2011 POY Finalists: Productivity Training Software
Finalists in Productivity Training Software in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
Edited by Gust Gianos, Plant Engineering
Advanced Workflow Software 
ArchestrA Workflow 1.1 software is an advanced workflow application that captures and enforces operational processes across multiple plant domains (operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering). The software synchronizes human and system activity by enforcing standard operating procedures, as well as standard responses to abnormal events, such as downtime, quality breaches, or yield decreases. ArchestrA Workflow software can be embedded in the overall automation system configuration, equipping users to configure the operational workflow activities of people, systems, and equipment. In addition, ArchestrA Workflow software can extend other manufacturing and business applications, enabling collaboration capabilities.
DeviceNet Operations Program 
DeviceNet Basics provides a look at the operations of DeviceNet networks commonly used in industry to interconnect control devices designed for data exchange and monitoring. This computer-based training (CBT) program offers a basic framework to anyone working with a DeviceNet network. It covers problem analysis and troubleshooting and explains the different layers of the Control Area Network (CAN) in the DeviceNet system. DeviceNet Basics features training in dozens of items necessary to operate DeviceNet.
Data Reporting Application 
FactoryTalk Historian Site Edition (SE) application incorporates FactoryTalk VantagePoint software as its reporting client to aggregate historical, real-time alarms and events data, and provides users with consistent reporting tools. By utilizing FactoryTalk VantagePoint as the client, users can create reports using an advanced Trend Tool, XY Plotter, Excel Add-in, and dashboards and publish them easily via a Web-based portal. FactoryTalk VantagePoint leverages a unified production model to provide access to virtually all plant data sources, and produces Web-based reports such as dashboards, trends, and Microsoft Excel reports.
Case Study Database
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2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.