Anautomation integrator is asystems integrator company or individual who makes different versions ofautomation hardware andsoftware work together, generally combining several subsystems to work together as one large system.
The title may refer to those who only integrate hardware, although these will often work with software integrators. Software created by automation integrators allows devices to communicate with each other, as well as collecting andreportingdata.[1]
The magazineControl Engineering publishes an annual “Automation Integrator Guide” which lists over 2,000 automation integrators. They also give an annual system integrator of the year award to three automation integration firms.[2]
The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) maintains a buyers' guide of over 1200 member and nonmembersystems integrators known as the Industrial Automation Exchange, or CSIA Exchange for short.
The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) certifies automation integrators, through anaudit based on 79 critical criteria from the best practices manual. Companies must be associate members of the CSIA to be eligible for certification.[3] Integrators can also receive certification through a program launched in 2012 by the Robotics Industries Association.[4]
Automation Integrators work in a wide variety of industries which use robotics and automation. Some of the most common include: