China
Pricing
|
China targets the Achilles-heel of Capitalism
Chinese planners recognize the demand for short-term profit as the Achilles-heel of Capitalism. So they offer products at very low gross-profit margins and have become the world leader in low-price manufacturing of high-volume products. Their own primary objectives are rapid local employment and long-term global market share.
Published by ISA - InTech - Final Say - April 2008.
|
|
Winning
Business
|
Winning in Business
Winning is the lifeblood of any society. People who work in successful businesses are happier, more motivated and achieve yet more success. Here are some ideas to help you win in your business.
Published by Automation.com - April 2008.
|
|
Automation
Skills
|
Whither Automaion Skills?
The automation industry is quickly developing a "skills shortage" which will occur after the current generation of engineers retires. Where will the new engineers and technicians come from to operate future factories and process automation plants?
Published by Automation World - March 2008.
|
|
Bush Lied
|
Poem: The Iraq War - 5-year anniversary - Bush Lied
This poem was written for the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War, 19 March 2008. It has been published in newspapers and on websites worldwide. Feel free to copy and/or publish.
|
YouTube
Video
|
|
|
Energy
Partnerships
|
Wanted: Partnerships to develop energy alternatives
The development of practical energy alternatives is a burgeoning growth market. The automation industry has all the background knowledge and experience needed to make a significant impact in this technology arenas. Automation companies should look for and develop partnerships for this market. Published by Automation.com - March 2008.
|
|
Green
Business
|
Green is good for business
The increasing attention to global climate change and rising energy prices brings new opportunities. Products that use less fuel and decrease emissions generate growth and profits. "Green" is becoming a good profit opportunity.
Published by Automation World - March 2008.
|
|
Growth
Barriers
|
Business growth barriers & plateaus for Automation suppliers
All organizations go through five stages of growth. Each stage needs different management structures and strategies during that phase of development. It is important to understand why certain things work and don't work at each stage in the development of an organization. Published by Automation.com - February 2008.
|
|
|
Sensors and Intelligence Key to Industrial Robotics Future
Future robot systems cannot be a mere extrapolation of today's technology, but should generate whole new application arenas through revolutionary sensors and artificial-intelligence extensions to stimulate new levels of manufacturing competence. This kind of robotics will be a key component in the digital factory of the future.
Published by Automation World - February 2008.
|
|
Pointers
2008
|
2008 Pinto's Pointers – Technologies & Markets
In the broad automation markets, there are pockets of technology and market growth that deserve special review. Here are some Pointo's Pointers regarding the top automation technology and market trends that will gain traction in 2008. Success will come to the companies that understand how to combine and coordinate new technology, new thinking and the deployment of effective solutions for customers in global markets.
Published by Automation.com - January 2008.
|
|
Global
Competition
|
Global Competitiveness Generates New Directions
My New Year's column, was written from "booming Bangalore", India's software capital. This is a city of some 6.5 million people, which makes it India's third-most populous city and fifth-largest metropolitan area. Local thinking is not just aimed at how to improve outsourcing services, or play consumer catch-up. Strategic plans at growing giants include new developments where they can lead rather than follow.
Published by Automation World - January 2008.
|
|
ISA InTech
Pinto's Points |
InTech eNews - Pinto's Points
ISA InTECH publishes a regular (weekly) eNews, which includes a link to a brief Pinto Point. Each point is an item which I think will stimulate your thinking - technical trends, market musings, sales solutions, business briefs. Here you have links to the ISA archives on the items that have been published. Many of these have been published in the book Pinto's Points published by ISA in August 2005. Audio Podcasts available.
|
|
Technology
Flip-side
|
The flip-side of Techno-productivity
Technology has changed the dynamics of how we communicate, live and even think. It's made our lives easier in many ways. But it's also causing deeper problems, causing stress and anxiety for many people, new disabilities and new realms of social misbehavior.
Published by Automation.com - December 2007.
|
|
Winning
Elements
|
Elements of Winning
Much more important than how you operate your business is why you operate the business. It's more than just achieving the financial performance. It's about pride in the work, with people knowing that they are pushing themselves to achieve the best that they can. Having genuine interest and excitement in doing what it takes to attain worthwhile goals is as important as actually achieving them.
Published by Automation World - December 2007.
|
|
Manufacturing
Strategies
|
Manufacturing strategies in the global environment
Over the past decade, many companies have adopted new strategies for manufacturing, which has taken competitiveness on to new planes. A whole array of initiatives, have been introduced, collectively labeled "new wave manufacturing".
Published by Automation.com - November 2007.
|
|
ISA Identity
Crisis
|
ISA Identity Crisis
The proposed ISA name change to "International Society of Automation" was not approved during the recent meeting of Society delegates. ISA leadership sees clearly how the Society must expand beyond instrumentation in order to grow. But current members don't really want to become a small part of a different Society. And therein lies the rub.
Published by Automation World - November 2007.
|
|
Wireless
Wars
|
The Industrial Wireless Wars
Wireless is an "inflection point" which will generate significant growth and market share for the industry leaders. The Wireless Wars are really marketing ploys to gain market-share through the differentiation of standards that support the majors' market strategies. Here's the best overview and summary you'll find anywhere.
Published by Automation.com - October 2007.
|
|
Winning in
Business
|
Winning in a new business environment
Winning is important. Winners are motivated by winning, and see greater rewards when their company performs well. Success breeds success. Focus on creating a positive and productive business environment, help the individual players to flourish, have fun - and the wins will come.
Published by Automation World - October 2007.
|
|
Wireless
Quadrille
|
Pinto Poem: The Industrial Wireless Quadrille
Wireless is a new "inflection point" in Industrial Automation, expected to generate growth for the leaders. So, the "Wireless Wars" are generating wild and wacky posturing and dancing around - similar to the "Fieldbus Wars" which started almost 2 decades ago. Poetry is perhaps the only crisp, lucid way of describing the situation.
Published as part of JimPinto.com eNews # 238 - 25 September 2007.
|
|
ISA Global
Strategy
|
ISA Global Strategy Moves Forward
Today, one can sense a spirit of new drive and determination within the ISA organization. ISA is now involved with the broader aspects of "automation" and aims to be a catalyst for the automation profession of the future. The new ISA will expand global membership to become truly "international". No other organization anywhere in the world covers these important functions to serve the global automation business.
Published by Automation World - September 2007.
|
|
Collaboration
Strategies
|
Collaboration Strategies fuel growth and success
With continued, accelerating change, companies can achieve significantly more through collaboration - sharing business information with suppliers and customers. Collaboration is a key enabler, allowing companies to react more quickly to changes in supply and demand. In the next few years your enterprise will be collaborative, or it won't exist at all. Published by Automation.com - September 2007.
|
|
ISA
Progress
|
ISA - New Growth Through International Automation
Over the past few years, ISA appeared to be steadily declining. Now, with strong management, enlightened volunteer leadership and new focus on international automation, the society appears to be headed for significant growth and success.
Published by Automation.com - August 2007.
|
|
Redefining
Leadership
|
Redefining Leadership
To become a high-performance business today requires leadership within an entirely new framework of understanding.
