ISA advisory: May IT forum connects IT and automation

A growing shortage of skilled engineers underlies the need for better use of IT in plants, says Eric Cosman, an engineering consultant with Dow Chemical Co. But “line-of-business managers and IT need to work together,” Cosman adds.

An ISA-hosted Manufacturing IT Forum May 20-21 in Cleveland, Connecting IT and Automation, will explore new dynamics for owner-operators, suppliers, and integrators of IT systems in manufacturing environments.

To encourage use of manufacturing IT as a competitive advantage, the forum will feature best practices used for business transformations. Case studies and panel discussions will include those having practical insight. “There are many benefits for companies that have learned these lessons, and have gone through a cultural transformation to bring manufacturing and IT together,” Cosman says. “In this collaborative environment, groups can come together, and people can bring their skill sets to bear on problems, both creatively and innovatively.”

To learn more about the forum or to register, visit the conference page at www.isa.org.