Learn
Understand industry step by step, from the basics of process and automation to functional safety, energy and the economics of a project. A knowledge tree organized by theme — concepts and learning paths, from beginner to expert — soon narrated in audio.
Three ways to learn
Glossary Live
140 acronyms and terms of the industrial world, defined plainly. The quick answer when you hit a PLC, a SIL or an OPEX.
Concepts & paths Live
The knowledge tree below: one page per concept, ordered paths with quizzes, from beginner to expert. Deeper than a definition.
Articles Live
Concrete cases and lessons learned: detailed architectures, real stakes, step by step. When you want to go all the way into a topic.
Available now
The knowledge tree
Organized by theme. 22 pages online — branches grow week after week.
Understanding industrial economics
An engineer who understands money makes better technical decisions. Here are the basics — a taste of the "Industrial economics" path.
CAPEXCapital Expenditure — investment spendingMoney spent once to acquire a durable asset: controllers, machines, construction, installation. Depreciated over the equipment's life.
OPEXOperational Expenditure — operating spendingMoney spent continuously to run the asset: energy, maintenance, staff, consumables, licenses. Recurring, year after year.
TOTEXTotal Expenditure — CAPEX + OPEXThe sum of both. Picking gear that is cheaper to buy (low CAPEX) but energy-hungry (high OPEX) can cost more overall.
TCOTotal Cost of OwnershipThe full cost across the whole life cycle: purchase, operation, maintenance, end of life. The real basis to compare two solutions.
ROIReturn On Investment / paybackHow much an investment returns, and how long it takes to pay back. An energy-efficiency project with a 2-year payback is very attractive.
LCOELevelized Cost of EnergyThe average cost of a produced MWh over a plant's whole life, CAPEX and OPEX included. Lets you compare solar, wind, gas, nuclear on one basis.
Soon in audio
Academy lessons and Wiki pages will be narrated, as the article on AI in industry already is. Learn while driving, walking, eyes closed.
Hear an example →