Finding ways to automate and make a more efficient production system can feel overwhelming. After all, doing so opens the door to an increased risk of things going wrong. That’s where Innopharma can help with an automated process control system.
Keep reading to better understand where we can fit into your current infrastructure.
What is an automated process control system?
First, before we get further into Innopharma’s process control solutions, let’s discuss what an automated system actually is. An automated process control system fits under the broader process analytical technology (PAT) umbrella.
This is an advanced form of technology that integrates into a current production process.
When it does, it automates a large portion of the process, including handling, analysing and converting information, offering software and algorithmic support, and even monitoring the production process to ensure quality assurance.
Ultimately, the integration of an automation system aids personnel and process analytical technicians in the overall production process.
How is a process control system used in production?
A process control system is used in many production processes to supervise and automatically control the operation to deliver the desired product.
Overall, the main goal of a process automation system is often to create a more streamlined production process, reduce maintenance costs and develop a more consistent product.
An advanced manufacturing automation system can do this in a variety of ways. For most, it involves collecting and analysing real-time data before sending that information to a technician.
Sometimes, the technician then manually controls the process from that point. Other times, the automated process control unit adjusts the process itself.
Innopharma Technology’s low code/no code automation process systems
When process control systems were first introduced, it took a lot of technical knowledge and experience for technicians to effectively integrate them into the overall production process.
However, as digital technology has progressed toward Industry 4.0 and 5.0, these advanced automation systems have developed, too.
Although knowledge and experience in terms of how to use these systems are necessary, it’s not nearly as difficult as it used to be. With the benefit of more advanced user interfaces, process analytical technicians have easier access to these powerful tools.
For example, Innopharma Technology’s SmartX process automation system uses a low code (down to no code) interface. This means that technicians don’t need to be fluent in code to operate this tool, making it much more accessible for companies throughout the greater life science and pharmaceutical industries.
Benefits of implementing an automation process control system
The main benefits of implementing an Innopharma Technology automation process control system can be broken down into three sections: technical, financial and community benefits.
Technical benefits
The technical advantages of an Innopharma Technology automation system refer to the user interface and how it can integrate with an established production process.
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Low code/no code: Innopharma Technology’s SmartX automated process control system includes a low code (or no code) user interface. This makes using it much easier than other automation systems as we’ve removed coding as a barrier to entry. Easy-to-use drag-and-drop dashboards allow for intuitive interfaces, so technicians can monitor the automated process. If necessary, technicians can also manually control the running of a process directly from these dashboards.
- Universally accessible data: In addition to the easy-to-use dashboards, the data collected, analysed and stored by the system is also readily accessible. With a cloud-based application, technicians have access to real-time and stored data at a moment’s notice. Further, technicians can use this cloud-based library to search for process-specific control functions, rather than relying on remembering specific codes.
- Cross-platform digitisation and automation: SmartX is not made for one single production process. Instead, it’s capable of integrating across multiple platforms to aid both digitisation and automation. With data analytics tools and retrofitting capabilities, the system can communicate across platforms including all sensors, PAT and device communications. This opens the door for technicians to receive all production data instead of relying on previously siloed data. Plus, with the retrofitting capabilities, SmartX is designed to coexist alongside previously installed production systems.
Financial benefits
The financial advantages of an Innopharma Technology automated process control system refer to the costs associated with implementing an automated system into an existing production process.
- Lower project risk: Implementing process automation tools into manufacturing also reduces project risk. These tools are designed to streamline the manufacturing process to produce consistent, effective results. Because they are automated, the risk of human-derived errors that can stem from working long hours, not getting enough sleep or simply having a lapse in judgement, is reduced.
- Reduced manufacturing costs: Considering that these advanced automation systems fall under the umbrella of PAT, the two share common financial benefits. Although there is an upfront cost associated with integrating an automated process control system into a current production process, the result is a reduction in manufacturing costs. Automating the production process — or at least the majority of it — reduces the risk of human error. In doing so, technicians no longer have to restart the manufacturing process, which results in costly raw material and energy consumption losses.
Community benefits
Finally, the third category of benefits involves community driven advantages. This refers to both the community of personnel operating the production process and the one that benefits from the result.
- Real-time and data driven: One of the greatest benefits for process analytical technicians working with Innopharma Technology systems is the real-time data they receive. They are quickly kept up-to-date with everything happening within the production process. This allows them to make manual adjustments as needed to continue producing a quality product. The real-time data also allows technicians to analyse portions of the process that need improvement.
- Integration into production, regardless of scale: Although many may believe that their production process is too small and therefore can’t use an automated process, that’s not the case with Innopharma Technology. Our automated process control systems are scalable with options to connect to multiple systems. Plus, they’re able to work alongside existing systems, regardless of how large or small the manufacturing process is.
- Higher quality products: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the result for the consumer market is nothing short of high quality. With a streamlined approach that reduces the risk of human error and drives down manufacturing costs, the result is a consistent high-quality product for the community that relies on your products.