Manufacturing Books

Very informative, great pictures and chronological order is very helpful! Lots of pictures for identification!

If you love dolls, you will love this book. It is stuffed full of so many adorable dolls! Nearly every page has a terrific photograph of a doll that you will fall in love with. Or maybe already did fall in love with! I highly recommend this book for doll lovers everywhere. I HAD THAT DOLL! is a book to keep forever!

When an industry expert and noted CM author such as Alexis Leon awards this book 5-stars you are assured that it's worth reading. I found this book to be unique in that it ties together two separate, but related, disciplines that share common goals, but diverge in terminology and approach.

The team of authors demonstrate a deep knowledge of product and software development life cycles, the key issues, practices and factors in each of these disciplines, and have produced a book that clarifies the differences and similarities. More importantly, they have integrated the two disciplines at the conceptual and best practices levels, and have distilled the terminologies of these disciplines to provide a convergent view of configuration management at the meta level. This feat makes this book one of the most valuable resources spanning two major topics - product data management and software configuration management. Moreover, it provides the key to attaining a single CM posture within an organization, which is coherent and has all roles working from the same set of processes and procedures, instead of two CM silos.

Scope and depth of the material in this book are wide and deep. The material does not leave a single important concept, issue or practice uncovered. It also contains best practices from both the PDM and SCM worlds, so it rates high in technical accuracy. More importantly, real life examples are used throughout to illustrate or reinforce concepts and practices.

There is only one area where this book is weak - it cites specific tools, which practically assures that this material will be outdated. However, the preface to this book contains the URL to the book's supporting web site, which does provide up-to-date information, which offsets this minor weakness. I highly recommend this book to all CM practitioners, especially those in product-centric companies. I also recommend augmenting this book with PDM Information Center (ASIN B0000A22J3) and CM Crossroads (ASIN B00009P31G).

Product Data Management (PDM) is a class of enterprise software that manages product data and relationships-facilitating innovation and increasing engineering productivity. It allows you to manage, control, and access data surrounding new product design, engineering, and manufacturing processes. By providing controlled and secure global data access, PDM empowers the organization to deliver higher-quality products to market faster and more efficiently. This process impacts the entire life cycle of a product, as employees at each phase in the product development process can access the right information at the right time.

Software Configuration management (SCM) is the discipline of identifying the configuration of a system at discrete points in time for purposes of systematically controlling changes to this configuration and maintaining the integrity and traceability of this configuration throughout the system life cycle. SCM is a collection of techniques which coordinate and control the construction of a software system. Today's software systems consist of a myriad of component parts each of which evolves as it is developed and maintained. SCM ensures that this evolution is efficient and controlled, so that the individual components fit together to form a coherent whole.

So we can say that while PDM ensures that the product development goes on smoothly, SCM make sure that the software development is done efficiently. Today most products-both hardware and software-are becoming more and more complex. Another fact is that in today's environment neither software nor hardware can exist in isolation. Software is the integral part and the driving force in almost all machines and systems from mission critical applications like controlling the operations of satellites and Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), air traffic control (ATC) systems, managing the functioning of banks and hospitals, handling the airline and railway reservation systems and so on to performing mundane tasks like operating a door locking system.

In the past the SCM and PDM disciplines have existed and evolved with little interaction. The SCM and PDM disciplines can help an organization to achieve greater efficiencies in its product development, marketing and customer support efforts. But the days of SCM and PDM working in isolation are gone. To survive, thrive and successfully compete in today's highly competitive business environment, the organizations must conceive, build, test and market high-quality products in the most efficient and effective manner. The customer support, bug fixes, product enhancements, product evolution, etc. must be done quickly (at internet speed) and with minimum wasted effort. In order to achieve these goals, the SCM and PDM disciplines must be integrated.

Only when the hardware and software development teams fully understands what is happening in the `other world', only when the hardware-software boundaries disappear and only when the seamless information integration occurs between the hardware and software development environments, the organizations will be able to realize their full potential and become market leaders. If this is to happen, then the organizations should integrate their SCM and PDM efforts.

