The right Industrial Control Software will help your plant with everyday challenges
This is where a communication interface called Werum PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce (Message-based Shopfloor Integration) comes into play in order to solve the limitations of current OT and IT integrations.
Werum PAS-X MES by Körber is the leading MES for pharma, biotech, and cell & gene therapy used to implement Electronic Batch Records (EBR). To communicate with shop floor equipment, PAS-X MES offers the MSI adapter. The adapter is designed as a message-based solution and builds on the industry-standard communication technology OPC-UA and REST-based web services. PAS-X MES sends batch parameters in messages to the Industrial Control Systems and receives values or GMP exceptions.
Using zenon as Industrial Control System you will be able to bridge the gap with Werum PAS-X MES by offering an integrated configurable MSI connector to connect machines and manufacturing lines with ease.
Transform your brownfield application
The scenario offers a 'Plug & Produce' approach for new machinery. However, it is also necessary to think about existing machines in the company. Machines that have been installed for some time and are functioning correctly but do not have a direct interface to Werum PAS-X MES nor integrated Data Storage capability. For this use case, middleware between the existing machines and the MES system must be provided.
Through the zenon software platform, it is possible to implement a modular and scalable middleware that we call Automation Integration Layer serves (AIL). In this configuration, zenon offers integration with existing machines through wide connectivity with PLCs (including legacy PLCs like Simatic S5!) and field equipment, contextualization and historicization of collected data, and integration with Werum PAS-X MES through the MSI interface.
For example, zenon receives a batch open message from PAS-X MES. Interpreting the message, zenon routes the received information to the recipient machine by mapping it based on the possibilities offered by the existing controller. Batch contextualization, if not present in the machine, is implemented in zenon AIL so that the information collected such as counters or GMP alarms can be correctly sent to the MES system at the end of the batch.
However, zenon is not limited to integration with Werum PAS-X MES. Other interfaces to IT systems such as Historian or ERP are available. Last but not least, within zenon it is also possible to use the collected data to create dashboards or reports addressed to the various company functions as presented in figure 1.
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Figure 1 – zenon as a modular Automation Integration Layer, including Data Storage, Reporting and IT integration.
Green field scenario: A PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce Ready machine
A typical green field use case concerns the use of zenon as an on-board machine HMI. In this case, the machine can include a Werum PAS-X MSI interface pre-configured by the manufacturer for classic batch opening and closing operations and for sharing critical GMP alarms. The messages to be exchanged with the MES can be agreed upon in advance with the end customer. The machine arrives at the customer with the MSI interface pre-configured.
For integration with the end customer's PAS-X MES system, it will be sufficient to share the MSI message definition prepared by the manufacturer. Finally, some addresses must be configured to establish communication between the machine and the MES system. The messages prepared by the machine manufacturer can, however, be modified in the future by the end customer to better adapt them to their own needs through menus that can be configured according to GAMP5 SW CAT.4. A simplified approach that does not require costly hierarchical integration. This is why we can call such machines PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce Ready.
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Figure 2 – Direct integration of PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce Ready machines with integrated Data Storage capability
zenon by COPA-DATA is PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce ready
See also Körber’s press release about zenon’s PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce ready certificate.
zenon MES integration for Life Science Industry
Whether you use a biotech MES or a pharmaceutical MES, zenon offers a solution for complete connectivity and project validation. zenon by COPA-DATA is a powerful modular platform that delivers benefits for efficiency, costs, data management, and features data integrity tools such as Line Execution System (LES), ISA 88 Modular Process Automation, Continuous Manufacturing and much more.
Here at COPA-DATA, we are continuously enhancing our Industrial Control Software to meet the industry's evolving needs. We utilize all the necessary logic and algorithms to keep your business moving. Reach out to us today to learn more about zenon and what it can do for your organization.
The high level of risk present in the pharmaceutical industry has made many manufacturers hesitant to move away from paper documentation and embrace the total digitalization of the manufacturing plant. As drug patents expire, however, production efficiency becomes increasingly important. At COPA-DATA, we have developed our pharmaceutical manufacturing software zenon to help companies overcome industry challenges and optimize their processes using innovative technology.
