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The dictionary defines automation as the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically. We define automation as the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. Using our definition, the automation profession includes everyone involved in the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services; and the automation professional is any individual involved in the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. Automation encompasses many vital elements, systems, and job functions. Automation provides benefits to virtually all of industry. Here are some examples:
Manufacturing , including food and pharmaceutical, chemical and petroleum, pulp and paper Transportation , including automotive, aerospace, and rail Utilities , including water and wastewater, oil and gas, electric power, and telecommunications Defence Facility operations , including security, environmental control, energy management, safety, and other building automation And many others Automation crosses all functions within industry from installation, integration, and maintenance to design, procurement, and management. Automation even reaches into the marketing and sales functions of these industries. Automation involves a very broad range of technologies including robotics and expert systems, telemetry and communications, electro-optics, Cyber security, process measurement and control, sensors, wireless applications, systems integration, test measurement, and many, many more.
The U.S. government, among many others, recognizes the unsung value of automation professionals. Support for the importance of automation to industry comes from the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations. On 30 June 2009, the committee submitted report language (including the excerpt shown below) to accompany the bill: H. R. 2847 (Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010) emphasizing the importance of automation to industry: Supporting the Nation's manufacturers, especially small businesses, is critical to keeping America innovative in a global marketplaceMEP, NIST, and its partners are directed to consider the importance automation plays in accelerating and integrating manufacturing processes. The topic of automation cuts across all levels of industry, rather than serving as a stand-alone technology, and particularly affects the fields of control systems cyber security, industrial wireless sensors, systems interoperability, and other basic automation technologies necessary for the success of industrial enterprises. NIST is encouraged to consult and collaborate with independent experts in the field of automation to support the agency's efforts in working with industry to increase innovation, trade, security, and jobs." Automation professionals do and will continue to play a crucial role in protecting us from cyber-attack; enhancing our quality of life; and ensuring the reliability, efficiency, safety, constant improvement, and competitiveness of our electric power systems, transportation systems, manufacturing operations, and industry as a whole. Without these individuals, we cannot advance into the future.