Sponsor for control system conference.

Seeq will sponsor this year’s Control System Integrators Association annual conference as it grows its worldwide partner network.

Seeq will join more than 500 control system integrators from around the globe on April 24-27 in San Francisco (CS USA) for the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Executive Conference. Seeq is excited to be a member of CSIA and participate in the annual Executive Conference where members meet, collaborate and learn from each other.

“System Integrators are critical to the delivery of Seeq as an advanced analytics solution. Our customers rely upon the experience and expertise of CSIA members to enable solutions that deliver insight and drive results,” highlighted Michael Risse, CMO and VP of Strategy for Seeq.

“We are excited to welcome our system integrators, as well as CSIA members like Seeq that contribute to our theme of ‘Growth Through Innovation and Sound Business Practices.’ Each year our members are excited to get together, share best practices, and learn about the latest technologies contributing to their success and growth,” commented CSIA Board Chair, Jeff Miller, from Interstates Control Systems.

In addition to training workshops and educational sessions, CSIA will host their Annual Industry Expo where Seeq will be featured in Booth 37. Seeq will also be sponsoring and participating in the CSIA Fun Run/Walk.

“CSIA not only provides a great environment to learn from others, but also to identify emerging technologies like Seeq. Customers are demanding insights into the data they collect and utilizing Seeq along with our operations expertise to make their companies more data driven and agile” according to Nick Wiley, Executive Vice President at Casne Engineering, a CSIA member since 2008.

@SeeqCorporation #PAuto @CSIAtweet

Learn project management!

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) to deliver a web-based project management course customised to meet the specialised needs of system integrators.

Project Management for Automation and Control System Integration (MT08W) will be taught live online by an ISA expert instructor during four brief sessions spread over two consecutive weeks. Consistent with CSIA Best Practices© and CSIA’s commitment to improve the business practices of system integrators, the course covers all aspects of project management phases, functions, responsibilities, techniques and tools.

“ISA is pleased to collaborate with CSIA on the development of this new project management course for system integrators,” says Dalton Wilson, ISA’s Director of Education Services. “Through our discussions with CSIA, it was made clear to us that demand is rising among CSIA members for comprehensive project management training. By making the course available over the Web with live instruction by a leading subject-matter expert, we’re blending convenience with an engaging, high-quality learning format.”

“Best Practices represents the backbone of CSIA and project management is a key section of our manual,” explains Jose M. Rivera, CSIA CEO. “This training addresses the need of our members for immediate applicability to their jobs while reducing the lost productivity and costs associated with travel.”

The new course will debut in March of this year (2016), with four-hour classes taught on Tuesday, 8 March; Thursday, 10 March; Tuesday, 15 March; and Thursday, 17 March. Another offering is planned for the autumnLearn project management.

Course registration, payment processing and enrollment confirmation are provided through ISA's website and customer service department. To view a description of the course and enroll online today, click here.

#PAuto @isaInterchange @CSIAtweet

Economist to shed positive light on future to system integrators!

Economist Alan Beaulieu’s message for the industrial automation community is one of optimism and action. Beaulieu, a recognised economist and the president of ITR Economics, will deliver the keynote address at the 2014 Executive Conference of the Control System Integrators Association, (23-26/4/2014 San Diego, CA USA).

Alan Beaulieu

“This year will be an off year, but this may work to the advantage of firms that are poised to act in the economic expansion anticipated for 2015 and beyond,” says Beaulieu. “We will discuss the good and the bad, and determine the best course of action for control system integrators based on an objective, verifiable reality.”

More than 500 control system integrators and vendor partners – both members and non-members – from the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia and more are expected to attend the conference.

Other speakers include Robert Tucker, president of the Innovation Resource Consulting Group, who will speak about driving growth through innovation. Nick Setchell, CEO, Practice Strategies, a highly rated speaker at the 2013 conference and a top-rated international Vistage speaker, returns this year with a presentation on the keys to capturing ideas that contribute to financial success. How the best companies select people and build winning cultures will be presented by Ken Edmundson, CEO, Ken Edmundson LLC. He also is a top-rated international Vistage speaker.

