Industry 4.0: new digital processes

Analysis, design, and selection of the best transformation solution to make production processes Industry 4.0 compliant.

Need

The company, which has over 100 years in business under its belt, specialises in the production of injectable and infusion drugs. It has developed the need for more extensive automatic control of its production facilities, boosting performance and quality while also ensuring accurate monitoring of resources employed (materials and people) and making the most of the benefits offered by the Industry 4.0 approach. The management, led by the business owner and head of the founding family, set out the need for a solution featuring extensive process control (which is rendered more complex due to EMA supervision) including automation of any steps envisaged.

Solution

The action by WIL was structured over a number of stages. The product lines, processing stages, and connected machines were mapped, each stage was analysed for 4.0 potential, and potential technological improvements were established. AIFA requirements were considered, such as product serialisation and Batch Record management, in order to build a suitable, sustainable solution for the company, bringing on board the most appropriate technology partners.

Benefits

• Increased process control in the areas where it is most useful.
  
• Opportunity to access the Industry 4.0 benefit, resulting in 40% savings on the investment cost.
  
• Automated data and information collection, for AIFA purposes and others.
  
• Access to Industry 4.0 tax breaks on the investments made.