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Automation.com, April 2012 By Dan Roessler, AspenTech Mobile application usage in manufacturing is expected to continue to increase. Mobile applications provide users with production insight twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week regardless of their physical location. This expanded data access helps leverage expert resources and improve employee effectiveness.

Automation.com, March 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor The annual ARC World Industry Forum brings together a wide range of innovative industrial automation users, industry associations, suppliers, system integrators, and thought leaders to learn and share ideas. These are the true believers who understand the impact that automation has on sustaining manufacturing competitiveness.

Automation.com, February 2012 By Bill Lydon Rockwell Automation firmly believes there are users that only want simple controllers and users that want integrated control and information products. In order to meet these requirements Rockwell has two separate product and software architectures, Connected Components and Logix.

Automation.com, February 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor These results of the Pharmaceutical Automation Roundtable (PAR) Emerging Technology Benchmarking Survey addressed major automation topics including DCS vs. PLC, Fieldbus Technology, Smart Devices, VFDs, PAT, APC, Wireless, Operator Interfaces, Computing Technology, Validation and Skills gaps.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor Here are my thoughts on major automation and control trends in 2012. These opinions are based on a wide range of inputs from users, suppliers and industry consultants, and from attending numerous industry forums, conferences and trade shows every year.

Automation.com, November 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Discussion of the industry issues and trends with Steve Sonnenberg, Emerson Process Management's Executive Vice President, and Peter Zornio, Chief Strategic Officer. Topics include Emerson's energy initiative, the economy, PLC/DCS debate, disposable automation, and more.

Automation.com, October 2011 By Rick Zabel, Publisher Annual salary survey indicates higher job satisfaction with little or no pay increase. While many feel greater pressure to increase productivity and reduce costs, more than 80% of respondents indicated they are satisfied with their job. Read the story and analyze the stats to see how you compare.

Automation.com, September 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor In Part 2 of my interview with Eric Byres, leading industrial automation cyber security expert, he expands on the challenges and solutions for industrial cyber security, and includes recommendations for actions to take to protect your company and assets.

As many of you know, Hannover Messe is taking place this week in Hannover, Germany. As one of their US-based media partners, three of us from Automation.com had plans to be there to cover the show. Unfortunately, the Iceland volcano had other plans.

There is no doubt that the global competitive landscape has changed over the past few years. As emerging economies continue to grow and their demand for consumer products increases, new suppliers will sprout up within those economies to help local manufacturers meet those demands. Those suppliers and manufacturers could, and likely will, be your next competitors. Of course, there are challenges to being global, including geography, language and finances. Hannover Messe help you navigate the “unknown waters.”

Project management is critical to ensuring projects are implemented correctly, on time and within budget. Good project management also communicates to your management or stakeholder that you are a professional.

By Rick Zabel Maybe it's because oil, natural gas and propane prices are so high. Maybe it's because it's an election year. Whatever the reason, it's about time we see more activity - in Wind.

Could it be that high fuel prices, the weak dollar and crises in the U.S. manufacturing industry are creating opportunities? Andy Chatha of ARC Advisory Group thinks so. He says the U.S. industry has suddenly become competitive on the world market, and companies are no longer moving operations overseas. Instead, many are expanding their facilities, and he predicts a boom in automation right here in the U.S.

Leveraging the knowledge and know-how of the people in an organization is a powerful way to make improvements and solve problems. The difficulty is getting this done effectively and avoiding an ineffective committee that creates more problems.

Please don't hesitate to contact Bill regarding any editorial opportunities with Automation.com.

"I am now going to present the 'do as I say and not as I do' portion of our conference.” Congrats to Greg A. of Connecticut for providing a winning caption for Otto Mation's conference comic!

"AI was so last year. CS is the next big thing—Common Sense." Congrats to Bob M. of Ontario for submitting the winning caption for our January Otto Matic comic!

“If only AI could plug it in for us!” Congratulations to Travis G. of Colorado for submitting the winning Otto Mation caption for this month!

“I'm sure if we pay him, he will just go away.” Congrats to Brad V. of South Dakota for winning our caption contest for August!

"Gee, Mr. Claus, I didn't know you expanded to the B2B sector." Congrats to Jake W. of Utah for submitting the winning caption for our last comic of the year!