The Automation BOK serves as a structured framework that defines the vast scope of the automation profession. Rather than focusing on a single proprietary technology or vendor, it provides a holistic, vendor-neutral overview of the engineering practices, tools, and methodologies used across manufacturing, process industries, and utilities.
The ABoK is a key resource for individuals pursuing ISA certifications like the , Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) , and Control Systems Engineer (CSE) . It is designed for a broad audience, including automation professionals seeking to expand their knowledge, managers focused on staffing, IT professionals, and educators. Key Updates in the Third Edition
This third edition isn't just a reprint; it's a significant update that reflects the continuing evolution of digital technologies and standards since the second edition. Key updates include coverage of new standards in:
The third edition was significantly updated in 2018 to address the rapid evolution of digital technologies. Major updates include: A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge The Automation BOK serves as a structured framework
The automation field has many excellent books: Process Control: A First Course with MATLAB by Bao and Lee, Instrumentation and Control Systems by Bolton, Safety Instrumented Systems by Goble, and more. What sets the ABOK apart is its and its unified voice from ISA . While a dedicated textbook on advanced process control will go deeper into MPC mathematics, and a dedicated DCS vendor manual will cover proprietary configurations, the ABOK provides the common language and core knowledge that every automation professional should share.
Utilizing virtual machines (VMs) and thin clients on the factory floor to streamline hardware footprints and simplify disaster recovery.
Quantifying return on investment (ROI) for upgrading from legacy systems to modern distributed control systems (DCS). It is designed for a broad audience, including
The third edition emphasizes the key ISA and international standards that underpin modern automation: ISA‑88 for batch control, ISA‑95 for enterprise‑control integration, ISA‑18.2 for alarm management, ISA‑101 for HMI design, ISA‑84 (IEC 61511) for functional safety, and ISA‑99 (IEC 62443) for cybersecurity. For professionals navigating compliance and auditing, this standards alignment is invaluable.
Strategies to prevent "alarm fatigue" in operators. 4. Cybersecurity and Industrial Networks
10. Electrical Installations – Power distribution, grounding, shielding, hazardous areas 11. Safe Use and Application of Electrical Apparatus – Intrinsic safety, explosion proof, purging 12. Checkout, System Testing, and Start‑Up – Pre‑commissioning, loop checks, functional testing Major updates include: A Guide to the Automation
Beyond standard PID loops, covering Model Predictive Control (MPC), neural networks, and adaptive tuning.
The is 978‑1‑945541‑75‑9, and the print ISBN is 978‑1‑941546‑91‑8. While some online platforms offer the title through subscription or purchase models, legitimate access is important both for quality assurance and for supporting the continued development of professional standards.