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World Batch Forum, OMAC and ISA Work to Develop New Standard Project for Industrial Automation

Research Triangle Park, NC (25 April 2005) -- ISA-The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society- and OMAC - The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users' Group -announce that Make2Pack, a joint working group sponsored by World Batch Forum, the OMAC Packaging Working Group, and the ISA SP88 committee, is working to leverage ISA-88 batch standard principles and the PackML state model to help develop ANSI/ISA-88.00.05.

The Make2Pack workgroup is harmonizing the ISA standard and OMAC guidelines to develop conceptual models, terminology and examples for industrial automation that can be applied to the total manufacturing process.  The focus of the workgroup is on batch processes, packaging and converting machinery. "Our goal is to apply ISA's S88 modular philosophy and define a library of component behaviors and techniques that apply to the automation needs of all manufacturing" said Dave Chappell, section manager for batch technologies at Procter & Gamble in Westchester, Ohio and chair of WBF's Make2Pack initiative. The group plans to issue a preliminary report or guideline in 2005/2006 with the ANSI/ISA standard expected to follow in 2006/2007.

When applied within industry, this standard will increase the profitability, flexibility and efficiency of manufacturing and packaging processes.  Through uniform machine design, it will also improve maintainability.

"The increasing need for manufacturing agility demands that we cut across the different silos and departments, speak the same language, and model processes the same way.  If we can merge our process and discrete manufacturing operations, we will generate great efficiencies for our corporations," explained Thinus van Schoor, OMAC Member and Automation Manager for SAB Miller.

The group is chartered with better integrating "making" and "packing." In addition to the ANSI/ISA-88 standards implications, there are also clear ties to the forthcoming ISA-95.00.03 standard, which covers manufacturing operations management activities.

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).