The 2020 CSIA Executive Conference in Context
By Jose Rivera
This newsletter is published to coincide with the release of the
2020 CSIA Executive Conference website. The launch of the website represents the
culmination of a long planning effort. As is customary, CSIA announced the location of the 2020 conference at the conclusion of the 2019 conference.
In Asheville, CSIA also announced the theme “Claiming the Role of the SI in the Digital Transformation.”
Digital Transformation Task Force and CSIA Regional Event
Sam Hoff, President and CEO of Patti Engineering, volunteered to lead the Digital Transformation Task Force. Since June, the task force has delivered seven monthly sessions with presentations and discussions covering three main areas: technology, process and organization.
The
CSIA Regional Event that took place in Chicago on October 8 was also dedicated to the topic of digital transformation. This deep involvement has helped us to develop the program for the 2020 conference.
CSIA CEO Jose Rivera addresses the 2019 CSIA Regional Event in Chicago.
Is digital transformation just buzz?
From multiple discussions I’ve had over the past months, I’m aware that, unfortunately, some SIs view digital transformation as nothing more than buzz. They will say, “We have been doing digital transformation for over 20 years or more.” I understand that there are similarities in what was delivered in the past and what is being required today and in the future.
Let’s take the example of a telemetry application where measurements are taken in a remote location and transmitted to a control room. In the past, the delivery of this solution often required the design and installation of transmission towers and the procurement of radios and their licenses. These were key deliverables.
Today the situation is different, and the prevalence of mobile communications infrastructure in most areas allows for easy leverage. Compared to the past, the scope of work is reduced for the data communications portion. The scope of work is nevertheless often expanding by myriad possibilities being made available, for example, the capturing of data to enable monitoring the health of remote assets and, maybe, the integration of weather-forecasting systems.
If we limit the comparison to the very basic, basic data transmission, things haven’t changed that much for the SI. But maintaining this same attitude, we would have to conclude that Uber and Lyft are nothing more than traditional taxi companies as they are just taking passengers from Point A to Point B.
Something for everyone
The conference will feature three end users who will share their digital transformation journeys. They will also let us know how they see SIs helping them achieve their digital transformation goals. The CSIA conference delivers to a wide and diverse community, and as it has always done, the conference will include the traditional business management topics to ensure there is something for everyone.
Greg Young spearheads "Future Leaders" initiative
Attracting, retaining and developing talent remains an area that keeps SIs up at night. CSIA recognizes the importance of the next generation of leaders, not only for its SI members, but also for the future of CSIA itself. At the initial request by a group of future leaders, CSIA has identified "Future Leaders" as a key initiative. Board Member Greg Young, Vice President, Business Administration, Automation NTH, has been collaborating to formalize this effort.
I encourage you to bring your next generation of leaders to the 2020 CSIA Executive Conference to help them in their development, which often includes getting comfortable with management topics.
Membership Survey update
Last, but not least: Thank you to those members who participated in the 2019 Membership Survey. I know many of us feel “over surveyed” in our daily lives. Taking time to participate means a lot to CSIA as it helps guide the association. Main findings will be released in the first quarter of 2020.
Jose Rivera is CEO of Control System Integrators Association in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.