Automation.com e-News - February 15, 2006

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February 15, 2006 - Volume VII, Issue 6
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In this Issue	Sponsored by Endress+Hauser
From One Techie to Another: U.S. Manufacturing & Innovation is Slipping Featured Article: OPC Enabled Real-Time Access to Remote Field Data Product & Company News Featured Seminars 2006 Measurement & Instrumentation Technology Seminars Featured Application Tool Encoder Selection and Application Resource Guide Featured Products: Wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client Control Panels Serial and Ethernet Wireless Radios New Job Opportunities New Auctions & Classifieds Dilbert Pick of the Week	New E-direct Catalog Now Available To shop for low-cost sensors and transmitters for process automation, simply request a free E-direct catalog available either printed, or on CD-ROM. Both versions contain the same products found in the on-line shop. There is also a brand new E-direct on-line shop now live with new capabilities. And on-line buyers also have a chance to win a shopping spree at Amazon.com. To browse the new shop, request a catalog, or enter the giveaway, Click Here.
From One Techie to Another
U.S. Manufacturing & Innovation is Slipping This has been a hot topic for a while and many may be tired of reading about it. But, it's a topic that warrants attention and, ultimately, action by many. A report by the Council of Manufacturing Associations and The Manufacturing Institute, affiliates of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), reveals that U.S. manufacturing is suffering from an innovation crisis, which has gotten worse over the last few years. The persistent lack of innovation is harming the quality of new goods and enhancements made to existing goods produced domestically, the report indicated. U.S. companies continue to outsource manufacturing overseas and few are improving manufacturing processes in the U.S. It's hard to argue with those outsourcing decisions because many U.S. companies need to outsource to compete. And why improve manufacturing processes in the U.S. when it's less costly to outsource? This outsourcing is pumping money into other economies, helping them grow. The result is an explosion of middle-class residents in other countries...residents that can now afford to send their children to college. Countries like India and China are churning out multitudes of scientists, engineers and researchers, while the number of U.S. technical graduates continues to fall. Who is going to lead innovation in the upcoming years? The countries with the most technical manpower. So what can we do? We must foster our science, math and technology programs. We must encourage our youth to enter technology fields. As manufacturers of consumer and industrial products, we must support our high schools, colleges and other organizations. National Instruments, for example, is reaching out to the Austin Children's Museum to help outfit the museum's after-school and summer robotic camps with Lego Mindstorms for Schools. Encourage your company to get involved however they can. The U.S. has a lot of work to do on the political front and some progress is being made. The NAM President John Engler recently laid out the 2006 Pro-Growth and Pro-Manufacturing Agenda. In 2006, the NAM plans to advance policies in the second session of the 109th Congress to: Reduce Production Costs in the United States Level the International Playing Field Develop the 21st Century Workforce Promote Innovation, Investment and Productivity The manufacturing landscape is changing (has changed); and if we want to keep our innovative edge, we have to change with it. I'm confident the U.S. will survive and thrive. Diversity and entrepreneurship have made the U.S. great and will continue to do so in the future. Related Links: 'Five Clear Warning Signs' Point to Lower Economic Growth, Living Standards (NAM): http://www.nam.org/s_nam/doc1.asp?CID=202515&DID=236302 Why What's Good for India Is Good for Us (Yahoo! Finance): http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/economist/2074 Institutional Knowledge for the Future (ControlGlobal.com): http://www.controlglobal.com/articles/2006/028.html Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel
Featured Article	Sponsored by AutomationShowcase.com
