List of Micro Learning Modules (MLMs)

The following is list of MLMs that have been reviewed and released for use.

They are ordered by sequencial number and alphabetic extension (e.g., MLM-001-A)

• MLM-000-A: PowerPoint MLM Template
  This Example MLM is intended to be used as a starting point for new MLMs. Just download this file and overwrite with new material.


• MLM-001-A: Principal Roles in Automation and Control Systems (ACS)
  A Principal Role is defined as: an organizational entity such as Owner, Operator, Maintainer, Integrator, Commissioner, or Supplier.


• MLM-001-B: Professional Roles In Automation and Control Systems (ACS)
  A Professional Role is a widely recognized profession, such as a Functional Engineering Role or a Business Administration Role.


• MLM-002-A: PERA Website Information Structure
  begins with the PERA Master Planning Handbook and the Purdue reference Model For CIM. These concepts are then developed in more detail in User Guides for each industry.


• MLM-003-A: Enterprise Lifecycles and Phases
  This MLM describes the PERA Enterprise Lifecycles including: Enterprise lifecycles, Facility lifecycles, Automation and Control System (ACS) lifecycles, and Project lifecycles. It also discusses Phases within these lifecycles commonly used by Principal Roles including Owner/Operators, Engineering Contractors, and System Integrators.


• MLM-004-A: PERA Enterprise Classes
  This MLM describes the PERA Enterprise Classification System, which is based on common characteristics of Enterprise production facilities. It also discusses alternative industry classification systems used by ISA 62443, and the North American Industry Classification System.


• MLM-007-A: Enterprise Architectures and Levels
  discusses PERA Enterprise Architectures and Levels for a Process Industry.


• MLM-013-A: What is an Enterprise Cybersecurity Program
  This MLM describes the standards and the work process involved in the creation of Cybersecurity Programs for Automation and Control Systems (ACS), and Information Technology (IT).


• MLM-014-A: ACS + IT + OT Definitions
  discusses terminology and concepts for use of OT networks and devices to supplement or replace ACS networks.


• MLM-014-B: ACS + IT + OT Tradeoffs
  discusses use of OT networks and devices to supplement or replace ACS.


• MLM-018-A: Full and Zero Trust Models in Plants
  This Micro-Learning Module discusses principles of “Zero” and “Full” Trust in Plant Control and Information Systems.


• MLM-018-B: A Minimum Trust Model for Cyber-secure ACS.
  This Micro-Learning Module discusses the concept of “Minimum-Trust” in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (ACS). It explains that although Trust principles are applicable in both IT systems and ACS zones. Each has different objectives and priorities, and must be implemented differently.


• MLM-018-C: Implementing Minimum Trust Models in cyber-secure ACS.
  This Micro-Learning Module discusses how to apply Trust Principles to Industrial Automation and Control Systems or ACS.


• MLM-018-D: What is Zero Trust in Plant IT Systems
  This MLM addresses the concept of Zero Trust in Plant IT systems from the point of view of an IT specialist.


• MLM-020-A: Combined Cybersecurity and SIS/SIL Design
  This MLM provides an example of the use of Cybersecurity and Functional Safety Standards for Automation and Control Systems (ACS) during the Design Phase.


• MLM-021-A: What is yEd Graphics and why use it?
  yEd is a multi-purpose diagramming program that was Developed at Stanford University using the open GraphML standard.


• MLM-021-B: How is yEd Graphics used in PERA?
  Ten GraphML diagrams are described as they are used in PERA


• MLM-024-A: What is a Micro-Learning Module (MLM)?
  This Micro-Learning Module describes what MLMs are, and how they are used in PERA.


• MLM-024-B: Procedure for Creating MLMs
  This module describes the procedure for creating and publishing micro learning modules (MLMs).


• MLM-024-C: MLM Content and Format
  This module describes the recommended content and format for Micro Learning Modules.


