Industrial Automation Magazine India

ISA has developed most of the process industry standards

Published on : Wednesday 05-04-2023

Upendra Joshi, Section President, ISA Maharashtra, and Vice President, Reliance Industries Ltd.

Tell us briefly about the International Society of Automation and how is it organised globally
International Society of Automation is a non-profit professional association of Engineers, Technicians and Management engaged in Industrial Automation. ISA is a globally trusted provider of foundational standards to the automation industry. ISA strives to build a better world through automation. ISA officially was born as the Instrument Society of America on 28th April 1945. In October 2008, ISA council of society delegates approved a legal Name change to ISA – International Society of Automation, a name that reflects global nature and inclusive membership base.
 
Globally ISA is distributed in the following Districts/Sections with Headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina:
1. Western North America
2. Southern North America
3. Midwest North America
4. Latin America and the Caribbeans
5. Europe, Middle East & Africa
6. Eastern North America.
7. Brazil
8. Asia Pacific
 
How is the ISA functioning in India with its various regional chapters; the Maharashtra Section, in particular?
ISA India is under the Asia Pacific district and in India there are 8 sections of ISA and Maharashtra is the oldest section of ISA. ISA – Maharashtra has 5 office bearers, viz., President, Secretary, Treasurer, President Elect and Immediate Past President.
 
How extensive is the ISA engagement with the process industry?
ISA has developed most of the process industry standards in the past like ISA 5.1, 5.2, 5.3.5.4 5.5, 71.01, 75, 88, etc., which are the heart of the automation industry. Recently Security for Industrial Automation and Control System was developed ISA- 62443.
 
What were the highlights of the recent PPPA Meet 2023?
More than 275 Automation professionals from various industries and segments participated in the event. More than 50 students and Deans from various colleges attended and were actively involved in the event. More than 13 technical papers were presented by subject matter experts in the industry. In the exhibition section various exhibitors displayed their latest product range and a live demonstration of the latest technology was showcased. Based on PPPA Meet 2023 event performance, 2024 event sponsorship was confirmed during the event by several sponsors.
 
How is automation helping the process industry become more sustainable?
According to a White Paper by the World Economic Forum, digitisation in the oil and gas sector will give potential benefits of USD 170 bn, and automation will help in reduction of carbon emission by USD 430 bn.
 
What are the emerging technologies that are of specific interest to the process industry with potential for causing significant impact?
Following are the emerging technologies which are having significant impact:
i. Augmented reality and virtual reality
ii. Green hydrogen automation, and
iii. Digitisation/Digital enterprise for hydrocarbon processing industry.
 
Is there a process to enroll young engineers into ISA?

Right from the engineering college, anyone can become an ISA member as a student engineer and after completion of studies as a professional. Online membership forms need to be filled and submitted for obtaining membership. Students are charged a minimal membership fee of around USD15 and for young professionals the membership fee is USD70.
 
How does ISA engage with the student community?
ISA has a student section with a dedicated Student Liaison Authority. Training/Interaction sessions are arranged for the students free of cost and they are actively involved in major ISA events free of cost.
 
What are the future plans of ISA-Maharashtra
ISA – Maharashtra is responsible to carry out ISA activities in the Maharashtra region. With a dedicated aim and a strong working team, ISA – Maharashtra looks forward to benefit all those who are associated with the field of instrumentation and automation, be it a newbie or a respected veteran in this field. ISA – Maharashtra actively steps forward to host various events, technical sessions, etc., with the sole aim to grow and develop our community and every one of us at an individual level.
 
ISA – Maharashtra Section shall try to bridge the gap between industry and academia. Further, the ISA-M shall conduct events/training to ensure academia will get hands-on training for the field instruments and control systems.
 
Upendra Joshi has more than 30 years experience in control systems and instrumentation, right from concept to commissioning of the mega projects in the refinery and petrochemicals industry. Skilled in resource management, engineering project management, budgeting and cost control, technical bid evaluations, team building, procurement support, and a subject matter expert (SME) in fire and gas systems (from Reliance Manufacturing Academy), he has received a professional doctorate degree from the European Continental University in Engineering Project Management.
 
Upendra Joshi is ISA Maharashtra section president for period July 2022-June 2023. He is a recipient of CAP Award from Reliance Industries Ltd (with external evaluation), and Chairman Club Award from TATA-Honeywell. Besides, he is a TUV Rhienland certified functional safety engineer (FSE) and SHRM certified facilitator.