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technology hAndbook

SENSORS

A look into the products, technologies And solutions shAping the mArket Digital

Supplement to

MACHINE DESIGN • SYSTEMS • TECHNOLOGY

Technology handbook

Sensors

Simon says “CleverLevel is a switch for all media”

evel detection is of great importance in many industries. The demands on level switches can vary considerably, from monitoring maximum and minimum levels in tanks, to protection against overflow or running dry. Until now, engineers have needed to specify from a wide assortment of different sensors, depending on the specific application. It was simply not possible to cover all applications with one type of level switch. The CleverLevel has changed all of that, allowing just one sensor to be used for almost any point level application. There are many factors to consider in level applications, such as foam presence, viscosity, stickiness, and the aggressiveness of the media. The commonly used vibrating fork level sensor does not offer great performance in all of these situations. Measuring errors can arise, since high viscosity materials tend to stick to these forks. Coarse granular media can easily become lodged between the forks and also cause measuring errors. The forks are difficult to clean. Also, liquid and powder substances required different fork sensor versions. Versatile sensor with easy configuration The CleverLevel sensor is able to reliably detect levels in virtually any media. Based on frequency sweep technology, the sensor continuously analyses the resonant frequency around the sensor tip. All materials have a die-electric value. The dieelectric value directly affects the resonant frequency, allowing the sensor to reliably detect the presence of the material. High sensitivity for dielectric constants from 1.5 to over 100 enables limit detection for all sorts of powders, granulates and liquids. Out of the box, the CleverLevel factory default setting can already detect most media. A Teach-in function can be used to further customize the sensor for trickier applications, such as ignoring foam, sticky residue or other material stuck to the tip. Tanks with liquid chocolate are a typical example. Even when empty, the sensor and container walls are coated with chocolate. When configured accordingly, the CleverLevel still switches only when the tank is really full or empty. A sim-

4 MA • Technology Handbook Sensors

ple configuration software shows the user a clear graphical representation of what the sensor sees, and makes setting the sensor easy, even for difficult applications. CleverLevel can be installed in any orientation. A bright blue signal LED is highly visible from all directions. The sensor housing is IP67 as standard, and it is suitable for ambient temperatures between -40°C and +200°C. The small mounting depth of only 15 mm is a plus for many applications. In addition to the industrial process connections, there are also versions with EHEDG approval for food areas and other areas with strict hygiene requirements. The PEEK sensing tip is compatible with most solid materials, oils, chemicals, and solutions. See why Simon says “CleverLevel is a switch for all media”. Click the link for more information or call Baumer for a demonstration of this game-changing new technology.

Baumer Inc. 4046 Mainway Drive, Burlington, Ontario L7M 4B9 Phone: 1-905-335-8444 Fax: 1-905-335-8320

www.baumer.com/cleverlevel

Times are changing. CleverLevel LBFS/ LFFS switch – The really clever alternative to vibrating forks.

Inaccurate readings because something is sticking to the vibrating fork are a thing of the past. We took this to the next level: Safe monitoring of filling level thanks to Baumer’s new CleverLevel series. Reliable differentiation of media that might be electrostatic, sticky, pasty, or have a high or low viscosity. Bring yourself up-to-date on the latest in filling level measurement at www.baumer.com/CleverLevel

