ISA Interchange

Welcome to the official blog of the International Society of Automation (ISA).

This blog covers numerous topics on industrial automation such as operations & management, continuous & batch processing, connectivity, manufacturing & machine control, and Industry 4.0.

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. ISA blog posts may be authored by ISA staff and guest authors from the automation community. Views and opinions expressed by a guest author are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent those of ISA. Posts made by guest authors have been subject to peer review.

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September ISA Training and Education Programs

This education & training roundup was compiled by Joel Don, ISA's social media community manager.

Automation and control training from ISA is developed and taught by industry experts with real-world experience. Comprehensive and Dollarphotoclub_78933442practical instruction gives you knowledge you can immediately apply in the workplace. In September ISA will feature a new course, Extreme Instrumentality: Electrical to Instrumentation Cross Training Boot Camp. The new course is being offered with special one-time pilot discount pricing. This class focuses on the knowledge and skill sets required to function as an instrument maintenance technician.

Sign up for the pilot offering of the new Extreme Instrumentality boot camp course and save 40% in a one-time discount offering.

ISA also is showcasing Tactics for Advanced Troubleshooting Boot Camp, an intensive boot camp course focusing on the techniques required to troubleshoot today's instrument loops and equipment.

Onsite Training

In addition to taking ISA classroom training at ISA headquarters, regional locations and industry events, you can also receive customized ISA training at your facility through ISA Onsite Training.  This option can bring any ISA course or combination of courses – along with ISA’s world-class instructors, training materials and portable laboratories – directly to you.  Simply pick the time and place.  Contact ISA at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.

Note: If a class date is not showing in the course offerings page or registration appears closed, contact ISA at info@isa.org or call customer service at +1 919-549-8411 to get a registration update or waiting list status.

Classroom Courses

Fundamentals Training

Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control (FG07)
This course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers are provided with a foundation for communication with other control system professionals. The class serves as a solid fundamental course for introduction to other ISA courses. The 4.5-day class starts September 14 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Technical Skills Training

Industrial Networking & Security (TS12)
This five-day course focuses on the latest developments in networking, including practical tips on designing, implementing and testing TCP/IP-based networks and how to apply them securely and reliably in an industrial environment. You will discuss the functions and purposes of the elements used to create and protect an industrial network including switches, routers, firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. This course will expand your practical knowledge of LAN, WAN and Web technologies. It illustrates what is safe and practical for today’s plant floor, including Internet technologies such as Web servers, TCP/IP and fiber optics. Special focus will be placed on the questions of security in the industrial setting drawing on the work of the SP-99 committee and NIST. The course will cover the details of IP addressing and how functions and protocols such as DHCP, DNS, ARP/RARP and fast spanning tree are essential to make such networks function.  The course will include network troubleshooting and the use of network diagnostic tools. The class starts September 21 in Houston, Tex.

Automation Professional Skills

Building Automation
Introduction to Building Automation Systems (EA15)
This real world-based course will give you a broad introduction to the specific issues involved with building automation systems (BAS). You will explore the processes that occur at every level in the air conditioning industry, including digital controls. Learn about sensing and measurement, actuation, analog output devices, and relays. Computer interfaces are discussed including web interfaces. Your survey of the world of BAS includes: future of bas, digital direct control (DDC) basics, field devices, the human machine interface (HMI), bas design and specification, energy conservation control strategies, and system maintenance. The three-day class starts September 8 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Control Systems
Batch Control Using the ANSI/ISA88 Standards (IC40)
This course presents an approach to developing functional requirements/specifications using the models and terminology defined in the ANSI/ISA88 batch control standards. A review of the characteristics of batch manufacturing systems is included. Participants will explore the ANSI/ISA88 concept that separates the recipe from the equipment. This course includes a methodology that defines an object approach based on ANSI/ISA88 that promotes the reuse of these objects from one project to the next. The three-day class starts September 9 in King of Prussia, Penn.

Designing and Applying Model Based Control Strategies (EC60)
This course will cover designing and applying Model Based Control (MBC) strategies, including the basic structure of all MBCs, the basic technology of Model Predictive Control (MPC), and how to successfully build and monitor controllers. The three-day class starts September 8 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Installing, Calibrating, and Maintaining Electronic Instruments (TI25)
This popular course offers a combination of practical information and hands-on experience, covering proper installation, calibration, and maintenance of electronic instruments. You will examine characteristics of electronic control systems; techniques for installing electronic instruments; and procedures for configuring and calibrating transmitters, transducers, and controllers. Approximately 40 percent of your time in this course is spent working with equipment. The 4.5-day class starts September 7 in Columbia, Ill.

