Research Triangle Park, NC (24 March 2006) - ISA announced today that
its Executive Board has approved the establishment of 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:
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, "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.
"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 Automation Federation will be operational by the end of June.
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 one of
the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in
the Western Hemisphere.
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.
About WBF
WBF - The Forum for Automation and Manufacturing Professionals
(www.wbf.org), is a non-profit, professional organization established in
1994 to support the process automation and operations needs of the
technical and management professions in process manufacturing. WBF
facilitates the interchange and development of information and knowledge
in order to help its members succeed and to exert a positive influence
on industry.
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