Buying Automation

This month, Automation World examines some new elements in the automation buying process.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are making headlines because of the Wal-Mart mandate for incoming materials. Will this technology impact manufacturing directly? Automation World Managing Editor Wes Iversen explores some things that manufacturers need to know before considering use of RFID in the factory, in an article that begins on page 30.

Outsourcing functions to outside companies sounds like a good thing to many executives. The question remains—how does one corporation motivate another one to care about its business results? Contributing Editor James Koelsch evaluates some innovative ways that suppliers are negotiating contracts designed to benefit both parties, in an article beginning on page 37.

Sometimes engineers design a new project, but funding is not available to build the entire system right away. Systems integrators, known for technical expertise and project management skills, are now prepared to design the implementation so that early phases deliver sufficient return on investment to cover the cost of later phases. Contributing Editor Rob Spiegel shows how in an article beginning on page 42.

Managers can curse the cost of complying with government regulations, ranging from those imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to rules enforced by the U.S Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or they can design compliance systems into their automation systems. In an article beginning on page 47, Contributing Editor Kenna Amos shows how automating the compliance tracking system can yield benefits.