Today's leaders must maximize diverse strengths that tap into the growth and success of local markets in the global arena.
Published by Automation World - August 2007.
|
|
Keys to
Innovation
|
The Keys to Successful Innovation
Innovation stems from a culture that encourages and breeds consistent business value improvements. In the new, fast-moving global environment Innovation is the key to generating growth and success. Here are the keys to successful Innovation.
Published by Automation.com - July 2007.
|
|
Staying
Competitive
|
Staying Competitive in a Global Economy
Everyone knows that emerging countries are starting to grab significant market share in U.S. and world markets. For America to maintain its leadership against global competitors we must continue to compete with our best assets – technology, innovation and agile response. Published by Automation World - July 2007.
|
|
Compensation
Styles
|
Engineers - Re-engineer yourself
U.S. leadership is at risk in the global economy when engineering follows manufacturing in going offshore. Engineers must re-engineer themselves to re-vitalize their own careers and generate renewed success.
Published by Automation.com - June 2007.
|
|
Art of
Leadership
|
The Art of Leadership
Whatever you do, you can enhance your job, your results - and your pay - by acquiring leadership skills.
Published by Automation World - June 2007.
|
|
Compensation
Styles
|
Employee Compensation Styles
In the age of knowledge work, outsourcing and global competition, many companies still have employee compensation systems rooted in the past. In today's business environments, pay must be performance based.
Published by Automation.com - May 2007.
|
|
Guru Advice
for Startups
|
Guru Advice for Startup Companies
Many new companies are started by unemployed or dissatisfied people. Being an owner in an enterprise is perhaps the biggest satisfaction that any job can provide. If you're considering a startup, or have already launched your own company, here's some guru advice which may help.
Published by Automation World - May 2007.
|
|
Global Playing
Field
|
Level Playing Field - Globally
In the new century, the global playing field has leveled. The prizes are available to any country that can deliver cheaper, better, faster. It's a new game out there. Don't complain about it – join it and enjoy it. If you are not good enough to play in this different kind of game, you'll simply be sitting on the sidelines, watching others play.
Published by Automation World - April 2007.
|
|
Automation
History
|
A short history of Automation growth
Automation has a few key segments. In the 1970's, the original DCS was developed in the 1970's by a team of engineers at Honeywell, and the first PLC was the brainchild of inventor Dick Morley and others. Several innovative startups developed HMI software for PLCs and indusrial I/O. Innovative sensors and actuators came from some key companies. In a fragmented business, most innovators get stuck at growth plateuas and get bought out. But some continue to generate independent growth and success. Published by Automation.com - April 2007.
|
|
Infosys
Culture
|
Infosys - Global Growth with a Conscience
Infosys is one of the largest software companies in the world - 69,000 people, with revenues (fiscal-year 2006-07) about $ 3B, Nasdaq market-cap about $ 30B. I visited the corporate headquarters in Bangalore, India in February 2007. Here is my report which describes this significant company and its strikingly different corporate culture. Published by Automation.com - March 2007.
|
|
Automation
Roots
|
Roots of Automation Innovation
Trace the roots of all significant automation business segments and you'll find key innovations. Few larger companies come up with major new developments; an exception was the DCS, developed by engineers within Honeywell. The PLC was the brainchild of prolific inventor Dick Morley and others. Several innovative startups grew fairly rapidly with HMI software for PCs. Rosemount's growth can be traced to its innovative capacitive differential-pressure sensors. Published by Automation World - March 2007.
|
|
Innovation
Culture
|
The culture of Innovation
In today’s fast-paced business environment, innovation is the key element that helps a company not only to survive, but thrive. Innovation does not depend on just one person, or even a few—it stems from a culture that encourages and breeds innovative thinking. Published by Automation World - February 2007.
|
|
Human
Capital
|
Investing in Human Capital, People Assets
In today's competitive global market environment, an organization’s primary assets are its valuable human capital. For successful companies today, management goes beyond capital assets. It involves consistent, long-term investments in committed, talented people. Published by Automation.com - February 2007.
|
|
2007
Prognostications
|
Pinto Prognostications - 2007
Most automation companies showed reasonable growth and profitability in 2006, and some good-sized acquisitions will occur in 2007. Offshore outsourcing will continue growing at 20% annually. The companies that succeed will be those that understand how to combine new organization, new technology and new management thinking for global competitive advantage. Published by Automation World - January 2007.
|
|
2007
Tech Picks
|
2007 Technology - Pinto's Picks
The industrial automation market is growing again. During the coming year, several new products and technologies will begin to emerge. Here are my top picks for automation technologies that will make a difference in 2007.
Published by Automation.com - January 2007.
|
|
Organizing
Innovation
|
Organizing an Innovative Company
In the past, innovation has been viewed as a creative process that leaps from the minds of a few imaginative people. But in today's global business environment, innovation must be developed as a reliable, measurable process that yields consistent, positive results.
Published by Automation World - December 2006.
|
|
Knowledge &
Innovation
|
Automation Knowledge & Innovation
Products are becoming commodities in the fast-moving new global business environment. To succeed, businesses need a competitive differentiator – a proprietary edge which can only be developed through innovation, knowledge and experience. Published by Automation.com - December 2006.
|
|
Industrial
Ethernet
|
Industrial Ethernet for Automation Networks
Today automation products must have Ethernet connectivity. The real question is whether to connect directly via Internet protocol, or indirectly via one of the entrenched industrial networks. Ethernet alone does not guarantee that two devices can talk to each other. There must be compatibility at the application layers. Published by Automation.com - November 2006.
|
|
Wireless
Growth
|
Wireless Growth Paradigms
Industrial wireless adoption has been stalled by a combination of old-paradigm thinking and paralysis-analysis through standards committees. In addition, conventional pricing inhibits high-quantity orders and faster growth. This presents opportunities for new, agile and innovative leaders to emerge.
Published by Automation World - November 2006.
|
|
OPC
Standards
|
OPC - the standard that makes other standards interoperable
Standards are intrinsically difficult to implement and adopt. In the industrial automation business, OPC is a unifying standard that allows true interoperability. It needs more end-user support and involvement. Published by Automation.com - October 2006.
|
|
Wireless
Innovation
|
Wireless: The Next Innovation Breakthrough?
As the innovation center-of-gravity shifts, the long-term economic implications are enormous. Looking back, the last major innovations in industrial automation were in the mid-'70s - the DCS and PLC. Will wireless be the next big innovation breakthrough?
Published by Automation World - October 2006.
|
|
Honeywell
Culture
|
Honeywell Culture Drives for Leadership
With annual revenue of about $30B and current market-cap of about $ 32B, Honeywell is arguably the largest US-based automation company. Here's an updated (Sept. 2006) view of the corporate culture. Published by Automation.com - September 2006.
|
|
Pursuit of
Innovation
|
The Pursuit of Innovation
Creativity is developing new ideas. Innovation is implementing creative ideas into valuable or profitable solutions. Innovation happens when organizations make money or gain value from creativity. Effective innovation is the timely and efficient implementation of new ideas that can result in significantly increased revenues and profits. What is your company doing to stimulate innovation?
