Process Control Networking - Bridging Between Process Control and Information Technology

Many Pulp, Paper and Forest Industry sites use programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems or coordinated adjustable speed drive systems installed on a network. Most of the control systems interface with operators through computers run via commercially available off the shelf operating systems, hardware and network switches. These process control systems are also required to be connected to the business network which is often connected through firewalls to the internet. The internet connection is necessary to keep applications software, operating system software and antivirus software up to date. Because of this connectivity the information technology and the process control departments in a company must work together to develop a standard process control network. This paper summarizes the process used to develop a standard of one such company.