Automation.com e-News - July 19, 2006

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July 19, 2006 - Volume VII, Issue 28
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In this Issue	Sponsored by Phoenix Contact
From One Techie to Another: Is there still hope for NMW & ISA? Featured Article: ISA - The Melting Iceberg Continues to Melt Product & Company News Featured Event Innovation in Automation Tour Featured White Paper Integrating Control and Information Systems Featured Products: Digital I/O Module Bus Terminal Controller Wireless Ethernet Modem DIN Mount Circuit Breaker IMPACT™ A-10 Intelligent Camera New Job Opportunities New Auctions & Classifieds Dilbert Pick of the Week	Finally, Wireless Communication You Can Trust Wireless Ethernet radio, the next great innovation from Phoenix Contact, is a first-of-its-kind industrial wireless communication interface that delivers unprecedented protection for your company’s most critical data. The simple, IT-friendly embedded software allows any network PC with a web browser and proper identification the ability to configure the devices. Because the software is embedded, there is no software installation required, eliminating the learning curve. For more information go to: www.phoenixcon.com/wireless
From One Techie to Another
Is there still hope for NMW & ISA? About a month ago, the National Manufacturing Week (NMW) trade shows were sold by Reed Elsevier, also publisher of dozens of industrial magazines, to Cannon Communications. Last week, Cannon Communications announced that NMW, Quality and Assembly Expos would combine in September 2007 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemount, IL. Together the three shows will occupy 800,000 square feet of exhibit space with 1,800 exhibitors and attract nearly 50,000 attendees. As you may know, Hannover Messe is the co-location/consolidation of 13 different shows in Hannover, Germany. In April of 2006, Hannover Messe occupied 154,800 square meters (1,666,267 square feet) with 5,175 exhibitors and attracted 155,000 visitors. It's no secret that individual trade shows in the US have continued to decline over the years. More and more suppliers are diverting their budgets to host independent, focused user conferences. Fewer and fewer professionals have the luxury of taking a few days from work to attend trade shows. As a result, other suppliers are taking trade shows to the OEMs and End Users, like WAGO Corporation with their Innovation in Automation Tour. Then, there's ISA. In this issue, Jim Pinto gives us an update on what's going on (or what's not going on) in his article, ISA - The Melting Iceberg Continues to Melt. According to Jim's article, ISA is making some progress, but not enough to make any difference. With $35+ million in cash reserves, ISA should be able to take this industry by storm. Unfortunately, they can't seem to make any significant moves. There are plenty of people offering ISA advice, including Dick Morley, father of the PLC and leading visionary; and Walt Boyes, Editor in Chief of CONTROL magazine. Check out Walt's recent blog - Is ISA's iceberg melting?...and should we care? It's becoming more apparent that ISA needs some significant "fresh blood" and/or a serious downsizing in order to turn things around. Hey, wait one minute! Maybe ISA should sell their trade show to Canon Communications. Remember, Canon's NMW/Quality/Assembly Expo is going to be in September of 2007. ISA's 2007 Expo would be back in Rosemount in October 2007 anyway. Why not just combine them all? Come on Canon Communications, go get 'em! In the July issue of CONTROL Magazine, Senior Tech Editor, Rich Merritt wrote an article titled "We need a Hannover Fair USA" (if this link doesn't work for you, check page 33 on either the Flash version or PDF version). In the article, Rich surmises that consolidation is the only answer to saving US trade shows. I agree that consolidation is the only alternative, but success remains to be seen. Will a consolidation of multiple trade shows, i.e. one all encompassing show, warrant a visit by busy US professionals? Is consolidation really the answer to survival? We'll have to wait this one out. Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel Vice President, Editor-in-chief
Featured Article	Sponsored by Northwire
ISA - The Melting Iceberg Continues to Melt The Instrumentation & Systems Automation Society (ISA) is at a crossroads. The current leadership considers that the society is making good progress. But many members are concerned that not enough is being done to generate growth and success in the new global business environment. Read full article by Jim Pinto. Other articles by Jim Pinto More articles and white papers More application stories	Northwire Direct™ - Standard or custom-configured technical cable at factory-direct prices shipped in 10 days or less. There are millions of possibilities including materials, lengths, legends, colors and special constructions for virtually any application. Call 1-800-468-1516. Ask about the no-risk prototyping program or request a free analysis of your cable needs. More information on Northwire Products.
