List of Micro Learning Modules (MLMs)

The following list of MLMs is ordered by sequencial number and alphabetic extension (e.g. MLM-001-A)

Each MLM may include:

• A PDF (Portable Document Format) file that contains presentation slides and written narrative (below each slide). This is also called a "book format" and may be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper.
• An MP4 video file includes slides with spoken narrative and animations. Fast or slow playback is supported.
• A PPTX (MS PowerPoint file) may be used to add comments or corrections (using track changes), make custom presentations, or create new documents.
• A SCORM standard course module that may be run in our Moodle Learning Management System or other compatible LMS.
• An HTML5 module that is similar to the corresponding SCORM module, but does not require an LMS (and therefore lacks LMS features like student results tracking).

MLMs are designed to be linked to Learning Maps, PERA User Guides, and White Papers within the PERA website.
This material is in progressive development, so all versions of an MLM may not be available at a moment in time.
MP4 videos and SCORM courses are being created using rapidly improving AI tools to improve speed and quality while reducing cost.
Feel free to "deep link", download and modify this material. Our authors would appreciate credit but do not insist on it.
Please use the "comment link" at the end of PPTX or PDF MLMs to share your suggestions and corrections with the author.

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


• 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-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: Cybersecure Plant Maintenance Procedures
  This MLM describes plant maintenance practices to limit the risk from cybersecurity attacks.


• 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.