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February 17, 2010 |
| Sponsor: National Instruments |
Develop sophisticated industrial robotics systems with NI LabVIEW
NI LabVIEW Robotics 2009 provides a standard development platform for designing industrial robotic systems. The NI LabVIEW graphical system design platform is enabling new applications for industrial robots by integrating measurements, vision, robot control, and human machine interfaces (HMIs) into one, easy-to-use environment. Explore the benefits of NI LabVIEW Robotics 2009.
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| Sponsor: Meridium |
Leverage risk management data for production and manufacturing assets across your enterprise.
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| Sponsor: Rockwell Automation |
Rockwell Automation
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| Featured Articles |
Be a source of your company’s success
By Bill Lydon, InTech, Chief Editor
Automation professionals are worth their weight in gold to employers when they apply knowledge and creativity to improving production. Given the current global economic conditions, most companies are dealing with budget constraints, and this situation calls for more creativity and ingenuity. The challenge is to do more with less.
The human side of safety
By Mischa Tolsma, Melvin Jones, et al, InTech
These guidelines show how to reduce process safety incidents caused by human error. There are seven practice areas the ASM Consortium has identified as a solution framework. When applied in full, the available best practices and research will significantly reduce the likelihood of human error in the design, operate, and maintain lifecycle.
Changing price paradigms
By Jim Pinto, InTech (Channel Chat)
Conventional cost-based pricing is stuck in a trap. Products manufactured offshore at a lower cost are not the answer—not just because the manufactured cost may be lower, but because global companies are prepared to compete with lower profit margins. |
| Browse more Articles by topic on our Automation Portals. |
| Product Sponsor: GarrettCom |
 Magnum™ 6KL A Lot of Switch in a Small Footprint!
Click for more on our full-featured, secure Managed Edge Switch – including Gigabit ports -- in a 8” x 1.75” x 6” package.
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| Application Stories |
_thumb.jpg) ABB upgrades Expert Optimizer systems in Brazil
Upgrade improves reliability and efficiency of alternative fuel use for Votorantim’s Itau and Salto plants in Brazil. Expert Optimizer was first installed at the plants in 1995.
Wireless network automates data collection at Petrobras
Emerson’s WirelessHART network delivers real-time compressor data while saving $200,000 installed cost and overcoming difficult conditions for wired approach.
_thumb.jpg) AMS software helps Centro Energia Teverola increase efficiency
Centro Energia Teverola optimized their maintenance strategy for inlet filters on gas turbines, contributing to an overall efficiency improvement of more than 1%.
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Browse more Application Stories by topic on our Automation Portals. |
| Resources & Literature |
_thumb.jpg) Rockwell publishes consultant catalog for mining
Catalog is a collection of MMC-related product and solution literature, specifications and engineering software for mining.
MicroSys supplies free PLC software from logi.cals
Hardware from MicroSys will be delivered with a test-CD containing the logi.cals system solution. |
Browse more Resources & Literature by topic on our Automation Portals. |
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| Product Sponsor: Canary Labs |
 Faster, Easier Trending & Analysis System
Acquire, store, retrieve, view, analyze, extract and report trend data from PLC's, equipment and software through OPC servers, compliant with OPC HDA specification.
FREE Product Evaluation. |
| White Papers |
Information Strategies for Manufacturing Sustainability
By GE Intelligent Platforms
Manufacturers can greatly benefit from an integrated “big picture” view of their operations, whereby they can measure environmental factors alongside other operational metrics to gain visibility into where they may be disrupting stable processes, or conversely, where they are accepting waste simply because they do not realize it.
White paper examines database vendors' IMDS claims
By McObject
In-memory database systems (IMDS) have changed the software landscape, enabling "smarter" real-time applications. But IMDS' popularity has sparked a flurry of products falsely claiming to be in-memory database systems. |
| Featured ISA Books |
 Wireless Networks for Industrial Automation, 3rd Edition (PDF only)
By Dick Caro
This digital edition includes the increasingly popular wireless application Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and provides a clear, unbiased view of the emerging wireless communications market. Author Dick Caro explores wireless communications from the factory and process automation viewpoint to help you make clear decisions on the timing and strategy for implementing wireless networks for automation projects.
 Industrial Air Measurement Standards and User Resources, 2nd Edition
The new Industrial Air Measurement Standards and User Resources, 2nd Edition CD offers the widely used ISA92 documents addressing performance requirements for industrial air measurement instrumentation related to health and safety and the ISA12 recommended practices and technical reports documents on combustible gases and vapors related to health and safety. The CD also includes the best-selling technical publication, The Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation Dictionary, 4th Edition.
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Browse more Books on ISA's website. |
| New Products |
_thumb.jpg) Online Development announces eATM tManager Standalone module
The module can connect controllers from Rockwell Automation, Siemens and Schneider with popular databases such as MS SQL, DB2 and Oracle as well as Java Message Service (JMS) systems. |
_thumb.jpg) Baumer introduces PBSN pressure transmitter
PBSN measuring cells are suitable for gauge as well as for absolute pressure and cover a measuring range from 0-1 bar up to 0-600 bar. |
_thumb.jpg) Pepperl + Fuchs adds WirelessHART to CorrTran MV corrosion transmitter
CorrTran MV transmitters can be located in general purpose, intrinsically safe, explosion/flame proof and Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations. |
_thumb.jpg) ILS Technology introduces Virtual Service Infrastructure software
VSI Application Suite gives remote operations and support personnel visibility and access to production and process data as if they had physical access to the device. |
Schneider Electric announces PlantStruxure
PlantStruxure allows easy collaboration between plant and operation managers, as well as engineering and maintenance teams. |
_thumb.jpg) Panasonic introduces Toughbook H1 Field tablet computer
Toughbook H1 Field is certified to meet IP65 and MIL-STD-810G – with a six foot drop rating. |
_thumb.jpg) Hope introduces industrial monitors for hazardous locations
Monitors are available in 17" and 19" panel mount, fully-enclosed universal mount, and rack mount models for Class I, II, III, Division 2 locations. |
_thumb.jpg) Wittenstein adds Ethernet/IP to Ternary Actuator
The Ethernet/IP enhancement to the servo actuator supports 10/100 MB communication to make setup easier. Other enhancements include analog position control and IP40 protection. |
_thumb.jpg) Weidmuller announces PRO-M industrial power supplies
PRO-M Series power supplies have a wide range of AC/DC inputs and an extended temperature range of -25° C to +70° C. |
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HEIDENHAIN enhances GAGE-CHEK
GAGE-CHEK can now manage up to 100 parts, each with up to 16 visible measurement features and 16 hidden ones. |
Browse MORE new products introduced this week |
| Company & Organization News |
Fanuc CNC America emerges from demerger
FANUC CNC America is a result of the merger of the former GE Fanuc CNC parts and systems business into FANUC AMERICA Corporation.
