Starting off the new century with an automation project? Look no further. Begin your project right here.

Welcome to the 2000 edition of our Automation Integrator Guide, Control Engineering's annual directory of control system integrators. This is the seventh year of our Automation Integrator Guide. If this holiday season finds you looking for a new automation system, the Automation Integrator Guide is your catalog.

Up front we've provided five success stories, illustrating how control system integrators have come to manufacturers' rescue. These successful projects occurred in a diverse set of industries and settings, ranging from a construction equipment plant to a factory that turns out salad dressing; from an airport's new refueling system to a factory where seats are made for automobiles. There's even a story about how an integrator helped an aircraft engine manufacturer accurately measure and test engine blades.

Adding to the five integrator stories, Control Engineering consulting editor, Vance VanDoren, illustrates the pros and cons of system integrator/vendor partnerships. The article provides an overview of how these partnerships are formed, what the partnerships offer, and illustrates how some vendors who offer their own system integration services peacefully coexist with their partners.

We also welcome for the first time Norm O'Leary, the new executive director of CSIA, the Control System Integrators Association. This is Norm's first contribution to the Automation Integrator Guide since he took over the position for the late Richard Brandon.

The directory of integrators starts on page 28. Listed are over 1,000 system integrators, control consultants, and other automation engineering firms ready to help meet your automation goals for the upcoming year. Some provide additional details as to the types of industries they serve, their engineering specialties, products they've worked with most often, and specific geographical areas where they will operate. You will also find some companies that have specific professional and corporate affiliations. Some of the corporate affiliations you will find here are signified by corporate logos. Indexes for the above-mentioned categories begin on page 117.

The online Integrator Guide also can be found at www.controleng.com/integrators. There you'll be able to search the guide by using keywords. You'll also have the opportunity to link to vendor and integrator web sites for more detailed information.

If your company provides system integration services, and isn't part of this edition of the Automation Integrator Guide, you can get a jump on being listed in the 2001 edition. Go to www.controleng.com/integrators/regform.htm to register for next year. Vendors who want their integrator partnership programs in the 2001 edition can contact us via e-mail at controleng@ email.msn.com. Additional information for integrators listed here can also be obtained from VDI Research. Call 765/497-3367, extension AUTO (2886) for details.

More coverage of the automation integration industry will be forthcoming throughout 2000. Control Engineering will begin a new series of "Integrator Updates." These one-page articles will highlight more of the work system integrators are doing for their clients. Integrators wishing to contribute their success stories to this series can send their ideas to controleng@email.msn.com