Published by Automation World - September 2006.
|
|
Outsourcing
Myopia
|
Outsourcing Myopia
Countries cannot continue to thrive without high-tech economies. When the local supply of talent dwindles and talent emerges elsewhere in the global environment, the center-of-gravity shifts. A shift must occur to true business use of global and knowledge resources.
Published by Automation World - August 2006.
|
|
NEW Invensys
Culture
|
The Invensys/Foxboro Culture - It took a lickin' but kept on tickin'
Just six years ago Invensys was one of the top industrial companies, with annual revenues of about $ 14B and comparable market-cap. But, after several unwise acquisitions the stock declined drastically and many of the best-performing companies in the group were sold off to stay financially afloat. Here's a review of how the corporate culture not only survived, but thrived.
Published by Automation.com - August 2006.
|
|
Asymmetric
Motivation
|
Asymmetric Motivation
The manufacturing-based middle class is the nation's backbone. In this new global century, nations and regions are engaged in a fight - albeit peaceful - that will have lasting impact.
Published by Automation World - July 2006.
|
|
ISA Melting
Iceberg
|
ISA - Melting Iceberg continues to melt
ISA is slowly melting. Many members and local-section leaders are concerned that only incremental steps are being taken. Writes the Cleveland Section, "ISA is on a collision course with irrelevance." ISA leadership will find several significant positive ideas and suggestions in this analysis.
Published by Automation.com - July 2006.
|
|
The MTL
Story
|
MTL has crossed $100M with independent growth & success
Measurement Technology Limited (MTL)is recognized throughout the process control industry as the world leader in Intrinsic Safety products for hazardous areas.
Growing beyond its niche, MTL is successfully developing a strong position as an automation hardware infrastructure provider.
Published by Automation.com - June 2006.
|
|
ISA
Progress
|
ISA - only incremental progress
ISA should make some bigger moves, starting with a clear change in governance. With $30+ million in the bank and high-value real-estate holdings, the society is simply a "melting iceberg".
Published by Automation World - June 2006.
|
|
Automation
Networks
|
Open Automation Networks
Automation products must have Ethernet connectivity. The real question is whether to connect directly on Ethernet, or indirectly via one of the entrenched industrial networks. Ethernet alone does not guarantee that two devices can talk to each other. There must be compatibility at the application layers. Published by Automation World - May 2006.
|
|
Matrikon
Culture
|
Matrikon - A Successful Solutions Provider Approaching $100m
Matrikon is one of the largest independent industrial automation systems integrators in North America. The company has already broken some of the traditional size limitations for systems integrators, and is now well on its way to breaking the famed 1,000 people, $100M barrier. Published by Automation.com - May 2006.
|
|
Global
Collaboration
|
Global Collaboration — Worth Striving For
Today, collaborative enterprises with global scope are winning the game. They streamline end-to-end business and supply chain processes, distribute information across various businesses to boost mutual responsiveness, agility, and customer-centricity. Published by Automation World - April 2006.
|
|
National
Instruments
|
National Instruments - Culture of Growth & Success
National Instruments achieved about $600 million in annual revenue in 2005, and looks well set to exceed $ 1 billion within the next few years. The company is exceptional in that it has thrived for three decades after startup, with an adaptive people-orientated culture and the founder is still in charge. Published by Automation.com - April 2006.
|
|
Bottomless
Well
|
Energy - the Bottomless Well
The technologies used to find, extract, or capture energy from the environment have improved much faster than the estimates of supply have receded. New energy sources have always been developed to meet burgeoning demand. The belief in human ingenuity and progress generates the concept of "the bottomless well."
Published by Automation World - March 2006.
|
|
ABB
Culture
|
The ABB Corporate Culture – Winners Shaped by History
Already an automation leader, ABB made a series of bold acquisitions in the 1990's. The company got into serious trouble in 2002, but quick, decisive action succeeded in reversing most of the problems. Read this review of the culture of a new, stronger and more focused ABB – one of the automation industry's most dramatic turnarounds. Published by Automation.com - March 2006.
|
|
Robots
are coming
|
The Robots are Coming
When it comes to robots, reality still lags science fiction. But the confluence of several advanced technologies is bringing the age of robotics ever nearer. Today’s robots are smaller, cheaper, more practical and cost-effective and are chalking up major gains in the automation world. Published by Automation World - February 2006.
|
|
The Emerson
Difference
|
The Emerson Difference
Emerson is one of the world's leading global manufacturing companies. Emerson Process Management is a leader in process control and automation. With an achievement-oriented culture, the company seems to attract and retain some of the best people in the industry. Published by Automation.com - February 2006.
|
|
People are
Primary assets
|
People are your primary assets
In today's competitive global market automation end-users and suppliers alike are under increasing pressure to improve return on assets. Many companies tend to forget that people are their primary assets. Published by Automation World - January 2006.
|
|
Schneider
Corp. Culture
|
Schneider - aggressive French Giant
Schneider Electric calls itself "the world’s power and control specialist". The company serves the residential, building, industry and energy and infrastructure markets. All operating numbers show significant growth in the past year, and their strategy of selective acquisitions continues. Here's a view of the Schneider Corporate Culture. Published by Automation.com - January 2006.
|
|
Vendor
Choices
|
What automation end-users need to know about vendors
The selection of a supplier, especially for large control systems, is a complex undertaking. To help end-users with automation vendor selection, here’s a checklist organized in 10 categories. Published by CONTROL magazine - December 2005.
|
|
Network
Choices
|
Network Choices - Wireless Revolution
Today there are lots of network alternatives – not only for business, but also for factory and process installations. The plethora of choices available today makes decisions difficult. The wireless conectivity paradigm is emerging, and the implications are nothing short of revolutionary. It's important to have a strategy going forward. Published by Automation World - December 2005.
|
|
Automation
Cyber Security
|
Automation Systems Cyber Security
Many of today’s automation & control systems use the same PC hardware (Intel), operating system (Windows) and communications (Ethernet TCP/IP) as corporate office and administrative networks. So automation systems security is an urgent issue, perhaps even a critical one. Published by Automation.com - December 2005.
|
|
Innovation
Wins
|
Automation Plus Innovation Wins
To achieve sustainable advantage, manufacturing efficiency must be coupled with innovative new products. Companies that go beyond manufacturing low priced commodities and offer improved customer values are the winners in the new global environment. Published by Automation World - November 2005.
|
|
Price/Margin/
Volume Mindset
|
Price/Margin/Volume Mindset Inhibits Growth
Industrial automation companies traditionally market higher priced products in low volume. The problem is that no one wants to break price barriers because of the mindset - the self-fulfilling prophesy. You can open new markets by changing pricing structures and sales channels. Published by Automation.com - November 2005.
|
|
Automation
Services
|
Services - growth on a slippery slope
End-users are scrambling to reduce costs and many have even eliminated engineering and maintenance services. Reacting to this demand, automation suppliers are expanding their service offerings to “total solutions” responsibility, which puts them into competition with some of their own local integrators - a slippery slope. Published by Automation World - October 2005.
|
|
Flat World
|
Tom Friedman's book - The world is flat
Technology has changed the shape of the world. Cheap and abundant communications and broadband connectivity have made it easy for knowledge work to be done from anywhere in the world. This has created a "flat" global political, economic, and cultural playing field.
