OMAC planning to merge with ISA

The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) has confirmed that the Open Modular Architecture Controls (OMAC) Users' Group was expected to vote Feb. 3 to merge with ISA. The vote was expected at OMAC's annual membership meeting, which was held during the resent ARC Advisory Group Forum in Orlando, FL.

By Staff February 1, 2005

The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) has confirmed that the Open Modular Architecture Controls (OMAC) Users’ Group was expected to vote Feb. 3 to merge with ISA. The vote was expected at OMAC’s annual membership meeting, which was held during the resent ARC Advisory Group Forum in Orlando, FL. ISA’s executive board is likely approve the merger by the end of February.

Because of its growing activity level, OMAC has been seeking ways to become a more formal, established organization. However, because it also didn’t want to incorporate as a standalone entity, OMAC reportedly has been talking since mid-2004 about aligning with another organization. OMAC has been administered by ARC, which is expected to continue to have a role in the group.

OMAC and ISA presently are working through the final stages of organizing the merger, which will likely result in OMAC retaining its name and functioning as a subsidiary of ISA. Remaining steps of the merger should be completed in the first half of 2005.

OMAC reports that its mission, past activities, and future activities are well aligned with ISA. Their similar goals and efforts include:

  • OMAC’s work with representatives from discrete manufacturing companies complements ISA’s traditional strengths in the process and batch sectors.

  • OMAC’s focus on satisfying the technical needs of end-users enhances ISA’s mission to serve the information needs of automation professionals.

  • OMAC’s rapid development of guidelines can serve as a valuable first step towards the adoption of ANSI or IEC standards through ISA’s accredited process.

  • OMAC’s collaborations with other industry organizations complement similar ISA relationships.