ISA NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Infantino
(919) 990-9287
jinfantino@isa.org
The Automation Federation Is Envisioned to Advance Technology Innovation and Applications
Research Triangle Park, NC (6 March 2006) – ISA announced the intent to create The Automation Federation as an umbrella organization under which associations and societies engaged in manufacturing and process automation activities can work more effectively to fulfill their missions. It will coordinate the work of member organizations engaged in advancement of the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications. The common objectives of the member organizations are to:
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promote the value and image of the automation profession in contributing to manufacturing effectiveness and efficiency,
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facilitate the development and dissemination of educational and informational resources intended to develop new generations of automation professionals, enhance the effectiveness of existing professionals, and advance the automation profession.
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facilitate the promulgation of industry standards that enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of automation technology and application.
The Automation Federation will provide industry wide strategic analysis and coordination through its member organizations. The Federation 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, “The membership of The Federation will be open to all organizations interested in promoting the development, implementation and commercialization of automation technologies. We are delighted that ISA is able to join with such outstanding organizations as OMAC and WBF to establish this new umbrella group.”
OMAC and WBF announced their intent to be 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.
“OMAC has been delighted with our formal affiliation with ISA that we started in 2005,” said OMAC Chairman of the Board Andy McDonald, Unilever, “and extending this relationship into a partnership with WBF and other relevant organizations promises to further elevate the visibility for the automation professional.”
The announcement was made at the WBF 2006 North American Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. The more than 200 conference attendees seemed pleased with the announcement and look forward to learning more details. WBF, OMAC, and ISA have signed a statement of intent and expect The Automation Federation to be operational before the end of June, once the details, formal approvals, and legal tasks have been finalized.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, ISA (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
About WBF
WBF provides an open forum for the exchange of information related to the management, operation, and automation of manufacturing processes. Created in 1994, members of the non-profit, professional organization include end-users, vendors, consultants and academics. WBF provides organization, management, and structure to facilitate networking among its members and sharing of knowledge and information related to manufacturing processes. WBF documents best practices and guidelines for implementation of standards that apply to batch control and the exchange of batch data, as well as conducting technical conferences and technical training programs. WBF is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org). More information about WBF is available at www.wbf.org.
About OMAC
OMAC–The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users’ Group (www.omac.org) is an affiliate organization of ISA- The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society- and works to collectively derive common solutions for both technical and non-technical issues in the development, implementation, and commercialization of open, modular architecture control (OMAC) technologies, and to facilitate the accelerated development and convergence of industry and government developed OMAC technology guidelines to one set that satisfies common use requirements. OMAC has about 500 member representatives from end-user companies, OEM's, and technology providers and integrator companies. OMAC currently operates three Work Groups: Packaging Machinery, Manufacturing Infrastructure, and Machine Tool. OMAC is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
For more information contact
T. S. "Chip" Lee
tlee@isa.org
(919) 990-9412
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