An innovative SPC pilot using PDAs for mobile data collection is currently being configured for a Wexford-based Manufacturer. The system will allow operators to collect measurements and defect data directly at the machine instead of having to bring samples to a test station. The data is automatically transferred to a main WinSPC visualisation station which provides charting and analysis for the surrounding lines. The Plant Monitor module will also be used for this pilot, providing key decision makers with a bird's eye view of the process.

Dataworks was recently awarded a contract to develop a bespoke SCAPA system for a hips & knees replacement devices manufacturer. The system which will be running across 4 plants (in the USA, France and Ireland) will allow the manufacturer to track issues relating to their suppliers, raising corrective & preventive actions in a drive to improve on the quality of raw materials.

Dataworks' Business Development Manager, Marc Roosli, has been elected Technical Programme Chair of the ISA Ireland section for the second consecutive year. The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA) is a nonprofit organisation that helps its 30,000 worldwide members and other automation professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal capabilities. If you are not a member yet, we would highly recommend you visit www.isa.org for a quick look at the many benefits the ISA has on offer. Additionally, if you would be interested in hosting a site visit or giving a technical talk to our members in Ireland, please contact Marc on 051 878555 or email mroosli@dataworks.ie

Special Feature:
The last project showcased this month is slightly unusual in that it is not answering any manufacturing or business issues but when we were approached to develop this system some months ago, we just couldn't resist.

Auditory Integration Training or AIT was developed by Dr. Guy Berard, a practicing otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat or ENT physician) in Annecy, France. Dr.

Berard originally invented AIT to rehabilitate disorders of the auditory system, such as hearing loss or hearing distortion (hyper-acute or asymmetrical hearing). After 30+ years of clinical practice and study, Dr. Berard has determined that distortions in hearing or auditory processing also often contribute to many behavioral or learning disorders. He has successfully used the AIT method to help individuals with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), sensory issues, autism, dyslexia, hyperactivity, learning disabilities (LD), language impairments, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), and depression. In the large majority of Dr. Berard's cases, AIT has significantly reduced some of the handicaps associated with the disorders listed above.

During Auditory Integration Training, music from a stereo system is sent through a specialised bulky and expensive electronic device. The electronic device randomizes and filters the frequencies from the music source and sends these modified sounds into the trainee's ears through a set of headphones. The randomized frequencies mobilize and exercise the inner ear and brain. For example, the sound waves vibrate and exercise the muscles that control the three ossicles (the small bones in the middle ear).

The benefits of developing a portable and affordable AIT system that could be used on a home PC or laptop are innumerable. This is the challenge that was given to Dataworks in December of 2005. The system is currently being benchmarked against its bulky hardware equivalent. The results so far have been very positive and the product should be ready for use by the wider public in the coming months.