The dictionary definesautomationas “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically.”
We define automation as "the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services.”
Using our definition, the automation profession includes “everyone involved in the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services”; and the automation professional is “any individual involved in the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services.”
Automation encompasses many vital elements, systems, and job functions.
Automation provides benefits to virtually all of industry. Here are some examples:
- Manufacturing, including food and pharmaceutical, chemical and petroleum, pulp and paper
- Transportation, including automotive, aerospace, and rail
- Utilities, including water and wastewater, oil and gas, electric power, and telecommunications
- Defense
- Facility operations, including security, environmental control, energy management, safety, and other building automation
- Andmany others
Automationcrosses all functionswithin industry from installation, integration, and maintenance to design, procurement, and management. Automation even reaches into the marketing and sales functions of these industries.
Automation involves a verybroad range of technologiesincluding robotics and expert systems, telemetry and communications, electro-optics, Cybersecurity, process measurement and control, sensors, wireless applications, systems integration, test measurement, and many, many more.
Why is the automation professional so important?
Think about the cell phone and computer you use every day to do your job. Think about the car you drive to take to work. Think about the food you eat; water you drink; clothes you wear; and appliances you use to store, prepare, and clean them. Think about the television you watch, video games you play, or music system you listen to. Think about the buildings you visit. Think about any modern convenience or necessity. Just about anything you can think of is the result of complex processes. Without talented individuals to design, build, improve, and maintain these processes, these technological advances would never have occurred and future innovations would be impossible. Without automation professionals, our world and our future would be very different.
Automation professionals are responsible for solving complex problems in many vital aspects of industry and its processes. The work of automation professionals is critically important to the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public and to the sustainability and enhancement of our quality of life.
The U.S. government, among many others, recognizes the unsung value of automation professionals. Support for the importance of automation to industry comes from the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations. On 30 June 2009, the committee submitted report language (including the excerpt shown below) to accompany the bill: H. R. 2847 (Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010) emphasizing the importance of automation to industry:
“Supporting the Nation's manufacturers, especially small businesses, is critical to keeping America innovative in a global marketplace…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."
Automation professionals do and will continue to play a crucial role in protecting us from cyber-attack; enhancing our quality of life; and ensuring the reliability, efficiency, safety, constant improvement, and competitiveness of our electric power systems, transportation systems, manufacturing operations, and industry as a whole. Without these individuals, we cannot advance into the future.
ISA and the Automation Community
ISA helps its members, and the automation community advance technical competence by delivering standards-based technical resources to engineers, technicians, and management engaged in industrial automation.
Standards:ISA is recognized globally for the development of consensus industry standards for automation technologies and applications.
Certification:Certification provides objective, third-party assessment, and confirmation of an individual’s skill set on specific areas within the field of automation.
Training:Developed by real-world experts in the automation and control field, ISA training covers relevant topics and vital technologies to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and maximize safety and security.
Events and Conferences:ISA’s conferences offer virtual and in-person events that include expert technical presentations, social functions, and exhibit opportunities.
Publications:ISA is the authoritative publisher of books and other technical resources covering the automation profession.
Membership:ISA is the professional home for engineers, technicians, leaders, and students engaged in industrial automation.
I am an automation enthusiast with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. Over the years, I have actively contributed to the design, implementation, and management of automated systems across various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and facility operations. My expertise spans a broad range of technologies, from robotics and expert systems to telemetry, cybersecurity, and systems integration.
The article highlights the definition and importance of automation, emphasizing its role in monitoring and controlling the production and delivery of products and services. It defines automation professionals as individuals involved in the creation and application of technology in this context. The key concepts covered in the article include:
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Definition of Automation:
- The dictionary defines automation as "the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically."
- The article defines automation as "the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services."
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Scope of Automation:
- Automation is described as applicable to various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, utilities, defense, and facility operations.
- It covers all functions within industries, from installation and integration to maintenance, design, procurement, and management.
- Automation extends into marketing and sales functions within these industries.
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Technologies Involved in Automation:
- Automation involves a broad range of technologies, such as robotics, expert systems, telemetry, communications, electro-optics, cybersecurity, process measurement and control, sensors, wireless applications, systems integration, and test measurement.
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Significance of Automation Professionals:
- Automation professionals are crucial for solving complex problems in industry and play a vital role in preserving public health, safety, and welfare.
- Their work is essential for sustaining and enhancing the quality of life, contributing to technological advances, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of various systems.
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Recognition by the U.S. Government:
- The U.S. government recognizes the importance of automation professionals in industry, emphasizing their role in innovation, trade, security, and job creation.
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ISA and the Automation Community:
- The International Society of Automation (ISA) is highlighted as a key organization supporting automation professionals.
- ISA helps advance technical competence through standards, certification, training, events and conferences, and publications.
- It serves as a professional home for engineers, technicians, leaders, and students engaged in industrial automation.
In summary, automation is a multifaceted field that plays a pivotal role in various industries, and automation professionals are indispensable for driving innovation, ensuring safety, and advancing technological capabilities. ISA serves as a valuable resource for individuals in the automation community, providing standards, certification, training, and a platform for professional engagement.