Technology handbook

Sensors

The No-Compromise IXARC Rotary Sensor from POSITAL

hen designers of motion control systems need to measure the rotation of shafts or other mechanical components, they have had two types of rotary encoders to choose from. Encoders based on optical measurement technologies provide high levels of precision and dynamic response, but are relatively bulky and can be unreliable in damp or dusty conditions. Magnetic encoders are typically more compact and rugged, but with lower levels of precision and dynamic response. POSITAL has eliminated the need for compromise by developing a new generation of magnetic absolute and incremental encoders that match the performance of optical shaftmounted encoders in all but the most demanding applications. The Secret is in the Signal Processing POSITAL’s new magnetic encoders feature highly-optimized signal processing software running on powerful 32-bit microprocessors. This combination improves on earliergeneration magnetic encoders with a four-fold improvement in measurement accuracy and a reduction of latency by a factor of over 100. These new devices offer the best of both worlds: accuracy and dynamic response that rivals high-quality optical encoders combined with the ruggedness and compact form-factor of magnetic encoders. The new POSITAL encoders provide up to 12-bit accuracy (0.09 degrees) and a multi-turn capability with a range of over four billion rotations. The multi-turn capability is based on an all-electronic rotation counter system that is powered by energy harvested from the rotary motion of the device’s shaft. This counter keeps track of the total number of turns that the encoder shaft has experienced, even if these occur while system power is unavailable, As a result, there is no need to re-zero the control system – even if movements take place while the control system is powered down. Versatility by Design Thanks to the improved dynamic response of the new technology, it is also possible to build high-performance incremental encoders based on magnetic sensors. The advantage here is that magnetic encoders offer exceptional reliability and long

6 MA • Technology Handbook Sensors

service life when compared to traditional mechanical or optical designs. Also, with a microprocessor-centered design, operational characteristics – such as the number of pulses per revolution – can be changed with a simple software update. An offthe-shelf encoder can be programmed to emulate an older unit, then used as a drop-in replacement. POSITAL has adopted a highly modular approach to the mechanical construction of the devices. Customers can specify exactly what they need in terms of housing materials, mounting flange, shaft configuration, electrical connector type etc. and the factory will assemble the appropriate product from standardized sub-components. The interval between order acceptance and product delivery is typically within 2 weeks.

Download our white paper describing the technology behind the new IXARC encoders

POSITAL-FRABA CEO Christian Leeser describes the advanced manufacturing system behind these new-generation sensors.

POSITAL-FRABA Inc. 1800 East State Street, Suite 148 Hamilton, NJ 08609, USA Phone: 609-750-8705 Fax: 609-750-8703 Email: info@fraba.com www.posital.com

ELECTROMATE INDUSTRIAL SALES LTD. 4300 Steeles Ave West, Unit #39 Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 4C2 Phone: 877-SERVO98 Fax: 877-SERVO99 Email: sales@electromate.com www.electromate.com

LOOKING FOR MOTION AND POSITION SENSORS?

Discover the POSITAL Advantage High Performance IXARC Rotary Encoders

Precise TILTIX Inclinomters

www.posital.com

Versatile LINARIX Linear Sensors

Technology handbook

Sensors

Temperature Sensors for Optimal Performance

od-Tronic offers the perfect fit for any temperature and humidity sensing application. From miniature detectors to 100 foot aver-aging thermometer and heavy duty probe assemblies, our selection lets you choose the best model for your needs.

Sensing technology options provide flexibility Mod-Tronic can supply sensors to work with nearly any type of instrument. • Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) • Platinum RTDs with wide range of TCRs • Range from 0.00375 to 0.003927 • 0.00385 (Minco element “PD”) is most popular • Nickel, copper, and nickel-iron RTD elements • Non-standard resistance-temperature curves • Base resistances up to thousands of ohms • Thin film or wire wound constructions • Thermistor temperature sensors • Thermocouple temperature sensors • Integrated Circuit temperature sensors • High accuracy humidity sensors and transmitters • Signal conditioning • Linearizing transmitters with 4 to 20 mA, 1 to 5 VDC, or other voltage/current outputs • Explosion-proof temperature and humidity sensor and transmitter assemblies • Controllers, monitors and alarms for optimal compatibility with sensors

From simple elements to complex assemblies Mod-Tronic can configure a sensor style to best fit your application and capabilities: • Basic sensing elements for assembly into your own housing or protective sheath • Addition of leadwires and terminations to elements • Packaging into protective sheaths, laminates, custom housings, cabling • Bendable case designs or preformed to your specifications • Assembly with fittings, connection heads, thermowells, connectors, feedthroughs • Assembly with signal conditioning electronics, standard or customized • Certified measurement and test in our metrology lab • Certified designs for hazardous locations

