ISA-95: A Standard for Systems Integration in Industry

The efficient integration of industrial automation systems is crucial for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing productivity in manufacturing operations. ISA-95 is an international standard developed to facilitate this integration, providing a clear framework for communication between different levels of control and management systems. In this article, we will explore what ISA-95 is, its benefits, and how it can be implemented to optimize industrial operations.

What is ISA-95?

ISA-95, also known as "Enterprise-Control System Integration," is an international standard established by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It defines a model for the integration between production control systems and enterprise management systems. The main objective of ISA-95 is to create a common interface that allows for efficient communication and information exchange between different systems in an industrial plant.

Automation Levels in ISA-95

ISA-95 divides the automation framework into five distinct levels, each with specific functions:

1. Level 0Field equipment
   • It includes sensors, actuators, and measuring devices directly involved in the production process.
2. Level 1Basic control
   • Control systems, such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and DCS (Distributed Control Systems), control field equipment.
3. Level 2Supervisory control
   • SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems that supervise and control production processes.
4. Level 3Production management
   • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) that manage and monitor production operations in real time.
5. Level 4Business management
   • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems manage a company's business and administrative operations, including finance, human resources, and supply chain.

Benefits of ISA-95

1. Efficient Integration
   • ISA-95 facilitates integration between systems from different vendors, ensuring that all components can communicate effectively and in a coordinated manner.
2. Improved Decision Making
   • With a clear and consistent data structure, companies can access accurate, real-time information, enabling more informed and strategic decision-making.
3. Cost Reduction
   • Efficient system integration reduces redundancy and errors, optimizing production processes and lowering operating costs.
4. Increased Productivity
   • Automation and effective communication between systems increase operational efficiency, resulting in greater productivity and better resource utilization.
5. Regulatory Compliance
   • ISA-95 helps ensure that all processes and systems comply with industry standards and regulations, facilitating audits and inspections.

ISA-95 Implementation

1. Initial Assessment
   • Conduct a thorough assessment of existing systems and identify integration needs and areas for improvement.
2. Planning and Design
   • Develop a detailed plan for the implementation of ISA-95, including the definition of interfaces and the selection of compatible technologies.
3. Gradual Implementation
   • Implement ISA-95 gradually, starting with the lowest levels and progressing to the higher levels, ensuring that each step is successfully completed before moving on to the next.
4. Training and Support
   • Provide adequate training for the operations and maintenance team, ensuring that everyone is familiar with the new systems and processes.
5. Monitoring and Adjustments
   • Continuously monitor the performance of integrated systems and make adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.

Your industry is even more strategic

ISA-95 is an essential standard for systems integration in industry, providing a clear and efficient framework for communication between different levels of automation. Implementing ISA-95 can bring numerous benefits, including increased operational efficiency, reduced costs, and improved decision-making.

Oransys is committed to helping companies implement ISA-95-based solutions, optimizing their operations and achieving new levels of productivity. Our Oran+ operates at all levels of ISA-95, ensuring seamless integration and optimization of industrial processes.

• Level 0 and 1: Field equipment management and basic control.
• Level 2: Real-time monitoring and supervision.
• Level 3: Optimizing production management.
• Level 4: Integration with ERP for strategic alignment.

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