ISO 15746-1:2015

Overview

ISO 15746-1:2015 - "Automation systems and integration - Integration of advanced process control and optimization capabilities for manufacturing systems - Part 1: Framework and functional model" establishes a conceptual framework and functional model for integrating advanced process control and optimization (APC‑O) into manufacturing systems. The standard defines core concepts, terms and the rules for describing the required functional capabilities of APC‑O units with the goal of reducing cost and risk when designing, developing and implementing integrated APC‑O solutions.

The document focuses on integration with Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and Level 2/Level 3 automation functions (monitoring/control and workflow coordination) and provides guidance to improve interoperability among APC‑O components from different suppliers.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and limits: Specifies concepts, terms and functional capability descriptions; explicitly excludes specification of communication interfaces/protocols, mandates for specific technical implementations, and prescription of APC‑O strategies or methods.
• Concepts and definitions: Formal definitions for APC, APC‑O, model predictive control, soft sensors, optimization, performance indicators, system identification, time delay and related terminology.
• Functional architecture: A modular APC‑O functional model that maps interactions between Level 2 (control) and Level 3 (MOM), and organizes APC‑O capabilities to support design and integration.
• Module capabilities: Describes typical APC‑O modules and their functions:
  • Soft sensor module (virtual sensing / inferential measurements)
  • APC module (advanced controllers such as MPC)
  • Optimization module (steady‑state and economic optimization)
  • Performance assessment module (KPIs, PID performance)
• Lifecycle and structure: Guidance on the generic structure of APC‑O modules and life‑cycle phases for development, validation, installation and maintenance.
• Informative annexes: Examples and background techniques (e.g., PLS, predictive control, PID assessment).

Practical applications and users

ISO 15746-1:2015 is useful for:

• Automation suppliers and system integrators designing interoperable APC‑O components
• Process engineers and production departments implementing APC‑O in manufacturing plants
• Project solution providers and independent testing/validation organizations
• Academic, consulting and government bodies working on industrial control integration

Typical applications include integration planning for multivariable model predictive control, inferential sensing (soft sensors), supervisory optimization, and performance monitoring across petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, metals and other process industries.

Related standards

• ISO 15746 series - Part 2 (Activity models and information exchange) and Part 3 (Validation and verification) are planned to extend the framework toward information exchange and validation practices.
• The standard aligns conceptually with IEC/ISO automation hierarchy references (e.g., IEC 62264 for Level 2/3 definitions).

Keywords: ISO 15746-1:2015, APC-O, advanced process control, manufacturing systems, integration, functional model, model predictive control, soft sensor, optimization, MOM, interoperability.