Automation.com e-News - May 31, 2006

Dear %%if(%%firstname%% is empty,"Colleague",%%firstname%%)%%: Here is this week's issue of the Automation.com e-Newsletter...


News Archive \| Suppliers \| Integrators \| Product Showcase \| Resources \| Jobs \| Classifieds
May 31, 2006 - Volume VII, Issue 22
Please forward this e-news to a colleague \| Subscribe to future issues \| Read past issues
In this Issue	Sponsored by ProSoft Technology
From One Techie to Another: Total Recall Featured Article: Web-based HMI: An emerging trend? Product & Company News Featured Seminar OPC Technical Seminars Featured White Paper Why Small and Medium Businesses Should Adopt Automated Data Collection (ADC) Featured Products: Industrial Ethernet Switches Vision IMPACT™ A-10 Intelligent Camera RMU Logic Controller PresencePLUS® P4 OMNI Vision Sensor New Job Opportunities New Auctions & Classifieds Dilbert Pick of the Week	Expand your automation capabilities with the ProLinx 7000 Application Server ProSoft Technology's new ProLinx 7000 Application Server (AppSrvCE) delivers communication protocols and a powerful embedded data historian in one dynamic, cost-effective package. The AppSrvCE can log 500 tags of real-time data at sub-second speeds, offering the ideal solution for users who require a high level of customization and programming. For more information on ProLinx 7000, visit www.prosoft-technology.com. For more information on ProSoft Technology's wide range of communication solutions and wireless modules, call +1-661-716-5100 or visit www.prosoft-technology.com.
From One Techie to Another
Total Recall In previous issues of this e-newsletter, I've talked about the importance of automating as much as possible in our everyday lives. Like with any good automation project, you need to collect, analyze and archive data in order to make good control decisions. In automation, if you can't collect and analyze it, you can't control it. As human beings, we can collect all kinds of data with our senses of sight, smell, hearing, etc. We have a brain to analyze the data. We have a memory to store the data. During our lives, we all rely on our personal historical database to make good decisions. But, many of us have a memory problem. Sure, some people have it worse than others, but everyone has some kind of memory recall "problem". Unfortunately, the problem seems to get worse as we get older. Isn't it interesting that many of us can easily remember useless facts, but we can't seem to remember some of the important stuff? Of course, there will always be the debate regarding WHAT is important. What if you had software where all of your memories could easily be stored and then recalled by a simple search? According to a recent article, In 2021 You'll Enjoy Total Recall, in Popular Science online, this technology may be in our not-too-distant future. Eight years ago, Gordon Bell, a senior researcher at Microsoft, began to digitally capture his entire life by scanning photographs, research documents and notes. He began recording his meetings and phone calls and cataloguing his new photos and movies he saw. Every e-mail exchange he had was digitally archived, and he started using the company’s prototype SenseCam, which he wears around his neck, to automatically snap photos throughout the day. Bell now documents about one gigabyte of information every month, all of which is stored in a searchable database on his PC. His is a highly manual process, but he expects that in as few as 15 years it will be common to carry nearly all our “memories” around with us in a single device that will automatically record the sound and video of our daily activities, creating an inventory of the conversations we have, the faces we see and the articles we read. That data would be tied to communications that are already tracked electronically, like e-mail and event calendars, as well as TV shows, movies and other media we take in. The end result: on-demand total recall. As you might expect, the secret is in the software. Bell's current project software pulls together more than 20 data types to link various memories to one another. Using a full-text search, Bell tracks down what he’s looking for in no more than 30 seconds. Soon, when searching through meeting notes, for instance, photos of people attending those meetings and their contact information will appear side by side. The effort could be pushed along by Columbia University researchers who are using statistical-analysis programs to automatically sort hours of recorded audio by time and location (office, café, etcetera). Next, they’ll tackle speaker recognition, which would allow for categorizing and searching conversation by who’s talking. In the meantime, the size and cost of sensors and data storage devices will drop dramatically allowing each of us to carry around our own little memory assistant. Maybe if we all live long enough we won't ever have to think again! How's that for automation?!? ;-) Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel Vice President, Editor-in-chief
Featured Article	Sponsored by ASI
Web-based HMI: An emerging trend? Once considered impractical for applications requiring responsive animation and real-time control, a new breed of web-based HMI system is starting to appear on plant floors and in manufacturing enterprises. Unlike traditional systems, these web-based systems can economically be extended to every aspect of a business such as QC, maintenance, logistics, plant manager, and so forth. Now every participant in the manufacturing cycle can have unprecedented access to vital plant production information. Read full article written by Steven A. Hechtman of Calmetrics Company. More articles and white papers More application stories	NEW! Industrial Ethernet Switches Automation Systems Interconnect, Inc. now offers a complete line of highly reliable Industrial Ethernet Switches. Engineered for industrial use, the high quality ASI Ethernet Switches are available in 5 and 8 port, managed or unmanaged versions. Designed to meet the demanding specifications of the industrial automation markets, the ASI Industrial Ethernet Switches feature DIN rail mount, redundant power input, reverse polarity protection, relay alarm output for system events and failures and has an easy configuration design. Contact ASI directly toll free at 877-650-5160 to request a detailed product brochure or click here for immediate product information.
