A newly released version of the Control System Integrators Association’s (CSIA) Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual includes a new section establishing best practices for service and support functions. The new release is the fourth major revision of the manual since its debut in 1997. Considered by many in the industry as the gold standard for operating a successful system-integration business, the manual provides a roadmap for system integrators who are trying to improve their business as well as those seeking CSIA Certification. The manual details myriad management practices, including financial management, project management, quality assurance, human resources, and marketing.
Another new section covers strategy, methodology, organizational structure, and management topics unique to how an integrator provides service and support for their clients after installation of a control system. Other changes in the new version include clarification and reorganization to help improve the flow of the manual. The marketing section was refined and reorganized based on recommendations from the CSIA Sales Excellence Council.
To become CSIA Certified, members must demonstrate in an independent audit that their firms meet or exceed 79 audit criteria from the Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual. Certified members must be re-certified every three years. The new manual is only available to CSIA members, though information about the manual and the audit criteria can be found on the CSIA website at controlsys.org.