Trends in the Instrumentation and Control Technician trade
Digital Technology
As technology is ever changing, instrumentation and control technicians must forever be adapting to these new technologies. This has increased the need for more technology-driven competencies to perform this trade and an increase in time being spent using digital technology.
Process control systems are increasingly being designed with more components that communicate with one another. Control systems have traditionally been separate entities from the internet. However, in order to keep software up to date, systems now require the ability to connect to the internet to acquire software and licensing. Instrumentation and control technicians must be aware of the use and implications of internet connectivity such as one-way communication devices (data diodes), cyber security and firewalls.
Increasingly, process systems are seeing more automation including HMI, DCS, SCADA, PLC and open systems interconnection (OSI) systems. There is also more automation in networking/communication systems.
Some applications of wireless technologies are being introduced for functions such as monitoring process systems and meter verification.
Predictive technologies are increasingly being used in process optimization. Trends in optimization will require that the instrumentation and control technician be knowledgeable in the use of advanced diagnostics.
Tools and Equipment
Portable digital communication devices are being used to diagnose and perform tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Quality Acceptance
When installing and replacing parts, there is an increase in the need to perform quality acceptance activities and properly document and store this information to meet regulatory requirements and traceability.
Health and Safety
An increased emphasis on safety in the workplace has led to an increase in documentation for instrumentation and control technicians.
There are more safety instrumented systems (SIS) being implemented. This requires that instrumentation and control technicians be familiar with the functioning of these systems.
Regulations
There is a continued increase in industry practices for environmental monitoring driven by governmental regulations. This has increased the workload of instrumentation and control technicians in areas such as reporting on carbon capture and emissions.