Voting for this year’s Member’s Choice Awards is now open. The Member’s Choice Awards recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership as decided by someone who knows them best — you!

There are many wonderful things about being awarded the Member’s Choice Award — peer recognition, an amazing trophy, bragging rights, and an incredible evening at a black-tie gala just to name a few. But the most unique aspect of the Member’s Choice Awards is the voting system. Unlike other ISA honors and awards, your vote will determine the honoree.

How the Voting Works

It’s simple. One person one vote every 24 hours. Yes, you have the opportunity to vote once a day, every day during the voting period for your favorite candidate.

You’ll find a list of nominees and a summary of their achievements online at:  http://www.isa.org/memberschoice.

A running tally of votes at the online voting site will let you know how your candidate fares compared to other nominees in that category. Votes will be tallied and the nominee with the most number of votes at the close of the voting period wins.

All Member’s Choice Awards winners will be honored at the 51^st ISA Honors and Awards Gala to be held 4 November 2013 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn., USA.

Voting for the Member’s Choice Awards will continue through 31 May 2013.

Vote now and vote often for the Member’s Choice Awards by clicking this link

I/O, I/O, so off to work I go…simple, right?  Input. Output. Repeat. That’s the recipe for process automation, there’s no denying it. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?  If only it were that simple.  If it required nothing more than to memorize this little recipe, we could get a dumb robot (programmed in Fortran!) to handle our jobs and we could sit at home with our feet up watching “How It’s Made” on the Science Channel.

Alas, it will never be that easy – the fate of the automation professional is to become the “go-to” expert at a plant, to impact the company’s bottom line and ultimately to contribute to the overall economy. (Okay, that’s the last time I’m going to say “automation professional” in this article because, as you know, I invented the word “autopro” in my last blog post – much more hip, don’t you think?)

Your work as an autopro requires troubleshooting skills, good judgment, safety awareness, experience, training and tons of specialized knowledge – that’s what makes you so special. Like a surgeon, you must know just what to do to correct a process and what to do to improve it. You must understand how everything in the enterprise is inter-dependent, and see the cause and effect of every process adjustment or equipment change.  On top of myriad things we must know and act upon daily to be effective, we are faced with a changing technological and competitive environment which constantly threatens to make our jobs, products, our employers – even ourselves as workers – obsolete.  No big deal, right?

Even so, most of the autopros I know wouldn’t trade their careers for anyone else’s – because they love the challenge; they love the machines themselves; they love producing something tangible and making a difference every day. You may feel that way yourself – loving the victory of solving tough problems and the satisfaction of making the process work better, saving money or resources, improving product quality, and helping keep the facility safe for yourself and your co-workers.

In my career as a manufacturer’s representative, I saw processing facilities that made everything from missiles, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors to ketchup, table sugar and tomato sauce.  There was one thing I noticed about every one of these plants: they were fascinating.  Watching the control panels, observing the automation work, meeting the employees who were so competent and so responsible – I was definitely hooked. And the one thing I learned is that every variable has more variables and they ALL affect the manufacturing process.

So how do you get that insider information, expert training and specialized knowledge?  How do you keep up with changing technology, learn the newest best practices, and – hey – just talk to someone else who knows what PID stands for?  We all know that what is taught in school versus the real world are very often two different things, so we usually learn our best lessons from those who are our peers and mentors.

Every professional group has its annual conference and members must stay current in the profession.  ISA is our professional society  – home to the autopro –  and I’m privileged to be working with an amazing team of authors, trainers, specialists and automation veterans  –  your peers –  who are putting together a unique and comprehensive learning and networking program for you at YOUR annual conference – ISA Automation Week. Check out the Education Tracks.

When I attend a conference where I have an opportunity to learn with and from my peers, initially I have this nagging worry about taking the time away from my job. Or I feel bad that I spent money and wonder if it will be worth it.  But once I get there and start learning and gaining new perspectives, getting access to cutting-edge data, fresh thinking and new concepts about how to do what I do even better, faster, smarter – I know that I was right to take a little time away to do so much more, so much better when I return.  I don’t want to be an input/output/repeat kind of worker. I want to be like you.  I know that input/output/repeat is NOT what you are all about. You want to be the one who thoughtfully and properly does your job in the best possible way – for the benefit of all.

