How PlantPAx Certification Ensures Your Project Success

by Keith Flaherty on Feb 3, 2025 1:54:34 PM

How PlantPAx Certification Ensures Your Project Success

Did you know there are fewer than 20 System Integrators in the United States with the PlantPAx Capability Badge? It’s true. After Hallam-ICS completed the PlantPAx certification process, I decided to visit the Rockwell Automation Partner Locater to search for other System Integrators with the PlantPAx Capability. I was surprised when I scrolled through the list to see how few of us had received this recognition from Rockwell. Given the popularity and flexibility of the platform, I thought that more system integrators would have completed the process to receive the PlantPAx Capability Badge.

PlantPAx is a modern Distributed Control System (DCS) that integrates process, power, and information control into a unified platform. While it offers scalability and flexibility, it was misunderstood by many when it was originally released as a repackaging of a typical PLC and HMI. When properly designed and implemented, a PlantPAx system offers many benefits, including rapid development, deterministic performance, reduced lifecycle costs, and enhanced decision-making through access to real-time data.  

The Capability badge is intended to help end users of the PlantPAx system to identify system integrators who have demonstrated expertise in implementing PlantPAx to achieve optimal results. Having a thorough vetting process benefits end users, Rockwell, and qualified system integrators. For end users, the rigorous certification process ensures Rockwell’s customers that they can access the expertise they need to get a properly designed and implemented system. Rockwell is able to identify system integrators who will properly utilize their technology. For system integrators, earning the PlantPAx badge is a validation of their expertise in designing, deploying, and supporting Rockwell’s modern distributed control system (DCS) solutions.

We recently completed the certification process. This blog will share the requirements of the program and the requirements we had to fulfill to receive the PlantPAx Capability Badge.

Understand the Requirements

The first step is to understand the requirements and the intention of the certification process. There are core requisites including training, following documented standards & best practices, and demonstrating expertise in deploying a system. These conditions are in place so that Rockwell can have confidence in the system integrator’s ability to effectively deploy their flagship DCS. Unfortunately, there have been examples of system integrators treating a PlantPAx system as a typical PLC with an HMI, not fully understanding the benefits of properly implemented PlantPAx system. In the end, the unskilled system integrator can have a negative impact on the market perception of PlantPAx.

Complete the Required Training

The next step is to complete the Rockwell-defined training requirements. To receive the capability badge, an engineer must complete 24 hours of comprehensive training that covers both foundational and advanced topics, including:

  • PlantPAx Fundamentals: Understanding the PlantPAx architecture, including its controllers, HMI systems, and communication protocols.
  • Process Expertise: Hands-on training for configuring distributed control elements, integrating third-party devices, and applying process safety standards.
  • Validation and Testing: Techniques for factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) to ensure your installations meet client expectations.

Once the training is complete, the engineer must pass a certification exam administered by Rockwell. The test assesses the engineer’s knowledge of:

  • Process strategies and PlantPAx configuration tools.
  • Best practices for integrating and optimizing PlantPAx systems.
  • Troubleshooting and system maintenance.

For a system integration company to receive their PlantPAx Badge, they must have the required number of engineers credentialed for PlantPAx to match their partner level with Rockwell (2 for Silver, 3 for Gold, 4 for Platinum).

Build a Portfolio of PlantPAx Projects

In addition to classroom training, Rockwell also emphasizes the importance of practical experience. To qualify for the PlantPAx Badge, a system integrator needs to demonstrate a proven track record of PlantPAx deployments. Projects should follow the recommended practices identified in Rockwell publications:

  • PlantPAx Selection Guide
  • PlantPAx Configuration and Implementation Manual
  • Rockwell Automation’s Process Objects
  • PlantPAx Deployment Recommendations and Verification Tool

 Pass the Project Review

The final hurdle to earning the badge is for Rockwell to complete a project review of a PlantPAx system deployed by the system integrator. As detailed in the Global System Integrator Program PlantPAx Capability Overview, the requirements for a project review include:

  • Using the PlantPAx System Estimator (PSE)
  • At least 1 controller is a P_Controller with 200+ I/O points.
  • Utilizing the HMI Graphis Framework.
  • Completing the PlantPAx Verification Tool.

Rockwell’s engineers worked with Hallam-ICS and provided valuable feedback to our team throughout the review.

The Bottom Line

Hallam-ICS is proud to be one of the short list of system integrators who have been recognized as having the experience and knowledge to hold the Rockwell Automation PlantPAx Capability Badge. If you are planning on using PlantPAx on an upcoming project, don’t just assume that all system integrators will properly design, program, and implement PlantPAx. Those who have engaged with Rockwell to earn the PlantPAx Capability badge have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to the platform. For us, this badge is more than a credential, it’s a testament to the work we do every day to deliver innovative, reliable solutions for complex automation challenges.

About the Author

Keith is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a BSEE and an MBA. He has been with Hallam-ICS since 1988 as an electrical engineer, manager of integration services, CFO, and CEO. He focuses the company on understanding and meeting the needs of each individual client while at the same time delivering the highest possible level of technical expertise.

Read   My Hallam Story 

About Hallam-ICS

Hallam-ICS is an engineering and automation company that designs MEP systems for facilities and plants, engineers control and automation solutions, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance through arc flash studies, commissioning, and validation. Our offices are located in MassachusettsConnecticutNew YorkVermont and North CarolinaTexas and Florida and our projects take us world-wide. 

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