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ISA/IEC Collaboration Bears Fruit: Manufacturing Recipes Standard

Research Triangle Park, NC (19 January 2005) – An ISA standard, widely used for batch control, has just been released as an IEC PAS (Publicly Available Specification) in a joint effort between ISA and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). ANSI/ISA-88.00.03-2003, Batch Control Part 3: General and Site Recipe Models and Representation defines a model for general and site recipes, which, in principle, can be duplicated at any plant, allowing manufacturers with multiple plants to be consistent in the quality of their production. Industry recognizes this as being important for manufacturing efficiency, keeping production costs down, and maintaining satisfied customers.

The collaboration with IEC on the ISA-88 standard series is one of many ways ISA works to develop standards for industry in an efficient and effective manner. ISA is globally recognized as a standards writing organization, developing consensus standards for automation, security, safety, batch control, control valves, fieldbus, environmental conditions, measurement, and symbols. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ISA has published more than 135 standards, recommended practices, and technical reports, through the dedicated efforts of an international network of industry experts.

IEC PASs are a service to the manufacturers because they help to rationalize efforts and to offer valid guidance in a shorter time than a consensus based international standard can be made available. Generally, PASs are expected to be transformed into IEC International Standards within a few years. They were introduced at the end of 1997 as a response to industry calling for quicker standardization in areas of rapidly developing technology. An IEC PAS is often a de facto industry standard, which may subsequently be transformed into a de jure International Standard. While the IEC has produced other PASs from other organizations, this is the first produced in conjunction with the ISA-88 series.

For more information on ISA standards and the process by which they are created, please visit www.isa.org/standards. The ANSI/ISA-88.00.03-2003 standard can be found online at www.isa.org/ISA8800032003. Information on IEC can be found online at www.iec.ch.

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).