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: Intelligent Actuator System Positions Precisley 5/30/06 Five-Port Industrial 10/100 Mbps Unmanaged Ethernet Switch 5/30/06 Easy-to-Use Programming Software for Stepper and Servo Drives Features Icon-Based Programming Environment 5/30/06 Interface Box Changes Encoder Signals from Analog to Digital 5/30/06 Solid State Relays Monitor Current 5/30/06 Voice Order Fulfillment System now Compatible with New Mobile Computing Units 5/30/06 Fluke Enhances its Family of Pressure Calibrators 5/30/06 Low Cost Six-Axis Robot Controller 5/26/06 DeltaV™ Enhanced for More Precise Control and Operation 5/26/06 Powerful and Reliable Industrial Computers 5/26/06 Smart Embedded SBC Supports Dual LCDs 5/26/06 New Fiber Optic Sensors Brochure 5/26/06 M12 Feed-through Connectors for Sealed Enclosures 5/26/06 Intelligent Drives Work on CANopen Networks 5/26/06 Pluggable Wiring for Bus Terminal I/O 5/25/06 Combined 6 Axis and Linear Robot Has Long Reach 5/25/06 Miniature Laser Scanner from Datalogic 5/25/06 New Turbine Flowmeter Catalog 5/25/06 Sharp Introduces 12.1 inch SVGA and 15.0 inch XGA LCDs Optimized for Industrial and Business Applications 5/25/06 Dickson Pro Series Temperature & Humidity Data Loggers with Built-in USB 5/25/06 Ultra High Bright Displays Now Available in 10.4 and 12.1 in. sizes 5/25/06 Multi Purpose Friction Feeder Handles Difficult Paper Stocks 5/25/06 New Shield Termination Method Increases EMI Protection and Reduces Connector Assembly Times 5/25/06 White Paper Explains SOPs for FDA and ISO Compliance 5/25/06 ERP with Warehouse Automation Module Smoothes Distribution 5/25/06 Dry Vacuum Pumps Control Solvents 5/25/06 GracePort® ProfiBus Interface Thru-Door Industrial Network Tap 5/24/06 Honeywell Unveils Next Generation Web Monitoring System for Paper Manufacturers 5/24/06 Switch Terminal Channels Ethernet Through EtherCAT 5/23/06 NI Instrument Driver Network Offers More Than 5,000 Drivers 5/23/06 M12 Plug Connectors are Ethernet Compatible 5/23/06 Moisture Analyzer Delivers Cost Effective Analysis to 2 ppb Level 5/23/06 Continuous-Flex Cables Now Available with Over-Molded Connectors 5/23/06 Frequency Converter Has Galvanic Isolation for Power Sensitive Applications 5/23/06 Emerson and Symantec Deliver Cyber-Security to the Power Generation Industry 5/23/06 Company & Organization News: KUKA Robotics Signs Les Machineries AutomaTech as System Partner in Canada 5/30/06 OMRON Donates 10 Million Yen to Support Central Java Earthquake Relief Operations 5/30/06 Schneider Electric acquires Invensys Building Systems for $296 million 5/25/06 Keithley Sponsors First Weblog For Nanotechnology Electrical Testing 5/25/06 FKI Logistex Promotes Martin Clark to Oversee Marketing for Manufacturing Systems North America 5/25/06 Application News: Ship2Save deploys second RFID solution for Atlas Cold Storage Inc. 5/30/06 Kennecott Utah Copper Orders AlarmAnalyst Software 5/26/06 Emerson Awarded $1.4 Million Contract for Indorama Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) Project in Thailand 5/24/06 German Cash & Carry wholesale stores go live with Intermec Gen 2 RFID Technology 5/23/06
Featured Seminar
