Loading
Rockwell Automation Home
  • Industries
    • Industries Chevron RightChevron Right
      • Automotive & Tire
      • Cement
      • Chemical
      • Entertainment
      • Fibers & Textiles
      • Food & Beverage
      • Household & Personal Care
      • Infrastructure
      • Life Sciences
      • Marine
      • Metals
      • Mining
      • Oil & Gas
      • Power Generation
      • Print & Publishing
      • Pulp & Paper
      • Semiconductor
      • Water Wastewater
      • View All
    Industries
    Case StudyRockwell Automation's case studies Case Studies DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
  • Capabilities
    • Capabilities Chevron RightChevron Right
      • The Connected Enterprise®
      • Consulting & Integration Services
      • Cybersecurity
      • Digital Transformation
      • Industrial Analytics
      • Industrial Automation & Control
      • Industrial Maintenance & Support
      • Industrial Networks
      • Lifecycle Services
      • Machine & Equipment Builders
      • MES Solutions
      • Process Solutions
      • Safety Solutions
      • View All
    Capabilities
    Blogs DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
  • Products
    • Hardware Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Software Chevron RightChevron Right
      • Circuit & Load Protection
      • Condition Monitoring
      • Connection Devices
      • Distributed Control Systems
      • Drives & Motors
      • Energy Monitoring
      • Human Machine Interface
      • Independent Cart Technology
      • Industrial Computers & Monitors
      • Input/Output Modules
      • Industrial Control Products
      • Lighting Control
      • Motion Control
      • Motor Control
      • Networks Security & Infrastructure
      • Packaged Solutions
      • Power Supplies
      • Programmable Controllers
      • Push Buttons & Signaling Devices
      • Relays & Timers
      • Safety Instrumented Systems
      • Safety Products
      • Sensors & Switches
      • Signal Interface
      • View All Hardware Products
    • DesignSuite
      • Dynamic Digital Twin Software
      • Studio 5000 Design Software
    • OperationSuite
      • FactoryTalk Edge Gateway
      • FactoryTalk Batch
      • FactoryTalk Historian
      • FactoryTalk View - HMI Software
      • FactoryTalk Metrics
    • MaintenanceSuite
      • FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices
      • FactoryTalk AssetCentre
      • FactoryTalk Emonitor
      • FactoryTalk Network Manager
      • FactoryTalk TeamONE
      • Fiix CMMS
    • InnovationSuite
      • Augmented Reality
      • FactoryTalk Analytics
      • MES
      • ThingWorx IIoT Platform
    Products
    Find Products by Our Brands: Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk
  • Support
    • Product Support Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Documentation Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Knowledgebase Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Training Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Downloads
      • 2D & 3D Drawings
      • Activations
      • Add-on Profiles
      • Application Code Libraries
      • Compatibility & Downloads
      • Drivers & Firmware
      • Electronic Datasheets
      • EPLAN Macros
      • Sample Code Library
      • Software Patches
      • View All
    • Selection & Configuration
      • Control Systems Configuration Tools
      • Procurement Specifications
      • ProposalWorks Proposal Builder
      • Global Short-circuit Current Ratings Tool
      • Integrated Architecture Builder
      • View All
    • Compatibility & Migration
      • Migration & Modernization
      • Lifecycle Status
      • Product Replacement Lookup
      • View All
      • Technical Documentation Center
      • Technical Specifications
      • Product Certifications
      • Product Drawings
      • Release Notes
      • Literature Library
    • Support Center
      • Support Options
      • Search for Answers
      • Chat Online
      • Call Us
      • View All
    • Online Forum
      • My Inbox
      • My Favorites
      • My Subscriptions
      • View All
    • My TechConnect
      • Chat History
      • Service Ticket History
      • Manage Your Favorite Answers
      • Field Service Request
