Nasville’s Opryland resort provided a close-knit venue for this year’s annual Emerson User Conference. Process Management president, Steve Sonnenberg, opened the show with a keynote address that spoke volumes about the organisation, its values and management’s optimism for the future.
Sonnenberg said that 2011 brought double digit growth for Emerson and that management is optimistic about the future, despite the current gloomy economic news. This optimism is evident in the three cornerstones that underpin Emerson strategy for the future – investment, listening and trust.
For me, Sonnenberg’s message resonated 21st century customer orientation. “Emerson is in it for the long haul,” he told the audience. “Investment in people, plants and service centres is essential for our long-term growth and survival. This year, we added 1000 jobs in North America, 650 in Europe, 320 in Latin America, 1800 in the Asia/Pacific region and 200 in Middle-East & Africa.” The fact that not all the technical positions could be filled, despite a sea of unemployment, was this year’s major disappointment.
Listening drives the investment direction. Sonnenberg explained that some customers give Emerson high marks in people and products, but indicated that the organisation is sometimes slow to respond, while others said that products are great, but sometimes users have trouble getting the most out of the technology. “Our customers want technology that is easy to use. In response, the new Human Centred Design Initiatives are aimed at transforming our system and field device interactions, making them as easy to use as an iPhone.” The company also continues to expand its I/O on demand, the world’s first electronic marshalling technology initiative.
Trust, the third point, is the benefit management earns for getting the first two right – trust in the market and the loyalty of employees. “Trust is not static; rather it is something we have to earn every day,” Sonnenberg said. “Building a listening culture is therefore key to Emerson becoming your trusted adviser.”
The upbeat opening address was ably supported by a number of new technology launches. First up was the latest in smart energy initiatives. This holistic approach ensures the greatest efficiency in energy production plus reduced waste and inefficiencies wherever energy is used. At the heart of it is Emerson’s True BTU technology, a patent pending innovation for calculating the actual BTU values of different fuel sources, making energy production more predictable and also reducing greenhouse emissions. Tata Steel’s Andrew Rees was on hand to present on how this technology is helping the Port Talbut steel mill generate savings through better use of ‘ingenious’ fuels such as blast furnace and coke oven gas – by-products of its manufacturing process. The project is expected to reduce powerhouse energy consumption by 3 to 5% and help Tata Steel achieve its vision of energy self-sufficiency.
Linked to the energy management initiative was the launch of the Rosemount 708 wireless acoustic transmitter designed to help processing plants reduce energy costs by providing visibility into the health of steam traps and pressure relief valves. The device utilises acoustic measuring to identify the ‘hiss’ of leaking steam and then corroborates by making a temperature measurement. Only if a suspicious new noise is accompanied by a corresponding increase in temperature is a potential fault reported. Darren Goodlin, manager of inline instrumentation at St. Louis brewery, Anheuser Busch, called it his ‘bionic ear’ as he explained the downfall of human inspection of steam traps. Emerson’s newest technology is helping reduce fuel costs associated with leaks in the facilities some 1000 steam traps.
There was plenty more on offer in the form of short courses, workshops and a crammed exhibition area; safety, wireless and subsea solutions being some of the other technologies in focus during the weeklong event. Run by end-users for end-users Emerson says this year’s Exchange broke all the records – it certainly wowed the crowd in Nashville.
In closure for this year, a vote of thanks to all our advertisers and readers for the support you have given us this last 12 months. On behalf of the team at SA Instrumentation and Control I wish you and your families all the very best for the holiday season. Whether you are heading for the beaches, the hills or just spending quality time at home – be safe, enjoy and come back rested next year.
Steven Meyer
Editor: SA Instrumentation & Control
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