OPC Enabled Real-Time Access to Remote Field Data Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) monitors and controls its upstream production process from over 1,000 wells via DCS’s, Fisher ROC RTUs, and Modbus based PLCs. Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) collects field data in a central location by linking to their DCS’s, RTUs and PLCs via satellite and radio. Read full story by MatrikonOPC. More articles and white papers More application stories	This industry-specific web site allows you to search the latest 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: Keyence Announces World’s Smallest Digital Laser Optic Sensor 2/14/06 ProSoft Technology Purchases Bulk Terminal Management System from Octal Systems, Inc. 2/14/06 Emerson and Air Liquide Develop New System for Industrial Gas Measurement 2/14/06 SICK STEGMANN, INC. Introduces Wire Draw Mechanism with Encoder Length Measurement up to 50 m 2/14/06 RFM Kit Simplifies Development for Easy, Low Cost Wireless Sensor Networks 2/14/06 Yokogawa Releases Plant Resource Manager 2.20 Asset Management Software 2/14/06 National Instruments Expands NI Developer Suite for Greater Customization 2/14/06 National Instruments Introduces SignalExpress Tektronix Edition 2/14/06 National Instruments Products Named Finalists for Five Design News Awards 2/14/06 Green Hills Software and Esterel Technologies Partner to Create the First Complete Model-Driven Solution for Safety-Critical Embedded Software Development 2/14/06 Enhancements to IntelliCENTER 2.0 Software Allow Users to More Quickly and Easily Add or Change Motor Control Center (MCC) Components 2/13/06 Hardy Introduces New Vibration Switch - Machinery Protection in a Box 2/13/06 ASI Introduces New Safety Switches 2/13/06 Emerson Introduces New Gas Flow Computer - Micro Motion® 3711 2/13/06 Groschopp Introduces RoHS Compliant Motors 2/13/06 ARC Study Ranks Siemens #1 Worldwide in Programmable Safety Systems 2/10/06 AXIOMTEK Launches New Network Hardware Platform 2/10/06 Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 1768-L43 Brings Integrated Motion and Distributed Control Capabilities to Smaller Applications 2/9/06 Largest Danfoss Variable Frequency Drives Now Offer More Power in Half the Size of Previous Models 2/9/06 Cognex Introduces Vision Sensor With Remote-head Camera 2/9/06 Alpha Gear Drive Introduces Innovative Linear Actuator Systems 2/9/06 Power Sources Unlimited Introduces Compact, Low Cost DIN Rail Supplies 2/9/06 Yokogawa Marex Launches Visa-OM Oil Movements Optimiser 2/9/06 Lantech Introduces Stretch Wrapper with Integrated RFID Tag Reader 2/9/06 Intermec and Cascade Collaborate to Create RFID Forklift of the Future 2/9/06 Schaefer Announces Versatile 150W Power Converters 2/9/06 Danaher Motion Introduces Electric Direct Drive Steering System 2/9/06 New Beckhoff Automation I/O Terminals Control DC Motors B&B Electronics Introduces New Elinx Series of Fiber/Copper Ethernet Media Converters 2/8/06 TURCK Introduces New FM Approved Levelprox Ultrasonic Sensors 2/8/06 Advantech Launches ADAM Modules with High Power Relay Output 2/8/06 Advantech Launches Fanless Full-Sized Single Board Computer with Ultra Low Power Celeron-M Processor at 1.0 GHz 2/8/06 Advantech Launches Celeron M 1GHz Universal Network Controller with PC/104 Expansion 2/8/06 MDS Introduces SCADAcrypt™, State-of-the-Art Encryption for Wireless SCADA Networks 2/8/06 Moteiv Introduces New Low Cost Wireless Sensor System 2/8/06 Mikron Infrared Explains Importance of Infrared Detector Resolution 2/8/06 RKC Instrument Announces Handheld Thermometer with USB Port 2/8/06 Company & Organization News: ISA Unveils New Member Benefits 2/14/06 'Factory Automation' Sharpens Its Focus on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises 2/14/06 Intergraph Signs Global Alliance Agreement with CDI-Process & Industrial 2/13/06 Industrial Control Software Ltd Joins the Northern Offshore Federation 2/13/06 Managing Automation Progressive Manufacturing Award Entries Accepted Through March 1, 2006 2/13/06 KUKA Robotics Signs Transbotics Corporation as New System Partner 2/13/06 Fieldbus Foundation Releases Updated Specifications 2/10/06 Fieldbus Foundation Announces Agenda For 2006 General Assembly In Shanghai 2/8/06 Westlock Controls Selects Fieldbus Center For Sales Professional Training 2/8/06 Invensys Presents Best Practices for Remote Operations 2/8/06 Application News: EEMBC Standardizes on NI LabVIEW, PXI Data Acquisition for Silicon Energy Consumption Test 2/14/06 Green Hills Software Kernel and Development Environment Selected for New HAWK Military Trainer Aircraft 2/14/06 BP Awards Emerson an Automation Contract for Upgrades at Refiner's Three Largest U.S. Facilities 2/10/06 RÖSBERG Wins Contract from WINGAS for the DCS Modernization of Germany’s Largest Natural Gas Storage Facility 2/10/06 Emerson's Technology to 'Maintain The Flame' at Olympic Games 2/8/06
