ISA-88 takes a PAS

n ISA standard widely used for batch control has just been released as an IEC PAS (Publicly Available Specification) in a joint effort between ISA and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). ANSI/ISA-88.00.03-2003, Batch Control Part 3: General and Site Recipe Models and Representation, defines a model for general and site recipes, which, in principle, can be duplicated at any plant, allowing manufacturers with multiple plants to be consistent in the quality of their production.

Industry recognizes this as being important for manufacturing efficiency, keeping production costs down, and maintaining satisfied customers.

IEC PAS guidance helps to rationalize standard and vendor efforts and to offer valid direction in a shorter time than a consensus-based international standard can be made available. Generally, PAS standards are expected to be transformed into IEC International Standards within a few years. They were introduced at the end of 1997 as a response to industry calling for quicker standardization in areas of rapidly developing technology.

An IEC PAS is often a de facto industry standard, which may subsequently be transformed into an official International Standard. While the IEC has produced other PASs from other organizations, this is the first produced in conjunction with the ISA-88 series.