#United States #Durham, N.C. #SCADA #ISA #ANSI/ISA-112

Introduction

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has made a significant stride in the realm of industrial automation by announcing the publication of ANSI/ISA-112.00.01-2025, a new standard designed to improve the management and modernization of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. This standard aims to provide a framework that simplifies the design, operation, and maintenance of these systems, catering to a wide spectrum of industries ranging from utility management to civil infrastructure.

About SCADA Systems

SCADA systems are critical to the operational efficiency of facilities such as water treatment plants, oil extraction, and manufacturing. These automated control systems monitor and control various industrial processes, allowing industries to manage their operations effectively and efficiently. The newly released ISA-112 Part 1 standard offers organizations a vendor-neutral and technology-independent approach, making it adaptable to any type of SCADA project.

Key Features of ISA-112 Part 1

The ISA-112 Part 1 standard is tailored for entities such as companies, utilities, and system integrators, helping them either design new SCADA systems or upgrade existing ones to meet current security and connectivity protocols. It includes:

• - High-Level Overview: A comprehensive examination of the SCADA lifecycle, alongside relevant diagrams and terminology that make it easier to communicate between stakeholders.
• - Functional Architecture Model: A standardized model applicable across various types of SCADA projects, regardless of the industry or geographic considerations.
• - Standardized Workflows: Establishes precise workflows for designing, building, operating, maintaining, and auditing SCADA systems.

Objectives and Industry Impact

The initiation of the ISA-112 standard committee stemmed from a collective recognition among industry professionals of the need for a unified framework. Comprised of over 350 experts from sectors such as oil, gas, and municipal water management, the committee's goal has been to create a standardized resource that simplifies the complexities surrounding SCADA systems.

As stated by Graham Nasby, one of the founding co-chairs, “ISA-112 Part 1 empowers end users to articulate their SCADA system requirements clearly. Additionally, it provides a structured process for system integrators and consultants, facilitating effective design and implementation.” The consensus-driven approach underscores ISA’s commitment to producing valuable technical standards.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, multiple additional parts for ISA-112 are slated for release, focusing explicitly on processes regarding SCADA lifecycle reviews and architectural frameworks. This progressive initiative aims to provide further guidance to industries struggling with SCADA modernization.

Learning Opportunities

For those interested in delving deeper into the implications and technicalities of ISA-112 Part 1, a free webinar titled "ISA-112 Part 1: The New Standard for Modernizing SCADA Systems" is scheduled for April 16, 2026. It's an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to understand this enhanced standard and its potential applications.

Conclusion

The release of ANSI/ISA-112 represents a transformative step in the establishment of global standards for SCADA systems, fostering a collaborative environment among various stakeholders. For more information about ISA-112 or to engage in future standardization efforts, visit www.isa.org/standards.

By reducing complexity and promoting standardization, ISA is not only enhancing the efficiency and safety of SCADA systems but also paving the way for future innovations in automation.