8 MA • Technology Handbook Sensors

Machining and materials A sensor’s construction has a large impact on its thermal time response and resistance to corrosive media. Minco has an advanced machine shop with CAD/CAM capability for economic production of cases and fittings. We have extensive machining capabilities in a variety of materials: • Stainless steel in various grades • Brass • Copper • Monel • Hastelloy • Titanium • Rubber, PTFE, plastics We can plate with nickel, gold, and other metals. Additional services include electro-polishing, passivating, and pressure testing. leadwires Sensors may be furnished with many different types of leadwire and cables to meet application parameters: • PTFE, silicone rubber, polyimide, Tefzel, PVC, mica/glass, and glass braid insulation over silver or nickel plated copper wire are common selections or specify your own leadwire or cable requirements • Stainless steel overbraid or flexible armor • Flat ribbon leads or sensor/flex circuit hybrids

Mod-Tronic Instruments Ltd. 1 Delta Park Blvd., Unit #12 Brampton, ON L6T 5G1 Phone: 905-457-6322 Toll Free: 1-800-794-5883 Email: sales@mod-tronic.com

www.mod-tronic.com

Sensors, Heaters & Controls

IN STOCK - for all temperature applications - from MINCO

Go to www.mod-tronic.com/MINCO.html for details on our selection of MINCO temperature solutions: Temperature Sensors and Assemblies / Flexible Heaters / Humidity Transmitters / Temperature Controls & Monitors Minco designs and manufactures critical components for critical applications. Components that precisely fit your needs and deliver extremely high performance to ensure the highest level of reliability. Minco’s products have proven themselves in thousands of applications worldwide. Minco manufactures temperature sensors and transmitters, humidity sensors and transmitters, and flexible heaters with total cost of ownership (TCO) in mind to ensure ease of installation, the highest level of quality and reliability, compatibility to a variety of larger control systems and value-added opportunities for integration and assembly.

Flexible Heaters

Humidity Transmitters

Temperature Sensors & Transmitters

Temperature Controllers

Temperature Monitors

High Performance

Reliability You Can Count On

• Innovative designs and match calibration drive unmatched accuracy, repeatability and time response

• 56 years of MINCO product quality backed by a 3 year warranty with over 30 million sensors sold

• Dramatically lower cost than comparable competitive products from the industry leaders

• Custom engineered products available to address unique application requirements

• Comprehensive testing and industry certifications including ATEX, FM, UL/CSA and NIST - IECEx coming soon

• Supports new installations, or as a direct mechanical and electrical replacement for competitive products

Toll Free 1.800.794.5883

Toll Free Fax 1.800.830.7122

www.mod-tronic.com

Cost-Effective

Halifax Montreal Brampton Winnipeg Regina Calgary Edmonton Vancouver

902.422.0978 514.848.7205 905.457.6322 204.895.2038 306.359.1476 403.236.2909 780.459.2690 604.224.9547

OMRON Automation & Safety • Guidelines for Sensor Selection

SENSOR SELECTION FOR PRESENCE-ABSENCE APPLICATIONS

Knowing where to start when choosing a sensor for your application can be a daunting task. We will discuss the pros and cons of 3 major sensor types to help you get started. The worksheet on the next page can help you make your selection.

Inductive Proximity

Photoelectric

Fiber-Optic

How they work:

Inductive proximity sensors utilize a magnetic field to detect the presence or absence of ferrous materials when they are in close range to the sensing face.

Photoelectric sensors utilize a light emitter and receiver to determine “how much” light the sensor receives. This allows the sensor to detect presence or absence of a target.

Fiber-optic sensors use the same basic method as photoelectric sensors. The big difference is that fiber-optic sensors utilize fiber-optic cable to provide pathways for the emitted and received light to travel in and out of the amplifier. This gains the user a higher functioning amplifier located on a DIN rail, with a small fiber-optic sensing head.

Pros:

• Unaffected by the target color, texture, or surface. • Less affected by debris build-up in the environment. • Able to detect ferrous metal inside an object and not physically visible to the eye or a photoelectric sensor.

Cons:

• Detects only ferrous metal targets. • Detection range decreases as the percentage of ferrous metal in the target is reduced. • Detection range typically is limited to 30 mm or less.

Pros:

• Much longer sensing distances available compared to proximity sensors. Diffuse reflective sensors typically detect out to 1 meter, while through-beam and retroreflective sensors have several meter ranges. • Able to detect a wide range of objects – not limited to ferrous metals.

