Controls: Unleashing a new productivity tool

Today, the word "controls" conjures up sophisticated electronics devices that can allow a plant engineer to truly become a wizard in wringing out the maximum productivity from one or a group of machines. And no matter if the engineer works for a product packager, a line integrator or a machine builder, this topic has universal appeal. This first special section on controls, an outgrowth of our coverage of components, focuses mainly on "networked" control systems that do far more than operate a single machine. For some highly automated packaging lines, even these controls are not new; for others, they can bring dramatic new opportunities to enhance both the quality and output of packaging equipment. Our coverage begins with two different stories, both describing the same packaging line in the same plant. On this page, you'll learn the advantages that Amway of Ada, MI, gains through an easy-to-program network of programmable logic controllers on a personal care packaging line. This is followed by a separate story that explains how, on the same line, Amway customized a personal computer-based operator-machine interface software package to serve as a diagnostic tool to help cut downtime. Along with these two feature articles, this section also describes some helpful technical literature and a preview of an upcoming automation expo that presents an opportunity for packagers to learn more about controls. This special section culminates with short reviews of new products that have been introduced into the controls area. As always, we'll be interested to learn your response to this specialized coverage. You can reach us by phone (312/222-1010), via mail (One IBM Plaza, Ste. 3131, Chicago, IL 60611), or by e-mail ([email protected]).