ISA’s executive board has approved the establishment of the Automation Federation as an umbrella organization. It will allow associations and societies engaged in manufacturing and process automation activities to work more effectively in fulfilling their missions. It will coordinate the work of member organizations engaged in advancement of the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications. Common objectives of the member organizations are to:
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Promote the value and image of the automation profession
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Foster the development and dissemination of educational and informational resources to develop new generations of automation professionals;
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Enhance the effectiveness of existing professionals, and advance the automation profession; and
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Facilitate promulgation of industry standards enhancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of automation technology and applications.
The Automation Federation will provide industry-wide strategic analysis and coordination through its member organizations. It will provide technical management, administration, and integrated services such as seminars, web conferences, training, and conference services to be shared among participating organizations.
Ken Baker, ISA president said, “I’m excited about the formation of the Automation Federation. The membership of the Federation will be open to all organizations interested in promoting the development, implementation and commercialization of automation technologies. I’m delighted that WBF has chosen to join with ISA and OMAC to establish this new umbrella group. Our collaboration is sure to create added value for automation professionals worldwide.”
OMAC and WBF are charter members of the Automation Federation. The Automation Federation will allow WBF and OMAC volunteers to concentrate on the professional exchange of information between automation and manufacturing professionals. Cost effective, technically oriented professional management will help WBF, OMAC, and other Federation members to coordinate their efforts and extend their reach into other active regions in the world. In addition, The Automation Federation will provide more opportunities for professional interaction and sharing of knowledge through a broader range of services and coordinated activities.
“By joining with other non-profit organizations with similar interests, WBF and the other alliance organizations can better collaborate, interact, and leverage the resources of a common support staff to provide better services to all their respective members,” said Maurice Wilkins, WBF’s chairman, Millennium Specialty Chemical, a Lyondell company.
The Automation Federation will be operational by the end of June.
— Richard Phelps , senior editor, Control Engineering
