Dear Reader,

Summer season being behind us by now, I hope you had the chance to have your batteries fully loaded for the busy autumn time.

With full power and in constant motion, we will be participating to many interesting PT/MC events, such as the EPTDA Annual Conference in Monaco, Motek show in Stuttgart, PTC Asia in Shanghai and PTDA Industry Summit in Palm Desert; just to mention a few of the shortly upcoming events. New innovations, new solutions and new technologies will be presented in these and many other events to the truly international audience of industry professionals from globally expanding companies.

Did you know that it is the globalisation driven infusion of capital for automation in many industries and regions that is the primary factor contributing to General Motion Control (GMC) market growth during the next five years. ARC Advisory Group’s study estimates the worldwide market for GMC to grow 6.1% over the period, forecasting the market to be 7 billion USD in 2010.

The increasing demand for flexibility and agility in manufacturing operations at the lowest possible lifecycle cost of plant equipment remains the continuing background trend in the GMC market. Machinery needs to be a flexible resource on the factory floor with a greater purpose on maximising utilisation throughout its lifetime. GMC equipment play a key role in achieving this. For optimal solutions, suppliers collaborate with machine builders’engineers to create the mechatronic solution, an integrated view of mechanics, electronics and motion control software. Integrated safety in new motion control solutions supports a wide variety of safe drive functions without the use of external safety hardware. These functions greatly increase machine productivity by allowing operators to perform tasks without removing power from the drives.

In this issue of Power in Motion, you will see a selection of technology updates and interesting application stories. Remember, you can ask easily more information on all published editorials or advertisements through SLI, our fast and easy reader service system. Learn what is new and how the others are doing it. And if you have a good story, contact us to share it with your fellow PT/MC professionals.

I hope to meet many of you in the upcoming events, and to read your comments and feedback when preparing the next issue.

In the meantime, enjoy reading this issue on your preferred way, as a printed or a digital edition.

Enjoy your reading!

Sincerely

Marketta Lähde
Editor-in-Chief
Publishing Director

Dear EPTDA Members,

While I’m writing this we are counting the days for EPTDA’s 10th Annual Convention. Countless hours of planning and preparations, but it is definitely even more than worth it.

The 10th EPTDA Annual Convention in Monaco will be the event of the year - there is no doubt about it. Already the magical location and the record high number of participants and the many new member companies’ representatives who recently joined our association participating in this unique gathering, will guarantee it. For the first time many delegates are bringing their team along with their spouses making this event a memorable one for the entire EPTDA family.

And just one quick glance of the program will make any PT/MC professional’s mouth water. You’ll hear captivating speeches from some of the world’s best business gurus, meet and greet other industry leaders, exchange business ideas and enjoy the magnificent dinners and gala reception. The theme of the year is “People Make the Difference” and the Convention itself is a living proof that this is true.

Not that we would not have a lot to talk about EPTDA! The association is stronger than ever and full of action. One of the latest initiatives is to develop EPTDA’s Learning Institute - ELI in the future. We will listen carefully and find out more about our member’s needs with regard to EPTDA’s very own learning programme using the ‘Voting Machine’ during the Annual Convention in Monaco. This important feedback will serve us then to further develop this challenging initiative. You can read more the outcome of this project in the coming issue of Power in Motion.

I must not forget to mention the two paths EPTDA has stepped on: EPTDA’s new ethical guidelines are ready and we have also started a strategic monitoring of the changes in the PT/MC business environment. The European Union sets most of the rules governing our members’ business and it is crucial to make sure those rules won’t set new obstacles for our businesses. I want to highlight also our new corporate partnership agreement with The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, with an aim to help and support the project “Schools for Africa”. The partnership is yet another concrete example of EPTDA’s commitment to responsible business. EPTDA works hard to offer new tangible benefits for its members. The Recommended Information Change Process (RICP) tool is just one of the recent examples.

But you’ll hear more about all this at the Annual Convention in Monaco in September. One thing is certain; participants will not be disappointed.

Pack your luggage with ideas and desire to network and arrive with a positive mindset and willingness to learn, lead and boost your business. We’ll take care of the rest. I’m sure you’ll have a time of your life under the Monaco sun!

See you in Monaco!

Hans Hanegreefs
EPTDA-Executive Vice President
European Power Transmission Distributors Association