Industrial Control Software Ltd, producers of the IMAC range of alarm management software have recently become members of the Northern Offshore Federation.

The NOF is a Trade Association representing approximately 200 member companies in the North of England who supply goods and services to the oil, gas, marine and renewable energy industries. The capabilities established by NOF member companies in the harsh, demanding environment of the North Sea are highly respected by the developing oil and gas nations around the world.

ICS believe membership of the NOF will assist with their strategy to increase market share in the international alarm management arena.

As reported previously, ICS signed a partnership agreement with ABB in October 2005 enabling them to add alarm rationalisation services to their product portfolio. Combined with their own IMAC alarm management software, ICS are now able to offer complete, turnkey solutions to companies looking for improved safety and increased profitability through better alarm handling.

Pressure from Government Agencies such as the UK’s Health & Safety Executive has forced companies to take a closer look at the way they handle process alarm and event data. As a result, alarm management has moved up the agenda. This coupled with the rapid growth of emerging oil and gas markets in places such as India and China presents excellent business opportunities for companies serving this sector, emphasizing the importance of organisations such as the NOF to help UK companies take advantage of these opportunities.