CSIA will be debuting its new online community, the Industrial Automation Exchange, during the conference. The Exchange will replace the association’s popular Find an Integrator directory with a feature-rich, online community that connects system integrators, industry suppliers and end-user clients.

The conference also features 20 breakout sessions on various topics related to the business of system integration, networking opportunities and an industry trade show.

Board changes announced at CSIA #PAuto

Piercarlo (PC) Romano was selected for a two-year term as chairman of the board of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) at the association’s annual executive conference. Jeff Miller was appointed treasurer by the board.

Piercarlo Romano

New directors elected during the association’s annual executive conference are:
• Michael Miller, president, ESCO Automation, Marion, Iowa, U.S.
• Don Ulrich, president, Stone Technologies Inc., Chesterfield, Mo., U.S.

The new directors join the following directors, whose terms continue:
• Eduardo Acosta, chief executive officer, Omnicon S.A., Cali, Colombia;
• Richard Brueggman, president and chief executive officer, Data Science Automation, Pittsburgh, Penn., U.S.; and
• Sam Hoff, president, Patti Engineering, Inc., Auburn Hills, Mich., U.S.

Lynda J. Patterson, FASAE, CAE, continues as president. Robert Lowe is the association’s executive director.

Romano is president of Avid Solutions Inc., a CSIA Certified control system integrator based in Winston-Salem, N.C., U.S. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of CSIA. We’re focusing our resources on creating maximum value for our members and their clients, plus we’re rolling out innovative new benefits,” says Romano. “With our continued growth, we can expect CSIA’s influence to expand and elevate the industry and everyone associated with it.”

Romano succeeds Stephen Goldberg, director of information technology at Matrix Technologies, a founding member and CSIA Certified member headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, U.S. During Goldberg’s term, interest in CSIA membership by system integrators located outside of the United States grew significantly, and the organization adopted a global strategy to serve an increasingly diverse, international membership. In addition, great gains were made in educating system integrators’ potential clients about CSIA. Goldberg will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chair.

Joe Martin, president of Martin Control Systems Inc., Dublin, Ohio, U.S., concluded a four-year term on the board of directors.

Time running out!

Early registration for the 2013 Executive Conference of the Control System Integrators Association ends Monday, April 8. If attendees register before then they save $100,00 (€78,00).

More than 400 control system integrators and industry partners will gather May 1 – 4 in St. Petersburg Beach, (Fl USA) For complete program details, registration information and hotel reservations are on the conference website.

The conference features more than two dozen programs and workshops developed to help advance the industry of control system integration worldwide. Networking opportunities and an industry trade show round out the conference.

Now in its 20th year, CSIA helps control system integrators improve their business management skills for long-term success and serves as the “go-to” resource for control system integration.

Optimistic about manufacturing

More than two dozen workshops planned for CSIA Executive Conference

Economist Alan Beaulieu is optimistic about the future of manufacturers and the control system integrators who help them automate industrial equipment and systems.

Alan Beaulieu

“The media fears are overstated, as are the recent (US) Congressional Budget Office estimates for growth,” says Beaulieu, a recognized economist and the president of ITR Economics. Beaulieu will deliver the keynote address at the 2013 Executive Conference of the Control System Integrators Association, May 1 – 4.

In his keynote address, Beaulieu will examine both the good and the bad in current forecasts and offer the best course of action for control system integrators, based on “objective reality.”

Other speakers during the conference include CSIA attorney Mark Voigtmann of Faegre Baker Daniels, who returns with his popular 21 Legal Takeaways, and Ted Garnett, president of Performance Resources Consulting, whose SPEED metrics methods help work teams improve performance. The conference also features more than two dozen workshops, networking opportunities and an industry trade show.

