New EASYLABEL 5.8 Software runs under VISTA!
Brunswick, OH - Tharo Systems, Inc. is very pleased to announce their new EASYLABEL® 5.8 product identification, bar code and RFID software! They have completed a new version of EASYLABEL, version 5.8.4.1332 that runs under VISTA. Please download a complimentary upgrade or demo copy for evaluation from http://www.tharo.com.

This new release of EASYLABEL 5.8 will now install and run correctly on all versions of Windows Vista and x64 Windows Operating Systems. Appropriate WIBU drivers are required and are included with the web-build; they are available on the EASYLABEL download page of our website www.tharo.com.

To view the complete list of changes for this and all other EASYLABEL releases please go to: http://www.tharo.com/relnotes/index.htm.

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Professionals focus on upcoming American Society of Safety Engineers' SeminarFest in Las Vegas
What: The American Society of Safety Engineers will host SeminarFest 2009, an intensive weeklong event of more than 50 seminars ranging from one to three days in length offering essential technical, management, and skill development topics for the safety, health, and environmental professional.

When: Sunday, February 8 – Saturday, February 14, 2009

Where: The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV

Why: SeminarFest 2009 will offer seminars in leadership, safety management, safety training, statistical analysis in safety, incident investigation and root cause analysis, project management, technical and topical seminars on emergency management, technology solutions, risk management, hazard analysis, ergonomics, incident investigation, crisis management, environmental management and environmental law for safety professionals, electrical safety, industrial hygiene, nanotechnology, construction issues, training and communicating with a Spanish-speaking workforce, fall protection, and more.

ASSE’s SeminarFest will also feature certificate in safety management seminars and certification preparation workshops including a math review and exam preparation workshops for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technologist (CHST) and the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) exams. There will also be two luncheon presentations, “Strategic Influencing: Leveraging Your Interactions With Others” and “The Power of Power.” ASSE has been reviewed and approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Registrants can earn up to 5.1 Continuing Education Units (CEU) or 7.0 Certification Maintenance (CM) points at SeminarFest.

Contact: For more information on SeminarFest contact ASSE customer service at 847-699-2929 or e-mail customerservice@asse.org or register online at www.asse.org.

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Nominate a manufacturer for the 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Awards
The Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award celebrates the successes of manufacturers in the state: their innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction, and quality jobs...

The statewide recognition program is an opportunity to salute the state’s top manufacturers for their accomplishments, for creating good paying jobs and a better quality of life for the citizens of Wisconsin.

• Share your story

• Recognize hard work and dedication contributing to your success

• Highlight corporate citizenship

• Receive well-deserved press coverage

• Promote industry firsts and significant accomplishments

Please consider nominating a Wisconsin manufacturer for its outstanding achievements in manufacturing. Self nominations are encouraged! Deadline is December 2, 2008.

For more information and the application process, visit www.wimoty.com, or contact the MOTY Coordinator at Virchow Krause at 1-800-362-7301.

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Lean Performance U
How high performance motorsports teams use Lean
NASCAR pit crews are well known for their ability to perform a large number of tasks in just seconds, under incredible circumstances.

Lean concepts and methodologies have improved pit crew performance by more than 200%. Those very same lean concepts can make your organization more efficient, effective, and profitable.

Pit Instruction & Training (PIT) and the lean experts from NC State University have joined forces to bring you Lean Performance U, a new and dynamic introduction to the principles of lean, 5S, and continuous improvement.

Beginning on December 9, 2008, our 2-day program at PIT in Mooresville, NC will provide you with a one-of-a-kind combination of classroom discussions, hands-on pit crew activities, and a site visit to a race shop utilizing lean.

To register, visit http://www.ies.ncsu.edu/events/eventdesc.cfm?cid=1454.

