Wireless technology and software solutions support pharmaceutical operations by providing data rapidly to manufacturers and
analytical scientists. By fostering process understanding and offering fine control, this month's information technology (IT)
products help companies optimize their manufacturing and testing procedures. Emerson's wireless temperature transmitter conveys
data to improve the visibility of plant operations. An updated laboratory information management system from Thermo Fisher
Scientific ensures that instruments are calibrated and testing complies with regulations. Honeywell's distributed control
system enables close supervision and quick adjustment of small-scale batch manufacturing projects.
Software ensures compliant testing
Darwin system Thermo Fisher Scientific www.thermofisher.com
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Thermo Fisher Scientific (Philadelphia) introduced version 3.0 of its "Darwin" laboratory information management system (LIMS).
The new software includes several enhancements such as a calibration feature that schedules servicing dates for various instruments.
Users can establish a grace period for calibration, and the software sends notifications by email or through its internal
alerting system to prevent users from running tests on uncalibrated instruments.
Another new feature confirms that employees have been trained in various test methods. Managers can set up notifications for
employees to be retrained if methods are revised. In addition, the new version of the LIMS reduces raw-material testing needs
by monitoring when users can perform skip-lot testing.
Darwin LIMS now includes a fully validated web interface that provides analysts and laboratory managers with control and access
to data. The software was designed for pharmaceutical quality-assurance operations and requires no customization.
Wireless transmitter increases visibility
Rosemount 848T Wireless transmitter Emerson Process Management www.emersonprocess.com
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Emerson Process Management's (St. Louis, MO) "Rosemount 848T Wireless" temperature transmitter is designed for high-density
temperature measurement. The unit has conduit entries to accept four measurements from different types of thermocouples. This
design reduces installation time, simplifies maintenance, and increases measurements to improve the visibility of plant operations.
Because the transmitter uses "WirelessHART" technology, it does not need a direct line of sight to a particular access point.
The device can relay information to the system through other devices in the network, thus providing path redundancy. The transmitter
helps efficiently maintain skid-mounted pharmaceutical processes that are physically moved within a facility.
The product's electronic device description provides configuration information graphically, and its power module can be replaced
easily in the field. As an extension of Emerson's "PlantWeb" digital architecture, the transmitter enables monitoring, diagnostics,
and predictive maintenance.
System boosts process repeatability
Experion LS software Honeywell Process Solutions www.honeywell.com
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Honeywell's (Morristown, NJ) Process Solutions business has introduced the "Experion LS" distributed control system for pharmaceutical
process-manufacturing applications. The system is designed for 3–5 operators to perform pilot-scale and small manufacturing
projects. The software is easy to implement for these applications because it does not contain unnecessary large-system infrastructure.
The controller does not require programming skills; it allows users to configure batch sequences through a drag-and-drop process.
Users can set up the system according to the parameters of the manufacturing process. Processes and recipes can be changed
easily, thus the system allows manufacturers to respond quickly to market changes. The Experion LS software ensures that only
qualified people perform changes.