Published by Automation.com - October 2005.
|
|
ISA
Standards
|
ISA tackles the Standards Dichotomy
Standards are intrinsically difficult to implement and adopt. End-users cannot drive standards; supplier involvement compounds the confusion. The role of standards coordinator is best served by a neutral third-party. For industrial automation, the best choice is the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA). Published by Automation World - September 2005.
|
|
ISA governance problems
|
Antique governance plagues cash-fat ISA
ISA's primary assets are $30 million in the bank and valuable real-estate. But, like other engineering societies, its volunteer-driven governance is causing steady decline in the new, global business environment.
Published by Automation.com - September 2005.
|
|
ISA at the
crossroads
|
ISA at the crossroads
Most membership-based technical societies are declining - ISA is just one example. The old 'cash cow' needs new governance and new drive. Here is my 6-point plan.
Published by Automation World - August 2005.
|
|
Networks
Everywhere
|
Networks everywhere - the Global Brain
It turns out that networks are NOT a relatively recent "invention," something that has to do only with computers. They've always been around; even before we humans came on the scene. Howard Bloom's book: "The Global Brain" explains everything. And it’s enlightening to think of networks this way. This article was published by Automation.com - August 2005.
|
|
Performance-based
compensation
|
Performance-based compensation
Today's compensation systems were originally developed during the era of hourly-paid factory workers. For today's knowledge-based employees, performance-based compensation is necessary. And it's important to include team-success factors. Employee-ownership has the best results.
Published by Automation World - July 2005. |
|
Exhibitions
Decline
|
The Decline of Large Automation Exhibitions
Large, central automation exhibitions used to be major events a couple of decades ago, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from all over the world. Today exhibitions are steadily declining because there are more effective ways to disseminate information and provide opportunities for customer and supplier networking. This article was published by Automation.com - July 2005. A shorter column was published in Automation World - May 2005. |
|
Automation
cyber threats
|
Protecting automation systems against cyber threats
Today's networked control systems often use the same hardware architectures, software and networks as corporate office and administrative networks. This means that vital production and process control systems can be exposed to the same spam, virus and security threats that corporate IT departments have been facing for years.
Published by Automation World - June 2005. |
|
Enterprise
Web Services
|
Managing Enterprise Performance with Web Services
Web delivery of business and manufacturing process data enhances collaboration between multi-location plants. The facilities that yield the best performance can share results across the enterprise – learning about what works, and what doesn’t. Enterprise performance management using key performance indicators is becoming reality. This article was published by Automation.com - June 2005.
|
|
Decline of big exhibitions
|
The decline of big automation exhibitions
Attendance is declining steadily at the large, central automation exhibitions. From the exhibitors' standpoint, it's more effective to invite key customers to attend focused presentations and private showings of all the latest products. Organized personal-networking conferences are also becoming successful.
Published by Automation World - May 2005. |
|
Productivity
Race
|
Cheaper, Faster, Better - The Productivity Race
Productivity has now become a global race. It’s a fierce, head-to-head competition between regions and nations for the single reason that it is the source of the wealth, the key to improvements in living standards. Those who can make things cheaper, faster, better – win! This article was published by Automation.com - May 2005.
|
|
Automation Mindset
|
Breaking the automation mindset
The industrial automation business mindset inhibits growth and expansion in related higher-volume markets because of reluctance to change the ground-rules. In a flat or declining economy, everyone seems to be too busy staying afloat to consider new avenues of growth. Published by Automation World - April 2005.
|
|
Bottomless
Well
|
Energy - The Bottomless Well
A new iconoclastic book by Peter Huber & Mark Mills explains why energy is not scarce - an infinite supply will continue to flow through human innovation and ingenuity. The things we think we know about energy are mostly myths - the demand for energy will never go down; more energy-efficient products simply raise demand. Across the board, energy isn't the problem - it is the solution. This article was published by Automation.com - April 2005.
|
|
Honeywell
Culture
|
The New Honeywell Corporate Culture
The "old" Honeywell had developed over the past century as a respectable, though plodding, Minneapolis-based company. It merged with Allied Signal and was almost bought by GE. Now under the leadership of CEO David Cote, Roger Fradin (ACS) and Jack Bolick (Process Systems), how is the NEW Honeywell doing? |
|
Energy partnerships
|
Partnerships can develop energy alternatives
Technology leadership is needed to develop practical energy alternatives. Automation companies have knowledge and experience that applies in this arena. End-users and automation suppliers can develop partnerships to tackle the opportunities.
A version of this article was published by
Automation World - March 2005.
|
|
Schneider
Culture
|
The Schneider Corporate Culture
With annual revenue about $14bn, and 80,000 employees in 130 countries, Schneider Electric is high on the world list of major automation companies. Here we discuss the Corporate Culture of this unusual, acquisition-orientated France-based company.
|
|
Home Robots
|
Practical home robots - Roomba Floorvac
One wonders when practical robots will be available for home use. Well, I finally decided to buy a robot to do some real work at home and am now the proud owner of Roomba, the home vacuum cleaning robot by iRobot. We have used it for a while, and are pretty satisfied. Published by Automation.com - March 2005.
|
|
Collaboration
|
Collaboration is the key
In a fast-changing world, collaboration allows companies to react more quickly to changes in supply and demand. In the next few years your enterprise will be collaborative - or it won't exist at all. A version of this article was published by
Automation World - February 2005.
|
|
China Solutions
|
Solutions for the China Challenge
It is well known that China is grabbing significant manufacturing market share in US and world markets, and is already moving strongly into high-tech. Here we'll discuss ways and means for America to maintain its leadership against China and other emerging global competitors. Published by Automation.com - February 2005.
|
|
China Challenge
|
Global Manufacturing - The China Challenge
In today’s global environment whoever manufactures products better, cheaper and faster, wins. Every country in the world is competing. In consumer products, China is grabbing a lot of the prizes. And they’re moving strongly into high-tech. IBM's PC business is now Chinese. Will some of the automation majors become Chinese also?
Published by Automation.com - January 2005.
|
|
Emerson culture
|
The Emerson difference
Emerson is an achievement oriented culture. They select the best "high potential" people, and makes development plans for each individual. The company has a constant inflow of excellent new management. They seem to attract some of the best people in the industry, and keeps developing the next wave of leaders.
|
|
Omron
|
Omron - success with a unique philosophy
Founded in 1933, Omron has grown to be the largest industrial automation company in Japan. The unusual thing about Omron is this: alone among any multi-billion corporations, it devotes a significant amount of attention to its ethical, social and philosophical position. The company continues to generate strong growth, profit and success.
|
|
China
Syndrome
|
The China Manufacturing Syndrome
Manufacturing is tending to migrate away from the U.S. for a variety of factors. In the meantime China is attaining pre-eminence in global manufacturing. America needs to have its entrepreneurs and home businesses succeed. Perhaps that is America's best response to the China manufacturing syndrome. A version of this article was published by Automation World - January 2005.
|
|
AspenTech
|
The rise and fall of Aspen Technology
Aspen Technology supplies modeling software and services used
in the process industries. The company acquired a number of companies
in the glory-days of the stock market, and has been going through some
interesting twists and turns. Here is the story, to the end of 2004.
