Analysis: Control system builders want your feedback

-- Control Engineering, 2/6/2008

Soon spring will be in the air, which is a signal that a new season of user group meetings is not far away. An e-mail just in from Honeywell Process Systems reminded me of that, since HUG is one of the first of the series. Honeywell is soliciting suggestions for its control systems, and they aren’t the only ones. Whoever’s platform you use, you should provide feedback whenever possible, whether you attend the user group or not.

Emerson Process Management makes their PlantWeb enhancement program part of Global Users Exchange and even offers a 32 inch TV to one lucky participant. At the meeting, they report on the suggestions they received over the previous year, and show how the ideas have been implemented in platform upgrades. Other system designers have similar programs, or should.

Such efforts should convince you that this feedback is very important to platform builders, so you shouldn’t be shy about participating. These companies want to improve their products, and there is no better source of ideas than real end users. If you’re happy, you will be a loyal customer. They keep you happy by doing the things you want. Everybody wins.

User groups are an excellent opportunity to provide feedback, both positive and negative. You will meet many people that share your concerns and have many opportunities to talk to the people who design and build your control equipment. Take advantage of a critical learning and networking resource.

—Peter Welander, process industries editor, peter.welander@reedbusiness.com,
Process & Advanced Control Monthly
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