More than 400 control system integrators and vendor partners from the United States, Canada, Latin America and abroad are expected at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla., U.S.

System integrators to meet

The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) invites all control system integrators and industry partners to its 2013 Executive Conference, May 1 – 4, in St. Pete Beach, near St. Petersburg, Fla., U.S.

Keynote speakers include Alan Beaulieu, president of the Institute for Trend Research, who will give a preview of the economic developments affecting control system integrators, and Ted Garnett, president of Performance Resources Consulting, who will speak about improving team performance.

More than 20 breakout sessions feature experts and members speaking on a wide range of topics chosen to help registrants improve their independent control system integration businesses. Also planned is an industry expo with more than 50 companies showcasing new products and applications.

The 2013 Executive Conference is expected to draw more than 400 control system integrators and their associates from the United States, Canada, Latin America and abroad, making it the premier event for control system integrators.

New members

The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) has announced the following control system integration firms have joined as associate members:

• Axcend Automation and Software Solutions Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Control Systems Integration, Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
• Oros Electro Control, Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico
• Sterling Automation, Inc., Maple Grove, Minn., U.S.

New participating members are:
• Arun Electric, Bell Buckle, Tenn. U.S.
• Moriah Engineering Solutions, Inc., Isabela, Puerto Rico, U.S.

Control system bootcamp!

Control system integration firms that want to excel in business as well as technology are invited to enroll in the Control System Integrators Association Boot Camp, Sept. 27 – 28, in Orlando (FL USA)
CSIA Boot Camp is an intensive two-day session designed to help system integrators prepare for the certification audit. To become CSIA Certified, control system integrators must join CSIA and demonstrate through an independent audit that they have implemented the association’s best practices for business management.

During the training, representatives from Exotek, one of the CSIA-approved certification auditors, will review the systems, policies and procedures necessary to successfully prepare for and pass a CSIA certification audit. Because audit preparation is a company-wide endeavor, identifying an internal champion to lead the effort is recommended. The audit leader and other key personnel will benefit most from attending Boot Camp.

“The Boot Camp offered me an opportunity to really dive into the best practices specifically as they relate to the key audit points. The course walked you through in detail the expectations for each section and having folks there who could help to explain each point was very helpful,” says Emily Smith, who attended last year’s Boot Camp. Smith is director of treasury services and human resources at Integrity Integration Resources, a CSIA Certified member based in Plano, Texas.

CSIA Boot Camp will be held in conjunction with the ISA Automation Week.

New webs site for control system integrators

A new, enhanced web site, designed to serve as a resource for clients of control system integrators, in addition to information for current and prospective members has been launched by the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA).

The web site reflects CSIA’s expanded mission to educate buyers about the control system integration process, the benefits of retaining CSIA members, and the added security and value CSIA certification brings to control system integration projects.

“Serving control system integrators and raising the bar for successful business management continues to be our primary mission,” said CSIA Executive Director Robert Lowe. “Our leadership recognized that raising awareness of control system integration and the value that CSIA membership brings to the end user would ultimately help our members succeed.”

Visitors to the new web site’s home page will be asked to self-select their audience type. One side of the site is written for clients (“end users”) who are looking for a solution to their industrial automation needs. The other side is for integrators who are interested in learning more about the association and the benefits CSIA membership affords.

Content for prospective clients of CSIA members includes information about the types of services a control system integrator performs in particular industries, along with case studies related to that industry. Additionally, there is a list of certified members who work in that particular industry. Visitors can search all industries by choosing a menu item that directs them to CSIA’s popular “Find an Integrator” search engine.

On the integrator side of the new site, visitors can expect leaner, more focused content written with the no-time-to-waste integrator in mind. News, events and information about best practices and the certification process appear here, along with a link to the CSIA Connected Community, the CSIA’s social media site available to all members and registered guests.

