HomeGeneral InformationPress RoomPress Releases

12 April 2006

Wireless standard for industrial automation

The ISA-SP100 committee and interested parties met to discuss technology and standards development logistics this week in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

The group intends to establish standards, recommended practices, technical reports, and related information that will define procedures for implementing wireless systems in the automation and control environment with a focus on the field level.

“The technology is ready,” said committee co-chair Wayne Manges of Oak Ridge National Lab. “It has come out of the cell phone industry, the federal government, and from commercial networking businesses.”

Compliance with the committee’s guidance will improve manufacturing and control system deployment as well as identify vulnerabilities.

Co-chair Richard Sanders of ExxonMobil said, “I’m here to make sure users’ voices are heard. The reason we participate is to make sure we get what we want. If you want to say something but don’t want to scream, let me know, and I’ll make sure you’re heard.”

ISA-SP100 will address wireless manufacturing and control systems in the following areas:

  • Environment in which the wireless technology is deployed.
  • Technology life cycle for wireless equipment and systems.
  • Application of wireless technology.

The wireless environment includes the definition of wireless, radio frequencies (starting point), vibration, temperature, humidity, EMC, interoperability, coexistence with existing systems, and physical equipment location.

—Nicholas Sheble and Ellen Fussell Policastro

For related information, go to http://www.isa.org/MSTemplate.cfm?MicrositeID=1134&CommitteeID=6891.

About ISA

Founded in 1945, ISA (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).


About WBF

WBF provides an open forum for the exchange of information related to the management, operation, and automation of manufacturing processes.  Created in 1994, members of the non-profit, professional organization include end-users, vendors, consultants and academics.  WBF provides organization, management, and structure to facilitate networking among its members and sharing of knowledge and information related to manufacturing processes. WBF documents best practices and guidelines for implementation of standards that apply to batch control and the exchange of batch data, as well as conducting technical conferences and technical training programs. WBF is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).  More information about WBF is available at www.wbf.org.


About OMAC

OMAC–The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users’ Group (www.omac.org) is an affiliate organization of ISA- The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society- and works to collectively derive common solutions for both technical and non-technical issues in the development, implementation, and commercialization of open, modular architecture control (OMAC) technologies, and to facilitate the accelerated development and convergence of industry and government developed OMAC technology guidelines to one set that satisfies common use requirements. OMAC has about 500 member representatives from end-user companies, OEM's, and technology providers and integrator companies. OMAC currently operates three Work Groups: Packaging Machinery, Manufacturing Infrastructure, and Machine Tool. OMAC is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).