Automation.com e-News - June 21, 2006

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June 21, 2006 - Volume VII, Issue 25
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In this Issue	Sponsored by ifm efector
From One Techie to Another: Engineers Keep it Simple, Corporate Cultures Part 6 Featured Article: MTL Has Crossed $100M With Independent Growth & Success Product & Company News Featured Software CD TwinCAT Software System Featured Event MatrikonOPC User Group Conference Featured Products: Ethernet-based Controller AppSrvCE Application Development Module DIN Mount Circuit Breaker Family New Job Opportunities New Auctions & Classifieds Dilbert Pick of the Week	The efector PMD Laser Sensor The efector PMD laser sensor from ifm efector provides non-contact distance measurement with a 10-meter sensing range. Contained in a compact, robust metal housing that measures only 42mm x 42mm, the sensor is designed for industrial applications and mounts easily in applications with limited space. The sensor’s large 4-digit alphanumeric display precisely indicates the measured distance within a few millimeters. The display allows the sensor to be programmed for two setpoints or for one setpoint and one analog ouput. For more information visit www.ifmefector.com
From One Techie to Another
Engineers Keep it Simple Using the words “engineers” and “simple” in the same sentence may seem like an oxymoron to some, but this is the basis of at least one company’s corporate culture and success. MTL Instrument Group, plc has grown from the world-renowned intrinsic safety products player to a $120M provider of surge technologies, process control systems and visualization software as well. If you think about it, “Keep it Simple” applies to so many things in life…from advertisements to web sites, from automobiles to complex automation systems. Of course, there are things in life that are naturally complex, but it's a good idea to keep them as simple as possible...and for good reasons. Advertisements should be kept simple because most people will only give them a split-second look. Web sites should be kept simple to navigate (we continually work on this one) or you will lose people to the next search listing. Automobiles should be kept simple because...well, have you seen some of the people driving on our roads? And automation systems, (e.g. operator interfaces, etc.) should be kept as simple as possible because users and operators can't be expected to understand all the engineering concepts behind the process. Engineers are the people who design the products that we use everyday. If they aren't simple to use, we simply won't use them. MTL was founded and is still managed today by engineers. Their company mantra has always been "Keep it Simple". Many of their business decisions are made by engineers who understand the technologies and the markets. Few companies founded and led by engineers have the ability to take it to the next level ($100M). MTL has reached that next level and has definite plans to go much farther. In this issue, Jim Pinto continues his Corporate Cultures Article Series with the article MTL Has Crossed $100M With Independent Growth & Success. You can read Jim's other articles about Schneider Electric, Emerson, ABB, NI, Matrikon and future corporate culture articles on Automation.com at the following link: http://www.automation.com/sitepages/pid2291.php. Stay tuned for more articles on the corporate cultures of your favorite automation supplier(s). Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel Vice President, Editor-in-chief
Featured Article	Sponsored by ASI
MTL Has Crossed $100M With Independent Growth & Success Measurement Technology Limited is part of The MTL Instrument Group plc, recognized throughout the process control industry as the world leader in Intrinsic Safety products. Growing beyond its niche, MTL is successfully developing a strong position as an automation hardware infrastructure provider. It is now a multi- national group of companies with its headquarters and main manufacturing in Luton, Bedfordshire, UK. Read full article by Jim Pinto. This article is No. 6 in a Series of Articles on Corporate Cultures. Other articles by Jim Pinto More articles and white papers More application stories	Phoenix Contact Equivalent Terminal Blocks ASI now offers exact equivalents to many of the popular Phoenix Contact terminal blocks such as UKN, UDK, UKK, UKH, URTK, DIK, MT, MBK and ST series. The ASI equivalent terminal blocks feature the same specifications, color, materials and you can even use the same accessories that you now purchase. The biggest difference between the ASI and the Phoenix Contact terminal blocks is the cost! Hundreds of satisfied customers buy direct online and save 30 to 50%. Check out the products, pricing and specifications at www.asi-ez.com or call us toll-free 877-650-5160 to get your new catalog and free mousepad.
