Interphex 2005
First thing you notice at the Javits Convention Center is that you have no idea where to go. I had an exhibitor's badge (Automation World has a small stand in the hall) so I had to find the "pick up badge holder" place. That is usually right inside the doors. Not so, here. You go downstairs to level one, wind around to the back, and eventually find it. There is a small part (in size) of the show down there, so this may have been a plan to get people to walk through there. The main show is two floors up. My challenge today is to find the press conference room.
There are a few automation-related announcements at the show. The biggest I've had so far is from Honeywell Process Solutions. It has been using a hardware platform for its DCS from Rockwell Automation (the ControlLogix platform). Recovering from the abortive corporate takeover bid from GE and with new leadership from Jack Bolick, Honeywell totally redesigned its platform with what's called Release 300, or Experion PKS R300. It is a very cool platform with a totally unexpected vertical design. Allows greater module density within a cabinet without looking crowded and allowing easier access to wiring. Best new hardware design I've seen in a while. Look for more on our Web site soon, and in print in May.
I've received some press releases from Rockwell, more later after my two appointments today. Also Emerson Process has scheduled a press conference. More on that tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I'm staying at the Marriott Marquis. This hotel features what's supposed to be the latest in elevator automation technology. I'm a technology geek, so I should love it--right? Well, I really only like technology that works or that I can control. This thing just makes for long lines. You go to a keypad and punch in you floor number. It tells you which elevator to go to. Hint--it's almost always "M". You wait until it finally gets to you, enter with a bunch of people, and then it stops at all the punched in floors. Problem two is that a lot of people get tired of waiting and jump to another elevator. You still stop at their floor. Anyway, I've heard no good comments about this setup.
6:31:13 AM 
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