>> How Do You Manage IT in Plant Production Systems?

For more than a decade, Corporate/Business Information Technology (CIT) has been a growing influence on how Manufacturing Systems have been developed, deployed and maintained. This survey seeks to understand how manufacturing and production facilities around the world are managing and planning for Manufacturing IT (MIT). This survey is designed to capture current practices and future plans to help identify best practices in managing MIT. Please answer questions from your vantage point. Manufacturers, their Suppliers, OEMs and Integrators are welcome to take this survey. You will receive the results for FREE, for taking the survey.

To take the survey, please click here: http://www.arcweb.com/ss2/wsb.dll/ARC/MIT.htm

>> Manufacturing Grows for the Fifth Straight Month

Meanwhile, the overall economy grew for the 25th consecutive month, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

The manufacturing sector enjoyed its best month since December 1983. The big improvement is in employment as the index rose above the 50 percent breakeven point, indicating growth, following 37 consecutive months of decline.

The momentum is coming from continued strength in New Orders and Production as the indexes are presently at very lofty levels.

ISM’s Backlog of Orders Index indicates that order backlogs increased in November, and the Employment Index reversed a long-term trend of contraction as it indicates growth during the month.

ISM’s Prices Index indicates that manufacturers experienced higher prices in their purchases. The New Export Orders and Import Indexes continue to grow.

===== COMPANY NEWS & BRIEFINGS =====

>> Siemens Forms New Safety Organization

Siemens Energy & Automation has formed Safety Integrated U.S.A., a new organization that brings together multi-dimensional safety teams, technology, and products serving the process and discrete industries.

Safety Integrated U.S.A. was formed to maximize cross-divisional Safety Integrated technology across all U.S. automation product lines, including PLCs, sensors, industrial control products, motion control and drives.

Siemens has committed considerable resources to the Safety Integrated U.S.A. team, including application engineers and safety specialists, plus a network of safety solution providers.

>> Danaher Acquires Accu-Sort Systems

Danaher Corporation has acquired Accu-Sort Systems for approximately $63 million plus an earn out based upon certain performance conditions payable in the future.

Accu-Sort, with approximately $90 million in revenues, makes stationary scanners used most commonly in manufacturing, distribution, and sortation applications.

Danaher has announced that Craig B. Purse, 47, President of Videojet Technologies, has been appointed Vice President and Group Executive, with responsibility for the company’s Product Identification platform and the company’s newest acquisition, Accu-Sort.