ISA-106: Procedure Automation in Continuous Process Operations
Optimize Automation for Safer, More Efficient Operations
The ANSI/ISA-106 standard and its supporting technical reports offer a structured approach to automating procedures in continuous process industries. Designed to reduce risk, improve consistency and boost efficiency, these documents serve as a valuable framework for organizations aiming to streamline operations, enhance safety and support long-term automation success.
ANSI/ISA-106.00.01-2023, Procedure Automation for Continuous Process Operations
The latest edition of this standard provides a comprehensive framework for automating procedures in continuous process operations. It outlines essential models, implementation strategies and lifecycle guidance to ensure consistency, safety and efficiency across industrial systems.
Key highlights include:- Defined models for physical systems, procedures and implementations
- Operator interaction and exception-handling strategies
- Clear roles and responsibilities for procedure development and maintenance
- Alignment with business goals and regulatory requirements
By standardizing automation practices, this framework helps organizations reduce variability, improve reliability and ensure safe operation in complex industrial environments.
Supporting Technical Reports
ISA-TR106.00.01-2013, Procedure Automation for Continuous Process Operations – Models and Terminology
This foundational report introduces three key models: the physical model, the procedure requirements model and the procedure implementation model, These modelscollectively illustrate how automated procedures can be integrated into existing operational frameworks. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for collaboration with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and encourages ongoing feedback for the improvement of standards and practices in the field. It also addresses the importance of integrating automated procedures with basic process control systems (BPCS) and safety instrumented systems (SIS), while promoting collaboration and continuous improvement across teams.
ISA-TR106.00.02-2017, Procedure Automation for Continuous Process Operations – Work Processes
This report focuses on the work processes behind procedure automation and guides organizations through the lifecycle of automated procedures, including planning, design, implementation and the operation and retirement phases.
It emphasizes aligning automation with business goals, assigning responsibilities, leveraging toolkits and gathering performance metrics and operator feedback for ongoing system optimization.
Add PDF to CartWhy the ISA-106 Standard and Technical Reports Matter
Consistency and Accuracy
Structured models and best practices guide uniform implementation across operations, reducing variability and increasing the accuracy and predictability of automated procedures.
Risk Reduction and Error Prevention
The standard and technical reports help minimize errors and manage risks by addressing human limitations and system vulnerabilities, especially during complex transitions like startup, shutdown or abnormal situations.
Clear Communication
Standardized terminology enhances collaboration among engineers, operators and regulators and supports alignment on procedures and expectations.
Lifecycle Management
From implementation to retirement, ISA-106 supports the entire automation lifecycle, helping to maintain system reliability and compliance over the long term.
Streamlined Implementation
With clearly defined workflows and tools, these documents simplify the transition to automated systems, saving time, reducing costs and maintaining operational integrity.
Regulatory Compliance
Adherence to ISA-106 helps organizations meet industry standards and safety regulations while demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence.
Enhanced Safety
Automation of critical procedures such as startup and emergency shutdown is guided by this standard to protect personnel, equipment and the environment.
Future-Proofing
ISA-106 is designed to evolve with industry trends, offering a flexible, scalable foundation for adopting new technologies.
ISA106 Committee
The ISA106 committee develops standards and technical reports for automating procedures in continuous process operations, focusing on aspects like modularization, exception handling and lifecycle management. The committee aims to establish best practices for designing and implementing procedures to improve the efficiency, safety and reliability of continuous processes.
Ready to Get Involved?
Join a global network of professionals shaping the future of automation procedures in continuous process industries. Explore the current members of the ISA106 Committee and discover how you can contribute to this effort.
Have questions? Reach out to the ISA standards team at standards@isa.org.