New Zealand’s process control industry may get a shot in the arm with the establishment of an umbrella organisation to develop industry strategies and facilitate the implementation of technology.

The development arises from a suggestion by Paul Austin, the Associate Professor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Auckland University. In a presentation to delegates at a recent IPENZ conference, Austin said an advanced process control body could be an ideal forum for developing an overall industry focus. "Representing industry, academics and researchers, the association would be a valuable platform for identifying and pursuing process control strategies. It would also be an excellent organisation for more formal liaison with the likes of IEE, IEEE and IFAC."

The process control industry has greeted Austin’s proposal enthusiastically, and a steering committee has been appointed to investigate the feasibility of establishing such an organisation. It will also provide an outline of the body’s possible structure and likely objectives. One possibility, for example, is that the proposed ‘control and systems’ group could be established under the aegis of IPENZ.

The IMC’s representative on the committee is Bruce Gatland.

The committee aims to provide initial feedback on its investigation at the IMC seminar at Massey University in April (see story below).