The OMAC leadership team is developing the framework for the first OMAC technical symposium, to be held Nov. 28-29, 2007. The annual symposium will center on integration between the process and discrete industries, using standards like those for CAM and NC control, inspection, CAD definition, data packaging, process planning, and automotive manufacturing. The forum will be hosted by the Boeing Company in Everett, WA, at the Boeing Visitor Center and Hilton Garden.

The organization hopes the two-day event will bring together and integrate the OMAC Working Groups (machine tool, packaging, MS MUG, etc.) into a single cohesive body working toward enhanced collaboration between process and discrete industries. Attendees will engage in a series of best practices presentations focused on integration from the process and discrete industries, take a tour of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner assembly operation, and experience working group breakout sessions with opportunities for personal networking. Technical content for the presentations will be provided by the Automation Federation member organizations and other industry experts.

Seating capacity is limited to 150 attendees, and registration for the symposium will open in August. The preliminary schedule provides an OMAC Working Group members meeting, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner assembly tour, a series of case studies presented by Boeing, additional case studies from other companies, and breakout sessions.

www.omac.org