Originally Posted: 25 October 2000

The University of Warwick, in association with the British Automation and Robotics Association has just set up a regional network, funded by the DTI, to encourage the uptake of advanced automation technology within midland's manufacturing industry.

As well as their web-based learning centre the network is running a series of free seminars, to encourage the use of automation and control technology in the Midlands area. The first seminar Process Control, Variability Reduction & Six-Sigma Performance on 29th November will look particularly at the new "Six-Sigma" quality standard which has been sweeping up interest from companies across the UK who are rushing to put it in to place. Dr Ken Young believes the seminar will particularly benefit:

"Any organisation which is experiencing the consequences of high levels of process variability, or high scrap or rework level, or unpredictable process performance, or any sudden, unexpected shifts in process output, or constant fire fighting and panics to maintain output and customer satisfaction."

The event will include a Buffet lunch and coffee and an exhibition of suppliers equipment and demonstrations provided. Future seminars will include How E-Business links to the shop floor on 6/12/2000, Is Ethernet a real time control network? 31/1/2001, and New developments in sensor application 8/2/2001 Businesses attending any of the seminars will also be able to, study the application of new technologies on site using the Warwick Manufacturing Group's demonstration cell, and to discuss their own situation with Warwick's automation experts.

Note for editors: The full name of the new network is West Midlands Advanced Control Technology Transfer Network (WMACTTNET). Web site:- www.wmacttnet.warwick.ac.uk

For further details please contact:

Dr Ken Young, University of Warwick
Tel 024 7657 3742 Mobile: 0777 5534345
Email: YOUNG_K@wmgmail.wmg.warwick.ac.uk



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Further information about the above press release and all other media services at the University of Warwick can be obtained from:

Peter Dunn, Press Officer
Public Affairs Office
Senate House
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 7AL
West Midlands
Tel: 024 76 523708
Email: puapjd@admin.warwick.ac.uk