Joe Haugh has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Technologies. Former CEO and Zenith Technologies founder Brendan O'Regan becomes Executive Chairman.

Alarm management standard approved! - Drawing on knowledge gained from six years of extensive application throughout industry, the ISA18 committee has completed an updated version of the Alarm standard that has been approved by the American National Standards Institute as ANSI/ISA-18.2-2016.

DMM for more accurate, smarter test systems. - National Instruments (NI) has announced the NI PXIe-4081 7½-digit high-performance DMM and 1.8 MS/s isolated digitiser. The NI PXIe-4081 is the first PXI Express DMM available.

Two important water events co-locate! - The International Water Association specialist Conference is scheduled to run alongside WWEM 2016 (Wastewater & Environment Monitoring Conference & Exhibition) in Telford (GB), during the first week of November.

MES provider strengthens presence in Asia Pacific. - Werum IT Solutions and Factorytalk Co., Ltd., Thailand, a leading consulting company for pharma manufacturers in Southeast Asia, jointly announce the complete transfer of Factorytalk's MES business to Werum's corporate organization.

Triplet-Exciton energy transfers research in North Carolina. - Researchers at North Carolina State University, led by Prof. Felix Castellano, have shown for the first time that the photogenerated triplet exciton in semiconductor nanocrystals can be harvested by surface bound molecular acceptors, exhibited by a six-order magnitude increase in the lifetime of the originally prepared excited state.

Linking devices between Rockwell Automation PLCs and serial devices. - HMS Industrial Networks has released the first product in a new family of EtherNet/IP Linking Devices. The new Serial EtherNet/IP Linking Device allows users to connect any serial device to a Rockwell ControlLogix® or CompactLogix® PLC.

Signal conditioning platform. - Kistler Instruments has launched a new, modular Signal Conditioning Platform (SCP) for high speed combustion analysis applications, supporting a variety of different sensors (Piezoelectric, Piezoresistive, Strain-gauge, Hall-effect) and compatible with all commercially available combustion analysers.

Smart industrial camera for high volume short wave IR applications. - The new Xenics Bobcat-320 industrial camera, now available from STEMMER IMAGING, features the latest InGaAs imager to provide a highly competitive solution for high volume markets needing shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging capabilities.

Manipulation-proof Thin Clients provide DRDC support. - R. Stahl HMI Systems is offering Thin Clients that support the DeltaV Remote Desktop connection (DRDC) and are therefore fully suitable for process plants run by Emerson's DeltaV distributed control system.

Bluetooth wireless pressure measurement in industry. - Interface Force Measurements' new iDucer is a Bluetooth wireless pressure transducer that gives engineers the ability to make pressure measurements where conventional pressure monitors are not practical.

"New benchmark" for standard valves. - Festo has extended its existing range of VUVS and VUVG standard single valve technologies with the launch of its 'blue star' VUVS-LK…-S and VUVG-LK…-S products.

Explosion proof Coriolis flow. - Badger Meter has enhanced its new line of Coriolis flow meters by releasing a new explosion-proof transmitter with intrinsically safe sensors for RCT1000 Coriolis Mass Flow Meters.

Field verifications for moisture in natural gas analyzers. - Michell Instruments has introduced a method to verify the accuracy of the OptiPEAK TDL600 moisture in natural gas analyzer in the field using certified cylinders of moisture in nitrogen, rather than a methane calibration gas.

Connector with integrated #Ethernet switch. - Harting has launched a new connector which incorporates an integrated Ethernet switch. The new US4 connector is the first device in which switch functionality resides directly in the connector, making it possible to network four EtherNet/IP or PROFINET nodes with transmission speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s.

Battery management systems. - Scienlab presents its engineering services and products for the entire development chain of battery management systems (BMS) at Hannover Messe. n addition to its energy storage test system for characterization of cells, Scienlab will also present a BMS test environment for BMS development and validation, as well as newly developed Module Monitoring Electronics using Linear Technology's LTC6804 multicell battery monitor.

EMEA Distributor of the year. - OmniProcess (Sweden) has been awarded 'EMEA Distributor of the Year 2015' by laboratory instrumentation manufacturer SEALAnalytical.

Mini industrial computer wins coveted award. - The coveted HERMES AWARD has been won by Harting for the second time at this year's Hannover Messe. The company beat four other competitors with its HARTING MICA (Modular Industry Computing Architecture), the company's mini-industrial computer.

Web-enabled dust/particulate monitor. - Ashtead Technology has added the new TSI Environmental DUSTTRAK Aerosol Monitor to its fleet of environmental monitoring equipment. Available to rent or purchase, this is an advanced, mains or battery powered instrument for the continuous monitoring of ambient particulates, with 'cloud' based connectivity.