Cons:

• With diffuse reflective sensors, detection performance is affected by target variation: color, opacity, and surface finish. • Through-beam and retro-reflective style photoelectric sensors offer more stable detection with target variation; however, two units are required for these sensing set-ups. • Environmental factors such a dirt and debris build-up can affect sensing performance.

Part positioning on an index table

Pros:

• Improved detection stability compared to standard photoelectric sensors and the ability to fine tune sensor calibration. • Fiber heads are very small and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes making them great for compact or challenging mounting conditions. • Separate fiber amplifiers allow for advanced functionality not available on other sensors, such as builtin timers, modes to combat debris build-up, sensor misalignment, and the ability to change power and response time.

Cons:

• Two units are required: an amplifier and fiber head(s). • With diffuse reflective fibers, detection performance is affected by target variation: color, opacity, and surface finish.

Omron Automation & Safety is the leading global provider of machine safety and automation solutions, with the know-how to recommend and apply unbiased solutions for our customers whenever and wherever they need us.

Clear bottle detection

Minute object detection

industrial.omron.ca or 1.866.986.6766

SENSOR APPLICATION WORKSHEET The below guidelines are intended to be used as a self-help guide in assessing the scope of sensor applications. The information can be cross-checked with sensor specifications to determine the best sensor for the application.

1. Target Object _________________________________________

2. Target Material m Metal (Ferrous or Non-ferrous) m Opaque m Non-metal m Translucent m Transparent

3. Target Description and Dimensions Target finish (shiny, dull, matte, etc.): ___________ Target color: _______________________________ Target texture (smooth, various imperfections, etc.): _____________________________________ _________________________________________ How many different colors, finishes or textures? __ _________________________________________

4. Target Orientation/Spacing Describe position of target relative to sensing face: _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Size of target: ______________________________ Spacing between targets: ____________________ Number of targets nested together: ____________

5. Target Movement/Speed/Velocity Describe how the target approaches the sensing area (axial/lateral): _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Target speed: ______________________________ Cycles per second/minute/etc.: ________________

6. Maximum & Minimum Sensing Distance From target to sensor: Max _____ Min_____ From target to background: Max _____ Min_____

7. Background Description Describe the area behind the target object relative to the sensor’s perspective: _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

8. Physical/Mounting Criteria Is target accessible from more than one side? ____ Space available to install sensor: _______________ Sensor orientation possibilities: _______________ _________________________________________ Are mounting brackets required? ______________

9. Environment m Clean m Oily m Dusty m Outdoor m Indoor m Humid m Submersion m Washdown Temperature: ______________________________ Temperature Variation: ______________________

10. Control Voltage Supply __________ VDC, __________ VAC

11. Output Requirements Number of wires: ___________________________ Number of output/inputs: ____________________ Describe the load: __________________________ Inductive: Inrush ___________ , Sealed _________ m Light-ON m Normally open m NPN m PNP m Dark-ON m Normally closed m Relay

12. Connection Preference m Connector style sensor with separate cordset required m Pre-wired sensor (what cable length is required? _____) Sensors Technology Handbook • MA 11

Technology handbook

he R2000 series 2D laser scanner offers a wide range of innovative advantages. PRT—the true time-of-flight measurement—allows reliable and precise measurements in industrial environments. Very small objects are reliably detected, even at long distances. Two versions of the R2000 are available for your applications.

R2000 UHD 2D Laser Scanner with Unmatched Precision and Measurement Capability R2000 UHD, the multiple award-winning 2D laser scanner from Pepperl+Fuchs, is perhaps the most celebrated and recognizable sensing product in our company’s history—and with good reason. The R2000 is truly unlike any 2D scanner that has come before it. It provides ultra-high density (UHD) measurement capabilities by combining a host of unique technologies and innovative features in an incredibly small housing. The measurement accuracy and technological superiority of R2000 UHD is off the charts, but in order to harness this capability, users must have an external PC and also create custom software algorithms specifically for the application. • Up to ¼ million measurement points/s • Angular resolution down to 0.014° • Rapid scan rate of 50 z • Fast Ethernet interface – TCP/IP protocol A General-Purpose R2000 UHD, Please! Immediately following the introduction of the R2000 UHD, we began to receive a tremendous amount of positive feedback as well as an unprecedented number of requests for a device that provides the same level of precision and capability as the UHD model, but for general-purpose use—a device with a simple user interface and more intuitive way for users to create detection “fields.” A device that does not require the customer to write software in order to use it—and also something that is dead simple to use with or without a PLC. We heard our customers loud and clear!