      • View All
      • E-Learning Courses
      • Training Workstations
      • On-Site Training
      • View All
    Support
    Contact Us HelpHelp Get Support LaunchpadTools and applications View All Tools
  • Company
    • Events Chevron RightChevron Right
    • News Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Careers Chevron RightChevron Right
    • PartnerNetwork Chevron RightChevron Right
    • About Us Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Featured Events
      • Automation Fair
      • Process Solutions User Group
      • Smart Machine Workshops
      • VirtualConnect: Smart Manufacturing
      • View All
    • Webinars
      • Live
      • On-Demand
      • View All
      • The Journal
      • Blogs
      • Case Studies
      • Automation Today
      • Podcasts
      • Press Releases
      • Media Contacts
      • View All
      • View Jobs
      • Teams & People
      • Hackathon
      • Employee Video Spotlight
      • Authorized Distributors
      • Encompass Product Partners
      • Licensed Developers
      • OEM Partners
      • Strategic Alliance Partners
      • System Integrator Partners
      • PartnerNetwork Portal
      • View All
      • Our Brands
      • Our Community
      • Our History
      • Integrity & Sustainability
      • Investor Relations
      • View All
    Company
    ProductivityProductivity Investor Relations
  • Sales
  • Sales
  • View All Industries
  • View All
  • View All
  • View All
  • View All
  • Automotive & Tire
  • Cement
  • Chemical
  • Entertainment
  • Fibers & Textiles
  • Food & Beverage
  • Household & Personal Care
  • Infrastructure
  • Life Sciences
  • Marine
  • Metals
  • Mining
  • Oil & Gas
  • Power Generation
  • Print & Publishing
  • Pulp & Paper
  • Semiconductor
  • Water Wastewater
  • View All
  • The Connected Enterprise®
  • Consulting & Integration Services
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Transformation
  • Industrial Analytics
  • Industrial Automation & Control
  • Industrial Maintenance & Support
  • Industrial Networks
  • Lifecycle Services
  • Machine & Equipment Builders
  • MES Solutions
  • Process Solutions
  • Safety Solutions
  • View All
  • Circuit & Load Protection
  • Condition Monitoring
  • Connection Devices
  • Distributed Control Systems
  • Drives & Motors
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Human Machine Interface
  • Industrial Computers & Monitors
  • Input/Output Modules
  • Industrial Control Products
  • Lighting Control
  • Motion Control
  • Motor Control
  • Networks Security & Infrastructure
  • Packaged Solutions
  • Power Supplies
  • Programmable Controllers
  • Push Buttons & Signaling Devices
  • Relays & Timers
  • Safety Instrumented Systems
  • Safety Products
  • Sensors & Switches
  • Signal Interface
  • View All Hardware Products
  • View All
  • View All
  • Technical Documentation Center
  • Technical Specifications
  • Product Certifications
  • Product Drawings
  • Release Notes
  • Literature Library
  • View All
  • Training Workstations
  • On-Site Training
  • View All
  • View All
  • The Journal
  • Blogs
  • Automation Today
  • Podcasts
  • Media Contacts
  • View All
  • View Jobs
  • View All
  • Authorized Distributors
  • Encompass Product Partners
  • Licensed Developers
  • OEM Partners
  • System Integrator Partners
  • PartnerNetwork Portal
  • View All
  • Our Brands
  • Our History
  • Investor Relations
  • View All
  • iTRAK Intelligent Track Systems
  • MagneMover Lite Intelligent Conveyor System
  • QuickStick Intelligent Conveyor System
  • View All
  • Dynamic Digital Twin Software
  • Studio 5000 Design Software
  • FactoryTalk Edge Gateway
  • FactoryTalk Batch
  • FactoryTalk Historian
  • FactoryTalk View - HMI Software
  • FactoryTalk Metrics
  • FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices
  • FactoryTalk AssetCentre
  • FactoryTalk Emonitor
  • FactoryTalk Network Manager
  • FactoryTalk TeamONE
  • Fiix CMMS
  • Augmented Reality
  • FactoryTalk Analytics
  • MES
  • ThingWorx IIoT Platform
  • 2D & 3D Drawings
  • Activations
  • Add-on Profiles
  • Application Code Libraries
  • Compatibility & Downloads
  • Drivers & Firmware
  • Electronic Datasheets
  • EPLAN Macros
  • Sample Code Library
  • Software Patches
