Automation.com e-News - November16, 2005

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November 16, 2005 - Volume VI, Issue 46
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In this Issue	Our Sponsor
From One Techie to Another: Manufacturing Perspectives from St. Louis Featured Article: Price/Margin/Volume Mindset Inhibits Growth Product & Company News Featured Seminar Visual Basic & Ethernet I/O Featured Application Tool Ethernet Tutorial to Improve Network Performance & Reliability Featured Products: Color Process Display TwinCAT PLC and Motion Control on the PC Unmanaged Ethernet Switch Intelligent Vision Cameras New Job Opportunities Featured Book: A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge New Auctions & Classifieds Dilbert Pick of the Week	Free Tool-Kit CD for the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM Fully functioning IEC-61131 programming tool - Demo. Function block diagram libraries for quick reference. Technical manuals, data-sheets, and application notes. Third party diagnostic, maintenance, and commissioning tools. Quick start guides and example projects (IEC 61131, DLL, etc.) DXF cad files and CAE software interface links (w/Proserve). Training presentations on PowerPoint. Request Free Tool-Kit CD
From One Techie to Another
Manufacturing Perspectives from St. Louis Today, Rockwell Automation kicks off Automation Fair in St. Louis, MO. The show is expected to attract more than 5,000 of Rockwell's users, OEMs, systems integrators and resellers. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend Manufacturing Perspectives, a one day event hosted by Rockwell Automation just for media representatives. The day opened with a compelling keynote address from Gov. John Engler, former Michigan Governor and current President of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Gov. Engler's message focused on energy policies and resources because without sufficient energy sources, we can't even begin to level the international playing field for manufacturers. Current US policies do not allow us to take full advantage of the natural resources that are available within our own borders, i.e. natural gas, oil and coal. Other countries have successfully utilized nuclear plants for most of their electrical power, while the US only achieves 20% of our power from nuclear sources. Furthermore, we must explore alternate energy sources (i.e. hydrogen) in order to remain competitive. In another keynote address, Keith Nosbusch, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, announced that they surpassed the $5 billion revenue mark in 2005. Nosbusch credits their success to a strong customer-centric business model. They simply Listen, Think and Solve. Rockwell has spent significant resources over the past few years integrating the factory floor with the Logix platform. As a result, in 2005, Logix has experienced 25% growth worldwide, with China being the second largest unit user. Rockwell's current growth initiatives with Logix are in the areas of process and integrated safety. Rockwell continues to globalize. By 2009, they hope to increase their international revenues from 30% (today) to 50%. The day was concluded by Sujeet Chand, Senior Vice President of Advanced Control and CTO of Rockwell Automation. Chand outlined the technologies that will drive the future of manufacturing. Key drivers of these technologies include integration, cost and flexibility. The first technology area is control and diagnostics with advanced control (modeling, inline monitoring), prognostics and autonomous systems. Customers want flexibility, ease of expansion and auto-configuration abilities. The second technology area is communications, specifically wireless and RFID. The major problem with wireless is battery life, so we first need to come up with low-power radios. Other problems to overcome with wireless include interference, coverage, environmental compatibility, security and minimizing cost. RFID offers much more information than its preceding bar code technology, so the earlier RFID tags can be applied in a process, the more valuable they become. Applications for RFID include product tracking, traceability and product geneology. The problems with RFID are they can't be used everywhere, and until the cost-per-tag comes down, they can't be used at the per item level. The third technology area, and possibly the most challenging, is plant-wide information software. Customers need their factory floor systems integrated with their business systems. In the current MES layer, there are so many third-party software modules that perform specific functions and none of them talk to each other. In addition, no one supplier has been able to fulfill all the information integration requirements. Rockwell's challenge will be to seamlessly integrate performance, data, quality, asset and production management with factory floor systems. Their goal is to do with the MES layer what they have successfully done with the factory floor layer. The impact that the above technologies will have on customers includes flexible automation, integration, optimum asset utilization and lowest cost. The modern factory will be modular, adaptable, smart and efficient. For your reference, here's a link to Rockwell's news from Automation Fair: http://www.automation.com/sitepages/pid2182.php. We will continue to add news from Rockwell's encompass partners over the next few days, so please check back often. Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel P.S. As a point of correction from last week's issue regarding ISA attendance...I originally reported a 15% increase in overall attendance, when in fact only the conference and technical session registration was up 15%. Overall attendance was down 27% from 2004. Here are the exact numbers from 2004 and 2005 for your reference: Total Attendance 2004: 14,560 Total Attendance 2005: 10,600 Total Conference & Technical Session Registrations 2004: 635 Total Conference & Technical Session Registrations 2005: 775 Total Exhibitors 2004: 562 Total Exhibitors 2005: 484 I apologize for the error!
