ISA-95 was developed to provide a standardized interface between enterprise systems (e.g., ERP) and manufacturing control systems. This standardization simplifies the integration of business functions—such as logistics and planning—with manufacturing operations. ISA-95 primarily divides systems into two main domains:
- The enterprise domain (also referred to as “Level 4” in the hierarchy), which covers business planning, scheduling, and logistics (e.g., ERP systems).
- The control domain, which encompasses manufacturing and process control systems.
What is ISA-95?
ISA-95 is a standard that helps businesses connect their top-level enterprise systems (like ERP software for planning and logistics) with the systems that control actual manufacturing processes. In a nutshell: ISA-95 bridges the gap between the top-level business planning world and the shop-floor control world—ensuring everyone is speaking the same “language” when it comes to data and processes.
Why does ISA-95 matter?
- It simplifies integration between business systems (think: logistics, scheduling) and manufacturing systems (think: the machines on the factory floor).
- By providing standardized interfaces, it reduces confusion and makes data exchange smoother.
How does ISA-95 organize things?
- Enterprise Domain (commonly referred to as Level 4)
- Focuses on business planning, scheduling, and logistics (e.g., ERP systems).
- Control Domain
- Focuses on manufacturing and process control systems (the systems that directly interact with machinery and production processes).
We specialize in ISA-95 (aka ANSI/ISA-95/IEC 62264), the global standard for integrating enterprise systems (ERP) and manufacturing operations (MES, SCADA). Our freelance and subcontracting services help businesses streamline operations through ISA-95-aligned information modeling, delivered via hourly or fixed-price engagements.
Our Approach to ISA-95 Data Modeling
IACS Engineering offers expert consulting in data modeling and system integration using the ISA-95 framework. Our goal is to help organizations streamline the communication between their operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems by applying the structured, hierarchical models outlined in ISA-95.
Understanding the ISA-95 Hierarchy
While the ISA-95 framework is extensive, our consulting services focus on tailoring its concepts to your organization’s specific needs. Below is an overview of the ISA-95 levels as we apply them in our practice:
- Level 0: Physical Process Level
This level represents the actual physical production processes, including sensors, actuators, and machinery. Our solutions ensure that real-world process data is captured accurately at the source. - Level 1: Control Device Level
Focused on the immediate control elements (e.g., sensors and actuators) that enable real-time monitoring and control, this level lays the groundwork for responsive manufacturing processes. - Level 2: Control System Level
Here, supervisory control systems such as SCADA and PLCs monitor and control the process. Our data models ensure that these systems communicate effectively, supporting timely decision-making and operational control. - Level 3: Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) Level
This level includes Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) that manage production scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control. We help design interfaces that provide actionable insights across the manufacturing floor. - Level 4: Business Planning and Logistics Level
At this level, enterprise systems (such as ERP) handle business planning, order processing, procurement, and customer relationship management. Our expertise ensures that data exchanged between your business and manufacturing systems is accurate and seamlessly integrated.
Our Services
- Tailored ISA-95 Data Modeling:
We work with your team to create data models and information exchange protocols that are aligned with the ISA-95 framework and customized to your operational environment. - System Integration Strategy:
Our consulting includes comprehensive planning to integrate your control and enterprise systems. By mapping the data flows from the shop floor to the executive level, we help reduce risk, minimize cost, and prevent errors. - Implementation Support:
We provide hands-on guidance during system implementation, ensuring that the interfaces between levels are robust, scalable, and compliant with best practices. - Training and Documentation:
In addition to consulting services, we offer training and thorough documentation to empower your teams to manage the ISA-95-based integration independently.
