About Collaborative Systems Integration
Pioneering Open Process Automation
Founded by the architects of the Open Process Automation initiative, CSI brings unmatched expertise to industrial automation.
Our Mission
Our Mission
CSI exists to accelerate the adoption of open, standards-based process automation. We believe owner-operators deserve control over their automation infrastructure — freedom to choose best-of-breed components, ability to upgrade on their own timeline, and security of standards-based architecture.
We don't just advise on OPA — we build it. Our team has designed, commissioned, and supported open automation systems in refining, chemicals, power, and pharmaceutical environments.
Our Values
What drives every engagement
Open Standards First
Every solution is grounded in published, vendor-neutral standards.
Owner-Operator Advocacy
We work for you, not for vendors. Your interests drive every recommendation.
Engineering Rigor
Mission-critical systems demand precision. Decades of field experience in every engagement.
Leadership
Our Team
Don brings 33 years of experience in the Process Control industry. Prior to founding CSI, Don was the Chief Engineer of Process Control at ExxonMobil. From 2016 to 2023, he served as elected Co-Chair of The Open Process Automation Forum. Don is a global authority in the field and has implemented ground-breaking innovation, notably real-time AI predictive control solutions.
John has over 25 years of experience in the Technology industry, with senior leadership roles across multiple global organizations including Intel and Stratus Technologies. With an Electronic Engineering PhD from Columbia University, he brings deep technical expertise. At CSI, John is spearheading the delivery of open, edge computing platforms for systems integration of industrial process control.
Trevor brings over 47 years of experience in process manufacturing and business performance improvement in the automation and software space. He is a past Co-Chair of the Open Process Automation Forum. Prior to CSI, Trevor held leadership roles across a range of industries, notably serving as Vice President of Business Value Consulting for Invensys. He is known for delivering step-change business profitability and efficiency gains through innovative design thinking.
Steve Bitar worked at ExxonMobil for 39 years across Refining, Engineering and Research. He has held a variety of engineering and management positions across a wide range of disciplines, including process control, real-time optimization, and process analytics. Steve holds a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware, an MS in computer science from Drexel University, and an MBA in finance from George Mason University.
Let's Build Something Open
Start a conversation about your automation infrastructure
Whether it's a full OPA deployment, a DCS migration assessment, or a training program for your team — CSI can help.