Up Time Magazine- February/March 2008

Laws exist in all U.S. states and in Canada that limit the use of certain derivative or explanatory engineering titles. In particular, the title “Professional Engineer” is limited, as are often titles indicating a specific, regulated branch of engineering (such as “civil engineer” or “mechanical engineer”). Nevertheless, most U.S. states do not restrict unlicensed persons from calling themselves an “engineer” or indicating branches or specialties not covered by the licensing acts, though the legal situation regarding the title of “engineer” in Canada is unsettled. Again, the situation is entirely different for engineers wishing to use the designation P.E., the letter “P” indicating “Professional.” Use of the P.E. title is restricted to licensure by individual States. The same is true in Canada, where the designation “P. Eng.” is being used. The status of maintenance and reliability engineers is unclear and has been the subject of debate for decades. In general, engineers in the United States are not held in the same esteem as, say, medical doctors. Some of this is cultural and may never change. If, in the United States, Hubert Google is a medical doctor, he’s likely addressed as Dr. Google. If he’s an engineer, he’s more likely addressed as Hubie. We will leave it to the reader to determine which of the two ways of addressing professionals conveys more respect. Nevertheless, it might be worth noting the specific experiencebased remedies that have, in the past, and will, in the future, allow perceptive engineers to climb out of the rut in which others apparently find themselves. But first, some background information. Success as an Engineer: Choices To Be Made In 2007, guidance from more experienced co-workers is often unavailable. The novice engineer may end up reporting to someone who never expressed his, or the company’s, expectations in plain English. Moreover, expectations have often been misdirected by a superior whose own background has nothing to do with the various engineering disciplines reporting to him. The situation was different in the 1950’s and 1960. A mechanical engineer’s career was then largely influenced by supervisors and managers who had moved through the same, or at least similar, knowledge related career steps. Guidance and direction given in the mid-20th century was thus far more focused than offered today by early 21st-century generalists and money-management types. The world view of today’s boss is often shaped by motives and forces that differ substantially from those a few decades ago. As one of the consequences, far fewer engineers today are being enabled and empowered to act as decision makers. Remember that we make many choices every day. While time and unforeseen occurrences befall anyone, our lives are largely influenced by the choices we make. A young engineer can choose to get virtually all of his or her post-college training in the form of on-thejob learning. Although there is certainly nothing wrong with absorbing and thinking on-the-job, engineers that want to be in control of their lives must buttress and supplement this learning with mature reading hab- DID YOU EVER PLAY A GAME THAT COULD SAVE YOU MONEY? Knowledge is Power. Leonova™ Inﬁnity is a new, versatile, comprehensive handheld machine condition analyser. It is fast, light, ergonomic, cost-effective and incorporates numerous technologies. Leonova Inﬁnity measures and analyses shock pulses, SPM Spectrum™, FFT vibration, two channel, speed, temperature and analog signals in voltage and current. In addition to single/dual plane balancing and laser alignment, options also include bump test, orbit analysis and run up/coast down vibration checks. * Proven Results * Sustainability 30,000 people have made the shift from reactive to pro-active manufacturing using cross functional teams and defect elimination. The Manufacturing Game® www.leonovabyspm.com www.uptimemagazine.com 1- 800 505 5636 www.mfg-game.com (281) 812-4148 63 http://www.mfg-game.com http://www.leonovabyspm.com http://www.leonovabyspm.com http://www.uptimemagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Up Time Magazine- February/March 2008

Up Time Magazine- February/March 2008 Contents Upfront Upclose: Lessons Learned from the Walter Reed Story Information Technology: Parenting and Asset Performance Infrared: It's Alive! Lubrication: A Sense of Change Maintenance Management: PdM, Standardized Motor Testing: Being Well Connected Precision Maintenance: How to be Marketable Reliability: The Voyage of Wells Dairy Ultrasound: Two is Better Than One Vibration: Diagnosing a Cracked Shaft Upgrade: A Different Kind of Journey

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