Set clear goals in applying technologies, do something different to get new results, and make an effort to say and do what is right, all to make a difference in your part of our world.

In an "Online Extra" tutorial to the machine vision cover story, Fred Molinari, president, Data Translation, explains how to integrate bar-code technology into machine vision applications.

Molinari says, "The key is to be clear about the goal of the bar-code inspection so you invest in system components most suitable for your application."

I say it's always wise to reconsider application goals before any technology investment. Justifying spending for automation, instrumentation, and controls is easier when considering the wider view.

Doing that requires focusing beyond immediate demands. Joel Orr, with title of chief visionary at Cyon Research Corp., considers the future part of his job. Among comments at the 2003 MCAA Executive Forum, Orr said, "So many of us are stuck. Psychologists earn big bucks helping people acquire enough bandwidth to see the bigger picture. If you want something different, you have to do something different."

I say give your mind quiet time daily to process the preponderance of inputs, to re-examine your bigger picture. Of course deciding what to do differently remains a constant challenge. For a laugh, and to drive home that point, watch the movie "Groundhog Day," a relentless look at trying to make changes that matter.

Sharing strategies about making a difference enlivens our journey through life. Tim Hohmann, company captain at AutomationDirect, helps other team members create an environment with incentives and performance measurements, increasing satisfaction for all involved. Diverse examples include an employee-organized horseshoe tournament, fully paid insurance, and working with local youth on an impromptu clean-up project.

Hohmann says, "It's most important to create a culture of customer-driven leadership. That leads to world-class performance. By the way," he smiles, "we sell PLCs."

I say we need more people to do the right thing by their team members, customers, and communities. It's not only about selling more stuff. Making a difference in our world starts and ends with you and me. Let's get it done.

What do you say?

Mark T. Hoske, Editor-in-Chief, mhoske@reedbusiness.com