BEST OF THE BLOG

New book on MES

MES integrator and Automation World columnist Bianca Scholten has written another book. Published by ISA with a forward by John Dyke who is the current President of MESA, it should hit the shelves by June. ISA is taking pre-orders now.

The title is "MES Guide for Executives, Why and How to Select, Implement and Maintain a Manufacturing Execution System."

Here's the blurb from the ISA Website:

"Are you having trouble demonstrating to management what a manufacturing execution system (MES) is and what it can do for you? Or do you simply need to justify why your company even needs an MES? Perhaps you're the executive decision maker and just need some answers... Read more

Podcast interview posted

I've posted my latest Automation Minutes podcast. I interview John Dyck in this episode. John is Chairman of MESA International, the association for Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions. He discusses the new directions for MESA, the reasons that this software area is important to manufacturers and the new and exciting format for the association's gathering in the spring of 2010... Read more

California dreaming

Sorry to be a little slow on the blogging front. I'm on a California trip this week. Meant up at 3:30 am to catch a 6:15 flight Monday morning. Dinner Monday night and meetings Tuesday morning followed by a flight from San Diego to San Francisco... Read more

ABB Robotics

I drove up I-75 to the north Detroit area this morning to attend the ABB robotic technology days conference. People often associate Automation World with robotics, but to be honest, I haven't covered that area much over the past 5 years... Read more

Web-based database technology

Wrapping up my California trip with one last meeting report. A couple of years ago I received an intriguing email from Steve Hechtman, president of Inductive Automation. I met him for a brief chat at an ISA Expo, but I really had trouble understanding the company through just the couple of short encounters and the company's Web site... Read more

Podcast on AutomationWorld.com

Podcast: Wireless Systems Considerations When Implementing NERC CIP Standards

Wes Iversen, Managing Editor, interviews co-authors of the white paper, titled "Wireless System Considerations When Implementing NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards." The podcast participants provide an overview of the current wireless technology security threats affecting the electric power industry. For more podcasts from Automation World, visit our RSS feed page.