Sensors

eral-purpose device, equipped with discrete I/O and userconfigurable detection fields. Each field can be edited and assigned to a specific, discrete output with intuitive and user friendly software. After configuration, save your settings, then wire to your PLC as you normally would with any other sensor. Best of all, the software is free of charge! • Simple setup - define up to 4 fields • Angular resolution within 0.071° • Scan frequency up to 30 Hz • 4 discrete inputs/outputs (selectable)

What is PRT? Pulse Ranging Technology – true time-of-flight technology

Sensors with PRT emit a very short, high-intensity light pulse and calculate object distance based on the speed-of light and time-of-flight of the reflected light pulse. Unlike other timeof-flight sensors that emit a continuous light beam, PRT sensors emit light pulses up to 250,000 times per second. Compared to a continuous source, the energy density of one PRT pulse can be up to 1,000 times greater, allowing stable and highly reliable detection, even at distances of 300 meters or more. In contrast to triangulation-based sensors, the detection range of a PRT sensor is not limited by the geometrical layout of the sensor optics. Consequently, PRT sensors can take advantage of smaller housings while still providing significantly larger detection ranges.

R2000 Detection Generally and Purposefully Intuitive and User-Friendly We are now extremely proud to introduce the second product to bear the R2000 name, the R2000 Detection. R2000 Detection delivers on precision and capability with an angular resolution of just 0.071°, a fast scan frequency up to 30 Hz, the ability to detect very small objects down to 1 mm, and much more. But just as important, R2000 Detection is a gen-

12 MA • Technology Handbook Sensors

Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087 Phone: 330-425-3555 • Fax: 330-425-4607 Email: sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com

www.pepperl-fuchs.ca

R2000 Series 2D Laser Scanner • Time-of-flight distance measurement with PRT • Gapless, 360° detection angle • Razor-sharp scan plane • High angular and positioning accuracy • Compact design with LED display

www.pepperl-fuchs.us/r2000

Technology handbook

Sensors

The plant floor of tomorrow —today THE TECHNOLOgy TO CREATE SMARTER PLANT FLOORS EXISTS, BUT HARNESSINg IT REqUIRES SOME CREATIVITy

By VANESSA CHRIS

s electronics become smaller, faster, cheaper and smarter, it’s safe to say that the plant floor of the future is here — at least on paper. After all, if we can heat, cool and arm our homes via mobile apps — and create cars that park themselves — that technology should be able to translate into more energyefficient plant floors, forklifts immune to human error, and machines that can alert appropriate technicians when they run into trouble. Right? Well, it’s not that simple. The manufacturing world has always been slow to adapt to new advances in technology — primarily due to costs. Creating a “smarter” plant floor is no different. Behind every smart device ultimately lies a sensor — and despite what you may have heard, not much is changing on that front. “Everyone is used to things moving so fast, but that’s not the case with sensors,” says Jim Pinto, a speaker on technol14 MA • Technology Handbook Sensors

ogy futures, automation industry writer and commentator. “You’ll see new sensors in 2014, but they won’t be cheap or terribly small. They’ll ultimately stay the same — but how we use them will be different.” Evolution of Bluetooth Many sensors, for example, will now be packaged with Bluetooth capabilities. Since the advent of Bluetooth Version 4 (V4) last year, manufacturers have more opportunities at their fingertips — without a huge price tag. Although Bluetooth has been around for a while, V4 is low power with a range of 50 to 100 metres. It has a low bandwidth, with only six to eight channels, making it more difficult to intercept than previous versions. The biggest advantage of Bluetooth V4, however, is that it’s small enough to put on a meta tag. “You can stick these Bluetooth meta tags on something