I look forward to seeing you at ISA Automation Week – in Nashville, by the way, and is there any place more fun?  Please connect with me at the event and tell me something you learned or someone you met that inspired you.  Inspire me!  I can’t wait.  Because I want a career that is more than Fortran can ever offer me.  Don’t you?

With the dawn of the new year comes a need to move towards a realistic objective of achieving success. It’s a great opportunity for all us to work together and achieve the goal of taking the professional voluntary organization ISA to greater heights, by increasing the membership base and improving brand imaging.

Timir Baran Samanta, ISA Kolkatta section president, lights the inaugural lamp. On left is K. Nandakumar, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries, Instrumentation and Automation Division. Third from left is N.C. Mukherjee, ISA Kolkatta section alternate Society delegate.

With the above objective and purpose, it is a great pleasure for me to inform that the Kolkatta Section of ISA conducted a full-day technical seminar and product exhibition at Hotel Hindustan International in Kolkatta, India, on 9 February 2013. The objective of the event was to promote ISA in the eastern regions of India and motivate its regular and student section members, in addition to increasing the membership base and networking with other instrumentation professionals from various industries.

The main focus of the event was automation topics in the steel manufacturing, mining and petrochemical/refining industries. The technical seminar and the product exhibition was inaugurated by K. Nandakumar, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries, Instrumentation and Automation Division. The eastern region of India is rich in natural resources; nearly 60 percent of India’s requirements for metal ore and coal are mined here.

Speakers and topics selected by the section were from top organizations and were of excellent caliber. They were able to offer insight into the challenges and complexity of plant operations in these industries, as well as address specific topics and complexities in the selection of sensors to control systems in material handling and its interfacing with ERP systems. All speakers shared a common concern about safety for both personnel and plant operations.

The event was well attended by about 130 delegates from various industries, including 30 student section members. The delegates included senior personnel such as engineering managers, senior engineers, department heads and corporate vice presidents.  Each session was followed by Q&A discussion. Student members were given the honor of

Kolkatta conference participants attend a technical seminar.

presenting awards to the distinguished speakers, which in turn gave them an opportunity to interact and network with the speakers and industry leaders.

This also gave me an opportunity as district vice president to make a presentation on ISA, its various offerings such as education and training, certification courses, standards, book publishing, technical papers and InTech magazine, apart from giving a detailed analysis on the benefits of becoming an ISA member, which was well received and appreciated.

The event has generated significant professional momentum in Kolkatta, and we are confident that it will attract new membership, both regular and from the student section. I remain optimistic for future growth as a district and as a professional group dedicated to setting future trends and benchmarks. Our continued efforts, sincerity, discipline and united perseverance will serve to put the district on greater pedestals of success for ISA.

Recently I joined about a dozen other association executive directors for an invitation-only meeting in Hong Kong to discuss globalization strategies and challenges within the association community.  We met as part of the Key Global Association Committee, which is sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Pat Gouhin, second from right, meets with industry association executives at the KGAC event in Hong Kong.

The Key Global Association Committee (KGAC) has only been in existence for about 18 months and has enabled ISA to gain valuable insight and exposure from within an exclusive group of our peers.  KGAC selects members from chief staff executives of individual and trade associations, and reflects a new initiative by ASAE to tackle globalization issues facing leaders of various non-profit and trade industry associations.  KGAC’s meeting in Hong Kong was the group’s third get-together, resulting from the invitation and sponsorship of Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.   They were the joint host of this trade study mission.

The mission of KGAC is to stimulate exchange of information between executives of major global associations and societies.  We discussed opportunities and challenges that impact international associations on a global level, and focused on identifying common connections and solutions to achieve greater success.  Within the group, there is an overall spirit of sharing coupled with the desire to allow other organizations to learn from the mistakes of their peers.   This has allowed for rich discussion on all aspects of globalization and strategies that have worked well, as well as those that haven’t.  Focus has also been on prioritizing world markets and sharing various models for different cultures.  It is clear that there is no cookie cutter approach or single solution that is the key to continued international growth.

