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10 years after

ControlDesign.com

Our editorial staff went back into the arhives to pulll up some examples of how we saw and presented Control Design's first decade. Spend a few minutes and enjoy a little reminiscing.

In June of 1997, the editor's page introduced the premier issue of Control Design. Here are some of the most useful columns, feature articles, editorials and observations from staff and contributing authors to Control Design magazine over the past 10 years that were included in our 10 Year Anniversary issue (June 2007). Take a look back at how Control Design covered the important issues during its first 10 decade.

Globalization drives consolidation
Globalization started centuries ago, and while the pace of globalization might vary from year to year, no one doubts its continued progress. Senior Tech Editor Dan Hebert, PE, reviews the past 10 years.

• Meet the Consolidator
  Nov. ’06
• Leap of Faith
  Aug.’04

Control systems evolve slowly, steadily
If anything can be said about the state of machine control today it’s that it progresses slowly, but steadily toward a true system that allows users to choose their weapons and sleep at night.

• Who You Gonna Call?
  Aug. ’98
• Not Quite Ready
  Oct. '00
• Y2K’s Unforeseen Perils
  Apr/May ’98 
• Software Glue
  June/July ’99
• Signal Processing at Warp Speed
  Feb. ’04
• The OMAC Beat Goes On
  June ’01

After-sales support moves into mainstream
Accelerating technical changes, diversifying applications, and shrinking in-house expertise has forced end users to demand greater levels of support from their builders and suppliers. Joined at the hip? Just about.

• Tech Support—For What It’s Worth
  June/July ’99
• What Network Works for You?
  Feb/Mar ’00
• Tending the Flock
  Sept ’01
• Capture Machine Data in the Web
  Mar ’03
• Facts and Fears About Web Browsers
  Mar ’04
• When PLCs Aren’t Enough
  May’ 04
• Be Everywhere
  Aug ’05

Throw away the clipboard. Networks rule
Network capability over the past 10 years has improved access time to what’s happening on the plant floor, moving from manual data collection to what today is called real-time data management.

• Tomorrow’s Technologies Identified
  Feb. ’98
• General Motors Standardizes on EtherNet/IP
  Nov. ’03
• Connectivity–Past, Present, and Future
  May ’99
• Cast in Ethernet
  Winter/Feb.’04
• Real Choices for Real-Time Networks
  Winter/Jan. ’05
• Training, Techniques, Tips
  Spring ’06
• Fence Me In; Common Sense Security
  Fall ’06

Salaries and states of mind
Past surveys recall the major influences that occurred along the way: a tumbling stock market in the late '90s, an economic slowdown after Sept. 11, and the recent resurgence in the global economy.

• How Are You Doing?
  Aug. ’01
• The Worst is Over
  Aug. ’02
• At the Limit
  Aug. ’03
• A Picture of You
  Aug. ’04
• Money Train Doesn’t Curb Job Worries
  Aug. ’05
• Bottom Line: Pay Up
  Aug. ’06

Insight From Issues Past
In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, here’s some of the most useful observations from contributing authors to Control Design’s OEM Insight column over the past 10 years.

• Asset Management Is a Control Strategy
  Dr. Carlos Talbott, reliability strategist
  June/July ’98
• Open Systems? Who You Gonna Call?
  Al Vitale, principal, Automation Marketing Strategies
  Aug/Sept ’98
• A Plea for Simplicity
  Andrew Sloley, chemical engineer, Process Consulting Services
  Dec ’98/Jan ’99
• Open Architecture: Hype and Fiction
  Joe Campbell, marketing VP, Adept Technology
  Aug/Sept ’00
• Interoperability and Safety Issues Engage ODVA
  Dave Quebbbemann, president of ODVA
  Oct/Nov ’01
• Machinery Safeguarding Design
  Jeff Fryman, standards development director, Robotic Industries Assn.
  June/July ’02
• Purchasing as a Competitive Advantage
  Doug Bartow, strategic sourcing manager for electrical and electronics, FMC Technologies
  Oct/Nov ’02
• Building Partnerships Promotes Profitability
  Pete Squires, controls VP, Schneider Packaging Equipment
  Sept ’03
• It's All About Insight
  Alan Metelsky, controls engineers group leader, Gleason Works
  Aug ’05