MCAA: Ways to streamline product certification planned

Williamsburg, VA – Plans for streamlined product certification at six certification labs were among discussions at the Measurement, Control & Automation Association annual meeting in Tempe, AZ. Topics discussed included certification interchangeability, harmonized submission criteria, common process for issue escalation, and another point you may not have considered.
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Simulation software: Improve chemical processes, predictive modeling, viscosity simulation

Plano, TX – Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has released the newest version of SimSci-Esscor's PRO/II software, a steady-state process simulator used to design, analyze, and improve chemical processes. The software can be used on Microsoft Vista Enterprise and Business operating systems; IPS has provided an updated install procedure and support for Microsoft Office 2007.
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ABB: Hogan, formerly with GE Fanuc, starts as ABB CEO Sept. 1

Zurich, Switzerland – The board of directors of ABB Ltd. appointed Joseph M. Hogan as chief executive officer of the ABB Group, the company announced on July 17. Can you guess how he'll lead by where he's been?
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HMI: Monitors, graphic panel improve images, offer ruggedness

Cincinnati, OH; Cumming, GA; Austin, TX – Advantech, AutomationDirect, and iKey debut offerings for human machine interface and operator interface applications. Features of the new products include onscreen image adjustment, rugged construction, compact design, touch screen, and software downloads.
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Wireless: Data radio, enclosure ease wireless setup

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Middletown, PA – An ultra-integrated radio plus a radio-ready enclosure were among recent industrial wireless product news introductions. Control Microsystems Inc. introduced the radio; Phoenix Contact offers a new wireless enclosure. Photos for each are posted; take a look.
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In print: Product Research on operator interfaces says the outlook is clear, bright

Operator interface terminals (OITs) boast larger, ever-improving flat panel displays and sophisticated graphics and animation. Wireless and network capabilities may further extend the role of these terminals, according to research from Control Engineering and Reed Research Group. The market for these windows into the process is healthy and growing and OIT products continue to be a critical part of the manufacturing operation, taking on more complex tasks. Users offer advice.
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Online: Video listen in on wireless, Siemens conference in Chicago, more transformers for ABB

• Video listen in: Honeywell upgrades OneWireless platform, anticipates ISA100.11a standard
• Exiderdome leads off Siemens Automation Expo this week
• ABB to buy Kuhlman Electric Corp., broaden transformer offerings