Rockwell Automation endorses 45 process control system integrators
Process industry system integrators include 18 Latin American Solution Provider partners.
ISA issues Call for Papers for Water/Wastewater Symposium
ISA issued a Call for Papers for the Water/Wastewater Automatic Controls Division Symposium (WWAC) to be held 3-5 August 2010 in Orlando, FL. The deadline for abstract submittals is 16 April 2010.
exida certifies Honeywell’s Safety Manager
exida certified the communication security and robustness of Experion Safety Manager to the Achilles Level I evaluation standard.
MatrikonOPC and Microsoft to demo StreamInsight at OPC seminars
Microsoft and MatrikonOPC will be demonstrating OPC UA connectivity for Microsoft StreamInsight at this year’s OPC Foundation training seminars.
_thumb.jpg) Chuck Edwards named president of Lenze Americas
Edwards was previously at Molex Incorporated (MOLX), Woodhead Industries and Rockwell Automation.
Manufacturing technology consumption down 60.4% in 2009
AMT says U.S. manufacturing technology consumption was up in December but down 60% from 2008.
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Other Company & Organization News:
Browse more Company & Organization News by topic on our Automation Portals. |
| Project News |
Kepware to provide interface software to Predator
Predator Software will use KEPServerEX client interfaces with its shop floor control system (SFC) software tools.
Kepware to provide device communications to APC
APC will use Kepware’s “IT and Infrastructure Suite” to deliver OPC interoperability standards, including OPC DA, OPC AE and OPC-UA.
GE Intelligent Platforms to control Qatar Steel
GE will supply Proficy software including Plant Applications, Historian, iFIX and Portal rolled out in a phased format led by a significant pilot project.
Emerson to control Samra combined-cycle power plant in Jordan
Emerson will install six Ovation expert control systems, AMS software, and HART intelligent field devices at the new Samra Combined-cycle Power Plant in Zarka, Jordan.
Rockwell Automation to make University of Iowa green
Rockwell Software will help university staff determine optimal production levels for steam, chilled water and electricity generation to help reduce energy consumption, costs and environmental impact. |
Browse more Project News by topic on our Automation Portals. |
| New Jobs |
New Job Listings:
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| Events, Seminars & Training |
ISA's Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Learning System
The ISA CAP certification program recognizes and documents an individual’s experience, knowledge, and education - and provides an objective, third-party skills assessment distinguishing you as top in your field. The ISA CAP Learning System is a convenient, affordable ISA CAP certification preparation tool - a self-directed option designed for your busy schedule and limited budget. Take advantage of a $100 discount by placing your order for the ISA CAP Learning System between 1 March and 30 April 2010.
ISA's CAP Learning System is an effective CAP exam preparation program combining both print and online tools, including:
- Seven textbooks covering the CAP body of knowledge
- A test bank of 500 multiple-choice questions
- A pre-test to help you create a customized study plan
- An online progress report
- eFlashcards and online glossary for quick review
- Timed end-of-module tests with immediate feedback
- A timed post-test designed after the computer-based CAP exam
More information about the CAP Learning System
Don't forget! The application deadline for taking your CAP Exam in Testing Window 2 (eligibility to take the exam falls anytime between 1 July and 31 August) is 14 May 2010. Apply now!
Other Upcoming Events & Training:
- OPC Foundation - OPC Seminar Houston - February 24, 2010
- HazardEx 2010 -
February 24-25, 2010
- FOUNDATION Fieldbus Certified Professional - March 1-5, 2010
- Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control - March 1-5, 2010
- VEGA PACTware Training - March 2, 2010
- MAINTEC - March 2-4, 2010
- CeBit - March 2-6, 2010
- Embedded Systems Conferences - March 4-5, 2010
- FDT Technical Seminar - March 9, 2010
- ISA Edmonton Oil Sands Automation 2010 - March 9-10, 2010
- TUVRheinland Roundtable: Global Regulatory Approval of Products - March 12, 2010
- Substation Intelligence: 2010 Los Angeles Training Tour - March 15-19, 2010
- IEEE INFOCOM 2010 - March 15-19, 2010
- CoDeSys Users' Conference 2010 - March 16, 2010
- IEEE ISQED 2010 Conference - March 22-24, 2010
- WESTEC 2010 - March 23-25, 2010
- Hannover Messe 2010 - April 19-23, 2010
See our Calendar of Events for other upcoming events. Add an event to our calendar. |
| Humor of the Week |
Dilbert
Make your products more robust
Automation Cartoons - Caption Contest Winner
The winner of last week’s cartoon caption contest was Marc Ayala in Houston, TX. See the winning caption below. Congratulations Marc - enjoy your coffee mug!
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