Second edition of Bottom-Line Automation

By Control Engineering Staff November 3, 2005

ISA recently announced the release of an updated edition of Peter G. Martin’s Bottom-Line Automation . Based on the results and conclusions of an applied research project of process manufacturing operations directed by the author, the book presents an overview of over three decades of industry trends, pointing out the strengths and pitfalls of each. Key findings include the fact that returns on automation investments were rarely, if ever, calculated. In fact, accounting systems were not even capable of measuring the performance offered by process automation systems. The author explains a strategy for measuring and improving automation system performance for the ultimate goal—the bottom line?and provides case studies of how such a strategy was implemented in three process manufacturing organizations.

The book also explains how manufacturers selected automation technology suppliers for state-of-the-art technological features in their systems rather than for improvements the technology could offer the manufacturing operation. Topics added in this edition discuss the economic optimization of industrial assets.

The author brings more than 30 years of industry experience, education, and research together in this second edition.

For more from Control Engineering on this topic, read
“Invensys Showcase 2002: Speak ‘accounting’ to keep your job”

— Richard Phelps, senior editor, Control Engineering
richard.phelps@reedbusiness.com