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Successfully designing and implementing the Stage-Gate Process: A best practice approach led by Dr. Robert G. Cooper, Mike Wiebe, and Dr. Huskins
Date: November 18-20, 2008
Location: Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL

Successfully launching a new product or service is one of the most complex projects a company can undertake. You can dramatically increase your success rates while reducing costs and time-to-market by using an authentic Stage-Gate® Process. Numerous independent studies confirm that Stage-gate is the ‘process of choice’. However, studies also confirm that companies innocently misinterpret the design and underestimate the implementation requirements.

Attend this executive seminar and discover the proven practices and critical success factors for designing and implementing your new product process.

Attend This Seminar and Benefit from These Key Deliverables

• Understand what truly drives world-class performance - the 10 critical success factors - and the most effective and efficient way to organize the many best practices into a system that helps you succeed.

• Learn what the world-class Stage-Gate Process is and why it drives superior new product performance – how it was discovered, the principles, the research behind it and its proven track record

• Discover the 10 drivers of new product success – the product innovation practices that separate the winners from losers

• Understand the 5 Stages – the purpose of each stage, activities, roles and responsibilities, worksheets and how they should work

• Understand the 5 Gates – the purpose of each gate, deliverables, roles and responsibilities, scorecards, decision criteria and how they should work

• Learn what IPD, VOC and PLR are and why the world’s best performers master these capabilities

• Why a few, but meaningful, metrics are recommended to monitor your progress

• What an authentic Stage-Gate product innovation process should look like – a comprehensive review from idea to launch with special focus on unpublished details

• Benefit from real life stories, examples, frameworks and tips

• Learn how to minimize your planning efforts without jeopardizing performance results – effective use of Welcome Gates, Guiding Principles and Grandfathering Techniques

• Discover the 10 critical success factors for a successful implementation

• Learn why being strategic about your implementation approach really works and the 4 strategic approaches

• Discover the SG Implementation Framework™ and how you can use it to avoid costly mistakes

• Learn the 12 key activities that will make or break your implementation success

• Receive the critical components of a high quality implementation project plan – key activities, sample sequencing, roles and responsibilities and tips

A ‘Must Attend’ for People in These Roles

• Business executives responsible for leading product innovation performance results

• Managers responsible for implementing new product/new revenue generation systems

• Product, Marketing, Engineering and Manufacturing/Operations Managers

• Process managers, project leaders and team members

• Cross functional product innovation teams

• Champions of change and new organization initiatives

Cost of the Seminar is $2995 per person. Group discounts are available. For more information, visit http://www.stage-gate.net/sgi/pc/viewCart.asp.

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APICS releases comprehensive APICS Operations Management Body of Knowledge Framework
APICS The Association for Operations Management, the global leader in operations management and supply chain education, certification, and membership programs, today announced the release of the APICS Operations Management Body of Knowledge (OMBOK) Framework. This resource solidifies APICS’ position as the authority on the subject of operations management.

The OMBOK Framework establishes a structure for the field of operations management by defining its scope. It is the first document to outline the areas of knowledge required for success in the field. The functions within the field of operations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics, are covered by the OMBOK Framework. This resource will provide practitioners and organizations with an improved understanding of the connections between the functions and the opportunities for growth within them.

“The APICS OMBOK Framework is a pioneering effort and one more example of how APICS drives supply chain improvements,” said Daniel Castle, CFPIM, CIRM, CSCP, Process Excellence Program Manager at HP and Chair of the APICS Body of Knowledge Committee. “This document is the Rosetta Stone that will enable us to translate the functional needs of the organization into the skills needed by our members.”

“The OMBOK Framework completes the circle that already includes APICS core products—certifications, education, publications, and the APICS Dictionary,” said Robert Jacobs, Ph.D. Professor of Operations Management at the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University. “This dynamic document will evolve with the operations management profession and reflect emerging practices, changing technologies, and feedback from industry and academia.”

More than 30 operations management professionals and academicians participated in a two year collaborative effort to develop the OMBOK. The process included a Delphi study that ensured the relevance of the document’s topics, which include operations management planning, control, strategy, logistics, and distribution. Additionally, the APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management and APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional exam committees participated in the development process to ensure that the document is consistent with the content of the certification programs.

