ISA and PHM Society Forge Technical Alliance to Enhance Industry Standards and Collaboration

ISA and PHM Society Forge Technical Alliance

In a significant move for the automation industry, the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Society have announced a technical partnership aimed at driving forward their mutual goals. This collaboration is set to enhance synergies between automation practices and health management, benefiting professionals across various sectors.

An Overview of the Partnership

On November 4, 2026, leaders from both organizations officially signed a technical partnership agreement that will see them collaborating on standards development and contributing to each other’s events. This partnership symbolizes a convergence of expertise, where ISA, recognized as a leading professional society in automation, works alongside the PHM Society, known for its support of the international PHM community across all domains.

The new alliance will leverage ISA’s accreditation with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a Standards Developing Organization (SDO). This will allow both organizations to identify current ISA committees where PHM experts could lend their insight and establish new committees to address overlapping technical areas. Andrew Hess, president of the PHM Society, emphasized the importance of forming technical partnerships that create mutual value, stating that ISA’s automation expertise aligns perfectly with the PHM Society’s ambitions.

The Role of Each Organization

The International Society of Automation was founded in 1945 with a mission to enhance the global automation landscape through standards and knowledge sharing. They not only develop widely utilized global standards but also provide various educational programs, publications, and certification opportunities. Moreover, ISA hosts significant events such as the ISA Automation Summit Expo and the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Summit, bringing together professionals for networking and skill development.

In contrast, the Prognostics and Health Management Society, incorporated in 2009, focuses on advancing PHM as a recognized engineering discipline. Their flagship event—the Annual Conference of the PHM Society—promises to fall in line with this new partnership, showcasing innovations and practices in the field of health management.

A Vision for Collaboration

This partnership is expected to yield a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and advancements in standards that reflect current trends and practices in automation and health management. Claire Fallon, CEO of ISA, stated, "This partnership brings together two communities that depend on reliable, data-driven insight into industrial systems. By engaging with the PHM Society, we can merge our standards and certification prowess with their research initiatives. This collaboration will significantly benefit both organizations' members."

As part of their shared mission, both organizations are committed to fostering innovation, enhancing professional development programs, and furthering the reach of effective practices within the PHM community. The integration of insights from both communities is sure to lead to improved protocols and a stronger, more responsive industry.

Conclusion

The collaboration between ISA and the PHM Society signifies a noteworthy step towards integrating automation with health management. As these organizations work hand in hand, they are poised to set new standards that not only elevate their fields but also equip professionals with the knowledge and tools required to improve operational efficiencies and safety measures within their sectors. As they move forward, the expectations for success and mutual benefit remain high, promising a bright future for their partnership and the industries they serve.