Automation groups to link

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina — Automation technology organisations the ISA and the WBF (formerly the World Batch Forum) are finalising an arrangement that will see the WBF operating as independent affiliate of ISA. The move should be completed in the first half of 2006, the groups announced 10 March.

“This more formal relationship between WBF and ISA should go a long way toward educating current and future engineers on applying the ISA 88 and ISA 95 standards in manufacturing operations,” commented John Blanchard, ARC Advisory Group.

“There will be no change in the basic structure or direction of WBF … This affiliation with ISA will allow WBF to provide additional services to WBF members and the entire industrial community,” explained Maurice Wilkins, WBF chairman, in a joint press statement.

“WBF is highly respected in the automation community for their excellent work and the ISA leadership looks forward to working with the WBF leaders in advancing the automation profession around the world,” added Ken Baker, ISA president.

*The District Leadership Conference (DLC), meeting of the ISA (international society for measurement and control) is scheduled to take place in Manchester, 12-13 May. Details from Jenny Norton, ISA England Section Committee, phone 01606 352 747, email jennien@nortonbowers.com.