Automation News Cyber Security and OMAC

Wes Iversen over at Automation World, saw this story about more cyber attacks on critical oil & gas infrastructure. While this is not a direct attack on control systems like the Stuxnet attack, this further highlights the need for all of us to educate ourselves on security measures.

While I'm still trying to compile the last of my ARC Forum news, Keith Campbell has released this On The Edge blog post wrapping up the latest from the packaging side of OMAC. Notable is the kick off of the PackML World Tour for promoting adoption of this standard. PMMI has lent support to the effort. There are efforts to define standardized ways of moving data from PackML to MES. And even work in cooperation with OPC.

On the machine tool side, progress is happening with the MT Connect work for integrating information for machine tools.

OMAC has moved its office as it completes its move from ISA. Check out latest news at its Website.

Lots of good OMAC news.

Teamwork and Leadership in Manufacturing

In this videocast/podcast, I discuss things I've learned about teamwork and leadership during a series of interviews over the past seven weeks. I also discuss the book by Richard L. Daft, "The Executive and The Elephant"--your inner rational CEO and your inner drives and emotions that prevent you from doing what you want. I end with a request for information and speakers on sustainable packaging lines for the upcoming Packaging Automation Forum.

Automation Minutes 105

Automation, Productivity and Manufacturing Jobs

Retired packaging engineer and OMAC leader, Keith Campbell, has returned from his sailing vacation to post a couple of comments about packaging.

First, he predicts that good times are ahead for packaging machinery. Why, especially in this still stagnant economy? "Because the only way to increase earnings on weak sales is through gains in productivity."

Then he notes that the bar for entry level workers in manufacturing continues to be raised. He received a call asking if he knew where to find graduating students from a mechatronics education program to fill entry level operator positions.

Yes, Keith is right, there. The era of unskilled people earning middle-class incomes (if such a thing exists in today's America) in manufacturing is long over. If you're unskilled, you can find some jobs in manufacturing. But the pay will be just above minimum wage--and you'll probably be a temporary worker. Manufacturing jobs that pay a reasonable wage will require education, training and skills.

Pack Expo adds Processing Pavillion

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMM) www.pmmi.org called a press conference in the Chicago suburbs Feb. 16 to unveil its manifold plans for the upcoming Pack Expo (www. packexpo.com) Conference and Trade Show planned for Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 at Chicago's McCormick Place.

Held in Chicago every-other year, the show attracts upwards of 40,000 visitors. (Shows in the so-called off years are held in Las Vegas.) PMMI has several partnerships for co-located shows that complement the packaging machinery focus. PMMI reported that the established partners are back for another run, while a major expansion of exhibit space is planned to house a new processing equipment pavillion. Processing equipment manufacturers will showcase their products in the Lakeside Center in a 70,000 square foot area. That's not all, though, according to planners. Many PMMI members who were once restricted to packaging machinery but who also manufacture processing equipment will now be free to also exhibit processing equipment. PMMI anticipates an additional 100,000 square feet of space will be devoted to this expansion.

There are many reasons for this expansion, of course. From the point of view of automation and manufacturing practitioners, a major driver is the continued integration of process and packaging equipment in the factory. Much of this integration is at the controls, networking and information layers--right in the sweet spot of automation professionals. A good reason for you all to check out the show this year.

Those of you who are subscribers to Automation World magazine and involved in the food and beverage and consumer packaged goods industries will find a supplement in your March, June and September issues sponsored by Pack Expo called Process2Packaging featuring an article by yours truly. Check it out.

Speaking of great conferences

Once again Automation World  is joing with Packaging World for the Packaging Automation Forum. A stellar group of speakers has been assembled with the emphasis on manufacturing line performance. The subject is relevant not only for those who design, build, specify, purchase or run packaging lines, but it is also relevant for those who have the same roles for the processing lines that feed packaging lines. Or, sometimes that's all just one big happy family. Anyway, mark May 4 on your calendar to visit suburban Chicago. It's your chance to heckle me, as I'll be the afternoon moderator.