Technology handbook

Sensors

you want to find later — such as a part, for example — and it will respond to another Bluetooth device that is searching for it,” says Sherman Lang, industrial technology advisor at the National Research Council of Canada. “Add a sensor to it and you can place it on a machine and test for temperature, humidity — anything you’d like.” These Bluetooth tags will likely take the place of RFID tags, which are lower power and need to be close to a transmitter to work. Bluetooth is more powerful and can respond to any type of device that is equipped with Bluetooth capabilities — including smartphones and tablets. Increased mobility Bluetooth is one reason that mobile devices are increasing in popularity on the plant floor. They’re also relatively inexpensive, easy to use and incredibly popular in the commercial world as well. It’s this popularity that is causing more companies and software developers to find new ways to use these devices in manufacturing settings. “The way it works is the guy at the top of a big company has an iPad. He walks into a meeting and says, ‘Tell me how this is going to work in our facility,’” says Matt Crandell, president of Automation Control Products, a company that offers centralized thin client and terminal server management software for the automation industry. “Now these big companies are forming ‘mobility committees’ to figure it out — and the demand for software is increasing.” Crandell’s company is responding to this push. In February, it launched its Relevance software — a program that integrates mobile devices into the company’s existing Thin Client system. Thin Clients are essentially PCs with no hard drive and no resident operating system that take the place of more expensive industrial computers. They are merely terminals that are connected to a PC that is offsite — in a cleaner office environment. When brainstorming ways to integrate mobility into their existing operating structure, there were a lot of questions to consider. “We had to ask ourselves, ‘How do we make this work in our environment?’” he says. “When you’re in a tethered world — Thin Clients are strapped to the floor — the device isn’t going anywhere. When you go mobile, you have to consider who has the device, where do they have it, where are they?” It was pretty obvious that a Bring Your Own Device — or BYOD — approach wasn’t going to work in the manufacturing world. (“No one wants to bring the new iPad they got for Christmas onto the plant floor,” Crandell says.) Instead, companies are required to buy mobile devices that remain on the plant floor, and users sign into them. The mobile devices are then connected to Thin Client terminals via Bluetooth. “The content isn’t delivered to a person, but to the device. The device then becomes a GPS — the software knows the location of the device and the people on the floor,” Crandell says.

“The automation business is traditionally conservative — that’s why it lags behind,” says Pinto. “For the first time ever, we’re seeing a grassroots movement. Users will embrace mobile applications. This has never happened before.” Jim Pinto

As an example of the benefit of this system, imagine an alarm goes off on a machine. The software will detect that there are 20 users on the floor. Of those 20, only five are qualified to deal with the issue at hand. It will then find the qualified user closest to the situation and send the alarm directly to them. This is just one example of how this new technology can make manufacturing more efficient — but there are many others. “This technology offers so many benefits to planning and scheduling on the shop floor,” says Weiming Shen, a researcher and expert in intelligent distribution at the National Research Council. “It can help managers make decisions faster by collecting information in real time. Plant operators can get to information quicker and more accurately. And it offers improved tracking of components and people.” All this tracked data can also easily go back into the system — which can prove helpful, not only for record keeping, but for maintenance as well. “The technology is out there to turn an iPhone into a thermal imaging camera,” says Lang. “If there’s an issue, you can take a picture, send it to the service rep in Germany and they can offer advice.” Obstacles ahead Obviously, like all change in the manufacturing realm, increased mobility comes with its share of challenges. For starters, while new Bluetooth tags are not overly expensive, they still cost more than existing RFID tags — about $10 per tag, compared to just pennies. Increased mobility also means the extinction of the operator position, which could pose a problem in unionized environments. There will also be a learning curve involved as people become acquainted with mobile devices. That being said, the plant floor of the future has never been more attainable. It’s literally right at our fingertips — and many companies will be reaching out and touching it in 2014. “The automation business is traditionally conservative — that’s why it lags behind,” says Pinto. “For the first time ever, we’re seeing a grassroots movement. Users will embrace mobile applications. This has never happened before.” • Vanessa Chris is a freelance writer based in Guelph, Ont. Sensors Technology Handbook • MA 15