Published - January 2005.
|
|
Future of Automation
|
The Future of Industrial Automation (2005)
Since the turn of the century, the global recession has affected most businesses, including industrial automation. After four years of the new millennium, here are my views on the directions in which the automation industry is moving.
Published by Automation.com - December 2004.
|
|
Pervasive
Networks
|
Pervasive Networks
Within the next few years, literally billions of Internet-enabled microprocessors will provide digital intelligence and connectivity for almost every commercial & industrial product and appliance, extending the Internet into almost every aspect of our lives.
Published by Automation World - December 2004.
|
|
Never be the
low bidder
|
Never be the lowest bidder
When business is tough, many people feel that price-cutting may be the best way to generate business. But, the industrial automation business demands a high level of applications knowledge and specialization. Don't short-change yourself. Here is the latest version of my earlier writing on this subject.
Published by Automation World - November 2004.
|
|
ISA Rimbach Lecture 2004
|
Automation Unplugged - Global Shifts in a new age
Outline of the slides presented at the Rimbach Lecture Series, Keynote speech at ISA, Houston, Texas, October 6, 2004. Review of automation business, with predictions of continued consolidationss. Discussions of new technologies and trends. How Outsourcing and Offshoring will impact future business as China and India emerge as global competitors. Keys for success. Future global challenges.
|
|
M2M Revolution
|
The M2M (Machine-to-Machine) Revolution
The convergence of smart devices with the Internet is creating a new inflection point. A whole new environment of M2M is emerging, focused on the issues of how machines communicate, how they are managed, how the data and information within them are managed. Companies that fail to exploit this next wave will simply obsolete themselves.
Published by Automation.com - November 2004.
|
|
Stay Agile
|
Stay agile in an accelerating business environment
Today's business keeps changing fast. There are too many unforseen technology changes and basic operating shifts which change the ground-rules. To sustain business performance in this environment, companies must develop agility.
Published as Staying Life Cycle Agile by Automation World - October 2004.
|
|
Scarcity & Abundance
|
The Problems of Scarcity & Abundance
What do traffic jams, obesity and spam have in common? They are all problems caused by abundance. By achieving abundance, technology destroys the natural checks and balances of scarcity. An abundance of automation has caused a scarcity of jobs.
Off shore outsourcing is responsible for just 15% of recent job losses.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - October 2004.
|
|
Outside the box
|
Think outside the box
Project management today is not quite the same as it used to be in past decades. Project management skills cannot be taught. The best project managers become successful using wisdom which cannot be learned, or bought. They think "outside the box".
Published by Automation World - September 2004.
|
|
Executive Leadership
|
Total Concept Engineering – Executive Leadership
Engineers recognize that leadership involves many, many things beyond just technical details. But, especially in engineering companies, engineers who advance to executive leadership can make a big difference. Here are my suggestion, plus some good advice from the gurus who were engineers themselves.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - September 2004.
|
|
Ballad of GW Bush
|
Poem: The ballad of GW Bush
I've been having discussions with many friends who are Bush proponents, with no effect. They seem to dodge all my sincere questions, or answer with faith-based responses. So, I wrote this poem for them, with which I hope you'll connect. It's written with the lilt of Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven".
First published - August 2004.
|
|
M2M - OEM advantage
|
M2M - the OEM advantage
The next major inflection point of Internet usage is machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Within the next few years, more machines will be connected via the Internet than humans. This will add significant value for businesses and consumers.
Published by Automation World - July/August 2004.
|
|
Engineering Leadership
|
The Art of Engineering Leadership
If you’re an engineering techie, whether you’re a senior engineer or raw recruit, whether you’re an instrument technician or maintenance mechanic, you can enhance your job, your results – and your pay – by acquiring some leadership skills.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - August 2004.
|
|
Engineering Startups
|
Investing in engineering startups
Many technology startups are founded by engineers. But, the management team should include marketing, sales and finance. Investors look for a good balance of innovation, planning, drive and experience.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - July 2004.
|
|
Enterprise decision-making
|
Decision-making across the enterprise
Today, a plethora of software tools and web services are available for enterprise integration. Perhaps the key job for the future CEO is simply to determine and monitor the key performance indicators (KPIs), letting local decision-making achieve results for the integrated enterprise.
Published by Automation World - June 2004.
|
|
Using Global Resources
|
Using Global Resources to Succeed
In today's global business environment, products must be developed quickly and inexpensively, and manufactured at the lowest cost. Where the products are developed is irrelevant – productivity is the key. The companies that can utilize global resources effectively will generate growth and success!
Published by AutomationTechies.com - June 2004.
|
|
Iraq Situation
|
The situation in Iraq is getting worse!
The effort to stabilize Iraq is out of control. There
seems to be no plan, no strategy. April brought the worst
death-toll since the war began. A year after "Mission Accomplished"
how much longer can this killing continue?
Published by San Diego Mensan - June 2004.
|
|
Sensor networks
|
Intelligent Sensor Networks
Smart, wireless networked sensors will soon be everywhere, collecting and processing vast amounts data, providing vast arrays of real-time, remote interaction with the physical world.
Published by Automation World - May 2004.
|
|
Systems Integration
|
Automation Systems Integration – the realm of specialists
Automation systems integrators serve big markets. But most of them are unable to "scale up" beyond about $5-10m in annual revenue because their markets are fragmented, have specialized requirements and are geographically spread out.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - May 2004.
|
|
Real-time productivity
|
A realtime boost for productivity
Today, real-time enterprise applications are cutting through several layers of previous inefficiency, allowing all segments of a business to interact in ways that were previously unthinkable. The resulting productivity boost is perhaps the key factor behind the so-called "jobless recovery".
Published by Automation World - April 2004.
|
|
Oil Crisis
|
The Oil Crisis - Energy Alternatives
The world is running out of oil and the shortages will only get worse. Technology leadership is needed to develop practical energy alternatives. Automation companies have the knowledge and experience to get involved in this new and burgeoning market. Published by AutomationTechies.com - April 2004.
|
|
Gay Marriage
|
Same-sex marriage - what is the real issue?
Attitudes toward homosexuality continue to be one of the more complex areas of public opinion. What is the real issue? My prediction: This political furor is a precursor of things to come in this century – the legalization of marriages between humans and clones, techno-humans, robots, machines. Brave new world!
Published by San Diego Mensan - April 2004.
|
|
Broader Horizons
|
To succeed, broaden your horizons
When growth is elusive in traditional markets, it behooves good companies to look for expansion and growth in other similar markets. Industrial automation companies must extend their existing products, and develop new marketing and sales channels, to attract new "commercial" customers.
Published by Automation World - March 2004.
|
|
RFID
|
RFID - a significant technology with far-reaching implications
RFID technology is growing by leaps and bounds. RFID tags will soon be built into everything, allowing each individual item to be tracked and traced. The implications are startling. Published by AutomationTechies.com - March 2004.
|
|
Energy Independence
|
American Energy Independence
Over the past century, America has become increasingly dependent on oil. Consider this: without oil propping up their economies, most Mid-East countries would be reduced to relatively poor strips of desert, the financial power of terrorism would be de-fanged. Developing alternate energy sources for energy independence is a matter of extreme urgency.