More information about the OMBOK Framework can be viewed at www.apics.org/ombok. Complimentary copies are available to members of the media. Submit a request by e-mailing ombokadmin@apics.org.

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Kaman acquires Industrial Rubber and Mechanics
The subsidiary of Kaman Corp., Bloomfield, CT, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corp., has acquired Industrial Rubber and Mechanics, Inc. of Puerto Rico. INRUMEC will become part of Kaman's industrial distribution segment.

INRUMEC is a distributor of fluid power products; industrial and hydraulic hoses; belting and conveyer systems; pipe, tube, fittings and valves; and packaging machinery to such diverse markets as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cement and aggregate. The company is also a manufacturer of hydraulic hose assemblies for the same end markets. INRUMEC has a branch and regional distribution facility in Gurabo as well as branches located in Bayamon, Ponce and Mayaguez. The company has annual sales of $13 million.

Neal J. Keating, CEO of Kaman Corp., said: "This acquisition also enables us to serve both new and existing national account customers without the need for significant investment in greenfield branch openings."

Keating added, "Despite the current difficult economic environment and turmoil in the capital markets Kaman is well capitalized and positioned to invest in our businesses for the long-term."

Kaman is a distributor of power transmission and motion control products in North America. The company operates nearly 200 branches, distribution centers and customer service centers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Kaman Corp. conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets.

Source: Modern Distribution Management: www.mdm.com.

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AwarenessIDEAS introduces 3D, lenticular poster programs at WEEC Show
AwarenessIDEAS, an environmental awareness solutions company from Troy, Michigan, introduced a new 3D lenticular poster series and a new “Lower Your Carbon Footprint Program” at the WEEC2008, World Energy Engineering Congress Trade Show. Both programs were enthusiastically received.

Of special interest was a series of five, 3D moving picture posters that change images as you walk by.

The light bulb in one of the posters tilts left and then right and finally appears to light up and pop out in 3D. These posters are unbeatable attention getters and carry energy saving messages in 3D and color. Also on display was a “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint” program. It provides tips for conserving energy and encourages on-going participation of companies, employees and the community.

AwarenessIDEAS.com offers proven programs that managers can tailor to their own needs and budgets. Topics covered include: Energy Conservation, Recycling, Safety, Quality Process, Water Conservation, Air Quality, Homeland Security and more.

Typical integrated programs include: Posters, Decals, Handouts, Gifts, Awards, Displays, Leak Tags, and a Comprehensive Marketing Plan for successful implementation and control. AwarenessIDEAS.com is a division of FLEXi Display Marketing, Inc.

FLEXi Display Marketing is partnered with ENERGY STAR - a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

For additional information, visit the Web site: www.awarenessIDEAS.com.

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IPS to supply control technology to world's first hydrogen power plant
Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, today announced that it has been selected by Enel to supply control and automation technology for the world's first hydrogen-fuelled power plant, to be constructed in Fusina, near Venice in the Veneto region of Italy. Enel is Italy's largest power company with more than 50 million power and gas customers and a presence in 21 countries.

The new facility, which places Enel and Italy at the forefront of technological innovation for environmentally compatible energy development, is part of the "Environment and Innovation Project," which envisages investments of 7.4 billion euros by 2012. The 40 million euro plant will be built next to Enel's existing coal-fired power station in Fusina and is being supported with 4 million euros from the local Veneto region, which is keen to establish a dedicated "hydrogen district" in the area.

"IPS is proud to be a partner in this historic, future-looking project. Our process and energy industry know-how, coupled with IPS technology and support services, allows us to help our clients deliver energy from renewable and environmentally friendly resources," said Paulett Eberhart, President and Chief Executive Officer of IPS. "We are confident that our unique service offerings and technical expertise will help Enel provide long-term benefits to the people and environment of Italy."