Cybersecurity
New_80x80
IACS Cybersecurity Operations & Maintenance (IC37)
The third phase in the IACS Cybersecurity Lifecycle (defined in ISA 62443-1-1) focuses on the activities associated with the ongoing operations and maintenance of IACS cybersecurity. This involves network diagnostics and troubleshooting, security monitoring and incident response, and maintenance of cybersecurity countermeasures implemented in the Design & Implementation phase. This phase also includes security management of change, backup and recovery procedures and periodic cybersecurity audits. This course will provide students with the information and skills to detect and troubleshoot potential cybersecurity events as well as the skills to maintain the security level of an operating system throughout its lifecycle despite the challenges of an every changing threat environment. The three-day course starts September 29 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Discrete, Sequencing, and Manufacturing Control
New_80x80PLC Fundamentals for the Technical Professional (TC40)
This course will focus on the role the programmable logic controller plays in the design of a control system and how proper selection, installation and maintenance can reduce operating costs and improve performance. It will provide the technical expertise necessary to install, perform routine programming and maintenance and apply proper troubleshooting and configuration techniques. The 4.5-day course starts September 14 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Safety
Fire and Gas System Engineering – Performance-Based Methods for Process Facilities (EC56P)
Fire and gas detection and suppression system design techniques that are currently in use are often considered to be unsatisfactory due to their nature of being rule of thumb and experience-oriented without any real ability to quantify risk. This has resulted in systems that are either over-designed or under-designed. Only after the ISA TR 84.00.07 was a comprehensive framework for performance-based fire and gas design established. This three-day course describes the techniques recommended in the technical report, along with hands-on use of the techniques and associated software tools. It will be held in Houston, Tex. starting on September 16.

ISA recently published a new and related book, Performance-based Fire and Gas Systems Engineering Handbook. Click this link to read a Q&A with author Austin M. Bryan, of Kenexis Consulting Corporation. In the Q&A, Austin provides important insights on the book’s value and significance.

Performance-based-fire-and-gas-10Boiler Control Systems Engineering (ES15)
This three-day course covers boiler components and their purpose. Additionally, the course explains the ISA symbols used in boiler control, how to identify the engineering and control of boilers using these symbols, and a method of presenting the engineering. This course covers topics including defining the control and ratio control fundamentals, feed forward control, feed forward plus feedback control, cascade control, ratio control, and how they are implemented in boiler control. Flame detection methods, including the advantages of each method, are also covered. The class will start on September 21 in Cerritos, Calif.

Burner Management Systems Engineering Using NFPA Code 85 and ANSI/ISA77 Standards (ES16)
This two-day course covers the safe startup, monitoring and shutdown of multiple burner boiler furnaces. It also discusses causes of furnace explosions and the relationship between burner management systems and boiler control systems. Prior attendance at ISA ES15: Boiler Control Systems Engineering course or an understanding of boilers and boiler control is assumed. The class starts September 24 at ISA headquarters in Cerritos, Calif.

Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50)
This course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance and documentation requirements defined in the ISA 84 (IEC61511) standard. The four-day class starts covers the safe startup, monitoring and shutdown of multiple burner boiler furnaces. It also discusses causes of furnace explosions and the relationship between burner management systems and boiler control systems. Prior attendance at ISA ES15: Boiler Control Systems Engineering course or an understanding of boilers and boiler control is assumed. The class starts September 29 in Greenwood, Ind.

Certification and Licensure Preparation

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I Review Course (TS00)
This is a fast-paced review of the knowledge and practical skills necessary to install and maintain standard measurement and control instrumentation. It is intended for practicing technicians preparing for the CCST Level I exam. An explanation of the examination process and practice certification-type exams are provided. The four-day course starts September 1 in Greenwood, Ind.

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80 Control Systems Engineering (CSE) PE Exam Review Course (EN00)
This course reviews the knowledge and skills areas that are included on the Control Systems Engineer (CSE) Professional Engineer (PE) examination produced by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and administered by U.S. state professional license boards each October. The intent of the class is to prepare an engineer with four or more years of experience to take the exam by providing instruction in the broad range of technical areas that will be tested. . The content is based on the CSE Exam Specification that went into effect in October 2011. The three-day course starts September 8 in Houston, Tex.