Featured Article	Our Sponsor
Price/Margin/Volume Mindset Inhibits Growth The industrial automation business traditionally markets higher priced products in low volume, inhibiting a broader range of applications because of high prices. The fear is that the only way to approach higher volume is by reducing margins. In my opinion, this is simply a “mindset”, a “thinking inside the box” problem. Read full article by Jim Pinto. Other articles by Jim Pinto More articles and white papers More application stories	This industry-specific web site allows you to search NEW automation, control and instrumentation products by product category, supplier, release date and keyword. Each product description allows you to contact suppliers directly for more information or a quote. Search New Products Online, Anytime.
Product Announcements & Company News
Hear all about it...industry news is published on our site daily. Here are the latest news headlines for your review...use the following links to read the full article. Check out our Daily News Headlines page frequently to stay up-to-date on the industry events. Product Announcements: Rockwell Automation Combines Architecture, Technology and Expertise to Meet Demanding Motion Control Needs 11/16/05 Rockwell Automation Announces New Security Software and Services to Help Manufacturers Improve User Access Control and Authentication 11/16/05 Rockwell Automation Demonstrates How Manufacturers Can Now Apply CIP Networking Standard to Motion Applications 11/16/05 Rockwell Automation Shows How Investments in an Integrated Safety Control Solution Can Boost Plant-Floor Productivity 11/16/05 SICK Introduces the C4000 Palletizer, Eco and Basic Plus Safety Light Curtains 11/15/05 Korenix’s RSTP Over Super Ring Technology Increases Compatibility Between Industrial and Commercial Ethernet Switches 11/15/05 IntelliCom Announces the Release of the NetBiter® webSCADA Design Kit 11/15/05 SMA Introduces Enduro Outdoor Compact PLC for Outdoor Use 11/15/05 Wanner Engineering Introduces Versatile Industrial Pumps with Patented Diaphragm Position Control Technology 11/15/05 Automation Systems Interconnect, Inc. Introdues a New Line of D-Subminiature Interface Modules to Simplify Wiring 11/15/05 Green Hills Software Adds WiMAX to Platform for Wireless Devices 11/15/05 Computer Aided Solutions Introduces DT80 Data Logger with USB Memory Stick 11/14/05 MACSEA Releases DEXTER™ Condition Based Maintenance Software for Health Monitoring of Industrial Equipment 11/14/05 JAI Offers Replacement for Popular CV-M70 Color Machine Vision Camera 11/14/05 AXIOMTEK Reveals New Pentium M Compliant EPIC Form Factor Single Board Computer 11/14/05 Industry Leading SDR Development Tool Now Available For Real Time Operating System 11/14/05 Green Hills Software Introduces the First Commercial High Assurance, Crash-Safe File System 11/14/05 Autodesk Joins Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner Program to Accelerate Design Processes for Electrical Control Designers 11/11/05 Aquasensors New Innovative DataStick™ Analog Sensors Communicate Over Fieldbus Networks 11/11/05 JAI PULNiX Introduces TM-4100GE Gigabit Ethernet Camera 11/11/05 AutomationDirect Introduces New C-more Operator Interface Touch Panels 11/10/05 Contemporary Controls Eight-Port Industrial Ethernet Switch Sets New Standard, 5-Year Warranty & $149 Price 11/10/05 Datalogic Introduces New LynxT 2D Hand-held Reader with Bluetooth Radio Communication 11/10/05 Cognex Announces UID Compliant Direct Part Mark (DPM) Verifier 11/10/05 ODVA to Expand Its Family of Network Technologies for the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)™ for Applications Dominated by Sensors & Actuators 11/10/05 Schaefer's 1600W VME/Eurorack Power Converters Offer Flexible Inputs / Outputs 11/10/05 SimSci-Esscor and Kock-Glitsch Collaborate on Distillation and Tower Design Technologies 11/10/05 Simulation of Industrial Processes Key to Ensuring Investments Pay Off 11/10/05 Measurement Computing Introduces New 8-channel High-performance Temperature Loggers 11/9/05 Moxa to Demonstrate 'Integrating Video, Voice, and Data Over One Network' at SPS Show 2005 11/9/05 Technosoft Introduces Motor Control Kit MCK2812, with Source Code MATLAB Libraries 11/9/05 Company & Organization News: Beckhoff Announces Free Visual Basic & Ethernet I/O Technology Seminar (Itasca, IL) 11/15/05 MOXA’s October Solution Forums “Brighten Up” the UK, Nordic Countries, and Australia 11/15/05 Adept Technology, Inc. Relisted on NASDAQ National Market 11/15/05 Contemporary Controls Free Online Ethernet Tutorial Teaches How to Improve Network Performance & Reliability 11/14/05 KUKA Launches Free Automated Packaging Equipment Resource Center 11/11/05 Beckhoff Automation Hires New Wisconsin Regional Sales Engineer 11/10/05 Empire Magnetics Moves to Meet Increasing Business Demand 11/10/05 Datastream Reports Third Quarter Results 11/10/05 ATS Automation Tooling Systems Reports Second Quarter Results 11/10/05 OMRON Announces Reacquisition of Stock Through Osaka Securities Exchange's J-NET 11/9/05 Application News: igus Energy Chain and Chainflex Deliver a Squeaky Clean Performance 11/15/05 igus Chainflex Continuous-flex Cables Used in MATE ROV Competition 11/15/05 Invensys to Upgrade Control Systems at AEP Cook Nuclear Plant 11/14/05 Dynea Takes Control of UF Resins and Adhesives Process with ABB's System 800xA 11/14/05 Kyland Announces Qinghai-Tibet Railway Engineering of China Uses KIEN Industrial Ethernet Switch 11/11/05 Emerson Awarded Contracts for Transmitters on Sakhalin II Offshore Oil and Gas Production Project 11/9/05 Rautaruukki Orders Extensive Automation Solution From Honeywell 11/9/05