I believe ISA resources, expertise and leadership in automation and control can be of great value in addressing many global manufacturing and industry challenges.  The meeting demonstrated that most global associations and societies share similar strategic interests and difficulties, and we all agreed that future emphasis should be on greater collaboration to address common challenges.  While focused on the international front we have also uncovered opportunities that can be leveraged at home to benefit a broad segment of the engineering community.  As a result of a consensus of views, ISA plans to enter into partnership arrangements with other international industry associations to leverage the collective resources and strengths for the betterment of the professions and industry sectors we represent.   This is the most efficient use of our limited resources and offers the clearest and most efficient path to success.   Even with such a statement, the trials and tribulations are real and the journey has just begun.  Stay tuned for more reports on the globalization quest of ISA and the many good activities that are happening around the world because of our dedicated members and leaders.

Have you submitted a nomination for this year’s Celebrating Excellence awards?

Celebrating Excellence Nominations deadline is 31 March 2013

The Celebrating Excellence awards program is an extension of our time-honored practice of recognizing those companies and individuals, both members and non-members, who have contributed to the Society and automation industry.

We depend on you to help us identify those volunteers and leaders who deserve to be recognized for their efforts. Who do you know that has provided significant contributions in leadership, technical innovation, and/or contributions to education that have advanced the profession?

Complete details regarding ISA’s Celebrating Excellence awards program can be found at the ISA Recognitions and Awards page. Discover all the award categories and nominate a deserving individual now!

Individuals selected for recognition will be acknowledged at ISA’s prestigious annual honors and awards ceremony, which includes a gala reception and dinner. This year’s honors and awards gala will be held 4 November 2013 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

The nomination period ends 31 March 2013. Please don’t let the 2013 nomination period expire without a Celebrating Excellence submission.  There are many companies and professionals worthy of recognition, and they deserve your support and endorsement.

To submit nominations for Celebrating Excellence awards, click here

I travel on airplanes a lot in my many ventures, and I always try to catch a glimpse into the pilot’s cabin as I’m boarding. Don’t you?  I just want to see who is in there and whether they look like they know what they’re doing. I want to see that smiling, confident pilot with the fancy flight jacket. I want to feel like I’m putting my life into the hands of a competent professional who respects the ramifications his job performance will have on every soul on board. If I noticed the pilot was tying a blindfold on, seated facing away from the flight controls, or casually reading “Flying for Dummies,” I’d set a new land speed record down the jet way toward home – autopilot or not.

Seriously…I’m all about technology but I just don’t trust the Otto Pilot without a good old-fashioned human being on the job!

Yes, Virginia, I expect professionals upon whom I rely to take responsibility for their job performance. I expect airline pilots to care whether I get whiplash from the harsh landing when he slams the plane down on the runway, or whether we land soft as a whisper and I feel comforted. I desperately want them to understand how their flying skill, adherence to schedules, ability to command, and safety awareness all affect the profitability of the airline – and that means my fees don’t go up every other week due to inefficiencies, ineptitude, incompetence, ineffectiveness, or even apathy.  I want my pilot to understand the job in a broad “big picture” way, as well as in a deep, vertical way – and that translates to the four aspects of his job function:

• People
• Technology
• Business
• Safety

I guess I’m just picky, but that’s also what I want from the automation professional who works in pharmaceutical production, handles the water and waste/water utilities upon which I rely, and who makes the food I eat and provides the fuel I burn. Sure, the automation worker can go to school and get a degree, then learn on the job. He/she can even go to workshops and learn specific technologies, workarounds and fixes. But where can one go to learn the people, safety, technology and business aspects of his profession in order to be at the top of his game?  What are ALL the effects of his or her actions on the job? Where can he/she get a good jump-start on how to think differently in order to make decisions that will ultimately benefit the consumer (me and you!), and help make the manufacturer profitable, environmentally sound, sustainable  – all those good things we desire?

