"In the three years we've been at this, we've been removing rocks from our field. Now we're ready to plow and plant."
Titled "Batch Control Part 5: Automated Equipment Control Models & Terminology," ISA 88.00.05 contains an approach that will support a library of automation components consistent with the ISA 88 Part 1 models that can be used by automation vendors across all types of manufacturing. These automation components will provide a common base of commonly used automation functions that encourages modularity and defines common methods for components to interact. From the very beginning, presenting Draft 88.00.05 to ISA was a key goal of Make2Pack, which is a joint working group of the WBF, OMAC Users Group, and ISA SP 88 Committee.
Another important Make2Pack deliverable, says Chappell, is the development of working models that can be used in demonstrating and teaching standards-based initiatives. While the goal of developing such working models remains central to the group's thinking, Chappell indicates that it may be more expedient to have them developed by an organization other than Make2Pack. He suggests the work may be done by WBF in the form of a working group that might also involve ISA and the Automation Federation. Regardless of how it gets done, the objective remains the same.
"At the end of the day there will be actual equipment that can be used for hands-on learning and training to help us move forward the understanding of these standards-based concepts in real-world applications."
Chappell, and others, will touch on some of the work being done by Make2Pack in his May 23 presentation at the Packaging Automation Forum, sponsored by Packaging World and Automation World magazines. Chappell can be reached at chappell.da@gmail.com. To learn more about the Packaging Automation Forum, to be held May 23 at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare, visit www.packworld.com/paf.
