This general reference covers a wide variety of topics used in industrial automation and manufacturing. It begins with a general description of machinery analysis and then discusses various aspects of manufacturing systems including mechanical power trains, pneumatics, hydraulics and basic electricity. There are sections on Machine Vision, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), SCADA and HMIs. Different types of maintenance such as preventive, corrective, and predictive are described, as well as sensors and wiring. Machine safety controls are covered with architectures and standards.

Machine systems and subsystems are discussed along with different types of manufacturing and process control. There are sections on OEE (Operational Equipment Effectiveness) and classical troubleshooting tactics.

Tools and techniques are discussed followed by an extensive description on reading electrical and pneumatic schematics. A complex machine is analyzed and various troubleshooting scenarios described.

There are 37 exercises in the book to help technicians evaluate their learning, with solutions in the back of the book. There are also several useful tables in the book with symbols and data, and over 400 color illustrations.