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Summary: Automation Intelligence for the rest of us.
Review: For those of us outside the close knit world of automation, Jim Pinto is at his futuristic best in his poetry and political commentary. He rebels against the trend toward group think and bland commentary. He offers a prismatic view of the industry of automation which is neither too focused nor too general nor, we come to understand, viewed from every angle captured by Mr. Pinto. He has more facets of his intellect to share (perhaps political commentary will make up all or a larger portion of his next book?). Mr. Pinto writes unselfconsciously and without apparent concern for the backlash that might face anyone less well regarded in the industry. In twenty years, Mr. Pinto built Action Instruments from nothing to industry greatness. That is to say, it was a great company until he sold it five years ago. His entrepreneurial success, financial independence, and intellectual prowess are readily evident in his seemingly unguarded and thought provoking views. I found it refreshing to read intellectual commentary from a man with a sense of humor. Wade Lovell
President & CEO Ski Tote LLC
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Summary: Automation Philosopher
Review: Jim's collection of essays, many updated for this book, will cause you to stop and think about the state of the automation industry, as well as manufacturing in general, today. He is not afraid to take a stand, and in fact, delights in stirring up readers and getting intelligent feedback. Although many people seem to think that his views are limited to attacks on the Yurko-era of Invensys and predictions of Rockwell's sale, very little of the book concerns those topics. This series of articles touches on technologies and business topics with a wit designed to cut through the clutter of your mind and get you to think. I wish more people were thinking deeply about the business impact of automation these days. Read this book not as a text book of what was, but as a starting point for your own reflections about the state of manufacturing. Pinto will get your "juices flowing." You may find that you care more about the state of manufacturing than you thought.
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Summary: Automation Changes Explained
Review: The articles and contributors to this book represent the story of an industry undergoing significant change and should be read by anyone interested in the impact technology has on them, without their awareness, while also showing how this industry is part of the global investment and economy. Pinto's observations and commentary on the industrial automation world as it enters the 21st century in a state of transition and some say turmoil also provides insight into other industries as well. If you are entering into, departing from, or interested in today's networked world as an engineer, sales person, or investor this book provides a glimpse of how it all relates in a very readable way.
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Summary: History, Development, and Prediction about Automation
Review: Usually, when I read "This is a must-read book," I put it down to publishers' hype. Now that I have read Automation Unplugged, I will say that a person in the instrument/control system business should read it. The book gives some history that provides insight into the present conditions in the systems business. The marketing section is truly required reading for today's environment in the systems business. When you finish reading, you say to yourself "I knew that," but you had not developed the thesis as logically nor as completely. As to the forecasting of the future, if only 50 percent of Mr. Pinto's predictions come true, major changes in management thinking will be required. Dick Caro's introduction to the Fieldbus chapter clearly explains why the ISO and IEC standards are as irrational as they are. The chapter titled "How do I catch the Fieldbus" presents a logical explanation of all the varying standards for the buses. Put this book in your library for reference along Bella Liptak's series of books.
Rating:
Summary: History, Development, and Prediction about Automation
Review: Usually, when I read "This is a must-read book," I put it down to publishers' hype. Now that I have read Automation Unplugged, I will say that a person in the instrument/control system business should read it. The book gives some history that provides insight into the present conditions in the systems business. The marketing section is truly required reading for today's environment in the systems business. When you finish reading, you say to yourself "I knew that," but you had not developed the thesis as logically nor as completely. As to the forecasting of the future, if only 50 percent of Mr. Pinto's predictions come true, major changes in management thinking will be required. Dick Caro's introduction to the Fieldbus chapter clearly explains why the ISO and IEC standards are as irrational as they are. The chapter titled "How do I catch the Fieldbus" presents a logical explanation of all the varying standards for the buses. Put this book in your library for reference along Bella Liptak's series of books.
Rating:
Summary: Few know the automation industry like Jim Pinto
Review: You haven't heard anything til you've heard industry pundit Jim Pinto jump on his soapbox. The Founder and former CEO of Invensys' Action Instruments, Jim takes a hard look at what's working and what's not in the industrial automation market. He asks...and answers...the right questions. Who are the top 10 suppliers in the industry and will any survive? Who's best managed, who's mis-managed? What's the Achilles heel of the top players (hint: it's spelled M-A-R-K-E-T-I-N-G)? What does the future hold? Is Microsoft about to take over Fieldbus?!?! This book is a must-read for anyone in the business.
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