Featured Seminars
2006 Measurement & Instrumentation Technology Seminars Endress+Hauser Technical Seminars are designed to provide insight into the principles and theory behind measurement technologies. Each seminar is a half-day in length, so we hope you can take a few hours out of your busy week to stay current with technologies available for process automation. The best part is that the seminars are absolutely free! Even though there is no fee at registration, we do urge you to register early because space at each location is limited. Seminar Topics: * 50 Years of Level Technology * Flow Measurement for the 21st Century * Flow and Level Measurement Technologies * Analytical Instrumentation Used in Process Applications * Water and Wastewater: Instrumentation and Process Optimization * Pressure and Temperature Measurement Technologies Click here for more information or to register.
Featured Application Tool
Encoder Selection and Application Resource Guide Stegmann introduces their new Encoder Selection and Application Resource Guide. This guide includes product specifications and selection guidelines on their family of encoders and servo motor feedback systems. Their revolutionary line of CoreTech® encoders, with 2-3 day delivery on nearly any line count or resolution, is included! Click here to request your free guide
Featured Products
MOXA’s industrial IEEE 802.11g Wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client enables wireless users to access network resources wirelessly. More Information on Wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client Contact MOXA for Product Literature or Application Assistance
Beckhoff Automation Control Panels offer built-in intelligence, Ethernet connectivity and industrial PC capabilities. More Information on Control Panels Contact Beckhoff for Product Catalog or Application Assistance
Family of industrial Serial and Ethernet Wireless Radios from ProSoft Technology. More Information on Serial and Ethernet Wireless Radios Contact ProSoft Technology for Product Literature or Application Assistance
Product & Supplier Search Other Featured Products for February Find Products by Category Find Manufacturers & Suppliers
New Jobs
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com: PLC Programmer: Bakersfield, CA - PLC's Plus International, Inc. 2/14/2006 Process Control Engineer: Bakersfield, CA - PLC's Plus International, Inc. 2/14/2006 Electrical Project Manager: Bakersfield, CA - PLC's Plus International, Inc. 2/14/2006 Design Engineer/Project Manager: Ventura, CA - Instrument Control Services 2/10/2006 Instrument Technician: Thousand Oaks, CA - Instrument Control Services 2/09/2006 Project Manager - System Integration: Houston, TX - Siemens Energy & Automation 2/09/2006 Mechanical Engineer: Binghamton, NY - Universal Instruments Corporation 2/08/2006 Electrical Engineer: Binghamton, NY - Universal Instruments Corporation 2/08/2006 Project Manager: Binghamton, NY - Universal Instruments Corporation 2/08/2006 Customer Technical Support - Process Control: Houston, TX - MTL Open System Technologies LP 2/08/2006 Area Sales Manager: MN & WI, USA - Xycom Automation 2/08/2006 Applications Engineer: Dallas, TX - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Applications Engineer: Chicago, IL - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Field Support Engineer: Mobile, AL - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Applications Engineer: London, ON Canada - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Automation Manager: St. Louis, MO - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Controls Engineer: St. Louis, MO - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Controls Engineer: Seattle, WA - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Controls Engineer: Fairmont, MN - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Field Engineer: Northern Atlanta, GA - automationtechies 2/14/2006 Controls Engineer: Akron, OH - automationtechies 2/13/2006 To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function.
New Auctions & Classifieds
eBay hosts over 8000 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
Sometimes project management can strip your “joy of life.”
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.