Throughout the site, visitors will find a red flag in the upper right corner that takes them directly to the search form for Find an Integrator. No matter where a visitor enters the site, which could be anywhere the search engine leads them, CSIA wants visitors to easily locate the right integrator for their project. A shortcut to the membership list appears at the bottom of every page, for those who want to bypass the search function.

CSIA staff, assisted by a marketing and public relations firm, will be continuously updating the site’s content with newly published articles, case studies and updates about the annual conference and other association activity.

Best practice for control system integration

A newly released version of the Control System Integrators Association’s Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual includes a new section establishing best practices for service and support functions.

The new release is the fourth major revision of the manual since its original release in 1997. Considered the “gold standard” for operating a successful system integration business, the manual provides a roadmap for system integrators who are seeking to improve their business as well as seeking CSIA Certification. The manual covers a wide range of management practices, including financial management, project management, quality assurance, human resources and marketing.

The new service and support section covers strategy, methodology, organizational structure and management topics that are unique to how an integrator provides service and support for their clients to meet their needs after installation of a control system. Other changes in the new version include considerable clarification and document reorganization to help improve the understanding and flow of the document, based on feedback received by the independent auditors who conduct certification audits. The marketing section was completely refined and reorganized, based on recommendations from the CSIA Sales Excellence Council.

“Feedback from many member companies, as well as clients from a broad range of industries, contributed significantly to the new version,” said Jeff Miller, director of automation services at Interstates Control Systems, Inc., and chair of the CSIA Best Practices Committee.

To become CSIA Certified, members must demonstrate in an independent audit that their firms meet or exceed 79 audit criteria that are derived directly from the Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual. Certified members are re-audited every three years and recertified if they meet current performance standards.

“Establishing and promoting best practices is a key part of CSIA’s mission,” said Executive Director Robert Lowe. “By becoming certified, members demonstrate that they are committed to delivering the level of quality, performance and long-term support their clients expect.”

The CSIA Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual is available only to CSIA members

New members' news!

The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) tells us that NOFFZ Computer Technology, Toenisvorst, Germany, recently became CSIA Certified. Avanceon, Exton, Pa., U.S., and Sage Automation, Melrose Park, South Australia, Australia, recently became recertified as CSIA Certified members.

CSIA Annual Conference in Scottsdale AZ USA

In other membership news, the following control system integrators recently joined the association as associate members:
• Advansys (Pty) Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa
• ATSys, Parkside, South Australia, Australia
• Infamation Technologies Group, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., U.S.
• IPACT, Valparaiso, Ind., U.S.
• NNE Pharmaplan, Morrisville, N.C., U.S.
• SCAP, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
• Southlake Automation, Inc., Merrillville, Ind., U.S.
• Systems Anywhere, North Riding, South Africa

New participating members include:
• Descom Industrial Process S.A.C., Jesus Maria, Lima, Peru
• Electrical Engineering Consultants, P.C., Aurora, Ill., U.S.
• NexCtrl Inc., Wyomissing, Pa., U.S.

New partner members are:
• EXELE, East Rochester, N.Y., U.S.
• HMS Industrial Networks, Inc., Chicago, Ill., U.S.
• Panduit, Tinley Park, Ill., U.S.
• Progea USA, LLC, Appleton, Wis., U.S.
• Schmersal Inc., Tarrytown, N.Y., U.S.
• WEG Electric Corp., Duluth, Ga., U.S.
• Wohner USA, LLC, Portsmouth, N.H., U.S.

To become a CSIA Certified member, a member company must pass an intensive audit process with stringent performance standards categories in nine categories: general management, financial management, project management, quality management, technical management, human resources management and marketing, business development and sales management.

Certified members are re-audited every three years and recertified if they meet current performance standards. The certification criteria is spelled out in CSIA’s Best Practices and Benchmarks, the accepted roadmap for system integrators committed to delivering the level of quality, performance and long-term support their customers expect.