OPC Technical Seminars The OPC Foundation will visit Atlanta, Chicago and Boston from July through September to present a new technical training event targeted at End-Users and System Integrators. This series of one day technical seminars is complete with product displays and several industry leading product demonstrations. Each seminar will provide a complete overview of OPC technology, market trends, application reviews and what's ahead for OPC. These seminars will include key industry people who will cover the basics of OPC technology in theory and in hands-on demonstrations. OPC is the automation industries plug and play standard. Learn how OPC provides efficient data exchange and moves information from the plant floor to the enterprise. Click here for more information on these workshops
Featured White Paper
Why Small and Medium Businesses Should Adopt Automated Data Collection (ADC) Any business that would benefit by holding less inventory, decreasing misshipments and reducing errors should seriously consider implementing bar code systems and other forms of automated data collection (ADC) technology. Companies of all sizes apply bar code and wireless data collection systems to save labor, increase efficiency and cut operations costs. ADC is a proven productivity enhancer, and advancements in the technology have made such systems affordable and practical for more businesses than ever before. This paper, "Why Small and Medium Businesses Should Adopt Automated Data Collection (ADC)," exposes some of the hidden expenses that hamper profitability, and how accurate data collection can eliminate them. The examples and techniques presented show the link between quality information and efficient operations. Click here to request your free white paper
Featured Products
ASI's new line of Industrial Ethernet Switches are available in 5 and 8 port managed or unmanged versions with optional fiber capability. More Information on Industrial Ethernet Switches Contact ASI for Product CD or Application Assistance
New IMPACT™ A-10 Intelligent Camera from PPT VISION. Read our new paper. Make Advanced Vision Software Work for You. More Information on Vision IMPACT™ A-10 Intelligent Camera
With Linux technology, MKS’ RMU Logic Controller is an open, integrated platform for automation and process control. More Information on RMU Logic Controller Contact MKS Instruments for Product Literature or Application Assistance
Banner’s PresencePLUS® P4 OMNI Vision Sensor offers 5 vision application tools in one compact enclosure. Pricing starts at only $1995! More Information on PresencePLUS® P4 OMNI Vision Sensor Contact Banner Engineering for Product CD or Application Assistance
Product & Supplier Search Other Featured Products for May Find Products by Category Find Manufacturers & Suppliers
New Jobs
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com: Sr/Principal Manufacturing Engineer: Minneapolis, MN - Medtronic 5/30/2006 Sales Engineer: Uxbridge, MA - Flagship Automation 5/26/2006 Director of Sales: Irvine, CA - automationtechies 5/26/2006 Product Marketing Manager, Industrial Sensors: Philadelphia, PA - automationtechies 5/25/2006 Project Manager/Coordinator: Wilmington, DE - automationtechies 5/25/2006 Project Manager/Coordinator: Any City, TX - automationtechies 5/25/2006 Process Engineer: Houston, TX - automationtechies 5/25/2006 Software Developer: San Jose, CA - automationtechies 5/25/2006 Business Development, MES-Pharmaceutical: Philadelphia, PA - automationtechies 5/23/2006 Automation Manager: Southern, MN - automationtechies 5/23/2006 Senior Engineer: Albany, OR - automationtechies 5/23/2006 Sr. Controls Engineer: Seattle, WA - automationtechies 5/23/2006 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
Maybe outsourcing is the solution to the "alleged" immigration problem. (Remember, this is the comic relief part of the newsletter)
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.