An education like that is not easily found all in one place. And it’s a massive task.  As we face skilled personnel shortages and build the next workforce generation, it’s critical to think in terms of a well-rounded knowledge base so that automation professionals like you (can I just call you “autopros”?) will be well-informed, have superior judgment and decision-making prowess in those very important daily job functions. That’s just good for everybody, and for our planet, too.

Who would guess that the place to get that all-around training would be Nashville, Tennessee?  I know, it sounds crazy and maybe it is. (It’s not like I’ve never been accused of having a few brain cells tilted off-axis.)  But it’s also true.

The ISA Automation Week: Technology and Solutions Event, coming to Nashville from 5-7 November 2013, has placed a stake in the ground and said:

It starts here. Here – in Nashville – we will gather the experts on all subjects germane to the autopro’s world, and start the conversation within the automation community. We’ll be looking at industry training and the knowledge base from the people, technology, safety, and business aspects. Take away any one of these – and major problems happen quickly.  That’s not what we want in the factory of the future. And the future of automation is here now – today.

There are some heavy hitters coming to teach in Nashville this November.  For autopros (are you sure you don’t mind if I call you autopros?), this is the one place to get an unbiased “big picture” education – and earn PDH’s too.  Led by respected industry leader, Program Chair Paul Galeski, CEO of Maverick Technologies, this exciting conference will cover critical issues in process automation through these six educational tracks:

•     Asset Lifecycle Management and Optimization/Strategy
•     Creating Business Value Through Automation
•     The Connected Enterprise
•     Industrial Automation and Control
•     Industrial Network Security
•     Wireless Applications

Plus…Music City isn’t a half-bad place to spend a few days. We’ll have music (of course!), fun (trust me!), fascinating technology demonstrations, hands-on workshops, ground-breaking education sessions, and a host of respected subject matter experts on hand to help anyone who asks them.* Where else can you find all of that in once place?  Only at your professional society’s annual event.  ISA is here for you. Join us in Nashville this November and set your hand to the future of automation – your future.

*If you are interested in providing a paper or session at the conference within one of these tracks, be sure to submit an abstract through the Call for Papers site. Or contact me if you have questions or need more information at cschafer@isa.org.

Welp – that’s it for now. Blog ya again soon. Remember: “autopro”. You heard it here first.

Dale Gaerke

Dale Gaerke, P.E., has been honored by the engineering community of Toledo and Northwest Ohio with its highest distinction, 2013 Engineer of the Year.  The award, a longtime tradition of the Technical Society of Toledo and the Toledo Society of Professional Engineers, was made in conjunction with Engineers Week 2013, which runs February 17-23.  Each year the engineering community in the region area honors a local engineer for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the profession.

The selection is based on a highly competitive peer-review process, and candidates are judged in several categories including technical knowledge, professional interests, personal character, leadership, civic spirit and contributions to the local community, state or country.

Dale is a senior member of ISA, and has more than 36 years of professional industry experience.  The ISA Toledo Section, which nominated him for the award, is a member of the Technical Society of Toledo.  Dale has served in a number of Section capacities including president in 1986, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2011, as well other officer positions.

Dale is the director of R&D Controls & Electrical Engineering Discipline at Owens Illinois, Inc. (O-I), the world’s largest glass container manufacturer and preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands.  Dale joined O-I in 1976 where he has served in a number of capacities including engineer, project engineer, team leader, group leader and section head.  Dale was appointed director of R&D at O-I in recognition for his exceptional interdisciplinary technical background in glass furnace and bottle machine control and global leadership in managing project teams

Dale has advanced his technical knowledge in glass furnace process control technology and demonstrated significant product development leadership globally.  He has authored numerous O-I patents related to glass furnace control and has been instrumental in the development of new technologies related to glass furnace and bottle machine control, and modernizing these controllers using the latest computer and networked control systems.

