ISA NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Infantino
(919) 990-9287
jinfantino@isa.org
Research Points to Value of ISA
Research Triangle Park, NC (16 June 2005) - Focus groups confirm ISA's belief that it is a repository of knowledge for automation professionals. "We have a long history of being at the forefront of collecting, vetting and disseminating essential information to the industry. It's one of the pillars of ISA's new positioning, 'Setting the Standard for Automation,'" noted Marty Zielinski, Vice President, ISA Image and Membership Development Department.
The groups, conducted in Houston and Chicago, targeted both members and non-members of ISA. John Mann of Mann Consulting in Denver, who moderated the groups, said "People have a lot more choices these days, and if ISA is to maintain its leadership position, it will have to keep pace with the changing world of engineering." Zielinski agrees, "While we were excited about the research results, we got important feedback about things we need to be doing better, and the society is gearing up to move on the groups' feedback."
ISA's worldwide name recognition was recognized by focus group participants as a key advantage, along with its reputation as being a "fair and objective arbiter who bridges technical gaps," especially when other organizations issue conflicting standards. Younger engineers noted that ISA was possibly the "only practical resource" to obtain vital historical information. "Many older engineers have retired and we can't tap into their knowledge anymore. ISA is the first place I turn to," said one Chicago engineer.
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).
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