Three ISA standards define how modern factories operate. Understanding how ISA-88, ISA-95, and ISA-106 work together is the key to building a unified, intelligent production environment.
ISA-88, ISA-95, and ISA-106 each address a different dimension of manufacturing control. Together, they cover batch, continuous, and enterprise-level operations.
ANSI/ISA-88 · IEC 61512
ANSI/ISA-95 · IEC 62264
ISA-TR106.00.01
Each standard targets a different scope of manufacturing. Here's how they compare across key attributes.
| Attribute | ⚗ ISA-88 | 🏭 ISA-95 | ∞ ISA-106 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Batch process control within a process cell | Enterprise-to-control system integration | Continuous process procedure automation |
| Control Model | Procedural — phases execute sequentially | Operational — work orders schedule resources | State-based — transitions between states |
| Execution Unit | Batch (finite start/end, defined quantity) | Work Order (production request with routing) | Job / Campaign (continuous, target-based) |
| Recipe Handling | 4-tier recipes (General → Control) downloaded to PLC | Production rules & routing definitions | PLC-owned — MES observes, does not download |
| State Management | PackML 18-state model per unit | Work order lifecycle (Created → Closed) | Custom state machine (IDLE → PRODUCTION → STOPPED) |
| Output Tracking | Batch ID with lot/sublot traceability | Production performance records | Boundary-detected outputs (rolls, coils, spools) |
| OEE Approach | Cycle-based (parts/batch per cycle time) | Aggregated across work centers | Continuous (length, weight, time-based) |
| Typical Process | Mix 500kg of compound in reactor for 45 min | Schedule order across 3 machines with routing | Extrude cable at 12m/min for 8-hour campaign |
The three standards form a layered control architecture based on the Purdue Reference Model. Each operates at its level while exchanging data with the others.
ISA-95 bridges business systems to the shop floor. ISA-88 controls batch equipment. ISA-106 automates continuous processes. PulseMQ sits at Level 3, orchestrating all three.
A single work order can route through batch, continuous, and discrete machines in the same cell. Here's how ISA-88, ISA-106, and ISA-95 work together on one production order.
PVC Coated Cable — 500m rolls × 4 units
Every output traces back to its raw inputs across all three process types.
The final cutting step can be implemented using different standards depending on your equipment architecture.
Integrated with the extruder as a continuous sub-process
Standalone work unit with its own job routing
PulseMQ implements features from all three ISA standards, giving you a unified MES that handles batch, continuous, and discrete operations.
Whether your cell runs batch mixing, continuous extrusion, or discrete cutting — PulseMQ handles them all in one unified platform.
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