Safely advancing industrial automation

Cyber-physical systems and connected components are key building blocks of industrial automation. Modular systems improve production efficiency and flexibility, making mass customization profitable and enabling innovative business models to be realised even in volatile markets. Functional safety and IT security of components and systems are imperative for the integrity of production and conformity with the machinery directive.

The international series of standards IEC 62443 (“Industrial Automation and Control Systems”) defines the IT security framework for cyber-physical systems in industry. Conformity with this standard can be demonstrated with the help of TÜV SÜD certification. Manufacturers benefit from certification in accordance with IEC 62443-4-1 (Secure product development lifecycle requirements”), whereas certification in accordance with IEC 62443-2-4 (“Security program requirements for IACS service providers”) benefits integrators and service providers. Owners and operators obtain certification of their operations in accordance with IEC 27001 and IEC 62443-2-1.

Standards governing functional safety include IEC 61508 for E/E/PE systems and ISO 13849 (“Safety of Machinery“). TÜV SÜD offers certification in accordance with the relevant standards, training and workshops, gap analyses, security risk assessments and threat modelling as well as tests during the design and development phase and product tests. The international provider of testing, inspection and certification services also supports manufacturers of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and electronic drive systems from the early stages of development to global market access. Its services also include full tests from risk assessment to functional safety and physical testing (type testing under fault conditions).

Approval for the North American market
The various markets impose further national requirements in addition to international standards. For instance, EU certification marks based on EN standards and CE marking are not sufficient to gain access to the NAFTA market, where the necessary tests and certifications in accordance with national standards may only be carried out by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). TÜV SÜD operates the only non-US testing laboratory accredited for the NAFTA market.

The Field Evaluation Service at TÜV SÜD carries out tests on machinery and equipment here in Germany to verify whether they are in conformity with the safety requirements of the NAFTA market and other applicable standards and regulations. “By doing so, individual approvals for the NAFTA market can be obtained quickly and cost-effectively, also in cases where regular certification would have been impossible or associated with major organisational efforts”, says Christian Moschner, Head of Sales at TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH.

Another cost-efficient alternative is Limited Product Certification (LPC), which is used for proving that components and special equipment produced in small volumes are in conformity with UL and CSA standards. For the Canadian market, for example, TÜV SÜD provides these tests as an accredited inspection body in accordance with the SPE-1000 standard.

About SPS
SPS is the highlight among the trade shows for the automation industry, showcasing the full range of smart and digital automation – from simple sensors to intelligent solutions. The trade show acts as an ideas generator and innovation platform with a focus on industrial communication, sensors and control technology. sps.mesago.com.

Further information about TÜV SÜD’s services for the manufacturing industry can be found at: https://www.tuvsud.com/…