  • View All
  • Control Systems Configuration Tools
  • Procurement Specifications
  • ProposalWorks Proposal Builder
  • Global Short-circuit Current Ratings Tool
  • Integrated Architecture Builder
  • View All
  • Migration & Modernization
  • Lifecycle Status
  • Product Replacement Lookup
  • View All
  • Support Options
  • Search for Answers
  • Chat Online
  • Call Us
  • View All
  • My Inbox
  • My Favorites
  • My Subscriptions
  • View All
  • Chat History
  • Service Ticket History
  • Manage Your Favorite Answers
  • Field Service Request
  • View All
  • My Training
  • View All
  • Automation Fair
  • Process Solutions User Group
  • Smart Machine Workshops
  • VirtualConnect: Smart Manufacturing
  • View All
  • Live
  • On-Demand
  • View All
  • Digital Transformation at Norbord
  • View All
  • Brighter, More Flexible Tower Light Now Available from Rockwell Automation
  • Delphi Award Received For Asset Management
  • Internal Bypass Expands Smart Motor Functionality
  • New IaaS Bundle Eases Industrial Networking
  • Rockwell Automation Names Sebastien Grau as Regional Sales Director for Middle East, Turkey and Sub Saharan Africa
  • Expanded Power Range for PowerFlex 6000 MV Drives
  • Studio 5000 Software Update Optimizes Productivity
  • FLEX 5000 I/O Modules Bring Greater Productivity and Flexibility to a Connected Enterprise
  • New Cable-Pull Switch Enhances Industrial Safety
  • Instant Industrial Device Analytics
  • Rockwell Automation to name Al Ghandi Electrical & Automation as Authorised Distributor in the UAE
  • Rockwell Automation to Broaden Connected Enterprise Consulting Expertise with Acquisition of Kalypso
  • Single-Control Multi-Well Pad Solution Cuts Costs
  • Advanced Light Curtain System Improves Flexibility and Safety
  • Automation University
  • Rockwell Automation to Showcase the ConnectedProduction Solutions and Premieres its ThinManager Software at ADIPEC 2018
  • Safe Torque Off Option Simplifies Machine Design
  • Machine Performance Analytics Bring OEM Expertise Into Producer’s Digital Environment
  • Software-Powered Connected Services
  • New Managing Director of Rockwell Automation for Sub-Saharan Africa announced
  • Rockwell Automation Simplifies Analytics for Industrial Productivity
  • New Managing Director of Rockwell Automation for Sub-Saharan Africa announced
  • Securely Deploy Cloud and Mobile Technologies with New Network Guidance
  • Rockwell Automation drive system selected for Sumitomo Rubber’s rubber mixers
  • PlantPAx DCS Roadmap
  • View All
  • Students & New Grads
  • View All
  • Hackathon Use Case for Manufacturing Optimization
  • Hackathon Use Case for Sustainability
  • Hackathon Use Case for Visual System Modernization
  • Hackathon Use Case for Dynamic Filtering
  • View All
  • 24toCode Event Recap - Winter 2019
  • 24toCode Event Recap // IT Internal Hackathon
  • Meet the 2019 IT Summer Interns
  • 24toCode Promo Video
  • Harbor View Plaza Ribbon Cutting
  • Check Your Blind Spots Mobile Tour at Rockwell Automation
  • Mechanic & Tool Apprenticeship at Rockwell Automation
  • Working at Rockwell Automation in Karlsruhe
  • Summer Internships at Rockwell Automation
  • The Intrapreneurial Skills Accelerator at Rockwell Automation
  • Makers Wanted
  • #LifeatROK w Katowicach
  • IT Summer Internship Program
  • #LifeatROK with Diogo
  • View All
  • Cisco
  • Endress+Hauser
  • FANUC
  • Microsoft
  • Panduit
  • View All
  • Our Focused Giving
  • STEM Education
  • Lifelong Learning
  • View All
  • Sustainability Report
  • Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Environmental, Health, & Safety
  • Ethics & Compliance
  • Global Supply Chain & Sourcing
  • Product Environmental Compliance
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Trust & Security
  • Workforce of Tomorrow
  • View All
Case StudyRockwell Automation's case studies Case Studies DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
Blogs DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
Find Products by Our Brands:
Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk
Contact Us HelpHelp Get Support LaunchpadTools and applications View All Tools
ProductivityProductivity Investor Relations
  • Literature LibraryLiterature Library
    Literature Library

