The Benefits of a Batch Modernization
Modern batch software could be the answer to many of the problems that help prevent producers from having the agility needed to meet market demand. The latest releases of batch software can help in three big ways.
- Improved uptime. Updated software enables you to make area model updates and changes such as updating equipment and modifying capabilities without having to restart the server and without requiring that batches be held. This is a huge deal for producers that want to switch between many different recipes without impacting production. Having the increased flexibility to add new equipment and improve throughput enables the addition of new products or variations of a product. In regulated industries such as biotech or pharmaceuticals, this ability is particularly important as modifications and minor updates to the system can be made that do not impact data collection.
- Reduced recipe management. Whether you’re producing medications, laundry detergent, sandwich cookies, or beer, the ability to quickly and easily reuse recipes for variations of products is increasingly important. Those slight formulation changes to flavor, scent, color and ingredient – that otherwise utilize the same process – make it easy to introduce variations of a product. A formulation management system that reduces the total number of recipes with parameter sets allows producers to use the exact same process for recipes with slightly different ingredients.
- Modern, intuitive operator interface. The prevalence of mobile devices in everyday life means that there will be an immediate comfort level for operators using this sleek, mobile-enabled interface – and that they will need far less training to become proficient. With an interface that is more readable and has a cleaner design, operators will be able to focus better, work faster and make fewer errors. Also, this interface is context-driven, meaning it presents the user with the right information at the right time, providing clarity for operators when they need it most.at the right time, providing clarity for operators when they need it most.
Modern Technology for Enterprise Integration
We’ve covered some of the modernizing benefits of a batch software upgrade for the production area, but let’s look the larger picture. Upgrading batch software will also help you take the next step in your digital transformation journey.
A modern intuitive interface included in some of the latest batch software introduces sustainable technology that helps reduce the overhead maintenance of the system, allowing it to run on multiple platforms and providing visualization across devices and form factors.
Enterprise integration allows producers to connect batch manufacturing processes to their web-based enterprise systems, enabling control from the outside and real-time data. As the roles of ERP and MES systems in manufacturing grow, integration between them is becoming more common.
There’s a workforce-related upside to these technology upgrades: committing to newer technology improves user workflows and production efficiency. Intuitive technology reduces onboarding and training time for new and seasoned workers alike. The latest batch software can also help reduce scheduling downtime for maintenance, human error associated with entering formulations, time spent on recipe management and the time spent by engineers having to maintain multiple recipes.
Flexibility and Agility for the Win
As trends in consumer demand for variety continue to rise, producers face tighter turnaround times to create and introduce new products and recipes. To stay competitive, manufacturers that prioritize flexibility and agility – the ability to add and remove equipment and to create variation in products – will be best positioned to rise to the top.
Learn more about the laterst version of FactoryTalk® Batch software.
