Something for Everyone

By Katherine Bonfante, Managing Editor, Digital Media

Yes, I know it's difficult to please everyone, but we try. At ControlGlobal.com we try to bring you the latest in automation technology information—everything from wireless technology, cybersecurity, and advanced process control to industrial valves and a few engineering jokes.

If you want to learn about Web 2.0, log on to www.controlglobal.com/multimedia/2009/Web2ARC0907.html and listen to our latest podcast, "The Effects of Web 2.0 on Collaborative Engineering." This is a co-sponsored podcast by Control and ARC Advisory Group. In it, Walt Boyes and ARC analyst Dick Slansky discuss the effects of Web 2.0 on collaborative engineering and product lifecycle management. This is a fascinating discussion, especially for anyone over 30 years old. Visit our site and listen to the podcast now.

Now, if you're more interested in who's buying whom, our "Why Acquisitions Happen" podcast is the right informative piece for you. This podcast features Norm Gilsdorf, president of Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS). Gilsdorf talks to editor in chief Walt Boyes about the strategic value and synergies he hopes will happen due to the acquisition of Regel Messtechnik by HPS. This podcast is available at www.controlglobal.com/multimedia/2009/Acquisition0907.html, and gives end users a unique "insider's look" at why acquisitions happen.

Continuing with the interactive technology, "Saved by the Bell: A Look at ISA's New Standard on Alarm Management," reviews the new process industry standard on alarm management, ISA-18.2, focusing on what it will mean to owner/operators and how it can be used to improve safety, decrease unplanned downtime and increase operator productivity in a process plant. Visit www.controlglobal.com/multimedia/2009/AlarmMgmtISA0907.html and listen to it.

If efficiency and quality are your bag, the white paper, "Six Sigma: What? Why? How?" will answer your questions. This white paper explains the Six Sigma concept, its implementation, calculations and more. Download this paper at www.controlglobal.com/whitepapers/2009/058.html.

If exploring the intricacies of fieldbus installations is on your to-do list, you will want to read the story of how Abengoa Bioenergy learned some valuable lessons at its Ravenna, Neb., greenfield site. Read "Short-Circuiting Fieldbus Installation Problems" at www.controlglobal.com/articles/2009/ShortCircuiting0907.html