The new v4.1 serialization solution, built on Rockwell Automation's latest PharmaSuite manufacturing execution system (MES) software, offers greater scalability to accommodate a wide range of packaging line technologies and production and administrative systems. Easy integration at multiple control and enterprise levels means the solution provides a centralized platform for managing serialization data and facilitates traceability throughout the supply chain.
A new Logix-based unit controller with FactoryTalk View HMI from Rockwell Automation provides the scalability that allows companies to deploy this solution in a variety of delivery models, including turnkey, retrofit, and OEM solutions, to meet customer needs. The unit controller serves as the connecting point between each production line and the various devices in the system. In addition to providing serialization, the solution helps manufacturers improve troubleshooting and proactive maintenance by offering direct visibility into the entire process, from production to distribution.
“Many customers face the challenge of developing the best way to meet serialization requirements, or they struggle with solutions that don’t deliver what they expect,” said Valerio Frediani, serialization solutions architect at Rockwell Automation. “We’ve combined our portfolio of products and services, industry expertise, and Rockwell Automation’s global PartnerNetwork program to design a solution that can be easily customized and integrated into each customer’s existing standard architecture and production processes.”
“This not only helps manufacturers meet the impending regulatory compliance, but also means they will enjoy the commercial benefits of the application faster and see a real return on investment. Our solution offers seamless interoperability between all machine devices and business and information systems, giving manufacturers the tools they need to improve long-term performance and profitability, as well as enabling them to easily adapt to future production or regulatory changes,” Frediani added.
The updated serialization solution includes a serialization integration gateway with pre-configured channels for order creation and EPICS data export that easily integrate into each customer's systems, significantly reducing initial engineering costs. Rockwell Automation's goal is to build an extensive library of pre-engineered gateway channels to reduce the costs and implementation of business system integration.
Furthermore, the platform features a manual serialization and aggregation workflow—a pre-validated and optimized tool for manufacturers with manual packaging lines. Approximately 90 percent of the potential serialization customer base relies on manual processes to handle unit aggregation and labeling. Rockwell Automation's serialization solution offers built-in label design software for printers with Windows drivers and a user-friendly, streamlined workflow, resulting in additional time and cost savings.