• MLM-024-D: MLM Production Tips
  This module provides some Production tips for creating and publishing micro learning modules (MLMs).


• MLM-024-E: What is a Learning Map (LM)?
  This MLM describes learning maps and how they can be used to provide customized learning for specific audiences.


• MLM-026-A: Software Update and Patching for Owners
  This MLM addresses Software Updates and Patch Management for Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Operational Technology (OT) including both IT and ICS infrastructure, and IT systems at the plant architecture levels.


• MLM-034-A: Cyber Secure IT-ACS Interfacing
  discusses an architectural approach to creating secure interfaces rather than attemptng to merge or integrate IT and Industrial Automation and Control Systems.


• MLM-034-B: Example of Cybersecure Interfacing in a Process Industry Plant
  This Micro-Learning Module provides an example of interfacing ACS and IT systems and networks in a continuous Process Plant. Process Plants have industry-specific requirements, standards, and practices, especially around how ACS and IT networks can be securely interfaced.


• MLM-035-A: Cyber Secure PLC and RTU Concepts
  This Micro-Learning Module discusses principles for the design and operation of PLCs and RTUs. It describes the components of a PLC, the cybersecurity risks, and the vulnerabilities it involves.


• MLM-035-B: Top 20 Guidelines for Creating or Modifying PLC Software
  These guidelines are applicable for all IEC 61311 programming languages, including Ladder Logic, Function Blocks, Structured Text, and Sequential Function Charts.


• MLM-037-A: Cybersecure ACS Maintenance Procedures
  This MLM describes Automation and Control Systems maintenance practices to limit the risk from cybersecurity attacks.


• MLM-038-A: Identifying Control System Cybersecurity Incidents
  This Micro-Learning Module describes industrial cybersecurity incidents including: useful definitions, causes and characteristics, and key actions when incidents are detected.


• MLM-050-A: Industrial Cybersecurity for the CISO Part 1
  This Micro-Learning Module addresses what a Chief Information Systems Officer (CISO) needs to know in order to work with Automation and Control Systems.


• MLM-050-B: IIndustrial Cybersecurity for the CISO Part 2
  This module addresses what a Chief Information System/Security Officer (the CISO) needs to know to work with Automation and Control Systems (ACS)


• MLM-050-C: Industrial Cybersecurity for the CISO Part 3
  This Micro-Learning Module describes industrial cybersecurity incidents including: useful definitions, causes and characteristics, and key actions when incidents are detected.


• MLM-078-A: Configuration of Level 1 & 2 Devices and Networks
  This MLM describes use of the ISA 108 standard on configuration and management of intelligent industrial devices (IIDs) and networks.


• MLM-078-B: Level 1 & 2 Field Device and Network Design
  This MLM describes how to engineer Intelligent Industrial Devices at Level 1 and 2 of the PERA model using the ISA 108 standard and recommended data management practices.


• MLM-079-A: Reliability and Cybersecurity of Wireless Networks
  This MLM examines the reliability and cybersecurity of commonly used wireless industrial networks.


• MLM-082-B: Cybersecure Procurement Using CFIHOS
  This MLM describes procurement practices using the Capital Facilities Information Hand Over Standard including acceptance procedures.


• MLM-084-A: Industry 4.0 Concepts for Automation and Control Systems
  This MLM describes what Industry 4.0 will mean for those involved in Industrial Control.


• MLM-084-C: Analyzer Reliability and Security
  This MLM discusses reliability and cybersecurity measures for analyzers in process Industry plants.


• MLM-090-A: An Engineer's View of AI in Process Industry
  This MLM provides an overview of AI and how it may be applied in Process Industry plants.


• MLM-090-B: Plant AI and Human Interfaces
  This MLM describes AI to Human Interfaces, and associated risks in Process Industry Plants.


• MLM-108-A: What is ISA-108 and Why Use it.
  This MLM describes the ISA 108 standard on configuration management of intelligent industrial devices and networks.