    Access technical and commercial publications for hardware and software products, applications, services and solutions.

    PCDCProduct Compatibility and Download Center
    Compatibility & Downloads

    Find downloads including firmware, release notes, associated software, drivers, tools and utilities.

    KnowledgebaseKnowledgebase Support Center
    Knowledgebase

    Browse the database of questions and answers on a variety of products and technologies.

    Product ConfiguratorProduct Configurator
    Product Configurator

    Configure and select products rapidly.

    Software SubscriptionsSoftware Subscriptions
    Software Subscriptions

    One stop shopping for software and subscription services.

    2D & 3D Drawings Bill of Materials CrossWorks Electronic Datasheets Motion Analyzer My Equipment My Training E-Learning Portal Product Lifecycle Status Product Registration Product Selection Toolbox Repairs Sample Code Library Software Activations View All
    Tools
    UserUser Sign In/Create an Account
  • User Account User
Tools
Literature LibraryLiterature Library
Literature Library
PCDCProduct Compatibility and Download Center
Compatibility & Downloads
KnowledgebaseKnowledgebase Support Center
Knowledgebase
Product ConfiguratorProduct Configurator
Product Configurator
Software SubscriptionsSoftware Subscriptions
Software Subscriptions
2D & 3D Drawings Bill of Materials CrossWorks Electronic Datasheets Motion Analyzer My Equipment My Training E-Learning Portal Product Lifecycle Status Product Registration Product Selection Toolbox Repairs Sample Code Library Software Activations View All
Case Study
Recent ActivityRecent Activity

Europhartech Implements Holistic Fully Integrated Serialization Project

Rockwell Automation and serialisation machine specialist H2M Technologies join forces to conquer legislative and process control demands

Share This:

LinkedInLinkedIn
TwitterTwitter
FacebookFacebook
PrintPrint
EmailEmail
Main Image

Challenge

  • In order to anticipate new serialization regulations in February 2019, Europhartech needed to implement a new serialisation solution

Solutions

  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix programmable automation controller
  • Six Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5500 servo drives
  • Allen-Bradley VersaView HMI
  • FactoryTalk View Site edition (SE)
  • Rockwell Software PharmaSuite MES serialization module

Results

  • Start-up on time and on schedule
  • Legislation ready
  • Easier commissioning & maintenance
  • A solution based on a PAC architecture offers the robustness required for production line operation
  • A scalable system ready for aggregation

For several years, Europhartech has been implementing a continuous investment policy, firstly to make its production ever more agile and, secondly, to comply with future demands and legislation. Therefore, in order to anticipate new serialization regulation in February 2019, it has devoted more than 40% of its investments to the implementation of a serialization solution on its medicine packaging lines – a significant investment for an SME with a turnover of 20 million euros.

Founded 20 years ago in Auvergne region, France, the company develops and produces medicines and food supplements for pharmaceutical and veterinary laboratories around the world. It provides complete support for projects, from production through to shipment of the finished product. All of these activities are spread over two sites, with a total area of over 10,000 m². Each year, 400 million tablets are manufactured and more than 30 million cases and jars are packaged.

Europhartech differentiates itself through its ability to produce small and medium batch sizes to meet specific needs, such as fragile and niche products. It also possesses expertise in the production of medicines for healthcare centres, for which it designs pre-cut blister packs that facilitate unit dispensing.

Serialization and tamper-proofing will concern 10 to 12 million boxes a year – 70% of Europhartech's activity – all destined for the European market. For this project, Europhartech turned to leading automation and information solutions supplier, Rockwell Automation and serialisation machine specialist H2M Technologies.

CHALLENGE

Each of the five production lines covered by this project manufactures both medicines and food supplements, with manufacturing orders varying in nature and volume. The manufacture of a batch of medicines, to which the serialization and tamper-proofing system will apply, may be followed by the manufacture of a batch to which only one operation applies, or, indeed, neither. The solution therefore needed to adapt to the demands of each order.

Marking is currently performed by a conventional ink jet printer, and then read and verified by an obsolete camera. This system is poorly optimized for the production line, as some boxes were not marked. This caused their rejection, generating extra costs. Finally, the specifications impose a reduction in the rate of production line failures in order to increase productivity. The new serialisation solution will mitigate this marking problem, with a marking-rate target of 100%.

Project success will also depend on the smooth running of serial number exchanges. Its good execution will impose an irreproachable interfacing between Europhartech's computer networks and those of its customers. The solution must therefore assure data integrity.

SOLUTION

Europhartech was advised and supported by Rockwell Automation and by H2M Technologies, a specialist company, which offers a variety of machines for track & trace solutions for pharmaceutical packaging lines, delivering serialization, aggregation and tamper-evident printing capabilities. In addition to the new production line configuration – now with two horizontal conveyors – new cameras with OCR capabilities have been deployed to greatly reduce or even eliminate rejects.