Technology handbook

Sensors

INNOvATION

1O1 How to capitalize on opportunities and gain a competitive advantage By SHAWN CASEMORE

16 MA • Technology Handbook Sensors

Technology handbook

Sensors

hen you think of innovation, what names come to mind? Jeff Bezos or Richard Branson? Or you might think of companies like Apple, Google or Zappos — companies that have set the bar through the continuous introduction of new products and services, both inside and outside their niche. In each of the above examples, technology has played a significant role in putting these individuals and companies on the map; however, this has also influenced our beliefs relative to innovation, creating the perception that only through technology are we able to capitalize on innovation. Fortunately, this perception is wrong. As innovation transcends industries, sectors and even countries, I’ve spent considerable time working with and studying some of the most innovative and recognizable companies of our time — companies like GE, Bruce Power and Proctor & Gamble. It’s become obvious that having the ability to capitalize on innovation is not based on investments in technology, but rather lies in an organization’s ability to create systems and processes that facilitate the capture, validation and integration of unique and powerful ideas. Not surprisingly, I’ve found that these companies all follow a similar formula for capturing and capitalizing on innovation. This formula is a pragmatic process for identifying and bringing new ideas to life. In fact, the lack of complexity in these innovation programs allows for any company, regardless of sector or size, to formulate and introduce an innovation program of its own by remembering the following four points.

InnovaTIon IS under your noSe Early in my career, I managed an operational team that incorporated a group of procurement professionals. Each day, there were virtually dozens of cold calls and meetings that occurred between existing and potential suppliers and the procurement team. These calls were perceived as a nuisance to the team, interrupting what they considered to be more important tasks. As a result, the managers went about identifying ways to avoid supplier meetings and interactions. In essence, they were killing innovation opportunities before they had a chance to flourish. Companies like Proctor & Gamble have recognized this opportunity and created an “Open Innovation” forum where they connect and collaborate with external inventors, suppliers and contractors to create and capture ideas on new products. Innovation is right under your nose; you just need to tap into it.

IdeaS don’T alwayS coMe eaSy For innovation to be successful, you must poke, prod and provoke your greatest sources of ideas

into overcoming their mental perceptions of what is actually possible. Kimberly-Clark recognized that although employees held the key to new and innovative solutions, there were barriers and existing mental models that restricted these ideas from being realized. As a result, Kimberly-Clark formed a process whereby the company frequently brought outside thought leaders into their organization to work with internal business teams to overcome mental models and create innovative strategies and ideas. Are you enticing and provoking employees and leaders to think beyond what they believe is possible to find new and innovative solutions?

every good Idea STarTed ouT crazy It wasn’t until an employee stumbled across some snow globes during an annual conference that Disney’s “Blizzard Beach” concept came to life. The very idea of a beach immersed in a snowstorm may seem a little off-the-wall, but as a one of Disney’s major attractions today, this perceivably crazy idea has made positive contributions to the financial success of Disney. Locating and capitalizing on innovative ideas requires an open mind, along with the willingness to consider counter-intuitive and contrarian ideas. Are you enticing leaders, employees and other stakeholders to identify off-the-wall ideas?

when IT coMeS To IdeaS, value and Speed are a prIorITy With all of the sources of innovative ideas tapped into, the task of identifying and investing in the most valuable ideas can be daunting. However, timing is crucial. Would Tesla have created a recognizable and sought-after brand in electric vehicles had they decided to wait a couple more years? Processes to facilitate the capture, validation and implementation of new and innovative ideas must focus on prioritizing each idea based on their value (to the company, its customers and vision) and speed (how quickly the idea can be brought to life). Do you have a process to contrast new ideas against value and speed? Despite what many might have you believe, innovation is not a complex process. It is a valuable tool that can be engrained into your company’s daily operations, forming a competitive advantage that can survive the life of the organization. Isn’t it time you considered incorporating an innovation process for your organization? •

Shawn Casemore (@ShawnCasemore) is the president and founder of Casemore and Co Incorporated (www.casemoreandco. com), a management consultancy helping businesses build companies that employees and customers value. Sensors Technology Handbook • MA 17