Everyone needs project help now and again. To help you connect with the best automation system integrators, Control Engineering provides this annual print-based reference tool, and Control Engineering Online delivers the year-round Web-based guide to help provide exactly the expertise to help.

This year's updated information, again delivered by Control Engineering consulting editor, Vance VanDoren, includes more than 1,000 listings, many with information about:

• Geographic areas served;
• Product experience;
• Industries served;
• Engineering specialties;
• Corporate affiliations (which explains if the integrator is a value-added re-seller, authorized system integrator, or distributor);
• Annual revenue, and
• Professional affiliations.

Or search by name.

Sponsored listings contain more detailed information.

The index in this supplement to the December 2003 issue of Control Engineering can be used to look up an integrator by the attributes described above.

6 COVER STORY: Integrators Take Projects from Concept to Completion

System integrators offer tips for ensuring successful automation projects, as related by Control Engineering's Vance J. VanDoren.

12 What Does CSIA Stand For ?

Norm O'Leary, executive director of the Control and Information System Integrators Association, explains programs that benefit integrators and their clients.

14 State Automates Liquor Fulfillment Washington State Liquor Control Board sought to better manage fluctuating, seasonal demand for more than 70 stores, with help from FKI Logistex Alvey Systems.

Outsourced Integration, a Control Engineering Webcast, will be available for viewing via www.controleng.com/webcast through Feb. 3, 2003. It covers: critical factors that differentiate system integrators; how to know when you really need to outsource a project to a system integrator; and what to consider when selecting a system integrator. The Webcast is sponsored by GE Fanuc and CSIA.

Automation Integrator Guide Online: Online registered users can do a multi-parameter search eight ways at www.controleng.com/integrators. Because of the value of the search, we ask users to register to use this and the Buyer's Guide online search capabilities, at www.controleng.com/buyersguide.

Control Engineering System Integration e-mail newsletter: while registering or updating your registration, you can also subscribe free to this and other e-mail newsletters. Also at www.controleng.com, click into and read the latest System Integration e-newsletter.

Control Engineering System Integration Channel is available at www.controleng.com/integration.

System integrators for automation, controls, or instrumentation may add or augment information online via a link on the Control Engineering search page at www.controleng.com/integrators (registration required). Click into the "Apply for a listing..." link on the bottom of the page. You may also call 765/296-7600.

Learn more about other advanced listing and promotional options at www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Mark T. Hoske, on behalf of the Control Engineering staff