The book "Implementing and Integrating Product Data Management and Software Configuration Management" does an excellent job in teaching and guiding the organizations/practitioners to integrate their SCM and PDM disciplines successfully. The easy-to-read and engaging writing style combined with the excellent organization of the book has gone a long way in making the topics of SCM and PDM accessible and interesting to the readers.

The book contains 5 sections-Basic Principles of PDM and SCM, Similarities and Differences between PDM and SCM, Integration and Deployment, Case Studies and Tools and Standards Survey. The book develops the basics of both SCM and PDM from grounds up so that the reader who is not familiar with either discipline will not have to go elsewhere for understanding the concepts of SCM or PDM. For experts in the field, the introduction to the basics acts as a refresher.

Once the basics and concepts are established the authors get down to the business of detailing the methods and strategies of integrating PDM and SCM. The authors provide detailed descriptions of PDM and SCM integration processes so that the users can get a clear picture of the benefits of SCM-PDM integration. This is followed up with 6 excellent case studies from multinational organizations like Sun, Ericsson, ABB, etc. These case studies are worth their weight in gold as they illustrate the challenges and opportunities of the SCM-PDM integration efforts.

The last section consists of the SCM and PDM resources, brief descriptions of SCM and PDM tools and so on. This section also gives a short but excellent overview of Document Management System and its relation to SCM and PDM and a list of document management tools. Another very useful chapter in this section is the one that describes the major SCM, PDM and document management standards.

This book is a MUST read for engineers, developers and managers who develop today's sophisticated systems. This book is ideal for people who are trying to or who are entrusted with the task of integrating the SCM-PDM efforts of their organizations. This book will also be very useful for the SCM/PDM professionals who want to learn about the other discipline and how it relates to their own profession.

Vision: "If a general-purpose vision system is used, there is no easy way to determine if the problem is with the robot, the vision system or some combination of robot and vision. In addition, if the vision was purchased from a robot supplier, it is likely the supplier has experience with similar applications." "Are the broader range of options available in the general-purpose system worth the extra time and cost require to make use of them for a robotic vision applications?"

Tracking Systems: Tast, this method uses the welding arc as a sensor to measure variations in the welding current that are caused by changes in arc length. Laser, the laser must be place in front of the welding torch to allow the laser to scan across the weld joint. A camera inside the sensor monitors the laser light to determine the location of the weld joint and passes this information to the robot. Touch sensing, the robot finds a seam by using the welding electrode or a separate pointer to make electrical contact with the part. The robot performs a search pattern so that it can touch the part to find out how far the seam has shifted and rotated it up to three dimensions. An offset can then be applied to every weld that is on this seam.

Well Dressed, the integrated dress pack carries all the power, data, pneumatic and hydraulic hoses bundled inside a highly flexible, polyurethane jacket. "With proper installation, umbilicals can increase cable and hose life tenfold"

Laser cutting, with a minimum of six degrees of freedom, a robot can reach in and around tooling to cut required features into a part. Small work cells can have one ore more robots in the same cell increasing production. Often two robots are able to share the same laser. The robot can utilize flexible programming allowing it to be redeployed to cut a new part. "A robotic laser cutting system is not competitive in high-volume flat sheet cutting that can be performed by a dedicated 2D laser-cutting machine. Part volumes should be 50,000 to 100,000.

Small shops, "as companies strive to enhance their time to market, the role of robots becomes particularly critical for smaller shops, where ergonomic issues and absenteeism impact the bottom line." First time robot users should not expect to automate all parts at once, but start with one family part and develop a good understanding of the automation and gradually automate additional part families. ROI, "vision provides higher flexibility and reduces the cost of part location. More than one part type can run the same cell without the need to invest in dedicated fixtures. Part can be delivered in a tray or a multiplayer tray system."

