The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) says it is committed to connecting smart manufacturing to the automation industry.
Today’s business marketplace is becoming more agile and intelligent as manufacturing is transformed by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), says CSIA.
Smart manufacturing involves aligning information and communication technologies with US manufacturers across the country to manage their energy, productivity and costs in real-time.
CSIA CEO Jose Rivera says the association is collaborating with the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) on an initiative around smart manufacturing.
Rivera says: “MESA will contribute through their capabilities around best practices for the real-life deployment of information technology, providing real-time visibility into the production process and in particular on non-technical deliverables.
“CSIA will offer best practices for successful system integration. We are working together to provide our services towards this great opportunity.”
Rivera adds that CSIA maintains a solid value proposition centered around its Best Practices Manual that members review regularly to ensure they remain relevant in the industry.
CSIA says it encourages an open, collaborative environment for system integrators to share best practices for the improvement of companies around the country and the world.
Rivera says: “We’re optimistic about CSIA’s future as system integrators increasingly broaden their scope of work.
“This will be driven in part by the Internet of Things (IoT), increasing regulation involving physical and cyber security, traceability requirements and more. In addition, there is an overall need to direct information to those that can act on it, especially the factory floor for manufacturing.”
CSIA’s integrator and partner members provide services, solutions and products for control and information system integration.
CSIA also hosts the Industrial Automation Exchange to connect manufacturers and others with the system integrators and industry suppliers who can meet their automation needs.