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: Experience Moxa EDS-518A and win a 2006 FIFA World Cup ball 6/21/06 USB 16 channel digital I/O module 6/21/06 Pulse I/O modules communicate via wireless from remote sites 6/21/06 Programmable step motor controller 6/21/06 Embedded computer goes fanless 6/21/06 Single side wiring terminal blocks 6/20/06 Continuous motion case packer for high-speed packing of bottles 6/20/06 Touch screens for large flat panel displays up to 47 in. 6/20/06 Smart ultrasonic flowmeter for fiscal oil & gas metering troubleshoots problems 6/20/06 Timer circuit for logic valves allows precise timing and logic functions 6/20/06 Electric drives and controls training courses 6/20/06 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for applications in oil & gas and water & wastewater industries 6/20/06 Design review software speeds up CAD review and collaboration processes 6/17/06 Product guide for data conversion hardware and software 6/17/06 Stepper motor controller has IP67 protection for direct machine mounting 6/17/06 Process simulaton software for petrochem applications 6/17/06 Portable gas analyzer is certified intrinsically safe 6/17/06 Shaft collars for specific mounting, positioning and actuation applications 6/17/06 Warehouse management system keeps score on vendors 6/17/06 Oxygen analyzer handles samples up to 135°C 6/17/06 3D CAD system does complex design tasks automatically 6/17/06 Device server adapts RS-485 devices to Industrial Ethernet 6/16/06 Catalog makes order process easier for Rockwell Automation customers 6/16/06 Save your control network from office network gremlins 6/16/06 Timers and switching relays meet UL and CSA specs 6/16/06 Pneumatic installation tool for cable ties reduces motion injuries 6/16/06 OMAC updates guidelines for packaging automation 6/16/06 DIN rail mounting clip gets patent 6/16/06 Drive fuse delivers safer, more productive electronic motor control 6/16/06 MTS and Quatech collaborate on DSRC wireless 6/16/06 High-speed machining demos at IMTS 2006 6/16/06 Redundant industrial wireless system provides 1-second response across entire plant 6/15/06 Programmable HMI for weighing systems eliminates complicated code 6/15/06 Six-channel gas detection controller receives Class I, Div 2 approval 6/15/06 Graphics hardware supports multiple monitors 6/15/06 Intelligent pump systems are driving force for European pump industry 6/15/06 Simple industrial Ethernet switch has five ports 6/15/06 Company & Organization News: Rockwell Automation to sell parts of Dodge and Reliance Electric 6/21/06 Two OSIsoft Webinars: Data validation and auditing, June 21 and 22 6/20/06 Yokogawa’s VigilantPlant awarded 2005 Editor’s Choice award by Control Engineering Magazine 6/20/06 Pump repair, test and training facility being built in Saudi Arabia 6/17/06 MTL appoints Ian Verhappen Director of Industrial Networking Technologies 6/17/06 Cellular in the factory? Three largest U.S. wireless carriers keynote M2M United conference 6/17/06 Engineering competition rewards motion control designs 6/16/06 Become a charter member of the Automation Federation 6/16/06 Honeywell attains Microsoft Gold certified partner status 6/15/06 Ametek acquires Pittman motors 6/15/06 PaR Systems purchases Unidynamics 6/15/06 JMP Engineering acquires Cougar Automation Technologies 6/15/06 Application News: Emerson supplying 600 Fisher® valves valued at $6.4 million for Taiwan Lungmen nuclear power plant 6/21/06 CAD software brings elevator systems to market 40 percent faster 6/21/06 Metso to automate Nynas refinery in Scotland 6/17/06 Emerson to provide SIS and automation for natural gas processing plant in Canada 6/16/06 Finland stores save money by using more expensive industrial-grade serial-to-ethernet converters 6/16/06 Siemens to supply distributed control systems to DuPont 6/15/06 Emerson to automate first phase of $9.4 billion Horizon Oil Sands project in Canada 6/15/06 Amazing Energy uses Pavilion Technologies modeling software to boost ethanol production 6/15/06