Photoelectric sensors developed for US market. - In time for the Hannover Messe 2016 - and perfect for partner country USA - Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the new R103 series for the first time. It complements the successful new generation of compact photoelectric sensors already on the market, R100 and R101.

Sam Hemphill is new business account manager at HHC Lewis.

Augmented reality in various applications. - The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT and the founders of its latest spin-off company - oculavis - will be presenting three new applications for personal imaging systems, also known as smart glasses, at the Hanover Fair.

Rugged push-button switch. - A new push-button switch which is not only IP 67 but also shows its high quality in the design has been introduced by knitter-switch.

Field replaceable SMA connectors. - Intelliconnect (Europe) has introduced a range of cost effective, field replaceable SMA and 2.9mm connectors providing solderless attachment to 0.141" (RG402) semi rigid cables and 2.9mm connectors for 0.085"(RG405) and 0.141" cables.

Next-generation magnetostrictive level transmitter. - The Jupiter® Model JM4 magnetostrictive level transmitter has bee launched by Magnetrol® International. The JM4 is available as a direct insertion option, as well as an external mount on any MAGNETROL magnetic level indicator (MLI) or modular instrumentation bridle.

Selecting an automation network. - The third edition release of Automation Network Selection: A Reference Manual by Richard H. (Dick) Caro, has been announced by The International Society of Automation (ISA). He is a highly acclaimed automation expert and ISA Life Fellow.

Reversing industry trend of capital project cost and schedule overages. - Addressing a growing industry demand for transformational improvements in capital project execution, Emerson has launched Project Certainty, an innovative technology and engineering-based approach for improved capital efficiency and more reliable project schedules.

Tracking the entire dairy QC process. - The Matrix Gemini Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from Autoscribe Informatics allows QC laboratories in the dairy industry to accurately record, evaluate and trace test results throughout the production process.

Load instrumentation for vehicle testing - A collaboration between Mantracourt and Applied Measurement Australia helps to renovate and update a Tilt Table that was used to test vehicle stability by tilting to an angle of 45°.

All change at Brussell Centraal. "Emerson's approach - yes equipment, but more importantly perhaps is attitude or culture." Read-out attended the Emerson User Group EMEA in Brussels, Belgium: 12th - 14th April 2016. These are our impressions!

Digital Single Cable Solution for servo motors. - When Hengstler first introduced the Single Cable Solution at SPS IPC Drives 2015 in Nuremberg, they claimed to have set a new standards for efficiency, safety and performance. By offering a true Single Cable Solution with high performance, Hengstler meets the latest requirements of today's motor feedback systems.

Acquisition allows RF solutions for home and IoT applications. - Qorvo has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held GreenPeak Technologies.

Optical sensor detects mirrored and transparent surfaces reliably. - A high performance optical sensor that can reliably identify mirrored, transparent, diffuse and other hard to detect surfaces has been launched by Omron Electronic Components Europe.

Vital safety information for all test and measurement practitioners. - Working safely while taking measurements is not rocket science. It is a simple combination of careful planning, carrying out safe practices according to local regulations, and using the right tools in the right way. Fluke offers the solutions needed to work safely.

The board of directors of Rockwell Automation has elected Tom Rosamilia, as a new director.

How to Improve Aerodynamics with single point load cells and digital indicators. - A Scale Wind Tunnel uses two single point load cells and Intuitive2-L digital indicators, from Applied Measurements, enabling students to evaluate, amend and improve their LEGO model design.

Gas analyser checks printers for compliance and safety. - A leading digital print technology company, Tonejet, recently purchased a portable VOC monitor from Ashtead Technology as part of an ongoing programme to ensure the protection of staff, and to assist in conformity with the ATEX Directive as part of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EEC on CE-Marking.

Interactive process and factory automation demo. - The FDT Group is to present a live, interactive process and factory automation demonstration at Hannover Fair (April 25-29, Hannover, D).

Helping to triple chemical production in petrochemical plant. - Sasol the international energy and chemical company, has selected Emerson Process Management to help automate its $8.9 billion (€7.9b) petrochemical complex in Lake Charles, (LA USA), designed to take advantage of abundant, low cost natural gas. The automation project is one of the largest in history awarded to Emerson.

Time synchronisation to the nanosecond. - HMS has added protocol software for IEEE 802.1AS to the existing and proven IXXAT IEEE 1588 solutions. It is the first commercially available software package for highly accurate time synchronization of AVB and TSN networks.