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Exam Review Course (TM00)
This course is designed as a fast-paced review for the experienced maintenance mechanic. It provides a thorough overview of the knowledge and mechanical skills required in today’s industrial maintenance environment. It is designed specifically for industrial maintenance mechanics preparing for the CMRT exam. An explanation of the examination process and practice taking a certification-type exam is provided. The three-day class starts September 28 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Level II Exam Review Course (TS02)
This is a fast-paced review of the knowledge and skills necessary for technicians with 7+ years of practical experience who are preparing to sit for the CCST Level II exam. An explanation of the requirements, examination process and practice certification-type exams are provided. The four-day course starts September 21 in Cerritos, Calif.

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level III Exam Review Course (TS03)
This course reviews the knowledge and skills areas included on the Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level III examination. The intent is to prepare an automation professional who meets the exam criteria to take the exam. The content is based on the job analysis domains, tasks, knowledge areas, and skill areas developed as the basis for the CCST certification exam. The 4.5-day course starts September 21 in Houston, Tex.

Special Training Events

(Part of ISA Technical Training Camp – Philadelphia 2015)
Using the ANSI/ISA99 (IEC 62443) Standards to Secure Your Industrial Control System (IC32)
The move to using open standards such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, and Web technologies in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and process control networks has begun to expose these systems to the same cyberattacks that have wreaked so much havoc on corporate information systems. This course provides a detailed look at how the ANSI/ISA99 standards can be used to protect critical control systems. It also explores the procedural and technical differences between the security for traditional IT environments and those solutions appropriate for SCADA or plant floor environments. The two-day course starts August 31 in King of Prussia, Penn.

ISA Technician Training Boot Camp (TTBC)
ISA Technician Training Boot Camp (not just for technicians) combines a unique technical training course − minimum lecture and maximum hands-on experience − with bonus features, including a plant tour, technical library, and social events, to enhance the learning experience and to maximize knowledge gained. More than 75 percent of your time will be spent on equipment labs. This week of intensive training will cover a broad range of technical topics needed to get the job done right. Starting with basic instrumentation fundamentals and ending with the advanced and ultimate in smart technology, this comprehensive program will serve as a vital building block to your professional development and skills enhancement efforts. This course also serves as a solid introduction to other ISA courses that will help you advance your automation and control career. ISA Technician Training Boot Camp starts August 31 in Columbia, Ill.

Tactics for Advanced Troubleshooting Boot Camp (TATC)
This intensive boot camp course details the techniques required to troubleshoot today's instrument loops and equipment. From understanding loop fundamentals to employing built-in equipment diagnostics, this class will give the student an advantage in problem identification via the latest in test equipment and communicators used in the process control industry. The class is hands-on intensive with student exercises and instructor demonstration designed to simulate loop and equipment malfunctions, thus requiring the student to follow established troubleshooting techniques. The various equipment built-in diagnostics will be discussed and employed to aid in equipment troubleshooting. The five-day course starts September 14 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

(Note: Special Pilot Discount Pricing Available)
New_80x80Extreme Instrumentality: Electrical to Instrumentation Cross Training Boot Camp (XTBC)
This class focuses on the knowledge and skills-sets required to function as an instrument maintenance technician. The electrical skills-set possessed by a trained electrician will serve as basis for expansion to include the skills-set required to maintain an instrument control system. Process measurement techniques, measurement and control equipment, calibrations techniques and calibration equipment will be discussed and utilized in numerous hands-on lab sessions. The knowledge and skill-sets gained from attending this class will lead the student to become an asset to an I&E maintenance team. The 4.5-day course starts September 28 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Online, Instructor – Assisted Courses

OnlineCourse_80x80Cybersecurity for Automation, Control, and SCADA Systems (IC32E)
The move to using open standards such as Ethernet, TCP/IP and web technologies in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and process control networks has begun to expose these systems to the same cyberattacks that have wreaked havoc on corporate information systems. This course provides a detailed look at how the ANSI/ISA99 standards can be used to protect your critical control systems. It also explores the procedural and technical differences between the security for traditional IT environments and those solutions appropriate for SCADA or plant floor environments. The course starts September 21.

OnlineCourse_80x80Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50E)
ISA’s CyberU online instructor-led training course offers the benefit of a high-quality ISA training course with the added advantage of studying at your own pace in the office, at home or while traveling. This course utilizes online training modules, additional text materials, online evaluations, and email discussions. Students will have access via email to an instructor and have an opportunity to participate in live Q&A sessions with the instructor and other class participants. The course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance requirements. The eight-week course starts September 28.