Now that robots have become more affordable, they are "trickling" down into smaller businesses and being used for more unexpected and varied tasks in larger enterprises. This book will have you thinking about new ways to employ robotic systems and machine vision in your operations. There are numerous descriptions of successful robotic implementations, an excellent section on productivity of robotic systems, and clear descriptions of methods of calculating payback. Very helpful as well when working with management to get approval of a new robotic system. Recommended!!!

This book deals with both technical and managerial issues of emerging technology and has provided an architecture framework for integrating C/S, OO, Networking, WWW together. Highly recommended for people who have to manage emerging IT in a firm

William Sheridan/Systems Analyst/Ottawa, Canada

Two of the hottest topics in information technology circles these days, are (1) client-server systems, and (2) object-oriented programming. Using a writing style that is both technically sophisticated AND readily understandable, Jerry Grochow outlines what each means, and how each works. THEN he explains why both client-server and object-orientation are part of the larger framework which will enable business to create satisfied customers (both internal and external) with the new information technology.

As Grochow describes it, the key to these future possibilities is the concept of SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE. As more and more people, at work and home, get desk-top computers AND access to networks (the organizational intra-net and/or the global inter-net), computer power becomes DISTRIBUTED through communications. The change from main-frame centralization connecting dumb terminals, to decentralized machines with distributed intelligence, has fundamentally altered the structural pattern of informatics and telematics.

This structural pattern is the SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE, and the alteration now in progress both empowers every user, AND requires new principles of design and operation. Grochow, a 25-year veteran of systems design and network computing, has been tracking these kind of changes through the many successive stages of micro-chip evolution and network service enhancements. What he argues is, that the very dilemma which the technology has created (namely information overload), can now be managed by broadening the application of intelligence from individual nodes to the entire network.

Object-oriented programming is the software answer to the distributed computing question. As people share data and applications over the networks, the internal design of software itself faces new challenges. Monolithic relational databases and structured programs do not serve networked computers very well. As needs for distributed data entry and program customization increase with the spread of knowledge work, the coordination of version control and extension implications can no longer be handled by the inflexibility of previous designs. Just as Grochow sees all computing as client-server based now, he forecasts that we will all become object-oriented users shortly.

And Grochow is certainly right about the speed of change in this field. In regards to system development methodologies (SDMs), an object-oriented approach has already obsolesced both the "waterfall" and the "spiral" models. Scott Ambler's Pinball System Development Life Cycle method is actually far more reflective of the dynamic reality of application development than the overly-formalized models of the past (see Ambler's THE OBJECT PRIMER). But with the flexible outlook that Grochow exudes, developers will be as easily able to accommodate such a methodological change as they will any other technological advance. INFORMATION OVERLOAD really is a map of the future of the new information systems technology. And when you are heading into new territory, its always wise to consult a map

The author has tackled a difficult but important topic: how do we citizens of the world achieve sustainable development and still make a living? Simply put, the author makes each of us a champion for environmental management using the new ISO 14000 management standards. As the author puts it, the environments we live in include the ecosystems, finances, politics, public relations, employees and other interested parties, and markets. The ISO 14000 standards are market-driven, period. Life from now on must be recognized as marketing and sales, customers and suppliers, a true need for honest empowerment of all stakeholders. Mr. Don Sayre's management primer goes well beyond the words of the standards, into his own unique insights as senior consultant to the federal government, well-versed auditor of management, root cause analyst, video producer, father and husband, film and stage actor, and someone who attended the original Woodstock Celebration in 1969. He is an international author and instructor and consultant, recognized by his wit, humor, and insightful understanding of what total and strategic environmental quality management is all about. Most all other authors on the ISO environmental management system standards limit their input (and output) to the specification, ISO 14001. But, as Don says, that is simply the skeleton; the meat of the organism involves the other guidance standards. Humans are at the center of sustainable development, in the eyes of the United Nations. What better way to support that and promote than to follow the simple instructions of the ISO 14000 standards. Otherwise, when the year 2030 absorbs us, the population growth and demand for available resources will collide. Boom! Devestation, turmoil, famine, war--all will follow in the framework established by our histories. This book is valuable reading for anyone with an inkling of interest in what our collective future holds. It is valuable reading to anyone who wants to make a difference. And, readers will be surprised to learn how knowledgeable they will be as the "new" experts on environmental management. It is a work written from the heart.