Published by San Diego Mensan - March 2004.
|
|
Think Globally
|
Think globally, act locally
There are lots of new things that your company must do to remain competitive in the global environment. People in all parts of your company must be encouraged to become more globally oriented. Global customers must be met at their home locale, to find out specific local requirements. And the company must respond by adapting products to meet those local needs. Published by Automation World - February 2004.
|
|
Internet Insecurity
|
Internet Insecurity - Spam and viruses
For several years the growth of the Internet seemed unlimited, an almost free resource that provided vast benefits. But that expansion is now being choked, and security is threatened by the twin plagues of spam and viruses.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - February 2004.
|
|
Symbols of Love
|
Symbols of Love
In February each year, the opportunity (or obligation) to send Valentine cards comes around. It’s supposed to be a tradition dating back to the third century. In this fast-changing world, everything seems temporary. Perhaps that’s why so many people seem to want to follow old traditions. Published by San Diego Mensan - February 2004.
|
|
Winning edge
|
People are the winning edge
Success can only be developed by consistent, long-term investments in people and leadership. It requires sustained development budgets for automated processes and plant equipment - which requires strong and committed, in-house engineering talent. Published by Automation World - January 2004.
|
|
Buying & Selling Time
|
Buying & Selling Time
Time is a resource that everyone values - we all have the same 24 hours every day. By delivering convenience (saving time) the new, connected economy yields significant improvements. Companies that can offer those improvements generate growth and success. Published by AutomationTechies.com - January 2004.
|
|
Electronic voting
brings risks
|
Electronic voting brings serious security risks
The Florida "chad" debacle resulted in a rapid push towards electronic voting machines. Problem: The touch-screen machines being deployed cannot be made to produce a paper record, and will not be able to do so until 2007. Without a paper validation of each vote, there is a significant risk that the electronic count can be rigged in 2004.
Published by San Diego Mensan - January 2004.
|
|
Exporting jobs
|
Exporting jobs to stay competitive
In today’s global markets every business is pitted against worldwide competitors with consistently improving productivity, better performance and shrinking prices. For the US, the choices are clear: Move strongly to maintain a lead in technology innovation.
Published by Automation World - December 2003.
|
|
Tomorrow's leaders
|
Tomorrow's automation leaders
In the industrial automation business, you can count the $ 1+billion companies on your fingers. Then count the companies between $ 100 million to $ 1 billion; you won’t get more than just a couple. All the others who seem to be in that range are simply divisions of larger conglomerates. So, who are the leaders of tomorrow?
Published by AutomationTechies.com - December 2003.
|
|
Political labels
confuse democracy
|
Political parties & labels cause antagonism, confuse Democracy
What are the real differences are between Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives? The whole political system seems to be based on polarized, aggressive antagonism. I cannot help feeling that is a subversion of democracy.
Published by San Diego Mensan - December 2003.
|
|
Intelligent, optimized equipment
|
Intelligent, Networked Equipment Optimizes Assets
Imagine every piece of equipment monitoring its own operation, including uptime, downtime, dwell-time, energy usage, malfunction and repair-time. Technologies exist right now that can do that in order to help end-users optimize their
assets.
Published by Automation World - November 2003.
|
|
Near-term Nanotech
|
Near-term Nanotech
The commercial interest in nanotechnology is being driven by visions of a stream of commercial products and applications that will lead to a new industrial revolution. Some significant nanotech products are already on the market.
Published by Automation Techies.com, November 2003.
|
|
Fully automated factories
|
Fully automated factories approach reality.
The vision of fully automated factories has already existed for some time now: customers order online, with electronic transactions that negotiate batch size (in some cases as low as one), price, size and color; intelligent robots and sophisticated machines smoothly and rapidly fabricate a variety of customized products on demand.
Published by Automation World - October 2003.
|
|
Robotics
Tech Trends
|
Robotics technology trends.
When it comes to robots, reality still lags science fiction. But, just because robots have not lived up to their promise in past decades does not mean that they will not arrive sooner or later. Indeed, the confluence of several advanced technologies is bringing the age of robotics ever nearer - smaller, cheaper, more practical and cost-effective.
Published by Automation Techies.com, October 2003.
|
|
Globalization
Outmoded
|
Globalization - outmoded and irrelevant.
Industrialized countries present their neo-liberal brand of globalization and capitalistic freedom as things that bring peace, prosperity and power. In the past, it was easy to embrace this enticing vision, especially with no clear alternative on the horizon. But, the dreams of capitalistic globalization cannot be sustained.
Published by San Diego Mensan - October 2003.
|
|
War - Myths
& Mystique
|
The myths & mystique of war.
Perhaps war is a human addiction. It causes renewed nationalism and patriotic fervor that is intoxicating. It is seldom justified, but there are always those who claim that it is right. In its wake it brings devastating effects on all involved. But the pain is eventually forgotten and then war again reoccurs, like some awful addiction that cannot be kicked. Published by San Diego Mensan - September 2003.
|
|
Internet
insecurity
|
Internet insecurity
Internet vulnerabilities will force ever-greater countermeasures. My suggestion is to stick with the major anti-virus software standards.
Published by Automation World - September 2003.
|
|
Wireless sensor networks |
Wireless sensor networks
Smart, wireless networked sensors will soon be all around us, collectively processing vast amounts of previously unrecorded data to help run factories, optimize farming, monitor the weather and even watch for earthquakes. Published by Automation Techies.com, September 2003.
|
|
The well curve
|
The well curve
Previously, the "bell curve" defined normal statistical distribution, and it became a fundamental law of natural science, a cornerstone of statistics. Recently, several economic and social phenomena seem to be following a different pattern. Instead of being high in the center and low on the sides, this new distribution is "bi-modal", low in the center and high on the sides. So, it's called "the well curve".
Published by San Diego Mensan - August 2003.
|
|
Dichotomy
of open standards
|
Dichotomy of open standards
The definition of a "standard" is simple: operating characteristics that everybody follows. Therein lies the rub. Someone has to be the leader, to develop the standard that others follow. Conflicting objectives continue to cause endless debate. To help clear the confusion, we must understand that technology developers need to recoup their investment through one or more of the rules for open standards.
