Internet university teaches automation technology

An Emerson Process Management - Systems and Industry product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 10, 2002

Emerson Process Management has introduced an novel method of learning about automation technology.

Recognising the challenge manufacturing professionals face in learning new technologies and how technology impacts their bottom line, Emerson Process Management has introduced an novel method of learning.

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

"PlantWeb University is designed for busy professionals that are challenged with running yesterday's plant, while learning how to build the plant of the future", commented Jane Lansing, VP of Marketing for Emerson Process Management.

"Their time is precious.

Their real need for condensed and relevant information is often not fulfilled by inefficient, biased commercial presentations".

"To address this, the curriculum is loaded with the most current automation technology and business topics", continued Lansing.

"PlantWeb University is for anyone, not just Emerson customers.

The courses are objective and free of marketing spin, with the goal of making it easier to learn what technologies to consider, and why".

PlantWeb University has two separate schools: an Engineering School and a Business School.

These are being introduced with nearly 40 separate 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 both "credible and accurate".

Most said the expert knowledge presented would help them to impartially evaluate automation technologies and arrive at informed decisions.

Participants can learn at their own pace from anywhere via 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 have completed and even earn points for PlantWeb merchandise by correctly answering quiz questions.

The PlantWeb University 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.

The PlantWeb University Engineering School courses explore automation technologies and help 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.

"We've worked hard to make sure there is something for everyone", continued Lansing.

"Whether you are in maintenance, engineering, operations, finance or plant management, there is objective, in-depth learning available".

"While we don't claim that PlantWeb University is all the training you need to run an engineering project, the courses do provide a solid foundation for making investment and technical decisions for automation in new construction or plant upgrades", according to Lansing.

"Once decisions are made to move forward with improvement and projects, PlantWeb University participants can expect to find plenty of specific in-depth training through the educational services and training programs of their automation partner".

Emerson is well aware that new technologies continue to emerge at a rapid rate, and mystery and misinformation abound.

The potential benefit to their business makes it important for customers to understand, select and apply those technologies that will improve and sustain operations.

PlantWeb University will continue to expand and enrich each course offering, always providing an objective presentation of highly relevant information.