In this episode, Gary is at the MESA North America Conference talking with MESA Board Chair John Dyck and MESA President Mike Yost about the programs and progress of the organization that promotes MES/MOM applications.

Gary talks with Mike James who is a leader of MES solution provider ATS Global and who spearheaded the MESA Global Education Program that has provided two certification tracks for educating people about MES/MOM theory and application.

Thinking back over the industrial revolutions, Gary describes jobs that have been replaced by machines that were socially for the good.  He looks at some future ideas about manufacturing describing Industry 4.0 from Germany and Smart Manufacturing from the US.

In this episode Gary recaps the ABB Automation and Power World user conference, discusses the ramifications of a $7 million grant to the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition, and reviews the book "Producing Prosperity," by Pisano and Shih.

Gary discusses Rockwell Automation's new Safety Automation Builder software with OEM Technical Consultant Jonathan Johnson. We learn that the tool is part of trend of providing easy-to-use tools for engineers to help them improve design, get projects done faster and provide end-of-project documentation. Check the Rockwell SAB Website for more information.

Gary discusses his new personal directions, news from the ARC Forum including emphasis on Cloud Computing, the upcoming ISA Automation Week and the HART Communication Foundation 20th Anniversary.

Gary discusses the current spate of articles in mainstream media about automation and jobs. He also announces a new personal direction.

Gary reviews the latest developments in controllers, software and networking for automation and manufacturing from the end of 2012 and looks forward to what 2013 holds.

Gary discusses leadership in manufacturing, how engineers can become leaders and the need for emotional stability.

Gary discusses interoperability--the connection between systems to move necessary data. He discusses how Mitsubishi has morphed from a machine controls company to one who understands the need to take control to the next level--as spokespeople discuss on a Webcast Gary hosted at http://www.automationworld.com/visible-factory-see-it-all-real-time.