IPS fought off stiff competition from within the power market to land this prestigious contract. As part of the deal, the company will supply I/A Series automation and Triconex triple modular redundant safety controllers, as well as instrumentation and other site services.

"Enel have found in IPS a technical partner that is dedicated to providing the services and solutions not only to generate electricity, but also to reduce CO2 emissions," said Vittorio Panzeri, Operations Director of IPS Italy. "Our flexible approach and industry expertise played a significant role in the award of this project."

In the first phase of the project, a demonstration was conducted to verify that the existing 12 megawatt gas turbine would operate correctly with pure hydrogen as a fuel. The demonstration also provided data on the safety aspects and control technologies required for the efficient combustion of the gas. The goal of the second phase of the programme is to optimise combustion technology, paying particular attention to nitrogen oxide emissions.

The final design of the plant has been completed, public and statutory permission for construction has been obtained and the gas turbine has been chosen and ordered. The plant is expected to begin producing energy and be completely online by June 2010, serving 20,000 households.

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Trico offers 3-day Precision Lubrication Training seminar October 28-30, 2008
Optional MLT I certification available October 31, 2008
Keeping equipment running, reducing costly downtime, constantly improving operations, maximizing machine and employee productivity — at Trico, we know that’s what your day is all about. That’s why we created Precision Lubrication Training — a comprehensive seminar that will enhance both your knowledge and capabilities in precision lubrication management, including:

• Precision Lubrication and Machine Management Strategies

• Applied Technology: The Science of Precision Lubrication

• Lubricant Construction

• Performance Properties

• Lubricant Selection Practices

• Lubricant Application - Grease

• Lubrication Application - Oil

• Lubricant Condition and Contamination Control

• Lubricant Storage and Handling

• Introduction to Oil Analysis

Today, we’re all working lean, with the requirements to do more with less. Expectations are higher, demanding more productivity from both equipment and people. Let education be your key to reaching these goals. Trico's Precision Lubrication Training reveals the tactics and strategies used by leading companies to achieve best practices in lubrication management.

The cost of $1,200 for the three-day seminar includes continental breakfast, lunch and course manual. For more information visit www.tricocorp.com/training/training.aspx.

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ATS showcases key strategies and tactics for factories to bulk up against recession and be more profitable
Hosts tours of successful plants across America
Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS), the leading provider of managed services for production equipment maintenance and industrial parts repair for manufacturers, is hosting a series of plant tours across the U.S., showcasing key strategies and tactics that improve factory performance, cut costly downtime and protect these businesses against recession.

The company invites local manufacturers to join them on a guided visit to the factory floor that provides an "up close" look at ATS' maintenance programs in action. Attendees will witness first hand the strategic advantage that comes from a targeted maintenance program. ATS pioneered the factory asset maintenance business over twenty years ago.

The tour couldn't be timelier, given the current economic environment. In a Nielsen Research survey conducted of 100 U.S. senior manufacturing executives with titles of CEO, CIO, Vice President and Plant Manager, two-thirds said they would outsource maintenance as a hedge against a downturn in the economy.

Bellwether manufacturers like Honda, Caterpillar, Eaton and MasterBrand have already adopted this strategy. Outsourcing the care and maintenance of their factory assets to ATS enables them to stay focused on their core competencies. And by implementing proactive and preventive maintenance programs from ATS, they have dramatically reduced downtime. Manufacturers say downtime is expensive, costing an average $22,000 per minute – that’s as much as $31M per day - when production stops.

Tour dates and hosts include:
October 15, 2008 – MasterBrand Cabinets– Littlestown, PA
October 16, 2008 – Eaton Electrical – Greenwood, SC
October 29, 2008 – Service Heat Treating – Milwaukee, WI

Participants are invited to join a plant tour to ask tough questions, examine ATS' performance metrics and learn more about the preventive and proactive maintenance strategies that help improve the productivity and profitability of the factory's most valuable assets.

For further information or to reserve a place for an upcoming tour, please call 877-662-4011 or visit http://www.advancedtech.com/tours.