Published, March 1, 1996 this is the first publication to present ISO 14000, the so called "master scheme" for the protection and preservation of the environment, for sustainable development of life and improving our ecosystem. This book is presented as an everything you need to know in order to comply with the ISO 14000 series. Here, in his `Primer' for the ISO 14000 series one will find expansive discussions on each element of the ISO 14000.

Sayre's Inside ISO 14000: The Competitive Advantage Of Environmental Management [at the time of its publication] probably accomplished what the title suggests - tells you everything you need to know to comply with ISO 14000. That is, "how to" develop and implement a successful environmental management system that has potential to provide for competitive advantage, through a systematic management plan emphasizing commitment, planning, implementation, evaluation and review.

Throughout the `guide,' information on what the ISO 14000 series will require of organizations to become ISO 14000 certified is meticulously spelled out somewhat to the point of being repetitive, while the reader is sometimes bounced around in a rather distracting manner. One is often not sure if you are in ISO 14000 or one of the many other ISO, or related Standards also covered in the book. Sayre provides parallel information from related standards (other ISO 14000 standards, ISO 9000 and ANSI/ASQC E4). All this is intertwined with an expressed passion for the environment and sustainability coupled with "real world" suggestions drawn from Sayre's extensive knowledge in management systems.

The major problem with the book today is that this general guidance will not fulfill the needs of the consummate environmental professional charged with implementing an ISO 14001 system, therefore it could be considered inadequate for that level of interest. However, for the generalist seeking guidance or an overview on creation and implementation of a successful environmental management system this book would fulfill the need. For it does provide specifics on the internationally accepted framework for effectively managing environmental efforts. Interestingly enough, even though it is dated, for those interested in Auditing, Sayre's knowledge and personal experience rises to the forefront and provides appropriate guidance for today's environmental professional.

If you have a need to understand some of the legacy LANs that you have, or if you simply want to have a field resource to assist you in physical layer as well as a guide to IP protocol, this book should do it for you. It does cover many other areas that are under the responsibility of the IT manager, so look this one over, it could help you out.

The book is excellent for beginners such as me. Review Questions at the end of each chapter help you understand more of the chapter. Very good in detail.

I found this book useful and interesting. It explains the basic concepts required in process design and process integration.

The book guides the student in a simple and understandable way trough the complex subjects of process design, giving important rules in the design and integration of chemical processes.

The introduction of Thermodynamics in the books is a clear advantage. This is due to the importance of the thermodynamics in the use of simulation packages. It helps to answer basic but key questions when using simulators.

The part of the book that treats process synthesis is made in hierarchical way, guiding the student since basic concept of the process up to how to manage and separate complex azeotropic mixtures.

The process integration gives a well balance approach between theory and practical experience.

Finally the design part of the book gives to the student practical and useful information about how to face and be successful designing a process.

Although the book is highly oriented towards simulation, it has a good explanation of the theory behind any simulation package.

I consider the book is a good tool for users with a basic knowledge of chemical engineering and a good introduction to simulation in chemical engineering.

There are a lot of books about simulation and process integration. The first merit of this book is to give an "integrated" point of view about simulation, integration and design of the chemical processes. Even the title of the books is starting with the finality (Integrated Design), followed by the tool (Simulation).
The second merit is to give more importance to thermodynamics. This has a crucial role in any simulation.
The third is that the book is not a "compilation" of the user's manuals of the different simulators.
I used simulators from 1993 but now I can see that a lot of my "tips and tricks" (presented to my students) are more organized and with theoretical bases.
The book has five parts, well balanced:
Process Simulation
Thermodynamic Methods
Process Synthesis
Process Integration
Design Project.
Process Simulation presents both steady and dynamic simulation with connection between them. Also, there are a lot of data about optimization of the process.

