Dean Ford, CAP

"...for this years Automation Week.  Looking forward to a fantastic program being driven by Greg McMillan and the Program Committee."

"I believe Madeleine said this forum is going to be alive for one year.  Not sure when that clock started... Great comments on previous post for improvements and not to build another improvement list but what specifically can be done with this forum? How about a few online computers that people can stop by and post updates for those that don't carry PDA's and lapto..."

"Seems like we could help build this event into something more than it is.  I am not sure how much the volunteers actually push this to help attendance.  I think staff has done everything they can to promote and get the word out.  Are we as volunteers doing that? What committee does/would/should this fall under?  Should it actually be sponsored by AutoFed? Dean"

"Could not have done it with out the talented, dedicated and professional staff of ISA.  THANK YOU!"

"Eoin, I think your points are spot on.  Ian has some great follow ups on his blog as well. http://web-post.community.controlglobal.com/content/automation-week-2010   Dean"

"We have a meeting in early November to start the ball rolling.  Details should come out soon after.  None of that prevents individuals from getting involved today!! I don't know that I have ever felt so much electricity in a room before.  A truly exciting time for ISA, sections and individuals. We had a great follow up event at Lee College on Friday and FIRST had one of..."

"Thank you.  It was fun.  Looking forward to next years prize and a lot more competition!!!"

"Just 4 yrs ago, the automation as a recognized profession did not exist.  We all knew what we were but the profession was not defined.  The Automation Federation took on the task of defining the profession and with the help of the US Department of Labor and many industry professionals, the Automation Competency Model was born. Today, Automation as a profession is recognized by the..."

"Our newly formed relationship with FIRST is already reaping benefits for both organizations.  Many ISA members have stopped by and offered to help be a mentor and volunteer. We have meetings in November to develop our strategy on the best ways to roll out the partnership such that both organizations can benefit the most but we don't want that to hold up individuals from gettin..."

"The bulk of the leadership meetings are over and they have transitioned into the Standards Committees where a lot of dedicated volunteers are engaged in setting the standards for automation in face to face meetings.  This is a critical event for these committees and I encourage anyone interested to attend. You do not need to be a committee member to attend ISA Standards Committee meeti..."

"Let's use this forum to collect constructive feedback for us to continuously improve for next year.  Ground rules, no complaining.  If you cannot formulate your feedback in a constructive, positive way, keep it to yourself.  Suggestions for improvements. 1.  I think the graphic symbols for each pathway is a great concept.  Let's use them more on the..."

"Some great presentations today and tomorrow on develop our next generation of automation professionals. Training and development of these folks is critical to the future of manufacturing.  Check out the Human Asset Optimization Track in Tanglewood room. Dean"

"Last night was the Young Automation Professionals networking event.  We had a great group of the next generation and exchanged a lot of good ideas and contacts.  ASCO award two $5000 scholarships to two engineering students and based on their accomplishments so far, I expect we will see more in the near future. Again, thanks to ISA Staff and the supporting sponsors and organizatio..."

"We are half way through the ISA Automation Week and once again, a great big thank you to ISA Staff and volunteers for pulling off a great conference.  Also a big thanks to the Houston section for sponsoring the after gala party and supporting the conference. Thanks again, Dean"

"Randy, Please stop me again and you can have my full attention for as long as you need to in order for you to understand what this means to our profession and the ISA.  As a "black pot" wearer, I am quite easy to find in order to clear this up, hence the exact reason I am wearing this thing so that you and others can easily find us. A few tidbits for you.  The IET brings..."

"In talking with several of the exhibitors, I am an hearing more positive than negative.  Once folks adjust to the new format, they traffic has been more concentrated and more productive.  It also give them an opportunity to catch a break during the show and stay caught up on the day job.  This format is typical to other technical conferences I attend. Please make sure to..."

