a look ahead...

What is your humble reporter doing tomorrow? I've got a full day of panels and tutorials I'll be attending: 8:00 am: WEX-04 Technology Roadmap from ABB: Part 1 - Leveraging Automation Technologies to Gain Productivity Advantage Rapid progress in commercial-off-the-shelf information technologies has been a main enabler also for automation technologies for more than a decade. At the same time, as industrial automation products and systems are designed for life cycles that are significantly longer than those of the fast-changing consumer electronics, true competitive advantage is only gained when productivity increases on all levels. From intelligent field devices up to novel integration methods with business information systems, the imperative is to create advantage not only for the year of deployment, but in a sustainable manner that encompasses real options for the future. This presentation examines the opportunities and threats of deploying new automation technologies and offers recommendations regarding their readiness for early adopters as well as mainstream application. 9:30 am: CEX-01 Business Model Innovation and Collaboration: A Panel Discussion As the business world continues to evolve, innovation in products and services is critical, but not the only innovation that is necessary to drive success. The area of business model innovation is a clear focus of key executives around the world. In addition to the innovation required, the ability to collaborate internally and externally to successfully implement these models is critical. How to innovate and execute new business models will be the focus of key executives that will participate in this panel discussion. 11:00 am: WIA-20A Wireless: Benefits of a Wireless Asset Management and Optimization Solution This workshop discusses one great application for wireless, asset management and optimization. Whether your control system has HART communications or just 4-20mA, adding a wireless network enables you to add an asset management and optimization layer for greater control, improved lifecycle management and less unplanned downtime. 3:00 pm: WIA-19A What's New in Instrumentation and Why it Matters? This session will highlight several advances in instrumentation, which deliver tangible benefits to plant/mill owners and operators. We will discuss both new measurement and control technologies and new applications for mature products and technologies, along with brief case histories where appropriate. Finally, there will be coverage of topics "in the news" such as device asset optimization and wireless process instrumentation. Join us for a fast-paced, high-level update. 4:30 pm: ISA-06 Cyber Security: What Can Be Done in Your Plant! Will the Department of Homeland Security dictate new standards for protecting automation systems for critical infrastructure facilities? New government facilities are opening to test candidate systems to determine their resistance to cyber-attacks. This session will discuss the issues involved and how companies and individuals can do their part to protect the facilities using cost effective, proven approaches without losing sight of the overall goals. Details included prevention, mitigation, and recovery approaches. I'll have a full day.