Industrial Control Systems – The Foundation for Safe, Reliable Operations

Webinar details

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are typically the “last” part of any project to be commissioned; this does not mean that in any way are they the least important part of the project – rather the case will be made that without the ICS it will not be possible to operate at all.

The presentation will describe the different elements of Industrial Control Systems, the role each elements has and how they provide safe reliable operations through regulatory control loops, safety interlocks, optimization algorithms and via connection to asset management tools improved overall equipment effectiveness.

• The webinar will be recorded and will be sent out to registered attendees afterwards.
• A certificate of attendance will be provided to attendees who request one near the end of the live webinar session.
• Please note: the time stated on this event is in UTC. You will need to convert this to your own time zone.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the role of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in enabling safe, reliable and efficient plant operations.=
• Learn how the different components of an ICS work together, from field devices through to supervisory control systems.
• Explore how regulatory control, safety interlocks and optimisation strategies improve operational performance.
• Discover how ICS integrates with asset management systems to enhance equipment reliability and overall operational effectiveness.
• Gain an appreciation of why Industrial Control Systems are critical to the successful commissioning and ongoing operation of industrial facilities.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM UTC
• Location: Online Session

Meet the Presenter

Ian Verhappen

Ian has been involved in digital communications since 1994 installing the first multi- vendor Foundation Fieldbus project in 1996.

Since then, Ian has served as both a leading Project Engineer/Designer and an external/cold eyes review consultant for a number of companies and in pulp and paper, mining, food processing, water and wastewater, oil sands processing, petrochemical and refining industries.

Ian is co-author, with Augusto Pereira, of ISA’s popular “Foundation Fieldbus Pocket Guide” now in its fourth edition.

Ian is also an active volunteer with ISA, serving as Vice-President of the Standards and Practices 2005/6 and is presently Canadian Chair of IEC TC65, SC65B and SC65E.. Ian is known as a digital communications evangelist and his passion for the topic has taken him around the world to share his experiences.

Ian has accumulated over 20 years experience in oil sands mining where he supported plant operations using standard mining processes of slurry transport, flotation / separation cells and multiphase flow. He is also experienced in truck and shovel operations with associated crushing and solids transport including real time maintenance/operating data for this mobile equipment via wireless communications.

Ian has the ability to explain technology in simple terms that can be understood by others without the same level of theory or experience, a rare quality!

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About the Engineering College of Technology (ECT)

ECT is a UK-registered higher education provider affiliated with the Australian-based Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT). We offer industry-relevant engineering qualifications powered by interactive online platforms, remote labs, and expert instructors from around the world. Registered with the Office for Students (OfS) – UKPRN: 10089771 Member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)