Celebrating automation

Bruno Kisala, managing director of the Automation Federation, celebrates the organization’s first birthday in this issue’s ISA Insight column by answering frequently asked questions about the Federation’s place in automation, its function and about its member organizations. He clarifies how ISA, OMAC, WBF and WINA differ under the organizational umbrella of the Automation Federation.

ISA has been an AppliedAutomation supporter since its launch a year ago. Although ISA has its own official publication, AppliedAutomation is another avenue through which ISA, Automation Federation and its other member organizations can reach automation and control professionals.

One of the main goals of the Automation Federation and its supporting member organizations is to advance the profession. “Historically, ISA has focused on standards, certification, education and training, publications and conferences,” said Kisala.

The main conference, ISA Expo, is one of the primary events in automation and control. One way to show your support for our industry is to plan now to attend ISA Expo 2007. This year’s theme is “One Event, Six Exchanges.” “We’ve organized the conference sessions into highly focused technical exchanges, ensuring that individuals can immerse themselves in the technology that matters to them,” said ISA executive director and CEO, Patrick Gouhin.

The way I see it, ISA has put a lot of work into making this year’s Expo a must-attend event. “Now, it’s up to the automation community to send their best and brightest minds to the event,” said Gouhin.

This is your organization – our organization. “ISA Expo is a chance for you to bring home useful, real-world knowledge and apply it in your daily work,” Gouhin said.

What you get out of ISA Expo is directly proportional to what you put into it.