Rockwell Automation proposed a configurable and pre-validated base solution, which significantly reduces implementation time. The serialization solution is based on its Rockwell Software® PharmaSuite® MES platform, using a client-server architecture running FactoryTalk® View Site Edison (SE). The Product Management Client (PMC) is designed as a module of the PharmaSuite MES and acts as an operator-interaction screen. Unlike many solutions designed and developed from Tier 1 systems, the Rockwell Automation serialization solution is designed as a Tier 3 specific module. It therefore benefits from the ability to interface with other ERP and MES suites, as well as line controllers and lower-tier machines.

From an automation perspective, the project employs an Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix® programmable automation controller (PAC). This is powerful processor that is specified due to the large amounts of serialisation data it needs to store. Should the serialisation server fail, the PAC can run autonomously using the pre-downloaded data. Allen-Bradley CompactLogix™ PACs can also be used if a full batch download is not required. Due to the Logix range’s scalability, very little effort is required to change controllers.

Visualisation and operator interaction is provided by an Allen-Bradley VersaView® industrial computer, Although FactoryTalk View does not normally need a computer equipped HMI, in this instance more functionality was required as was the need to run parts of the PharmaSuite client on screen. The PLC and motion solution can also be controlled from this interface.

For product movement and orientation, the serialisation solution deploys several Allen-Bradley Kinetix® servo drives. These are used to control both the upper and lower belt rotation, the vertical position of the upper belt (to cater for varying box sizes) and the two-axis printer head. Servo delivered accuracy is important to synchronise printing and the application of the tamper evidence solution. This accuracy is coupled to the flexibility need to cater for a variety of box sizes, with simple re-programming or recipe selection via the HMI.

The Rockwell Automation solution is also scalable, and can adapt depending on the needs of Europhartech. For example, centralized serial number management and tamper-proofing, which the PMC allows, can be extended to aggregation. The randomized serial numbers, supplied by the company's ERP system, are sent to the workshop via the MES where the PMC module will process them. The PMC also supports main recipes and packing orders.

Europhartech also chose a predictive maintenance solution from Rockwell Automation, which will be used to reduce or even eliminate faults, a major boost for the group, whose production is performed on a just-in-time basis, operating on a 3 x 8-hour shift basis, sometimes seven days a week.

This new data architecture, delivering more robust internal and external communication, has taken Europhartech into the arena of the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise, an approach which converges plant (OT) and enterprise (IT) networks, and securely connects people, processes and technologies. As well as addressing upcoming serialisation regulations, it also covers all primary facets of an Industry 4.0 approach and, in this instance, Pharma 4.0.

RESULTS

Of the five lines to be modernised, the first was upgraded in March 2018, with final roll-out scheduled for November 2018. Europhartech started with serialization and tamper-proofing, preferring to postpone aggregation until it is more familiar with the new tool. It also wished to test its potential in order to refine the settings under varying real-life conditions, comprising successive batches of different medicines.

Europhartech will be ready to meet all the requirements of current and future regulations by June 2018, giving it a significant competitive and commercial advantage, and improving serialization information exchange with its partner customers. Its maintenance teams already appreciate the design of the module, including front-facing label projection. They also welcome the line's agility, which manufacturing/process line switching easier than before.    

Published February 10, 2017

Subscribe

Subscribe to Rockwell Automation and receive the latest news, thought leadership and information directly to your inbox.

Subscribe

Recommended For You

Loading
  • Technical Question
  • Chat Technical Support
  • Phone Support
  • Contact Sales
  • General Questions
  1. Chevron LeftChevron Left Middle East Chevron RightChevron Right
  2. Chevron LeftChevron Left Company Chevron RightChevron Right
  3. Chevron LeftChevron Left News Chevron RightChevron Right
  4. Chevron LeftChevron Left Case Studies Chevron RightChevron Right
Discover
  • The Connected Enterprise®
  • Create Your Account
  • Case Studies
  • Events
Information for...
  • Distributors
  • OEM
  • System Integrators
  • Encompass Partners
  • Investors
  • Career Seekers
Contact Us
  • General Questions
  • Technical Questions
  • Local Sales & Service
  • Pricing & Availability
  • Report Ethical Concerns
  • Customer Experience Survey
Site Information
  • Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Trademarks
Change Country Site SelectionChange RockwellAutomation.com site selection to a different country, region or language Change Country
Middle East/English

Keep Updated With Us

Sign up to receive our latest headlines for free.

Stay Informed Now
Follow Us
BlogRockwell Automation's Blog
Copyright ©2021 Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Middle East