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ASSE January 2009 symposium focuses on building safety cultures at work
What: The American Society of Safety Engineers will host “Building a Successful Safety Culture” Symposium focusing on how employers can change the safety performance of their workforces. The symposium will feature recognized leaders in the field of culture change; 20 concurrent sessions on techniques to assess culture, approaches to change the culture of an organization, and strategies to sustain positive safety performance; presentations on achieving a culture change; an executive panel; and case study roundtables.

When: Thursday, January 22 – Friday, January 23, 2009

Where: Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, CA

Why: The learning objectives of the Safety Culture symposium include: assessing the characteristics of the safety culture in an organization to identify strengths and weaknesses; developing strategies for safety culture improvements that lead to reductions in injuries; recognizing the influence an organization’s culture has on safety performance and apply that knowledge to increase the effectiveness of safety programs; determining how the safety culture in an organization is affected by its leaders, both formal and informal; and applying principles from case studies of safety cultural improvements in other organizations to other organizations.

Recognized leaders in the field of culture change who will present at the Safety Culture Symposium include Drs. Steven Simon, Thomas Krause, and Anne French. They will share their strategies and offer the most effective methods for improving safety cultures in organizations. In addition, opening remarks will be given by Dr. Marilyn Buckner, leadership and change authority, who will provide tools and guide attendees through the development of an assessment of their organizations’ cultures.

The symposium will also offer presentations on the culture change achievements of organizations such as Coors, Harley-Davidson, General Mills and others including principles from their efforts that can be applicable to other organizations. A panel of executive leaders from several corporations will provide their perspective on the role of the safety professional in changing culture and how they can be instrumental in making change happen. Case study roundtables will also take place to help attendees sort through the information delivered at this event and determine the methods most appropriate for the needs of their organizations.

For more information or to register contact ASSE Customer Service at 847-699-2929 or e-mail customerservice@asse.org.

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Longwatch announces free, interactive Webinar: Video, the Next Sensor for Factory Automation
Steve Rubin, President of Longwatch, will host a free webinar, “Video, the Next Sensor for Factory Automation,” on October 22, 2008, from 9-10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the U.S. (2-3 p.m. local time in the UK). The webinar is interactive, so participants can ask questions over the phone via GoToMeeting.

The webinar will discuss the emergence of new video technology, how it can impact your manufacturing or utility environment, the value of integrating video with your HMI/SCADA system, and how video can be integrated with process historians, alarms and other event information. It also covers ways to optimize surveillance video, how to acquire remote video (radios, phone lines, etc.), and applications in oil/gas, manufacturing, power, water and other industries.

Registration for the October 22nd webinar is at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/276958643.

Attendees need a PC with Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server or Vista, while Macintosh-based attendees need Mac OS X 10.3.9 (Panther) or newer.

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New Industrial Service Center, Strongsville, Ohio for Stokes and Edwards vacuum pumps
Edwards, a leading manufacturer of vacuum equipment, has expanded its Industrial Service Center located in Strongsville, Ohio. This has been part of the company’s commitment to continuously improve upon customer service, and expand support for its popular Stokes Microvac product line. The modern facility has the capacity to service the full range of Stokes and Edwards vacuum pumps, as well as many other well known brands that are commonly used in industrial and process applications. Customers can now contact Edwards for all of their industrial vacuum service requirements.

The company has invested in new tooling, equipment and facilities occupying 25,000 square feet that will increase production rates and reduce turn-around time. Customers will not only receive the highest quality service but will have their equipment returned quickly, enabling them to minimize downtime and best run their business efficiently.

Edwards’ Industrial Service Centers are located in Strongsville, Ohio and City of Industry, California. These Service Centers can now handle the full range of customers’ after-sales needs, which include repairs, exchanges, refurbished product, spare parts, product upgrades, vacuum training courses covering vacuum theories and vacuum system operation and maintenance. The company also provides field and on-site services as well as product and applications expertise via equipment health checks, technical support and training.

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