Featured Software CD
TwinCAT Software System The Beckhoff TwinCAT Software System turns any compatible PC into a real-time controller with a multi-PLC system, NC axis control, programming environment and operating station. TwinCAT replaces conventional PLC and NC controllers as well as operating devices with: open, compatible PC hardware embedded IEC 61131-3 software PLC, software NC and software CNC in Windows NT/2000/XP, NT/XP Embedded, CE programming and run-time systems optionally together on one PC or separated connection to all common fieldbuses PC interfaces are supported data communication with user interfaces and other programs by means of open Microsoft standards (OPC, OCX, DLL etc.) Click here to request your free CD
Featured Event
MatrikonOPC User Group Conference Houston, Texas – Sept 13-14, 2006 Koln, Germany - Oct 11-12, 2006 The MatrikonOPC user group will attract industry experts, integrators, and process/discrete manufacturers from around the world. This user group is geared towards providing knowledge and OPC solutions for Executives, Integrators and end-users. MatrikonOPC User Group provides solutions for OPC users worldwide. High-value Keynote speakers, unparalleled hands-on-training, expert panels and solutions showcases will provide educational benefits to both process and discrete industries across all verticals. Conference topics include: Understand advantages of implementing OPC technologies Learn different OPC specifications (OPC DA, A&E, HDA, XML, UA) Resolve common and advanced DCOM problems Securely passing Process Data through firewalls Increase system interoperability Automating Process Control systems Data exchange and amalgamation SCADA Security Click here for more information or to register
Featured Products
Beckhoff's scalable, Ethernet-based controller with integrated display is a cost-effective alternative for traditional PLC users. More Information on Ethernet-based Controller Contact Beckhoff for Product Catalog or Application Assistance
AppSrvCE delivers programmability, multiple protocols, embedded data historian (500 tags real-time), and up to 5 serial ports. More Information on AppSrvCE Application Development Module Contact ProSoft Technology for Product Information or Application Assistance
ASI's DIN mount circuit breaker family now offers UL 1077 supplemental protection, UL 489 branch circuit protection and a DC breaker with UL489 listing. More Information on DIN Mount Circuit Breaker Family Contact ASI for Product CD or Application Assistance
Product & Supplier Search Other Featured Products for June Find Products by Category Find Manufacturers & Suppliers
New Jobs
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com: Controls Engineer: Mulberry, FL - DCR Engineering Services, Inc. 6/20/2006 Electrical Engineer: Kitchener, ON Canada - Can-Technologies Inc. 6/20/2006 Process Control Technician: Ellenville, NY - Hydro Aluminum North America 6/19/2006 Controls Engineer: Marion / Des Moines, IA - The ESCO Group 6/19/2006 Controls/Project Engineer: Sabetha, KS - Bachelor Controls, Inc. 6/14/2006 Location Manager: Tempe, AZ - automationtechies 6/20/2006 Project Manager/Coordinator: Wilmington, DE - automationtechies 6/20/2006 Senior Engineer: Minneapolis, MN - automationtechies 6/20/2006 Application Engineer: Multiple Locations, USA - automationtechies 6/20/2006 Automation Manager: Southern, MN - automationtechies 6/20/2006 Field Engineer: Northern Atlanta, GA - automationtechies 6/20/2006 Controls Engineer: Menomonie, WI - automationtechies 6/19/2006 Automation Engineer: Fort Worth, TX - automationtechies 6/19/2006 Regional Sales Manager: Chicago, IL - automationtechies 6/16/2006 Associate Director: Denver, CO - automationtechies 6/14/2006 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
If your annual review starts going bad, do your best to sabotage the next guy.
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, Editor-in-chief 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.