Note: This course is required for the ISA84 SIS Fundamentals Specialist Certificate Program. Click this link for details.

En EspanolInstrumentados de Seguridad - Diseño, análisis y justificación - (EC50ESP - Version en linea)
Este curso esta enfocado en los requerimientos de ingeniería para especificar, diseñar, analizar y justificar el uso de sistemas instrumentados de seguridad para la industria de proceso. Los estudiantes aprenderán como determinar los niveles integrales de seguridad funcional y como evaluar si los sistemas existentes o propuestos alcanzan los requerimientos de desempeño o rendimiento. Este curso es requerido como parte del programa ISA 84 "Certificado como experto en fundamentos en Sistemas Instrumentados de Seguridad funcional." El estudiante puede inscribirse para tomar el curso solamente o para el programa del certificado, que incluye el examen. Aquellas personas que completen el curso y pasen el examen, recibirán el reconocimiento como "Especialistas en Fundamentos ISA84" (ISA84 SFS por sus siglas en Ingles). Este curso es requerido para obtener el certificado como “Especialista en Fundamentos ISA84” (ISA84 SIS Fundamentals Specialist Certificate Program). La clase comienza 28 de Septiembre.

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Fundamentals of Industrial Process, Measurement and Control (FG05E)
This self-paced, online course provide an overview of industrial measurement and control for technician, engineers, and managers providing a basic understanding and foundation for communication with other control systems professionals. The course runs for 12 weeks and starts September 28.

Implementing Wireless Industrial Automation Systems (IC85E)
This course will cover the most relevant details associated with industrial wireless systems with an emphasis towards how the various technological choices coexist, interoperate, and interact with each other. Numerous examples of real-world deployments are covered for facilities such as SCADA systems, petrochemical plants, and electrical power generation and transmission systems. The operational differences posed to the wireless systems' performance by discrete manufacturing needs, monitoring of devices, and even control systems are addressed. Considerable emphasis is placed specifically on ISA100 (the standard for industrial wireless) including deep dives into some of the standard's most pertinent details. Comparisons of ISA100 with other protocols and specifications (e.g., Industrial Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wireless HART) are provided. The course starts September 7.

Live Webinar Series

Save up to 25 percent with Series Pricing when you register for all the webinars in a series at one time. To take advantage of series pricing, please contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Process Control (FG05W1)
In this webinar, the importance of and an introduction to the methodology of measurement in control will be discussed and process control will be defined. The definition and technology of a loop and of the control loop will be covered. This seminar will also discuss control strategies and provide an introduction to controller tuning. ISA standard piping and instrument diagram (P&ID) symbols are introduced and used throughout the seminar materials. The webinar will be held January 8.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Temperature Measurement (FG05W2)
This webinar provides an introduction to and overview of temperature measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held January 15.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Level Measurement (FG05W3)
This webinar provides an introduction and overview of level measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology, and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held January 22.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Flow Measurement (FG05W4)
This webinar provides an introduction and overview of flow measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology, and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held January 29.

Webinar_80x80 Introduction to Pressure Measurement (FG05W5)
This is an introduction and overview of pressure measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held February 5.

ISA Partner Training

ISA has teamed up with IDC Technologies & EIT to bring an array of technical-related training courses to various U.S. locations as well as online courses, with special discounts for ISA members.

Upcoming topics:

Fundamentals of Process Plant Layout and Piping Design—4 hour live online course
22 September 2015 held 8:00AM CDT – 12:00PM CDT (13:00 - 17:00 UTC/GMT)

Practical Tuning of Industrial Control Loops - 4 hour live online course
24 September 24 2015 held 2:00PM CDT – 6:00PM CDT (19:00 - 23:00 UTC/GMT)

Professional Certificate of Competency in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and SCADA Systems
7 September 2015 (3 months)

Professional Certificate of Competency in Instrumentation, Automation and Process Control
7 September 2015 (3 months)

Professional Certificate of Competency in the Selection, Commissioning and Maintenance of Shutdown, Blowdown, Severe Service and Choke Valves
28 September 2015 (3 months)

Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering for Oil and Gas Facilities
28 September 2015 (18 months)

When you become an ISA member, you’ll join thousands of automation and control professionals who collaborate to share ideas and insights, and solve technical challenges. And, you’ll receive up to 20 percent off on ISA products, including training courses. To review the complete array of ISA member benefits, click the link below or contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.

Click here to join ISA ... learn, advance, succeed!

Joel Don
Joel Don
Joel Don is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.

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