What are Your Goals for AF?

I’d like to start my Automation Federation Chair’s blog by providing you with the answers to several questions posed to me regarding my views on and goals for the Automation Federation. My hope is that the answers to these questions will help you better understand why AF is important to me and to the Automation Profession and to invite you to provide feedback of your own.

1. What is your personal history with the Automation Federation?

I have been involved with the Automation Federation, or AF, through my involvement with the International Society of Automation, or ISA, the founding member of AF. During my time as the ISA President-elect and the 2009 ISA President, my commitment to AF has been strengthened by the continuous progress AF is making for the automation profession. My focus as AF chair in 2010 will be to maintain and grow this progress.


2. What do you feel is the strategic significance of the Automation Federation?

AF has taken up the role as spokesperson for a profession long silent and unheard. I feel that AF, as the “Voice of Automation,” is the tip of the spear for strategic efforts to promote and enhance the image of the automation profession globally. This organization is vital to gaining the recognition and growth we as automaton professionals deserve and need as a profession through its work and partnerships with industry, education, government, and other groups; and to the development of the next generation of automation professionals. In addition to benefiting the profession, AF’s efforts help promote and validate all the good work of our member organizations (ISA, OMAC, WBF, and WINA).


3. What Automation Federation successes stand out to you the most?

Of the many successes and accomplishments achieved by AF so far, the Automation Competency Model, our CyberSecurity and SmartGrid efforts, our open dialog with lawmakers, our connections with the European Union, our collaboration with the United States Congress, and our efforts to support veterans entering the field of automation stand out to me as some of our most significant accomplishments. The most important accomplishment is the growing recognition of the existence and importance of the automation profession in a growing number of circles. Now that I’ve pointed out the major accomplishments, I want to state that every AF accomplishment, no matter how big or small, is something to celebrate. I invite you to view a more complete list of Automation Federation Accomplishments at: http://www.automationfederation.org/Content/NavigationMenu/General_Information/Partners_and_Affiliates/The_Automation_Federation/About1/AF_Accomplishments/AF_Accomplishments.htm.


4. The Automation Federation has invited other industry associations to join as members of AF. What do you see is the greatest benefit AF can offer these potential members?

Let me start by saying that I would hope that any automation-related association/nonprofit organization would be able to recognize the many benefits of being part of the AF family. That being said, the greatest benefit to current and potential members is collaboration. As members of AF, these associations can pool their knowledge, resources, expertise, and more to provide tremendous benefits to the profession and to the industries that are the foundation of the profession. There is strength and a synergy that comes from the shared effort to develop automation as a visible, viable, and sought-after profession. More information about becoming an AF member organization can be found here: http://www.automationfederation.org/Content/NavigationMenu/General_Information/Partners_and_Affiliates/The_Automation_Federation/Membership4/Membership.htm.


5. What would you identify as the main objective for the Automation Federation for 2010?

There are so many avenues that are open to pursue in automation through the fine work of the Automation Federation and there are so many multiple, parallel activities occurring that it is difficult to focus on a few, let alone just one. Having said that, in order to realize progress over the next year, at the top of my list of objectives is the continuation of efforts to increase the level of recognition for the automation profession both in North America and throughout the world—this includes the ongoing work with various government agencies that has been and is paramount to realizing this major organizational objective. A more specific example would be enhancing and increasing AF collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education to bring more visibility to our profession. It is absolutely vital that no matter what my personal goals may be, we must not falter in continuing the momentum started by AF.


6. As the 2010 Chair for the Automation Federation, what goals would you like to accomplish during your term?

My goals for 2010 are to:

• Make the Automation Competency Model the main reference/source of guidance for workforce development projects related to education and training programs in automation
• Continue AF’s efforts for aid transitioning veterans, unemployed workers, and others as they pursue careers in automation
• Pursue funding for an industrial CyberSecurity curriculum

7. Where do you see the Automation Federation in five years?

My vision for AF is for everyone inside and outside the field to view and reference AF as the “Voice of Automation,” as the source for automation-related expertise, and as the home for automation organizations. In five years, I hope to see AF blanket the automation landscape with partner resources that benefit all members in all facets of automation.

Now that I’ve shared my thoughts and goals with you, please feel free to share your thoughts and your own personal goals for the Automation Federation with me.

Sincerely,

Jerry Cockrell
2010 Automation Federation Chair