The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) has introduced "an important management tool" to help manufacturers evaluate and select control system integrators for their automation projects.
Control system integrators typically upgrade plant process control systems by retrofitting new equipment, such as the human/ machine interface (HMI) shown above, to integrate "islands of control" so the operator can better govern the process. Based on a "Best Practices and Benchmarks" audit, CSIA's new Registration Process was developed in conjunction with Fortune 500 firms and other manufacturers who use system-integrator services; control vendors who often team with these firms; and CSIA members. According to Robert A. Zeigenfuse of Advanced Automation Associates, Inc. (AAA) and chairman of CSIA, the Registration Process will "simplify what has become a daunting task of identifying, interviewing, qualifying, evaluating, selecting and managing control system integrator firms."