"Randy, Not sure where you were to find the deafening silence but the volunteers that worked diligently to pull this partnership together were in the press room making the actual announcement.  Since you have seem to pieced together some inaccuracies about this and the strategic importance of what it means, please stop me anytime and let's talk about it. Dean"

"The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) joins the Automation Federation today.  Pat Gouhin of ISA and Steve Mustard of IET signed the agreement at noon today. IET's 150,000 members join ISA, OMAC and WINA members in our efforts to advance the automation profession. Dean"

"The Automation Federation will be announcing some great news in just a few minutes!!   Dean"

"...voice a concern, clear up some of the rumor mill.  Get your own megaphone so you too can spread the word about the automation Profession.  We are here to answer your questions about the AF and show you the great work we are doing. Look for people wearing black or maroon Automation Federation hard hats to get real and accurate information about AF. Dean"

"Alex, I too think the idea is great.  Let's chat more at Automation Week.  Let's see if we can generate some momentum. Dean"

"Randy, I think you will find the announcement a testament to the changes we are making in the profession.  It has to start somewhere and it appears you of all people should know how slow it is to get engineers moving in the same direction, much less excited about something.  Not sure about Mechatronics, that is used in some circles but not in ours. Stop by the Automation Federatio..."

"Automation Federation is making a big announcement at ISA Automation Week. It'll be history in the making. Stay tuned!! Dean"

"Esam, check out the just released The Voice newsletter for some explanation.  http://thevoice.automationfederation.org/ In particular, see the article Why this is Important to Me: “The purpose of the Automation Federation” by Steve Huffman.  He sums it up pretty well. Are you going to be at Automation Week in Houston next week? Dean"

"The Automation Federation's newsletter and blog has been released.  Please take a few minutes and check it out.  Stop by the Automation Federation Think Tank at Automation Week and let us know what you think!! http://thevoice.automationfederation.org/ A big thanks to AF Staff for doing the work behind the scenes to make it a success. Dean"

"Representatives of the The Automation Federation will be wearing black hard hats and red hard hats throughout the week.  Stop them at anytime and ask them about the AF and learn what we are doing to serve you?  Also, find out how you can help the AF and your profession!!! Dean"

"Joel, Security of the "system" can change drastically when it moves from a simulated environment to the real world.  Access control can be tested and validated in the environment but the overall security program must be tested again after the commissioning is done.  Often vendors will open up certain ports or user accounts to allow specific access with the intent to shut t..."

"I am currently working with Syed Hussain in Australia (apparently the only CAP in that country) to develop a message he is giving to folks to build interest in Automation, ISA and CAP.  He has written a wonderful synopsis of the profession and its value to society.  He hopes to build some additional excitement and get things rolling for more CAPs.  Further examples of the imp..."

"All, Don't forget, ISA99 Cybersecurity Standards Meetings are on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Please plan to attend You don't need to be a member of the committee to attend. Schedule can be found at <font>http://isa99.isa.org/ISA99%20Wiki/Meetings-Houston-2010.aspx</font>   I for one am looking forward to putting some names and faces together from our conference call..."

"Graham, Be sure to plan out your day.  I usually get to the end only to figure out that I missed a session I was hoping to attend.  There are lots of things to do in the evening as well so plan that out as well. And just forget about trying to stay caught up on e-mails and conference calls.  Your head needs to be in the game for you to the get the biggest bang for your buck.&..."

"We have some very exciting things to talk to everyone about with the Automation Competency Model.  Be sure to stop by the Automation Federation Think Tank next to the registration and let's talk!!!! See the AF website for more information!!! There has been a lot of people on LinkedIn looking for career paths in Automation.  The timing could not be better. What and exci..."

"I challenge everyone to get one person to register for the online community.  Let's build this online group and build the value for the membership. And when they register, challenge them to find one person. Thanks, Dean"

"Some deserved recognition for our work getting our youth engaged in math, science and engineering.  This is critical for the workforce and innovators of tomorrow. Find a local school in your area and reach out to the science and math department.  Show the kids how exciting it can be. Please read the attached article. <font>Manufacturing Industry: Back to School - Managi..."