Through the development of ISA's signature certification program, Certified Automation Professional (CAP), a body of knowledge critical to the success of today's automation professional was identified. This body of knowledge is now the subject of a new resource from ISA - A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, edited by Vernon L. Trevathan.
With contributions from over thirty leading experts from all aspects of automation, this book defines the most important automation concepts and processes, while also describing the technical skills professionals require to implement them in today's industrial environment. The content focuses on the seven technical categories defined by the CAP body of knowledge: Basic Continuous Control; Discrete, Sequencing, and Manufacturing Control; Advanced Control; Reliability, Safety and
Electrical; Integration and Software; Deployment and Maintenance; and Work Structure.
Under the category of Basic Continuous Control, the contributors provide insight into analytical instrumentation and communications, control valves, solids handling, control system documentation and control equipment. The section focusing on Discrete, Sequencing and Manufacturing Control features informative chapters on general manufacturing measurements, discrete and sequencing control, discrete output devices, motors and drive control, motion control and web control.
Advanced Control topics include process modeling, batch control, building automation, and environmental issues. In the Reliability, Safety and Electrical section, readers will find valuable content
regarding alarm management, reliability, process safety, electrical installations and safety.
The Integration and Software category focuses on communications, industrial networks, MES integration, security, operator interface, data management, and software. Deployment and Maintenance topics include operator training, checkout and system testing, commissioning and
start-up, troubleshooting, maintenance and system management, and change management.
Finally, in the Work Structure section, readers will learn about automation benefits and project justification, project management and execution, and interpersonal skills for automation professionals.
With the some of the best and brightest minds in the industry contributing to A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, the resource is the most comprehensive definition of automation available today.
The book will be available at ISA EXPO 2005, 25-27 October in Chicago, Illinois, as well as online at www.isa.org/autobok.
