Certification ensures system integrator competence
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Pilz Automation Technology product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 24, 2005
A new certified system integrator programme aims to help users of system integrators to ensure that projects with safety-related aspects are completed competently.
Pilz Automation Technology has established a certified system integrator programme that will help users of system integrators (SIs) to ensure that projects with safety-related aspects are completed competently.
Although some projects are focused primarily on safety issues, there are others where safety is a secondary, but hugely important, element.
In both cases, it is essential that the safety aspects are carried out by engineers and technicians who are competent.
Having worked closely with system integrators for a number of years, and informally monitored the competence of the SI staff involved in safety-related aspects of projects, Pilz concluded that the introduction of IEC61508 (Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety related systems) had made it necessary to develop a certification system for system integrators based on competency management.
A suitable competency management system has therefore been developed over a two-year period, based on that already used within Pilz, with a significant input from Elite Control Systems, which has become the first Certified System Integrator.
Nonetheless, while achieving Certified SI status is a major hurdle, the effort is ongoing, because continuous improvement and regular reassessments are an integral part of the Certified SI programme.
Pilz is now in discussion with several UK-based SIs.
In each case, depending on the SI's experience and the market sector it covers, the certification may relate to a geographical area, a particular industry, or only part of the Pilz product range.
Throughout the certification process and afterwards, Pilz provides a vast amount of support, whether this is in the form of training, mentoring or the provision of consultants for projects where an SI may be lacking a particular competence.
For customers, the main advantage of the Pilz Certified SI programme is that it indicates that a competency management system is in place - which is almost essential if a customer is to comply with the requirements of IEC61508.
While many SIs may claim to be 'competent' in what they do, customers need to be aware of the difference between claimed competence and demonstrable competence.
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