Published by Automation World - August 2003.
|
|
Automation inflection points |
Industrial automation inflection points
During a decline, good companies should be looking for revenue growth through significant new technologies that can change the rules of the game. New products that provide an order of magnitude improvement in performance or cost-effectiveness generate an inflection point. Published by Automation Techies.com, August 2003.
|
|
Copyright & Patent wars |
The copyright & patent wars
Copyright law, originally written to protect books and maps, has been constantly revised and stretched. Today there is no standard way to ensure that the owner gets paid when their work is bought, or used. And in industrial automation, it's a whole, different ballgame. Published by Automation Techies.com, July 2003.
|
|
Automate, emigrate or evaporate |
Automate, emigrate or evaporate
The new century is bringing significant and irreversible changes in a competitive, global environment. Almost every segment of business is undergoing significant change. For end users, manufacturing plants must be smaller and more flexible; for automation suppliers, products must be designed to meet global end user needs, with local services for all customers. Published in the inaugural issue of Automation World, June 2003.
|
|
Sidetracked from terrorism |
Sidetracked from the war on terrorism
The Iraqi war, far from addressing the roots of the terrorism, has exacerbated the problems. Indeed, the "easy win" with no apparent justification simply inflames the extremists. Egypt's President gave an ominous warning, "The war in Iraq will create hundreds of bin Ladens!" And sadly, this is perhaps what bin Laden has wanted. A version of this article was published by: San Diego Mensan magazine, June 2003
|
|
Cheap revolution |
The cheap revolution.
The price of electronic memory and computer storage and will continue fall over the next several years. This will cause a significant revolution in the way many things are done. Your company can find growth through a cheap revolution. Published by Automation Techies.com, June 2003.
|
|
The Aussie
Fieldbus |
The Aussie Fieldbus
This poem was written on April 28, 2003 for my friend Dick Morley, who was speaking at the INDCOMM Conference in Melbourne, Australia, April 30 & May 1, 2003. It describes the wonderful, new Aussiebus, which connected to just about every other network in the world. Except....
|
|
Distributed Computing |
Distributed & Grid Computing.
Your desktop computer (like most others) is only utilized about 5%. Distributed computing uses the idle time and links many machines together to perform mammoth tasks that previously only super-computers could do. The whole area of distributed and grid computing is a hot bed of significant development that is expected to generate amazing advances in the next few years. And the first big applications are already here. Published by Automation Techies.com, May 2003.
|
|
Future of air-travel |
The future of air-travel
In December 1903 the Wright brothers first flight was 852 feet and lasted 59 seconds. Today’s 747 and Airbus jetliners carry hundreds of people thousands of miles, non-stop. But the threat of hijacking and SARS has curtailed air-travel and the airlines are in trouble. What will happen in the future?
Published by San Diego Mensan magazine, May 2003.
|
|
Great Depression - lessons |
Lessons from the Great Depression.
If the stock market dips again in 2003, this will be the first time since "The Great Depression" (1929-1932). In both periods, prior to the bust, Americans enjoyed astonishing prosperity, novel technologies generated a boom, there was faith that the economic system had permanently changed things for the better and the stock market rose to unanticipated heights before it crashed. The 9/11 attacks and fear of terrorism have deepened the parallels. Published by San Diego Mensan magazine, April 2003.
|
|
Manufacturers get Disintermediated |
Disintemediation-III : Distributors in the driver's seat, Manufacturers get disintermediated. In past years manufacturers were considered "upstream in the food chain". Intermediaries (sales channels, distributors, retail outlets) were considered "downstream" links, generating lower margins. Today, no single product supplier can compete against local specialists in all geographies. So, the big switch occurs - the product manufacturer gets disintermediated. A version of this article was published as: Industry View, the back-page of ISA - InTech, March 2003.
|
|
Intelligent
Robots |
Intelligent robots will be everywhere
The world of sentient machines, is fast approaching. Humanlike machines are increasingly take on the work of humans. As processing power increases exponentially, and as MEMS technology brings smaller and smarter sensors and actuators, robots are the breeding ground for future-generation products with new, varied and exciting applications.
Published by AutomationTechies.com March 2003.
|
|
Beware the Ides |
Beware the Ides
"Beware the Ides of March!" was the soothsayer's warning to Julius Caesar, which he ignored and went about his business - and met his fate. In this new century another date is significant, perhaps close enough to the 13th to be remembered as the Ides of September. Now, in the age of terrorism, we are constantly in a state of alert.
Published by San Diego Mensan magazine March 2003.
|
|
Nanotech &
self-organizing
systems - PREY |
Nanotech & self-organizing systems - Michael Crichton's PREY
Nanotechnology - manipulating matter at the atomic scale. When we get down to this size, the classical laws of physics change. Michael Crichton's new techno-thriller PREY weaves a story about the perils of Nanotechnology. This is combined with a technically realistic account of distributed intelligence, self-organizing systems and emergent behavior.
Published by AutomationTechies.com Feb. 2003.
|
|
Angel Investing |
Pinto perspectives on "angel" investing
"Angel" investors are private individuals who invest their own money as seed capital in early-stage companies that catch their interest, and help to accelerate them to market leadership. Here are my own perspectives on angel investing.
Published by UCSD Connect newsletter Feb. 11, 2003.
|
|
The Love Puzzle |
The puzzle of Love
With Valentine’s Day at mid-month, February is the month of love and romance with cards, candy, flowers and gifts exchanged between loved ones. Love is everywhere. The language of love is universal. For an analytic like me, this brings up the question - what is Love? What is this mysterious condition, at once a panacea and affliction? How does it come about? Published by San Diego Mensan Feb. 2003.
|
|
Global competition |
Competing in a global environment
Many automation companies are moving rapidly to outsource product design and manufacturing to the Far East and software to India. In a global environment, this is indeed a good business decision for most companies.
Broaden your own horizons. Consider offshore capabilities as resources to be utilized to help your company become stronger. Seek out ways and means to complement the strengths of your own department and organization and maximize your own results.
Published by AutomationTechies.com Jan. 2003.
|
|
Transition to a different future |
Transition to a very different future
More than ever before, the world seems to be poised for rapid change. More and more people are beginning to recognize the naiveté and inadequacy of the present social order. There is an awakening acceptance that many of the old icons have been broken beyond repair, and that a new age is indeed being ushered in.
A version of this article was published by San Diego Mensan magazine January 2003.
|
|
What's an automation techie to do? |
In a declining economy, what's a good automation techie to do?
In a poor economy, don't simply sit back and wait for the axe to fall. Be pro-active - use your personal strengths, plus new ideas and tools, to find new opportunities for continued growth and success. There are always good opportunities for good people. And good people find those opportunities!
Published by AutomationTechies.com Dec. 2002.
|
|
Uneasy Thanksgiving |
Uneasy Thanksgiving in a precarious world
We are uneasy this Thanksgiving. Yes, this is the time to give thanks for the bounty with which we are blessed. And yet, in this new century, we come up with the sudden realization that our bounty is tinged and tainted in an uneasy world.
Published by San Diego Mensan Nov. 2002.
|
|
The Pervasive Internet |
The Pervasive Internet & its effect on industrial automation
Soon, digital intelligence and connectivity will be available for almost every commercial and industrial product and appliance, extending the Internet into most aspects of our lives. Products and companies that fail to exploit this next wave of the digital revolution will simply obsolete themselves.
Published by AutomationTechies.com Nov. 2002.
|
|
Pathways to insanity |
Pathways to insanity
The new century has indeed commenced with disturbing events, which seem to be the pathways to insanity for the US - the most powerful nation in a fragile world.
Published by San Diego Mensan Oct. 2002.
|
|
Jim Pinto Interview |
Interview with Jim Pinto
Perry Marshall interview with Jim Pinto - talking about Jim's 30+ years as an entrepreneur, the direction of the industrial controls business, future technologies that will make our lives better, and where he thinks our world is headed in the 21st century.
