MADISON, WI—The majority of independent system integration companies questioned in a global survey believe the outlook for the automation industry will improve in 2013.

The first-ever survey of system integrators conducted jointly by J.P. Morgan and the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA)  reached out to nearly 1,800 professionals worldwide in the automation and control industry. The results suggest that more manufacturers will look to experts like CSIA members for help in managing risk and automating their industrial equipment and systems. Among the industries driving the activity are automotive, oil and gas, food and beverage, chemicals and energy, according to the report.

Additional key findings include: 

• 69% of system integrators expect revenue growth this year. One-quarter of those look for gains of 15% or more 

• 85% believe demand for integration services will increase or remain steady in 2013

• More than 70% say projects that had been delayed or cancelled will resume if there is no negative change in economic trends

“A number of projects were put on hold during the global slowdown in industrial production,” says Bob Lowe, executive director of CSIA. “As a result, our integrator members are seeing pent-up demand that will release as projects come back on line.

“What this shows is that plant managers and others who hire CSIA member companies continue to look upon automation as a way to deliver new levels of productivity and competitiveness. These business leaders increasingly see control system integrators as an essential component in capital projects that require proven technical engineering solutions.”