Divisions

by Bob Webb

Divisions provide in depth information on instrumentation, systems and automation activities as applied to that industry (industries and sciences divisions), or as applied in that area (analyses and technologies divisions). I have been involved in the Power Industry Division (POWID) for over 20 years, as I have found that it offered the best place to associate with folks who had already done what I wanted to do, and to get advice and information on their experiences. In addition, it offered a place to participate in the advancement of the science of measurement and control with other engineers and scientist who had similar needs and perspectives. 

The Food and Pharmaceutical Industries Division (FPID) provides relevant activities for its industries. At present a number of activities are planned that will provide for Division membership in the next several years.

They include:
* October 21 - 23, 2002 - FPID sponsored sessions in Chicago at ISA 2002 EXPO.

* 2003 - FPID programming in the North East Regional Conference in Philadelphia, PA

* 2004 - An FPID Conference in the spring

* Standards for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries - see my other article on FPID standards development, elsewhere in the Transmitter Most of these activities are on the other side of the country. And yet we have a large number of members here on the west coast that could be interested in this programming, or different programming more relevant to local area activities. Should we form a regional working group to put on our own local programs relevant to this industry? After over 20 years working as a leader of the Standards and Practices Department, I can assure you that you can participate actively without going to east coast meetings. Please call or email me if you would like to, and I'll connect you via email with the team. We have changed our standards process to the point that participation is possible without traveling extensively. But that is harder to do for local section meetings, training, and other personal contact benefits. Which brings me back to asking - is it of benefit to set up some local activities especially for the FPID members? Perhaps training sessions on validation, safety or security focused on FPID? More presentations relevant to food processing or pharmaceutical facilities ? Biotechnology? 

Let me know what you think! Call or email me (rwebb@powereng.com) if you are interested, or willing to help lead any of these activities, and we do things that make sense for folks in this area.