Published by Contemporary Controls Oct. 2002.
|
|
Products vs. Services |
Automation: Products Vs. Services
With the recent worldwide decline in the automation business, many major suppliers are trying to generate growth by becoming "total solution providers", rather than just product manufacturers. In my opinion, while this strategy may generate additional short-term revenue, in the long haul it is a business mistake.
Published by AutomationTechies.com Oct. 2002.
|
|
Automation: directions |
Automation: Old dead-ends, new directions
The consistent stream of industrial automation mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, re-organizations and layoffs is happening because US industrial automation markets have been declining for the past several years. To understand the decline, we must recognize that several important strategic factors that have changed over the past decade.
Published by AutomationTechies.com Sept. 2002.
|
|
Wolfram's
Patterns |
Pattern's - here, there and everywhere
Stephen Wolfram's "New Kind of Science"
In his book, Stephen Wolfram demonstrates rules that produce on a computer the same results as pigmentation patterns on jaguars and seashells, the growth of leaves, the behavior of financial markets.
I feel intuitively that this approach is right. The only question is - did Wolfram "discover" it? Published by San Diego Mensan Sept. 2002.
|
|
Genetic
Competition |
Genetic competition - technolgy speeds evolution
It is clear that genetic selection, in addition to reducing the propensity for disease through elimination of undesirable genes, will also improve physical characteristics and intelligence. Soon, choosing the physical and mental characteristics of a child through cloning and genetic selection will be vastly preferable to the present day biological lottery.
Published by San Diego Mensan Aug. 2002.
|
|
Never be the
lowest bidder |
Never, never be the lowest bidder
A hard-hitting but realistic view of price-cutting - meant to encourage business people not to allow devaluation of their business knowledge and experience. Discounting is a loser’s game, especially in the industrial automation business, which has a high level of applications knowledge and specialization.
Published by AutomationTechies.com Aug. 2002.
|
|
The
Soft Approach |
Finding a softer approach in a new century
Hard realities in a new century bring the recognition that a new society is emerging - new demographics, institutions, ideologies and problems. An enlightened, global community must find new "soft" ways to approach the "hard" problems of the past. I am continuing to work on this theme: Soft Solutions for Hard Problems.
This article was published by The World Future Society in their GLOBAL STRATEGIES FORUM - July 2002.
|
|
New Tech
will boost Industry |
New technologies will boost industry out of recession
The industrial automation business seems somewhat stale, waiting for mythical market resurgence. To be successful in the future, we must use the current lull to get back to basics: developing new technology, new manufacturing methods, and new market approaches for a new business environment.This article was published as Industry View on the back page of InTech magazine, July 2002
|
|
Go Global |
Go Global, Think Local
In the global village of the new economy, automation companies have little choice - they must find more ways and means to expand globally. To do this they need to minimize domination of the central corporate culture, and maximize responsiveness to local customer needs.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - July 2002.
|
|
Relationship management |
Relationship management
The Internet has brought major changes to the way business is being done. Old-style intermediaries are being replaced by infomediaries. Relationship management is the key to success.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - June 2002.
|
|
Angel Angles |
Poem : Angel Angles
There are about 4,000 "angel" investors in the US. These are private individuals who invest their own money as seed capital in early-stage companies that catch their interest, and help to accelerate them to market leadership. Who are these "angels"? And why do they invest? You might enjoy the poem I wrote for the UCSD CONNECT newsletter, published May 14, 2002.
|
|
Creeping Criminality |
Creeping Criminality
Few people are out and out criminals - most drift into increasingly dubious behavior through insidious wealth addiction. Many drift into fiddling with results, expecting that they can explain away the discrepancy if and when their bluff is called. They fudge (stretch the truth), and then the fudging turns to lying, which extends to cheating and stealing. This is creeping criminality.
The original version of this article was published in the popular webzine
*spark-online - May 2002
|
|
Intelligent Appliances |
Intelligent, Connected Appliances
Intelligence will continue to penetrate and populate virtually every product. Advances in wireless technology will allow low-cost, high-speed connections for hand-held devices, as well conventional appliances to the Internet - almost everything will become an intelligent, connected "appliance".
Published by AutomationTechies.com - May 2002.
|
|
Lure of
the lifestyle |
The lure of the lifestyle.
Have you wondered how the crony capitalists spend the proceeds of their exercised stock-options, enormous salaries and generous perks?
They become lifestyle junkies - hooked on pompous posturing, playing follow-the-leader into an endless hedonistic spiral. This type of escalation up the ladder of life is not limited just to the filthy-rich. It's easy to succumb to the lure of the lifestyle.
The original version of this article was published in the popular webzine
*spark-online - April 2002
|
|
The 3
Technology Laws |
The 3 Technology Laws.
In the industrial automation business, we should expect that in the future virtually all industrial I/O products and processes would have significantly expanded embedded intelligence and connectivity. Apply the 3 technology laws to see how simple applications will extend automation methods from factory and process controls to a much broader range of applications.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - April 2002.
|
|
Crony
Capitalism |
Crony Capitalism - electronic conciousness is the antidote.
Our modern society is hooked on growth, an addiction that is difficult to cure. People get used to extrapolating growth and success - they become part of crony capitalism. When growth stops many start to fudge, which can quickly turn to lying, and then extend to cheating. Few people start off being dishonest - most drift into it through insidious wealth addiction.
The original version of this article was published in the popular webzine
*spark-online - March 2002
|
|
Dichotomy
of open standards
|
Dichotomy of open standards
The definition of a "standard" is simple: operating characteristics that everybody follows. Therein lies the rub. Someone has to be the leader, to develop the standard that others follow. Conflicting objectives continue to cause endless debate. To help clear the confusion, we must understand that technology developers need to recoup their investment through one or more of the rules for open standards.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - March 2002.
|
|
Fully Automated
Factories |
Fully automated factories - Futuristic? Or today's reality?
The promise of remote-controlled automation is finally making headway in automated factories and processes. The vision of powerful super-robots without people to tend them required networked intelligence. This is now well developed and widely available. Fully automated factories are quickly becoming an accepted fact.
Published by AutomationTechies.com - Feb. 2002.
|
|
New Age
Neighborhood |
Work, play and romance in the new age neighborhood
The removal of travel and communications restraints in the new age re-defines the neighborhood, workplace and playground. The Internet now shrinks the world to a global village and vastly expands participation. Today, people are working, playing, socializing and romancing in a global village.
The original version of this article was published in the popular webzine
*spark-online - February 2002
|
|
The Perfect
Funding |
Poem: The Perfect Funding
An entrepreneur finds funding for his high-tech startup, beyond his wildest expectations. Poem written in the lilt of Poe's The Raven
The original version of this poem was published in the San Diego magazine
The T Sector, January 2002
|
|
C=PxV/U
Pinto's Law
|
Pinto's Law of Open-systems Confusion
In the race for market dominance, everyone wants to be "the standard". The major suppliers promote the networks that give them the advantage, leaving Users totally confused. A simple formula that demonstrates the relationship between Con |
Just Poetry