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July 2007 |
What is hype? I guess one definition would be when someone is promoting a product of one sort or another as real, when in fact, its reality is far down the road. 
Amy Walker has for years advised clients in eastern North Carolina about using pre employment tests to assess potential staff.
If you are captive of drop-everything, produce-information-now fire drills that create hectic sorting of e-mails or other files, deliverance comes through Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp.’s (MS, www.microsoft.com) Office SharePoint Server’s collaborative technology.
You would use flow-through conductivity sensors in “any application where the measurement of liquid conductivity or the percent concentration of a liquid is required,” states Nick Nichols, product manager at vendor Yokogawa Corp. of America’s (www.yokogawa.com/us) Analytical Business Unit, in Newnan, Ga. 
U.S. manufacturers are already facing a shortage of engineers and skilled workers, and the problem is only expected to get worse as the massive baby boom generation begins retiring. The leading edge of this group, born between 1946 and 1964, started turning 60 last year.
Citing the benefits of providing process information to plant applications, Honeywell Process Solutions (www.honeywell.com/ps) announced the “OneWireless” strategy at its Honeywell Users Group Americas Symposium June 10-14 in Phoenix.
Consulting services will focus on wireless-enabled solutions that are vendor-independent and can be deployed at both the plant and enterprise levels. At the end of the dazzling IllumiNations laser and fireworks show seen by thousands of Americans each evening at Walt Disney’s Epcot Center theme park in Florida, what name appears in large illuminated letters on the park’s signature geodesic dome? Siemens.
In a move to underscore its entry into two new product arenas, automation components supplier Turck Inc. (www.turck.com) hosted 14 trade press editors at its U.S. headquarters in the Minneapolis suburb of Plymouth, Minn., on May 30. The need to boost energy efficiency along with massive infrastructure investments in developing countries are among factors expected to drive strong market growth for both low-power and high-power AC drives, according to two new studies from ARC Advisory Group Inc. (www.arcweb.com), Dedham, Mass. Emerson Process Management, the Austin, Texas-based process automation supplier, has opened two technology centers in Tianjin, China, to help meet the rising demand for control-valve and valve-automation products for the growing process manufacturing industry in the Asia Pacific region. India’s industrial output was up 13.6 percent in April over the same month last year, thanks to a robust 15.1 percent growth in the index of industrial production (IIP) of the Central Statistical Organization (CSO). “The revised annual growth for the period April-March 2006-07 now stands at 11.5 percent over the corresponding period of the previous year,” the organization said in a statement.
U.S. manufacturing companies discover what it takes to be competitive here and how to grow in Asia.
Reusable code and common language simplify process design.
(Sidebar to "Gleaning Efficiency from Global Standards" from the July 2007 issue of Automation World)
Automation vendors compete to deliver services as their customers expand across the globe.
(Sidebar to "Providing Automation Services Globally" from the July 2007 issue of Automation World)
Manufacturing plant control encompasses many tactical and operational functions that address several types of manufacturing-related operations. 
The iBootBar allows remote equipment to be rebooted or power controlled over an IP network using an Internet browser. TwinCat software now includes full EtherNet/IP compatibility. Via TwinCat EtherNet/IP Slave—available in Windows XP and CE variants—one standard TwinCat software package can communicate seamlessly with all devices from the vendor, which include Industrial PCs, Embedded PCs and PLCs, as well as EtherNet/IP master devices from other suppliers. The Scalance X family of industrial Ethernet switches is now available with up to 24 ports per unit. High port-count switches reduce the number of spare units required and the overall downtime. The family of embedded Anybus communication modules now includes a new version for EtherCat. The new module incorporates a powerful Slave interface providing connectivity to EtherCat networks. RSH Series soft start/stop motor controllers are available in two sizes with basic rotary or advanced push button controls. The DP7000 temperature meter offers a wide temperature range, two selectable alarm settings and an internal buzzer that indicates alarm condition or error. The TPC-660G is an AMD LX800 6.4-inch VGA TFT touch panel computer designed for small-sized operator interface applications. The RTW series is family of ultra-thin, single-output AC-DC power supplies that are 50 percent smaller and 60 percent lighter than typical supplies with the same ratings, says the vendor, making the series well-suited for use in electronic equipment demanding small size. The K50L and K80L are the latest additions to the vendor’s line of EZ-Light indicator lights. The highly visible 50 mm dome indicator, in a choice of two housing styles, can be mounted almost anywhere. The X200 Series of inverters builds on the advanced technology of its predecessors while adding many enhancements to deliver power and flexibility in a compact and efficient contactor-style (power input at the top/motor output at the bottom) package. Telemecanique brand Vijeo Designer£ V4.5 human-machine interface (HMI) configuration software is designed to offer a simple, efficient way to exchange data with reliable traceability. The IndraDrive Fc is suitable for almost all simple drive requirements using three-phase induction motors. Designed for medium voltage motors, the enhanced 369 Motor Protection System offers simple set-up configuration, an improved front panel, advanced graphical diagnostics, comprehensive communications and complete traceability of all setting changes. As the latest addition to the vendor’s line of G3 operator interface panels, the model G306A features a state-of-the-art TFT active matrix display to provide greater contrast, brightness and overall readability, says the vendor, making it easier to view in challenging applications. A selection of the vendor’s motion control products are now enabled with Ethernet Powerlink motionbus technology to increase system performance while decreasing overall system cost and installation time. The ACS800-U4 drive module line has been expanded to include R2-R6 frame sizes, which include a range of 1-200 horsepower. Disconnect enclosures from Hubbell/Wiegmann are available, ranging in size from 20-by-21-by-8-inch wall-mountable to 84-by-197-by-18-inch heavy duty free-standing units. A full line of adapter plates and accessories is also available.
Lean manufacturing initiatives, much like diets, are designed to trim fat and make you fitter, faster and more competitive—in short, a high performer.
Just-in-time production scheduling will not work without adequate material on hand, while carrying excessive inventory strains cash flow and warehouse capacity.
In manufacturing, as in other industries, human resources must be effectively deployed for optimal utilization and effectiveness in order to drive accelerated growth and profitability.
Everyone knows that emerging countries—India, China and many others—are starting to grab significant market share in U.S. and world markets. 
indicates a sponsored article that was submitted directly to this Web site by the supplier, and was not handled by the AW editorial staff.
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