Thermodynamics Methods is a well informed guide about using thermodynamics in simulation. Phase equilibrium is presented from simulators point of view.
Process synthesis presents hierarchical approach and two important fields of interest: reaction systems and azeotropic systems.
Started with pinch analysis, the chapter about Process Integration gives an important role to controllability analysis. Any simulation is in vain without materialization in a process that can work at high technical economical parameters. The real process must be in focus in any step: from simulation to industrial installation.
The last chapter, Design Project, give all you need to know about this activity.
The Case studies includes, in three practical examples, all new approaches presented in this book.
I consider the book an excellent introduction and a professional guide for all users of the simulation in chemical engineering.
I will use this book like base support in the two courses I teach at University "Petroleum and Gases", Simulation in Chemical Engineering and Optimization in Chemical Engineering.

The military has pioneered the concepts of logistics -- indeed napoleon was responsible for the development of canning foodstuffs to provide for his armies. As the military has gotten more complex but must still provide for everything their soldiers need, the military's development of what's now called ILS (Integrated Logistics Support) has gotten more developed. Beyond the military, various commercial ventures must also provide for logistics support. When your automobile has a problem you expect the dealer to have parts. These types of companies have developed commercial systems that are based on those of the military.

This book, now in its third edition, is based on MIL HDBK 502, Acquisition Logistics and MIL-PRF-49506 Logistics Management Information. Basically it takes the military documents and makes sense out of them for people who must implement ILS systems. The third edition updates the information on the available software-based systems, commercial off the shelf solutions and the latest DoD requirements.

Here in one volume is basically a complete introduction to ILS. It's not a small book, over 500 pages and pretty small type for older eyes like mine.

My motivation for buying this book came from my extensive experience with material maintenance management during my 22 year career in the navy, and subsequent experience with integrated logistics in Department of Defense contracting. I used the first edition of this book as a reference when I was on a proposal team for a DoD contract, and found it to be one of the best references available because it distilled tens of thousands of pages of directives, instructions and related material into less than 500 pages. It covered the topic in sufficient detail as to serve as an authoritative reference as well as to get other members of the team up-to-speed in ILS.

During subsequent consulting engagements for commercial clients I used many of the concepts and methods detailed in this book to outline requirements for automated materials and maintenance management systems. In particular, any commercial business domain, such as refinery maintenance or maintenance data collection and analysis are candidates for applying parts of ILS to commercial uses. This book then becomes more valuable to a wider audience than DoD contractors.

A second use for the concepts is the structured and proven approach to an encompassing systems maintenance management initiative within IT. For example, the use of logistics support analysis is a sound approach to planning enterprise-wide maintenance from a cost management perspective. Moreover, using a modified (and shortened) form of logistics support analysis records is a good foundation for enterprise asset management, as well as developing a reliability baseline.

While this book has obvious value to readers from the DoD contracting community, it also contains information that can be tailored to commercial uses.

I really like the authors, they seem very well informed. I'd like to meet them sometime and discuss their thoughts! ;-)
-Matthew Best

The single most important reference in the electrical industry, the National Electrical Code (NEC), is updated every three years and outlines minimum standards for all types of electrical installations. Each time the National Electrical Code® is significantly revised to keep pace with technology and enhance protection against electrical fire and shock hazards. This is a valuable reference to help you get in position to advance your knowledge and be prepared with the newest codes.

This book is like an annotated version of the NEC 2005, explaining in a clear and understandable language that is additionally supported by clear to follow diagrams every important aspect covered by the NEC.

This book is loaded with solutions designed to provide better safeguards, add greater usability, and bring provisions in line with technology trends. Absolutely a must for anyone involved in electrical design, installation, or inspection, the 2005 NEC provides 100% of the information needed to meet Code® and avoid costly errors in electrical installations of all types.

I got the book in a great timely manner and the book was in awesome condition. :)

The book is good at detailing the ins and outs of foodservice and all aspects that effect it. The book is thorough in explaining important facets of foodservice systems such as furnishings, menus, equipment, regulations and restrictions and so on. This book is worth the buy!