Saturday, October 28, 2006

Automation Minutes 20 posted The latest podcast is posted covering news from ISA. 5:11:12 PM    comment []

Automation Fair It's hard to know how to wrap up the news of Automation Fair. As usual, there was a ton of product news. I've already discussed the process control business to a degree and the OSIsoft alliance as well as the use of information. Some highlights of products: Rockwell software -- FactoryTalk Production Center (integration of the DataSweep acquisition with SOA technology), FactoryTalk Integrator (work flow app that integrates IBM's middleware such as WebSphere Business Integration, WebSphere Portal Server and WebSphere MQ messaging), and FactoryTalk Portal. I think I see a trend in these announcements. Where Rockwell Software seemed to have a "not invented here" stance, now integrating with top partners is helping it move quickly to the top of manufacturing software suppliers. Drives -- I like to look at the medium voltage stuff (I'm not ALL about computers and software). There is some nice arc-shielding capability in the MV contactor line up and the MV drives that eliminate components previously required (and I was told by competitors last year would never work) is selling nicely according to the product manager. There is a new liquid cooled AC Drive. The way cool thing is continued integration (another key Rockwell word this year) of drive programming into the RSLogix 5000 (at v16) that will reduce development and implementation time significantly. Motor control -- ArmorStart distributed motor controller, packaged for on-machine placement with some I/O that allows very quick sensor to drive communication (think diverters on a high-speed conveyor, for example). Motor Control Centers -- The Centerline IEC-style motor control center allows for high density, built in communications, very attractive package. RA has an interesting UPS, believe it or not (developed with yet another partner). Putting together all the pieces and parts of an IEC style push button was always a pain (to me and my customers at least). There are now some "monolithic" push button devices that give customers one part number for a whole switch. I used to be the sensor guy, and there are still new sensors coming out. I'd point to the new analog laser sensors that allow non-contact measurement of a target. Also in the components area are a growing line of signaling devices (alarms, beacons, stack lights, large displays). And, that's just an overview designed to make all the product managers who were left out write to me in angst ;-) After a full day of "perspective" presentations (including three during lunch) on Tuesday and a full day of appointments on Wednesday, Rockwell concluded the Wednesday events for editors with yet another presentation at 6 on Wednesday evening. By 7, my boss was calling wondering where I was for dinner (I made it, never miss a free meal). The Wednesday discussion was on the Rockwell service offerings under the term Asset Management (different meaning than you'd get at a process control meeting). Tony Yanora, maintenance manager at the Pepsi bottler in Detroit, spoke about the success of the Rockwell RAAMP plan. In this plan, Rockwell comes in and inventories all the MRO spare parts and all the products used in the plant. It then comes back with a recommended inventory and plan. Then it supplies a "crib" person to manage the inventory and owns the inventory on consignment to Pepsi. The result was vastly reduced inventory, increased standardization of automation components and a much more organized and attractive facility (much to the delight of the regional executive who toured before and after). More to come. Jane and I are comparing notes from our interviews with the senior management team. Needless to say, there's a reason why rumors of Rockwell's demise have dried up. The company is methodically executing a plan to add all the pieces of an integrated automation offering from sensors and motor control to integrated software. It is growing quickly in Asia and even showing growth in Europe. The competitors had best keep an eye on it. 10:47:30 AM    comment []

Standards development involves listening Words of advice for the SP100 committee and others working on standards from the pioneer of the World Wide Web (found this on my news reader from Dave Winer's Scripting News blog). Tim Berners-Lee: "Making standards is hard work." [Scripting News] 7:49:50 AM    comment []