Dale has supported educational institutions in Northwest Ohio by strengthening the ISA student sections at Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo, and assisting students by supporting yearly ISA scholarships.  He has been serving as the Industrial Advisory Board member for the Electrical Engineering Technology program of University of Toledo for 30 years.  Dale also is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Dale earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a master’s degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University.

Congratulations Dale!

The advent of a new year is the ideal time to take a fresh look at all the different ways ISA members can get involved in ISA sections and divisions.

As someone who has been highly engaged for many years in my local (Philadelphia) ISA section, and has had the honor of serving the Society in various leadership positions, I’m very aware of the personal and professional rewards that come with active ISA membership involvement.

In so many ways, ISA provides its members with immeasurable opportunities to receive—in knowledge, skills, problem solving, leadership development, and friendship—and to give back—through collaboration, mentorship, volunteerism, sponsorship, and student scholarships.

Section Involvement

Given their geographically based structure, ISA sections offer a convenient way for members to take part in ISA initiatives and events. Here are just a few ways you can get involved and contribute at the section level:

• Team up with other ISA members to explore common professional interests.
• Invite guest speakers to section meetings, creating an environment of learning and discovery.
• Arrange section tours of local plants and facilities.
• Develop new networking, social and recreational events.
• Speak at local middle schools and high schools to generate student interest in automation careers.
• Encourage local students to attend section events, participate in the FIRST^® Robotics Competition, and become ISA student members.
• Fund scholarships for local college and university students who demonstrate potential and interest in pursuing automation and control careers. Take a minute to review all the current ISA sections who sponsor scholarship programs. Join them.

If you have not yet connected with your local section, visit www.isa.org, click on My ISA from the left-hand tool bar, and click on sections.

Division Involvement

As an ISA member, you should take full advantage of your two free technical division memberships: one from the Automation and Technology Department and one from the Industries and Sciences Department. And why stop at just two? Additional memberships cost only $10 US each.

Division memberships enable automation professionals the opportunity to:

• Attend, help plan, and conduct technical division symposia and events.
• Stay up to date on current technical trends and news by reading division newsletters and web sites.
• Write, review, or present technical papers for ISA publications.
• Network with colleagues across the globe.
• Explore professional development and gain leadership skills.
• Develop workshops and short courses for division members.
• Exchange ideas and insights through email discussions.

To get specific details on how you can get the most out of ISA division memberships, contact: Steve Allison, the Automation and Technology Department Vice President, at steve.allison@emergingmeasurements.com; and John Campbell, the Industries and Sciences Department Vice President, at campbjr@msn.com.

ISA also offers three Technical Interest Groups (TIGs) for members interested in exploring certain technical fields in greater detail. At this time, ISA features three TIGs: the Textiles TIG, the Glass and

Ceramics TIG and Leak Detection and Repair TIG. For more information on these groups, and to learn how to develop a new TIG, contact Rodney Jones, ISA Technical Divisions, Sections and Symposia at rjones@isa.org.

Working together to improve our careers and our profession. Making the world a better, more innovative, and safer place. Helping pave the way for the automation professionals of tomorrow. That’s ISA. And that’s why I encourage you to make the most of your ISA membership.

Join me and your fellow members in making 2013 a great year for the Society!

About the Author
Terrence G. Ives is the third-generation president and owner of Ives Equipment Corporation in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, a process control manufacturing representative and stocking distributor. Terry has been actively involved in ISA leadership for many years. He has held numerous positions at the local and Society level including Society Treasurer, Executive Board Parliamentarian, Finance Committee Chair, Investment Committee Chair, District 2 Vice President, and Philadelphia Section President and Exhibit Chairman. He received a bachelor of science degree in industrial systems engineering from Ohio University.

2013 will mark the 51st year ISA will honor the achievements of individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the Society and the automation community.

I think of these individuals as heroes. They design and/or implement innovative automation products and services; further the automation profession through educational programs; and, in the case of our members, volunteer their time to provide the leadership necessary to advance the mission of ISA.