Featured Seminar
Visual Basic & Ethernet I/O Seminar in Itasca, IL Harness the power of Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Beckhoff Ethernet I/O this December 14th. Beckhoff Automation will be holding a free, full-day seminar to show you how to implement these leading edge technologies. Learn how to use Visual Basic as an HMI or as a simple controller communicating to Ethernet I/O. Demo equipment will be provided during the seminar for hands-on programming. In addition, there will be working application examples shown by area companies who are currently using this technology. Click here for more information on this seminar
Featured Application Tool
Ethernet Tutorial to Improve Network Performance & Reliability Contemporary Controls has created an interactive tutorial that is intended to be an introduction for industry professionals who wish to acquire the fundamentals of nine management features: IGMP snooping, rate limiting, VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), port security, port mirroring, RapidRing redundancy, and trunking redundancy. Click here to view the tutorial
Featured Products
Endress+Hauser's NEW Color Process Display with recording capabilities is paperless, and low-cost. More Information on Color Process Display Request Product CD or E+H Assistance
Beckhoff's TwinCAT Software System turns a PC into a real-time controller for PLC and Motion Control. More Information on TwinCAT PLC and Motion Control on the PC Request Product Catalog or Beckhoff Assistance
Advantech Automation's new 8-port Industrial 10/100Mbps Unmanaged Ethernet Switch starting at $199. More Information on Unmanaged Ethernet Switch Request Product Guide or Advantech Assistance
PPT Vision premium intelligent cameras perform like a full-scale vision system - Free CD Inspection Builder Software. More Information on Intelligent Vision Cameras
Product & Supplier Search Other Featured Products for November Find Products by Category Find Manufacturers & Suppliers
New Jobs
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com: Senior Product Marketing Specialist: Raleigh, NC - Schneider Electric Square D 11/15/2005 Software Engineer, Applications: Bellevue, WA - Beckhoff Automation LLC 11/11/2005 Product Manager Industrial Communication: Cincinnati, OH - Advantech Corporation 11/10/2005 Controls/Software Engineer: Jacksonville, FL - Imation Technologies Group, LLC 11/10/2005 Instrument/Control Engineer: League City (Houston), TX - MTL Open System Technologies LP 11/10/2005 Engineers with IT skills or IT personnel with industrial experience: Poland or Greece - Hyperion Systems Engineering 11/09/2005 Electrical Engineer: TX, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Electrical Engineer: AR, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Electrical Engineer: WA, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Electrical Engineer: PA, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Electrical Engineer: CT, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Electrical Engineer: SC, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Electrical Engineer: UT, USA - automationtechies 11/11/2005 Controls Engineer: Evansvillle, IN - automationtechies 11/10/2005 Automation Engineer: Dayton (Area), OH - automationtechies 11/10/2005 Inside/Outside Sales Professionals: Twin Cities Area, MN - automationtechies 11/09/2005 CNC Technician: Southern, MN - automationtechies 11/08/2005 Electrical/Automation Engineer: Berea, KY - automationtechies 11/07/2005 To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function.
Featured Book
A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge This new book provides you with comprehensive information about all major topics in the broad field of automation. Edited by Vernon Trevathan with contributions from over thirty leading experts from all aspects of automation, this book defines the most important automation concepts and processes, while also describing the technical skills professionals require to implement them in today’s industrial environment. Whether you are an engineer, manager, control systems integrator, student, or educator, you will turn to this book again and again as the ultimate source on what is encompassed by automation. Click here for more information or to order this new book: http://www.automation.com/store/pdetails15715.php.
New Auctions & Classifieds
eBay hosts over 6500 auctions for industrial automation, control and instrumentation products. From PLCs to sensors, from motor controls to robotics...Use the links below to browse the latest new, used and surplus automation products by category: Control Systems & PLCs Drives & Motion Control Fieldbus, DeviceNet, Ethernet Instrumentation Operator Interface Panels Power Supply, Circuit Breakers Relays, Timers, Counters Robotics Sensors Switches Temperature Controllers Valves & Flow Controls Wiring, Connections & Cables Other
Dilbert Pick of the Week
Trying to take credit when credit isn’t due.
I hope you enjoyed this e-news update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me. Rick Zabel Vice President Automation.com View our Privacy Policy For editorial and advertising inquiries, please contact Rick Zabel or see our Media Kit. For automationtechies recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com.