Signature Technologies Process Control Award The application of in-process electronics, sensors and final control elements are revolutionizing the metalforming industry. This award promotes the application of electronic process controls in the metalforming process by recognizing innovative electronic solutions implemented by any manufacturing company which have resulted in significant quality, cost reduction, and/or productivity improvements. Sponsored by Signature Technologies, Dallas, Texas, this award confers upon the winner a PC-based signature-based process control system which also includes conventional die protection and tonnage monitoring capability with an estimated value of $12,000*. A commemorative plaque is also conferred. *Award winner is responsible to supply sensors, resolver and PC of choice. Normal and customary phone consultation for application engineering, device selection and configuration is included. Benefits of Entering PRIDE Instill a sense of accomplishment in your employees. Create awareness for the valuable contributions they make to your products and services. Appoint a team to identify noteworthy achievements and prepare your company's entry. Watch their competitive spirit soar. PROFESSIONALISM Winning an award is a great way to recognize individual effort and motivate others to adopt a winning attitude. Plan to have those employees who contributed to your company's success accept the award on your company's behalf. PRESTIGE Distinguish yourself from the competition! Be perceived as an industry leader by your customers. Earn their respect and admiration for accomplishments that improve your business and theirs. PUBLICITY Receive the kind of recognition that's good for business. Award recipients will be featured prominently in MetalForming magazine reaching more than 168,000 readers, PMA's member newsletter (Update) and other metalworking and customer-related publications. PRIZES Win Cash! Prizes for award categories range from $1,000 to $5,000. Use your winnings to reward your employees for a job well done or contribute to a worthy cause. Winners receive a plaque commemorating their achievement at a special Awards Ceremony planned in conjunction with METALFORM2002 in Chicago. Industry recognition that's unsurpassed! You'll get visibility from: your company being featured in the awards promotional display at the METALFORM Exposition. prominent coverage in MetalForming magazine reaching more than 168,000 readers in the metalforming industry. customized press releases to your key customers, suppliers and metalworking markets. key presence on Metalforming Online--PMA's gateway to the World Wide Web. induction to the prestigious winners circle included in the 2003 Awards of Excellence brochure. a full year's use of attractively designed stickers to place on company correspondence.

Submission Requirements  (For manufacturers only) 

Short, to-the-point submissions that meet the specific criteria below are required (note that best prior applications were only two pages but addressed each point below concisely).

	a clearly written description and supporting 35mm photos,
	a description clearly identifying an electronics-based process control solution which includes identification of the sensor types, control methods and final control devices (monitoring solutions, i.e. those which require human intervention between the sensor and the final control device are not acceptable);
	outline the various alternatives for controlling the process that were considered and explain the reasons why you ultimately selected the method presently in use;
	explain what is unique or innovative about the method selected;
	provide before and after samples, data, and cost benefit analysis. Explain how these demonstrate/justify your significant improvements in quality, cost reduction, and/or productivity;
	process control solutions developed and implemented by the manufacturer themselves will be viewed more favorably than those instituted directly by a supplier or consultant.

Past Award Winners

	2003:    Anchor Tool & Die Co. AGAIN!!!
	2002:    Anchor Tool & Die Co.
	2001:    Thomas Engineering Co.
	2000:    SKD Company, Brampton Div.
	1999:    Trico Products, Brownsville
	1998:    Not Presented
	1997:    GR Spring & Stamping, Inc.
	1996:    Accra-Fab Inc.

Where to Send Entries

Entry forms and all necessary materials should be sent to: 

(click text to go to form)

PMA c/o [Name of Award]
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131

Please note the specific award you are entering on the mailing label. If you are entering more than one category, please submit your entries separately.