AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 5, 2002) - Recognizing the challenge manufacturing professionals face in learning new technologies and how technology impacts their bottom line, Emerson Process Management has introduced an innovative new method for learning. Based on a leading education industry online platform, Emerson’s PlantWeb University delivers objective, in-depth information for process industries in a convenient online environment at www.PlantWebUniversity.com.

“PlantWeb University is designed for busy professionals who are challenged with running yesterday’s plant while learning to build the plant of the future,” commented Jane Lansing, VP of Marketing for Emerson Process Management. ”Their time is precious. Their real need for condensed and relevant information is often unfulfilled by inefficient, one-sided commercial presentations.”

“To address this, the curriculum is loaded with the most current automation technology and business topics,” continued Lansing. “PlantWeb University is for anyone, not just Emerson customers. The courses are objective and free of marketing spin, with the goal of making it easier to learn what technologies to consider and why.”

PlantWeb University is comprised of two schools: Engineering and Business. Combined, they are being introduced with nearly forty courses, covering categories that include: Process Automation Networks, Project Planning, Installation and Checkout, Overall Equipment Effectiveness, and Maintenance Practices and Strategies. Independent reviewers have called the courses both “credible and accurate.” Most said the expert knowledge presented helps them to impartially evaluate automation technologies and arrive at informed decisions.

Participants can learn at their own pace from anywhere they have an internet connection. Each course requires no more than 15-minutes to complete, and includes a brief evaluation quiz. Users can easily track courses they’ve completed and earn points for PlantWeb merchandise by correctly answering quiz questions.

PlantWeb University’s Business School courses focus on improving plant profitability and reducing costs by improving operating efficiencies and streamlining maintenance. A sample of course titles includes: Introduction to Overall Equipment Effectiveness, Understanding Maintenance Strategies, Online Monitoring to Reduce Costs, and Implementing Improved Work Practices.

PlantWeb University’s Engineering School explores automation technologies and helps technical personnel identify profit-improvement opportunities, select and apply networking protocols, and reduce capital and engineering costs. Course titles include: Project Engineering Standards, Field Level Networks, Fieldbus Communications, Choosing a Host System, Interoperability, Reliability and Redundancy, Networking Options, and Intrinsic Safety.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure there is something for everyone,” continued Lansing. “Whether you are in maintenance, engineering, operations, finance or plant management, there is objective, in-depth learning available.”

"While we don't expect that PlantWeb University is all the training you need to run an engineering project, the courses do provide a solid foundation for making investment and technical decisions for automation in new construction or plant upgrades," according to Lansing. “Once decisions are made to move forward with improvement and projects, PlantWeb University participants can expect to find plenty of specific in-depth training through the educational services and training programs of their automation partner.”