Online 'university' offers short 'courses'

Recognizing the challenge manufacturing professionals face in learning new technologies and how technology impacts their bottom line, Emerson Process Management has introduced an innovative new learning system.

Based on a leading education industry online platform, Emerson's PlantWeb University delivers objective, indepth information for process industries in a convenient online environment at www.PlantWebUniversity.com.

The university comprises two schools: engineering and business. Combined, they are being introduced with nearly 40 courses, covering categories that include: process automation networks, project planning, installation and checkout, overall equipment effectiveness, and maintenance practices and strategies. Independent reviewers have called the courses "credible and accurate."

Participants can learn at their own pace from anywhere they have an internet connection. Each course requires no more than 15 minutes to complete, and includes a brief evaluation quiz. Users can easily track courses they've completed.

Business School courses focus on improving plant profitability and reducing costs by improving operating efficiencies and streamlining maintenance. A sample of course titles includes: introduction to overall equipment effectiveness, understanding maintenance strategies, online monitoring to reduce costs, and implementing improved work practices.

Engineering School explores automation technologies and helps technical personnel identify profit-improvement opportunities, select and apply networking protocols, and reduce capital and engineering costs. Course titles include: project engineering standards, field level networks, fieldbus communications, choosing a host system, interoperability, reliability and redundancy, networking options, and intrinsic safety.