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: Double-level terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact increase wiring density 7/18/06 ASI introduces DIN solenoid valve connectors 7/18/06 Pepperl+Fuchs achieves UL accreditation for hazardous area panel assembly 7/18/06 PSI Engineering's packing slip system increases operator productivity at warehouse packaging stations 7/18/06 Green Hills Software adds PCI Mezzanine card for real-time tracing and software debugging 7/18/06 New IP67 housing for position sensor from MTS 7/17/06 Emerson releases new compact, drainable, SIL-certified Coriolis meters 7/17/06 RKC Instrument releases high density PID control system 7/14/06 New ultrasonic positioning system from Pepperl+Fuchs 7/14/06 ITT’S D-subminiature connectors are ROHS- and DFARS-compliant 7/14/06 SIXNET introduces industrial remote access Ethernet switch 7/13/06 TURCK Inc offers Ethernet gateways for its modular I/O 7/13/06 Advantech launches 2U Rackmount Chassis 7/13/06 Sealevel Systems announces multifunction analog and digital module 7/13/06 New material-dispense valve from Sealant delivers precise beads, exact shots 7/13/06 Danfoss Drives’ variable frequency drives now available in 40-60 HP range 7/12/06 SlipStream Software launches process-focused root cause analysis application 7/12/06 KUKA Robotics introduces new family of high speed robots 7/12/06 Dataforth adds frequency input modules to its family of isolated analog signal conditioners 7/12/06 Acrosser launches Intel Pentium M based Mini Motherboard 7/12/06 New Wahl pocket temperature calibrators simplify probe and transmitter maintenance and commissioning 7/12/06 Company & Organization News: The Automation Federation launches control systems security certification initiative 7/18/06 New England Patriots' Gillette Stadium hosts ABB Drives road show 7/18/06 Symbol Technologies and Intermec resolve all outstanding intellectual property disputes 7/18/06 Citect-sponsored report says Global Companies are using MES to improve manufacturing 7/17/06 ISA SP100 working groups want proposals for wireless systems in automation 7/17/06 Brian Jacobson joins Innova Holdings as Senior Sales Manager 7/17/06 ISA publishes "Electricity and electronics for control" book 7/14/06 ISA performs case studies to provide framework for SP-100 wireless standard 7/14/06 Quantum Devices meets RoHS compliance regulations 7/14/06 Rockwell Automation White Paper covers benefits of integrating control and information systems 7/13/06 2006 Invensys Customer Conference to be held December 4-7 in Dallas, TX 7/13/06 GE Energy opens new Customer Application Center in Singapore 7/13/06 Assembly Expo, Quality, and National Manufacturing Week to combine in Chicago 7/12/06 Schneider Electric acquires drives maker VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik in Austria 7/12/06 White Paper explains significance of training control in FDA and ISO environments 7/12/06 Daniel Beaudet named vice president at ABB 7/12/06 Application News: Rockwell Automation awarded control system contract valued at $16 Million from U.S. Navy 7/17/06 Tortilla Factory selects Deacom's ERP to strengthen process control 7/14/06 Innova Holdings receives multi-unit order for welding robot controllers 7/12/06
Featured Event
Innovation in Automation Tour WAGO Corporation’s "Innovation in Automation Tour” is set to start the first week in August, beginning in Wisconsin, and continuing on through the rest of North America. WAGO understands it is increasingly more difficult for people to take time out of their busy schedules to visit a trade show. So, how can both OEMs and End Users stay on top of the latest automation technology to keep their company competitive? The answer: Bring the trade show to the customer. The “Innovation in Automation” tour will feature active product application panels, “pick-up and play” product panels for hands on experience, free literature/samples/software tools to take back to the office, and dedicated time with a WAGO expert to discuss your application. All at the foot of your door step (or parking lot – as it may be). Furthermore, the tour will feature solutions to industry problems such as… Achieving maintenance-free wiring Reducing wiring time by up to 70% Reducing panel space by up to 66% Going enclosure-less with active and passive control devices Free software tool for creating CAD drawings and BOMs Reducing I/O costs through fieldbus independence Implementing a distributed I/O or distributed control platform Getting data from the plant floor to the rest of the enterprise Combining the reliability of a PLC with the functionality of a PC (PLC) Programming freedom with IEC 61131-3 And much more... Click here for more information on the tour.
Featured White Paper
Integrating Control and Information Systems A new white paper from Rockwell Automation explores how an integrated control and information infrastructure—like the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture—can help manufacturers reduce production costs, improve regulatory compliance and respond more quickly to changing market demands. The paper, “Integrating Control and Information Systems,” outlines the business trends that are driving the need to create an integrated environment where data—when put into the appropriate hands—can be turned into useful information to improve manufacturing and business processes. Click here to request this white paper
Featured Products
Advantech launches a USB 16 channel digital I/O module with the low cost, high speed, and ease of connection of a USB 2.0 device. More Information on USB 16 Channel Digital I/O Module Contact Advantech for Product Guide or Application Assistance
Beckhoff's scalable, Ethernet-based controller with integrated display is a cost-effective alternative for traditional PLC users. More Information on BX9000 Bus Terminal Controller Contact Beckhoff for Product Catalog or Application Assistance
The ELPRO 240U-E provides reliable and secure high-speed wireless Ethernet connectivity across a broad range of applications. More Information on 240U-E Wireless Ethernet Modem Contact ELPRO Technologies for Industrial Wireless Handbook 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 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 IMPACT™ A-10 Intelligent Camera
Product & Supplier Search Other Featured Products for July Find Products by Category Find Manufacturers & Suppliers
New Jobs
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com: Control System Engineers: Houston, TX - Barry D. Payne & Associates, Inc. 7/18/2006 Cross Automation Field Account Manager: Birmingham, AL - Cross Company 7/17/2006 Process Controls Engineer: King of Prussia, PA - Barry-Wehmiller Design Group 7/14/2006 Technical Outside Sales: Sioux Falls, SD - Power/mation 7/14/2006 Controls Engineer: Maumee, OH - Matrix Technologies 7/11/2006 Sales Engineer, Motion Control Products: Twin Cities, MN - automationtechies 7/18/2006 Automation Manager: Southern, MN - automationtechies 7/18/2006 Application Engineer: Multiple Locations, USA - automationtechies 7/18/2006 Senior Engineer: Albany, OR - automationtechies 7/18/2006 Project Manager/Coordinator: Wilmington, DE - automationtechies 7/12/2006 General Manager: Sabetha, KS - automationtechies 7/12/2006 Manager of Motion Control: Chicago, IL - automationtechies 6/28/2006 Business Development Manager: Napa, CA - automationtechies 6/27/2006 Controls/Project Engineer: Sabetha, KS - automationtechies 6/21/2006 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
Use this approach next time you need to get out of doing something.
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.