ISA (International Society for Automation)

The International Society for Automation (ISA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing the science and technology of automation. Founded in 1945, the ISA has grown to become a global organization with more than 40,000 members in over 100 countries.

The mission of the ISA is to advance technical competence by connecting the automation community to achieve operational excellence. The organization achieves this by providing opportunities for education and training, developing standards and best practices, and promoting innovation in the field of automation.

One of the core activities of the ISA is education and training. The organization provides a variety of educational resources to its members, including online courses, webinars, conferences, and training programs. These resources cover a wide range of topics related to automation, including instrumentation, control systems, cybersecurity, and safety.

ISA also has a certification program that provides industry-recognized credentials for professionals in the automation field. The Certified Automation Professional (CAP) program is designed for automation professionals who are involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems. The ISA also offers a Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) program, which is designed for technicians who are involved in the installation, calibration, and maintenance of control systems.

Another important activity of the ISA is the development of standards and best practices. The organization has developed a number of standards that are widely used in the automation industry, including the ISA-88 standard for batch control, the ISA-95 standard for enterprise integration, and the ISA-99 standard for cybersecurity. These standards help to ensure that automation systems are designed and implemented in a consistent and effective manner.

The ISA also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration within the automation community. The organization hosts a number of conferences and events throughout the year, including the ISA Automation Conference & Exhibition, which is one of the largest gatherings of automation professionals in the world. These events provide opportunities for professionals to learn about the latest technologies and trends in the field of automation, as well as to connect with other professionals and share best practices.

In addition to its core activities, the ISA also has a number of special interest groups (SIGs) that focus on specific areas within the automation industry. These SIGs provide a forum for professionals to collaborate and share knowledge in areas such as safety, cybersecurity, and wireless communications.

One of the unique aspects of the ISA is its global reach. The organization has more than 100 sections around the world, each of which is dedicated to promoting the mission of the ISA within their local community. These sections provide opportunities for professionals to connect with other professionals in their area, as well as to participate in local events and activities.

Overall, the International Society for Automation plays a critical role in advancing the science and technology of automation. Through its education and training programs, development of standards and best practices, and promotion of collaboration and networking within the automation community, the ISA is helping to ensure that automation systems are designed and implemented in a safe, effective, and consistent manner.