This is the verbatim release from ISA on the Automation Alliance. Automation Alliance Group LLC is meeting on Wednesday to discuss name infringement issues. It should also be noted that in the last paragraph below, "seemed pleased" should be read as "stunned and poleaxed" in the interest of fairness in journalism.
Walt
The Automation Alliance Is Envisioned to Advance Technology Innovation
and Applications
Research Triangle Park, NC (6 March 2006) - ISA announced the intent to
create The Automation Alliance 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:
* promote the value and image of the automation profession in
contributing to manufacturing effectiveness and efficiency,
* 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.
* facilitate the promulgation of industry standards that enhance
the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of automation technology
and application.
The Automation Alliance will provide industry wide strategic analysis
and coordination through its member organizations. The Alliance 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 Alliance 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 Alliance. The Automation Alliance 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 Alliance members to coordinate their efforts and extend their
reach into other active regions in the world. In addition, The
Automation Alliance 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 Alliance to be operational before the end of June, once the
details, formal approvals, and legal tasks have been finalized.
