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OMAC, ISA Announce Intent to Merge

Research Triangle Park, N.C. (21 January 2005) - OMAC–The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users' Group and ISA–The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society are pleased to announce their intention to combine their missions to aid industry in the successful development and application of automation technologies. 

The merger will allow both organizations to build on their respective strengths. The two organizations are working through the final stages of a merger that would result in OMAC functioning as a subsidiary of ISA. Remaining steps of the merger should be completed in the first half of 2005.

OMAC's mission, past activities, and future activities align well with those of ISA.

  • 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

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