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Editor's Note
2020 - Is it over yet?!
For many of us, 2020 held a lot of promise and was expected to be a good year. After all, 2019 ended on some pretty great high notes.
A soaring economy, skyrocketing 401k’s, LSU headed to another NCAA National Title (Geaux Tigas!) and Marvel’s best superhero yet - Fat Thor, were just a few bright spots of 2019. But perhaps we should’ve seen the writing on the wall when Burger King released a meatless hamburger made from plants. Now I’m not saying that the Impossible Whopper is the cause of 2020’s mess, but then again I haven’t seen any evidence to
prove otherwise.
In all seriousness, 2020 has had some major
events that have gripped the nation. Because of their impact, these events capture our complete attention. However, in the face of all the adversities that surround us there have been some positive occurrences. As I write this, the economy and job market seem to be recovering, Space X made
a giant leap for commercial space exploration, wireless carriers are rolling out their 5G networks (which some believe will begin an era of augmented reality, AI, and self-driving vehicles), the USSF (United States Space Force) is not only real but they’re hiring, and the demand for US-made products has been re-ignited. Even though this year has bombarded us with bad news and at times we’re ready for it to be over, 2020 still has a lot of potential so don’t give up on it just yet.
This issue of NOTEBOOK is loaded with informative content such as the Tech Thread,
which shines a light on our training partner, Interconnecting Automation, and their newest ven- ture – live, online PLC training classes. We have a great Cover Story on the evolving design standards for human-machine interfaces (HMIs). The User Solutions shows how the Grand Garnisher is
using Do-more PLCs to add the finishing touch to the perfect cocktail, and how the Helix Water District improved operations by standardizing on AutomationDirect components. Our Student
Spotlight showcases Auburn University’s emergency ventilator project which helped curb a national supply shortage. In the What’s New section, we touch on our 3D CAD in native formats and
you can learn a little about our new customer community. The New Product Focus details universal analog options for BRX PLCs, ProSense process controllers, Murrplastik cable entry solutions, enclosure thermoelectric coolers and more. The Business Notes section discusses many of the happenings here at AutomationDirect and the Break Room is stocked with fun brainteasers. See how many puzzles you can solve and compare your answers at www.automationnotebook.com.
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Editor's Note
New Product Focus
- Expaded communications and analog I/O capabilities for the
BRX PLC
- Control cabinet cable entry systems
- DURApulse® GS20 Series high performance AC drives
- ProSense® Advanced Process Conrollers
- Enclosure Thermoelectric Coolers
Tech Thread
Improvies, Adapt, Overcome
Business Notes
Cover Story
The Best Automation HMIs Keep Things Simple
What's New
User Solutions
- Water Utility Successfully Standardizes Automation Practices
- Automating the Hendrick's Gin Grand Garnisher
Student Spotlight
CPAPs RE-INVENT ed into Ventilators Using PLCs & HMIs
Break Room
Editor's Note www.automationnotebook.com | Issue 44
Brain Teasers