3443 Guidance on managing obsolescence and upgrading industrial automation and control systems (IACS)

Overview:

This publication provides information and guidance on the factors that should be considered in the successful management of obsolescence of an IACS, by providing a practical approach and suggested courses of action. Each and every IACS is different as a result of its unique use, and varies depending on the industry. This publication takes a generic approach to the IACS, as the two courses of action can, to some extent, apply to all types of application.

The two courses of action discussed in this publication are:

• undertaking an upgrade to a new IACS, or
• living with and managing obsolescence if an upgrade is decided against.

The publication is aimed at those responsible for the operation, maintenance and update of IACS, including C&I engineers, IT engineers, project managers and project engineers responsible for upgrades, maintenance and IT technicians and risk management teams.