American economist to address conference

Economist Alan Beaulieu predicts the U.S. economy will recover, despite economic turbulence in the European Union, political unrest in the Middle East, and rising fuel prices and pre-election jitters at home.

“Escalating oil prices could indeed push consumers and businesses into a recession, but not this time,” Beaulieu predicts. “Should the worst case scenario happen and Iran stop the flow of oil exports, other regions are likely to pick up the slack in terms of supply. Oil prices will go up, but probably not to the point of bringing on a recession either here or in Europe.”

A well-known trend analyst and the president of the Institute for Trend Research, Beaulieu will dispel listeners’ uncertainty about the worldwide economy and set forth strategy and tactics for recovery in the keynote address at the 2012 Executive Conference of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) 25/28 April.

The conference will bring together more than 400 control system integrators and vendor partners from the United States, Canada, Latin America and abroad at the Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale (AZ US). Program details, registration information and hotel reservations are on the website.

Control system integrators design sophisticated control systems for manufacturing and industrial facilities. Using their knowledge of engineering, information technology and business, control system integrators help their clients integrate equipment and automate processes to reduce cost, increase production, use less energy and lower environmental impact.

Member recertification announced

Tesco Controls, (CA US)  has recently recertified as a Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Certified member.

In other membership news from the association, the following companies became new associate members:

• Engineering Unlimited, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
• Global Production Solutions, Shawnee, Okla.
• Golder Associates, Lakewood, Colo.
• O'Brien & Gere, Syracuse, N.Y.
• Soluciones Automaticas Ltda, Bogota, Colombia
• Strategic Automation Services LLC, Houston, Texas
• Triad Power & Controls, Browns Summit, N.C.
(all in the USA)

Motors & Controls Corp,  (WA USA) is a new partner member.

To become a CSIA Certified member, a member company must pass an intensive audit process with stringent performance standards categories in nine categories: general management, financial management, project management, quality management, technical management, human resources management and marketing, business development and sales management.

Certified members are re-audited every three years and recertified if they meet current performance standards. The certification criteria is spelled out in CSIA’s Best Practices and Benchmarks, the accepted roadmap for system integrators committed to delivering the level of quality, performance and long-term support their customers expect.

System integrators new members!

The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) announces that Revere Control Systems, Birmingham (AL USA) recently became recertified as a CSIA Certified member.

In other membership news, the following companies became new associate members:

Control Systems West, Inc., Petaluma, (CA USA).

Cosylab d.d., Ljubljana, (SI)

PCI, LLC, Detroit, (Mich USA).

River Cities Engineering, Davenport, (IO USA), is a new participating member. State Electric Supply Company, Winston Salem, N.C., is a new partner member.

To become a CSIA Certified member, a member company must pass an intensive audit process with stringent performance standards categories in nine categories: general management, financial management, project management, quality management, technical management, human resources management and marketing, business development and sales management.

Certified members are re-audited every three years and recertified if they meet current performance standards. The certification criteria is spelled out in CSIA’s Best Practices and Benchmarks, the accepted roadmap for system integrators committed to delivering the level of quality, performance and long-term support their customers expect.  

System integration excellence recognised!

Must be the time of year but we have received a fair few notifications of awards and details of certifications in the past few weeks and here is another.

All three of the integrators named Integrator of the Year by Control Engineering magazine are Certified members of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA).

The awards recognize excellence in technical expertise, business skills and customer satisfaction. The winners, representing three annual revenue categories, are:

The Winners: Click picture for more info!

• Superior Controls, Seabrook, N.H.,
• Matrix Technologies, Maumee, Ohio
• Mangan, Inc., Long Beach, Cal.

This is the second time Matrix Technologies has received the prestigious award. The previous award was received in 2008. The award winners will be recognized at a banquet during the CSIA 2012 Executive Conference, April 25 – 28, in Scottsdale (AZ US).

