The International Society of Automation (ISA) frequently releases positions on global issues affecting the automation profession. It's a way to shine a spotlight on the key role automation professionals play in advancing technology, safety, sustainability and economic development goals around the world.
Subject-matter experts from the ISA community write these position papers, addressing relevant areas of focus as the world changes. ISA has published five position papers in 2024, and intends to publish more in 2025.
As we plan ahead for the new year, let's take a moment to revisit the 2024 ISA position papers and how they contributed to the global conversation around automation. (Each paper is available at the links in the headings below.)
Published in November 2024, this paper establishes precision agriculture as a transformative approach to farming. Precision agriculture leverages advanced technologies to optimize agricultural productivity, enhance resource efficiency and promote sustainable practices. ISA's paper states that robust industrial control system (ICS) frameworks play a key role in advancing precision agriculture. Establishing comprehensive ICS standards and enhancing educational initiatives will support the widespread adoption and effective implementation of precision agriculture technologies.
Published in September 2024, this paper explores the widening scope of automation as it enhances such areas as supply chain resilience and global energy efficiency and sustainability. As automation technology reshapes the world, the automation profession will require skilled and experienced engineers and other professionals as it repurposes existing jobs, creates new ones and balances workforce skills shortages by enabling greater productivity.
Published in August 2024, this paper recognizes that recent supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability and protectionism, inflationary conditions and demands for increased corporate social responsibility and environmental social governance are driving a trend toward deglobalization. While businesses seek to secure themselves from uncertainty, increase resilience and mitigate risk, they also need to mitigate consequences and meet demands from investors and the public. Automation technology and techniques implemented by knowledgeable and skilled automation professionals can help businesses optimize their digital deglobalization efforts, secure their supply chain infrastructure and support improvements to environmental and social responsibility.
Published in March 2024, this paper examines how the global pandemic and political instability have forced many manufacturers to shift their operations closer to home, seeking increased efficiencies and reduced supply chain risks. Manufacturers can optimize their efforts to adapt and strengthen their supply chains by adopting flexible manufacturing principles; embracing the wider use of advanced technologies in their automation strategies; recognizing and following industry standards that advance interoperability, quality assurance and safety throughout the supply chain; and adopting industrial automation and control systems cybersecurity standards and conformity assessment programs.
Published in February 2024, this paper explores how advanced automation technologies, implemented by knowledgeable and skilled professionals, are being used across the entire infrastructure of energy production, storage and transmission to keep global energy supplies safe, efficient and secure while meeting demands of the future. Efficient, sustainable and safe energy production depends upon automation technologies and people working together to implement creative and innovative solutions.
If you're interested in diving into these topics further or reading other recent ISA position papers, visit isa.org/position-papers.