The ISA-95 Automation Pyramid is a foundational model for understanding industrial automation and controls engineering. It breaks automation into distinct levels, each with specific technologies and responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the pyramid and key skills required at each level:
Level 0: Field Devices (Sensors, Actuators, VFDs)
- Responsibilities: Wiring, installation, troubleshooting.
- Tools & Commands:
- Multimeter commands:
continuity test, `voltage measurement` - Linux commands for serial comms: `screen /dev/ttyUSB0 9600`
- Basic networking:
ping, `arp -a`
Level 1: Control Layer (PLCs, Safety Systems)
- Responsibilities: Writing ladder logic, configuring I/O.
- Tools & Commands:
- PLC programming: Structured Text, Ladder Logic
- Linux-based PLC tools:
CODESYS, `OpenPLC` - Debugging commands:
tcpdump, `netstat -tuln`
Level 2: HMI & SCADA Systems
- Responsibilities: Dashboard design, alarm management.
- Tools & Commands:
- SCADA tools: Ignition, WinCC
- Linux monitoring:
htop,grafana, `Prometheus` - SQL for SCADA: `SELECT FROM alarms WHERE status=’ACTIVE’;`
Level 3: IT/OT Integration (MES, SQL, APIs)
- Responsibilities: Connecting machine data to business systems.
- Tools & Commands:
- API testing: `curl -X GET http://api-endpoint/data`
– Database management: `mysql -u root -p`, `pg_dump` - OT security: `nmap -sV –script vuln
`
You Should Know:
- Linux for Industrial Systems:
Check open ports on a PLC nmap -Pn <PLC_IP> Capture industrial protocol traffic tshark -i eth0 -Y "modbus" Secure SSH access sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Windows Commands for OT:
Check connected devices Get-PnpDevice Monitor process interactions Procmon.exe
What Undercode Say:
The ISA-95 model is crucial for career progression in industrial automation. Beginners should master Level 0-1 before moving up. Specialists exist, but broad knowledge ensures flexibility. Security is critical—always verify network segmentation (iptables, firewalld) and monitor OT traffic (Wireshark, Zeek).
Expected Output:
A structured learning path from hardware (Level 0) to IT/OT integration (Level 3) with hands-on command examples for real-world implementation.
Prediction:
As Industry 4.0 grows, demand for IT/OT hybrid engineers will rise. Cybersecurity skills in industrial networks will be mandatory.
References:
Reported By: Paul Godines – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
