-class performance, workstation-level graphics, and client-class value—engineered for 24/7 reliability, rapid integration, and long-term availability. From AI/vision to HMI/SCADA, they deliver the horsepower, uptime, and scalability manufacturers and machine builders demand.

Power your digital transformation with Siemens SIMATIC Industrial PCs from elliTek. Built for 24/7 uptime and long-term availability, these Box, Panel, and Rack IPCs integrate seamlessly with TIA Portal, WinCC Unified, PROFINET, and OPC UA. Ideal for manufacturing, process, infrastructure, machine building, and logistics—delivering ROI for plant managers, specs engineers trust, flexibility for integrators, and global support OEMs demand. Run HMI/SCADA, MES, edge, and AI visio

Unplanned downtime chews up schedule, labor, and margin. elliTek’s practical stack — Contrinex IO-Link sensors, Siemens Industrial Edge, WAGO with MQTT, and Werma WeASSIST — spots drift early, pushes real-time alerts, and turns machine data into fast action without a rip-and-replace. Expect lower MTTR, fewer false trips, and clearer root causes. Schedule a demo or see it live at elliVate with elliTek in Cleveland on Sept 10.

Discover how SIMATIC WinCC Unified Comfort Panels can transform your industrial automation strategy. From high-resolution HMI visualization and future-proof SCADA integration to seamless migration from classic WinCC panels, this guide explains why manufacturers are modernizing now. Learn from real-world examples, explore Siemens’ migration tools, and see how elliTek’s local experts can help you upgrade with confidence.

Your HMI should do more than display data — it should drive productivity. See how Siemens SIMATIC HMI Unified Panels deliver speed, security, and Industry 4.0 power for machine builders, integrators, and plant managers.

Discover how Siemens SIMATIC HMI Unified Panels are transforming the way machine builders, system integrators, and plant operators interact with their equipment. With sleek multi-touch displays, edge-enabled architecture, and built-in diagnostics, these powerful HMIs deliver the clarity and control today’s industrial environments demand. Learn how elliTek can help you future-proof your operations.

Boost productivity, cut downtime, and gain real-time insights—no programming required. Discover how Siemens Industrial Edge apps like Performance Insight, Machine Insight, and Flow Creator empower manufacturers to optimize operations fast. Start with a free 1-year trial, and partner with elliTek to tailor the solution to your plant’s needs.

Bridging the data layer isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic move. With SIMATIC WinCC / Industrial Data Bridge, OEMs, system integrators, and end users can achieve seamless, secure communication between the plant floor and the IT world. Say goodbye to siloed data and hello to real-time visibility, smarter decisions, and scalable automation — configured, not coded.

Get the visibility your operation deserves. SIMATIC Information Server turns your plant’s historical data into real-time insights with web-based dashboards and automated reports - no coding required. See how elliTek and Siemens make production transparency easy.

Unlock the power of Siemens WinCC Unified — next-gen HMI software built for the future. Scalable, browser-based, and fully integrated into TIA Portal, WinCC Unified transforms how manufacturers visualize and control operations. As your local Siemens distributor, elliTek is here to help you select the right hardware and provide expert product support. Don’t miss the free Unified Academy training and upcoming live demo event in Bristol, TN!

Discover how Siemens’ scalable machine safety solutions — featuring SIMATIC F-Controllers, SINAMICS Drives, SIRIUS relays, and ET 200 failsafe I/O — help manufacturers protect people, machines, and processes. With integrated PROFIsafe communication and support for multiple safety modes, Siemens enables smarter, more flexible safety strategies that align with evolving machinery regulations and modern factory demands.

Struggling with machine safety complexity? You're not alone. Fortunately, there’s a smarter, faster way to implement safety without sacrificing performance — or your budget. Discover how elliTek and Siemens are helping manufacturers across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia simplify compliance and protect their teams with seamless, scalable safety solutions.

Chris works closely with elliTek’s Field Sales Engineers to understand customers’ unique needs, ensuring each solution is both impactful and adaptable for the future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn to explore how elliTek’s solutions can benefit your operations!

Designing safe machines shouldn’t slow you down. With Siemens’ integrated safety technology—and elliTek’s expert engineering support— you can shorten development time, streamline documentation, and accelerate commissioning.

True distribution means more than delivering products — it’s about delivering knowledge, support, and solutions tailored to each customer’s unique challenges. - Brandon Ellis, President of elliTek

Industrial automation is constantly evolving—and so are the tools that power it. Siemens has raised the bar once again with the new SIMATIC S7-1200 G2, now equipped with nine enhanced motion control functions designed to bring greater precision, synchronization, and efficiency to your operations. Whether you’re running high-speed conveyors or coordinating multiple axes in complex machinery, these new features give you unprecedented control. Let's take a closer look at each on