The Celebrating Excellence awards program offers a variety of award categories to honor both technical accomplishments and service to the Society.

Who in the automation profession is your hero? Help us celebrate their achievements.

Complete details regarding ISA’s Celebrating Excellence awards program can be found at www.isa.org. Check out all the award categories and nominate a deserving individual. The nominations deadline is 31 March 2013.

Note: Only members of ISA can submit nominations. If you are not currently a member, we encourage you to review the ISA membership options, including the Automation Community Member—an entry level membership option available at no charge.

To submit nominations for Celebrating Excellence awards, click here

Last December, a senior task force from the Automation Federation held a series of strategic briefings in Washington D.C. with White House staff, congressional leaders and a variety of governmental departments and agencies.  Our objective was to raise greater awareness for two pressing issues affecting automation in the process, manufacturing and power generation industries: security threats to the nation’s industrial infrastructure via cyberattacks, and the urgent need for bolstering advanced manufacturing skills among American workers.

Soon after the votes were counted for the presidential election, a team of senior Automaton Federation executives and staff met with Obama Administration officials as well as the departments of Homeland Security, Energy and Labor, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the Department of Commerce

The meetings reflect the close collaboration between the federal government and the Automation Federation.  On the security front, the Federation is actively supporting passage of cybersecurity legislation which would include provisions for industrial automation and control systems.  The legislation is designed to better address the ongoing national threat from relentless online intruders engaged in economic espionage and the disruption of industrial networks through the adoption of the ISA99 Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security standards.  Regarding the national workforce, economic growth and smart manufacturing success is directly linked to fostering and expanding programs designed to produce next generations of skilled automation professionals and forming strategic alliances with partners invested in these programs, including educators and counselors who will play a vital role in shaping the next generation.

Cybersecurity

Experts warn that the next global war will be fought with keyboards and servers, rather than guns and bullets.  Cyber warfare has already proven to be potentially highly damaging to the nation’s industrial and financial infrastructure.  In addition to theft of business intellectual property, the attacks have been aimed at disabling the national power grid and disrupting refineries, industrial process plants, water treatment facilities, transportation and telecommunications systems, financial networks and governmental institutions.  For example, a cyberattack last year on the state oil company Saudi Aramco shut down more than 30,000 computers.

As a result, government officials are moving toward implementing ISA99 as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity effort.  The White House also requested that we continue to work with administration officials as they move forward in addressing cybersecurity threats against industrial automation and control systems.  We also met directly with U.S. Representative David Price (D-NC) and legislative specialists from the office of U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), who reaffirmed their support for the Automation Federation’s cybersecurity initiatives.

Skilled Workforce

In this new era of advanced manufacturing, the key objective is to raise skill levels and tackle the issue of attracting new workers to the manufacturing industry.  The U.S. has a considerable shortage of workers with the technical expertise needed for advanced manufacturing jobs.  A report by Deloitte Consulting notes that nearly 600,000 manufacturing jobs remain unfilled because companies cannot find workers with the necessary high-tech skills demanded by the modern plant floor, and more than half of all manufacturers warned the future does not look bright for the skilled worker shortage.

We are taking a leadership position on the workforce shortage issue by working with the federal government and educational leaders to leverage the Automation Federation’s Automation Competency Model as the foundation for building a trained automation workforce.  The Automation Competency Model, developed via a partnership with the Department of Labor, is a detailed framework that defines the specific industry, workplace and academic competencies required to succeed in automation careers.

In addition, the Automation Federation is working with high schools, community colleges and universities to develop the automation curriculum needed to teach the skills required in the fast-evolving world of smart manufacturing.  By encouraging interest among young people in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the Federation is laying the groundwork for stimulating greater interest in the new and exciting careers in the sophisticated factory of the future.  The Automation Federation is working on establishing workforce development programs and training partnerships with the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) and the Department of Energy.  Representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology also agreed that the Federation’s workforce development initiatives should be incorporated into the newly established National Network of Manufacturing Innovation, an interagency effort focused on advancing manufacturing innovation throughout the U.S.