Authoritative Recognition for the Automation Profession by the U.S. Government

Posted by The Webmaster on August 4, 2009 under Automation Federation News, ISA News | Comments are off for this article

The Automation Federation reports that the automation profession has been recognized by two groups within the United States government.

The first occurred on 30 June 2009 when the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations included language in their 2010 Congressional budget report that recognizes the importance of automation for the future of manufacturing in the United States. The language directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) to consider the importance that automation plays in accelerating and integrating manufacturing processes. The language also encourages NIST and MEP to consult and collaborate with independent experts in the field of automation.

On 30 June 2009, Senator Barbara Mikulski, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted report language (including the excerpt shown below) to accompany H. R. 2847 (Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010). Already, H. R. 2847 has passed the House. View the full report.

“Supporting the Nation’s manufacturers, especially small businesses, is critical to keeping America innovative in a global marketplace. ITS [Industrial Technology Services] provides a bridge for advancing cutting-edge technologies with cost-saving measures. The Committee is encouraged by the administration’s healthy request for ITS, which shows a genuine intention to partner with industry for the benefit of the Nation’s future. The Committee supports NIST’s requested allocation of funding for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program [MEP] and the Technology Innovation Program.

Within MEP, NIST, and its partners are directed to consider the importance automation plays in accelerating and integrating manufacturing processes. The topic of automation cuts across all levels of industry, rather than serving as a stand-alone technology, and particularly affects the fields of control systems cyber security, industrial wireless sensors, systems interoperability, and other basic automation technologies necessary for the success of industrial enterprises. NIST is encouraged to consult and collaborate with independent experts in the field of automation to support the agency’s efforts in working with industry to increase innovation, trade, security, and jobs.”

The Automation Federation is poised to provide the encouraged expert collaboration through their ongoing communications and relationships with NIST and MEP.

Mike Marlowe, director of government relations for the Automation Federation, said, “We look forward to seeing this language become part of an official bill, and encourage the Members of Congress to contact us to learn more about automation, automation professionals, and the importance they play in the future viability of U.S. manufacturing.”

Read the rest of the article at the national ISA website, ISA.org.

ISA99 and ISA100 Standards Included in the EPRI Interim Report

Posted by The Webmaster on July 11, 2009 under Automation Federation News, ISA News | Be the First to Comment

The Automation Federation is pleased to announce a noteworthy recognition of their Founding Member, ISA. The ISA99 Manufacturing and Control Systems Security Standard and ISA100 Wireless Systems for Automation, the emerging standard for industrial wireless, have been identified for use in the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Roadmap for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). This recognition is a result of Automation Federation efforts to drive home the message that automation standards and automation professionals are vital to the future of Smart Grid.

Under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, NIST has “primary responsibility to coordinate development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for information management to achieve interoperability of smart grid devices and systems…” As a result, NIST awarded EPRI a contract to engage Smart Grid stakeholders and develop a draft interim standards roadmap. In addition, NIST has hosted a year-long planning effort to develop the Smart Grid interoperability framework—an effort in which the Automation Federation has taken part.

Through active engagement in NIST Domain Expert Working Group (DEWG) activities, EPRI led workshops, and other industry planning activities, Automation Federation representatives have stressed the importance of the use of recognized standards like ISA99 and ISA100 and the involvement of automation professionals in the successful implementation of Smart Grid. To learn more about ISA99, visit www.isa99.org; ISA100, www.isa100.org; and other ISA developed standards, www.isa.org/standards.