Pollutant monitor is helping save 29,000 British lives. - Particulate monitoring technology has been added to the AQMesh air quality monitoring pods.

Efficient automation, sustainable service, and integrated industry - Baumüller Group will showcase components, systems, and services connected to automation, system networking, and mobile drive technology from April 25-29, 2016 at booth K 17 in hall 14. Integrated industry from component to maintenance.

Ready for new version of ATEX. - The new version of the ATEX directive entitled 2014/34/EU will come into effect on 20 April 2016. From that date, the new directive is the binding basis for newly issued ATEX certificates - though previously issued certificates remain valid indefinitely. Stahl is ready to advise.

Wireless certification Wireless Positioner. - Flowserve's PMV D3 for modulation control and valve monitoring is now certified to ISA100 Wireless™ specification, offering customers reduced operating costs.

3 Steps to help identify potential electrical problems and their impact. - Fluke has introduced a comprehensive collection of free online resources to help industrial engineers, electricians and power quality/energy specialists identify potential power quality issues, understand their impact, and choose the best tools to resolve the problem - all in three easy steps.

Identifying potential electrical problems and their impact. - Fluke has introduced a comprehensive collection of free online resources to help industrial engineers, electricians and power quality/energy specialists identify potential power quality issues, understand their impact, and choose the best tools to resolve the problem - all in three easy steps.

Steam conditioning valve for Europe - Emerson Process Management has introduced to Europe the Fisher™ TBX steam conditioning valve, which combines precise pressure and temperature control in a single turbine bypass valve.

Ultra Electronics, 3eTI® has appointed Nick Khoubbieh as vice president and general manager, integrated cyber and security solutions.

Learn Labview from a distance! - National Instruments has launched a series of new live webcasts called: Live Webinar - LabVIEW Introduction and Demonstration -19th April 2016. The 1-hour long live webinars are intended for all engineers and researchers that feel like they are spending too much time on implementation instead of innovation.

High current 4mm plugs and test leads. - JPR Electronics has announced the availability of the Schützinger GmbH range of products, including the 4mm high current lamella-basket plugs, widely used in test and measurement and instrumentation applications.

Self-contained measurement camera. - The new TrueChrome Metrics camera from Stemmer Imaging provides fully integrated digital image capture and measurement for micro and macro scientific and industrial imaging applications with no need for a PC.

Gas Analyser ensures effectiveness of glove boxes. - Glove boxes are used extensively to handle hazardous or sensitive materials, often with a protective or highly controlled atmosphere. Michell's XGA301 industrial gas analyzer provides a reliable and cost-effective method to monitor for air leaks combined with moisture measurement.

Multi-carrier cellular RTUs are safe for use in hazardous environments. - Red Lion Controls, the global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, has announced that its Sixnet® series RAM® 9000 industrial cellular RTUs have received ATEX zone 2, category 3 approval and are safe for use in potentially hazardous environments.

Cressall Resistors has appointed Damiano Natali as R & D and finite element analysis engineer.

Automation training in Saudi Arabia. - Building on its worldwide presence and mission of global collaboration, the International Society of Automation (ISA) today announced it has signed an agreement with Jubail Industrial College in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that enables the college to sponsor, market and conduct a specified set of ISA training courses.

Enclosures for Zone 1 Remote I/O solutions. - R. Stahl now provides five standard Zone 1 field enclosures for the IS1+ Remote I/O system. As these STANDARD solutions do away with time consuming specification and planning processes, they can be delivered within just three weeks.

Biopharma alliance announced. - Zenith Technologies and GE Healthcare's Life Sciences business have announced a collaboration to support biopharmaceutical manufacturing deployment.

VA purgemeters with surface passivation for trace-level analysis. - Krohne now offers the option of surface passivation for trace-level analysis for its variable area flow meters DK 32, DK 34 and DK 37.

Partnerships renewed! - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the renewal of three ISA partnership agreements for 2016. They are MAVERICK Technologies, Honeywell Process Solutions and Ultra Electronics, 3eTI®.

Intrinsically safe ethernet Interface. - Eaton's MTL ExLAN enables OEMs to simplify their product design and certification, saving time and associated costs in launching products for mounting in Zone 0 or 1 hazardous areas, while offering the benefits of open Ethernet connectivity.

Smart controller device for laser systems. - A new touchscreen controller for simplified control of laser systems has been launched by Quantum Composers The all new Smart Controller is an easy to use extension for manual repair systems that may include a microscope setup and has the functionality to control the systems energy, firing mode, rate, and slit size and shape.

German analyser manufacturer aquired. - Endress+Hauser has completed the takeover of German analytical instrumentation provider Analytik Jena.