To become a CSIA Certified member, a member company must pass an intensive audit process with stringent performance standards categories in nine categories: general management, financial management, project management, quality management, technical management, human resources management and marketing, business development and sales management.

Certified members are re-audited every three years and recertified if they meet current performance standards. The certification criteria is spelled out in CSIA’s Best Practices and Benchmarks, the accepted roadmap for system integrators committed to delivering the level of quality, performance and long-term support their customers expect.

• Control's Hall of Fame Inductee's have also been announced and promulgated on the Sound Off Blog: Class of 2012 Inductees to the Process Automation Hall of Fame!

Six new members

Six companies have recently joined The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA)

Founded in 1994, the Control System Integrators Association is a global organization dedicated to advancing control system integration for the success of its members and their clients.

New associate members include:

• B&D Industrial, Macon, (GA US)
  
• NOFFZ Computer Technology, Toenisvorst, North-Rhine Westfalia, (D)

New participating members are:

• Brasil Logic Sistemas, Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo, (BZ)
• Guadalupe y Hernandez, San Martin Texmelucan, Puebla, (MX)
• Industrial Process Group, LLC, Warsaw, (IND US)

Control Technology Corporation, Hopkinton, (MA US), is a new partner member.

The CSIA 2012 Executive Conference, April 25 – 28, at the Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale (AZ US) and we're told that the programme is building nicely. Details on the website shortly! 

New members announced!

McEnery Automation, St. Louis (MO US) recently became CSIA Certified and MAVERICK Technologies, Columbia, (ILL US)., recently became recertified with The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA).

New associate members include:

Acadeus, Overland Park, Kan.
Autopro Automation Consultants Ltd., Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Corpus Christi Electric Co., Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas
Deterministic Systems Inc., Walnut Creek, Cal.
Downey Engineering, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
NE Tech Solutions S.A., San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

To become a CSIA Certified member, a member company must pass an intensive audit process with stringent performance standards categories in nine categories: general management, financial management, project management, quality management, technical management, human resources management and marketing, business development and sales management.

Certified members are re-audited every three years and recertified if they meet current performance standards. The certification criteria is spelled out in CSIA’s Best Practices and Benchmarks, the accepted roadmap for system integrators committed to delivering the level of quality, performance and long-term support their customers expect.

New member announced!

The Control Systems Integrators Association (CSIA) has signed a memorandum of membership with the Automation Federation.

CSIA is a global, not-for-profit, professional association for control system integration (CSI) companies. CSIA is committed to the development of the business capabilities of CSI companies, globally, and to their implementation of best practices to provide a healthy, low-risk channel for the application of automation technology to their industrial clients. CSIA’s CSI industry Best Practices and Certified member program provide many industries with well-managed CSI companies. In consideration of the need for automation in buildings, factories, municipal plants, environmental systems and energy equipment for the overall welfare of the world’s nations, CSIA has expressed its support of AF’s focus on defining, representing and developing the automation profession by signing the memorandum of membership with AF.

By joining AF, CSIA will work with all AF member organizations to make the “Voice of Automation” heard throughout governmen and academia in an effort to help the member companies of its own association find the educated workers needed to grow and prosper. CSIA plans to participate in meetings and events, as appropriate to their resources, to promote the vision, plans and goals of AF.

“The Automation Federation is pleased to welcome CSIA as our newest member,” said Nelson Ninin, 2011 Automation Federation chair. “CSIA’s membership adds new and far-reaching strength to our ‘Voice.’ With support from CSIA, and from all our member organizations, we can work to effectively and efficiently advance the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications, and ensure the development of the workforce needed to capitalize on the benefits of automation.”

Robert Lowe, CSIA executive director, stated, “We are excited about being a part of the Automation Federation and helping to fulfill the essential mission of representing the automation profession. Our hope is that our member companies will someday find the road to locating quality employees to be straight and smooth.”