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Of course your company has computer backups, disaster recovery plans, and internal financial controls, but does your control system integrator? Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) advice to control system integrators can help any company's business practices.
Executing a control system integration project requires a high level of technical expertise. Executing a successful project requires technical expertise plus the business knowledge essential to building and sustaining a professional services firm.
Certification by the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) testifies to the soundness of a control system integrator's business practices. Certification provides an extra level of assurance that an integration firm is a well-managed, stable business--one with internal quality audits, computer system backups, disaster recovery plans, and other best practices that reduce risk and contribute to a successful project.
To become CSIA certified, a control system integrator must pass a rigorous, independent audit covering 76 criteria. The 76 criteria used in the audit are those CSIA and clients of CSIA member companies consider the most critical in operating a successful control systems integration company.
Criteria used by the independent auditors help control system integrators become better at what they do and better serve end users [http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/top-stories/single-article/do-end-users-benefit-from-system-integrator-certification/989e059595.html], machine builders, and other clients. These criteria can help any engineering or manufacturing firm, including those involved in automation, controls, and instrumentation, become more effective, and profitable.
General management criteria cover critical areas that significantly affect the integrator's overall success and provide the framework for a sustainable company. Auditors look for:
* Strategic plans. Strategic plans identify the integrator's purpose, long-range plans, and objectives and goals. Strategic planning provides assurance that the integrator has identified the human, technical, and financial resources for continuing sustainability.
* KPIs. Just as your plant has key performance indicators, the integrator needs KPIs, too. Asking about these KPIs gives you a window into the integrator's stability and viability.
* Computer system. A corporate computer system and commercial software that supports all aspects of company operations, a backup system, and associated procedures...