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The Unified Namespace (UNS) is increasingly viewed as a critical architecture approach in manufacturing environments as it enables effective communication between devices, equipment, platforms, and systems. As with all technology architectures, cybersecurity is an essential consideration. In this blog, we’ll give an overview of cybersecurity best practices to protect systems, data, and the UNS. Cybersecurity …

Best Practices for Security in the Unified Namespace (UNS) Read More »

Software applications play a crucial role in digital transformation, modernisation, and improvement projects in the life sciences sector. This includes everything from bespoke applications to configured off-the-shelf solutions to customised vendor platforms. In all these situations, agile development processes offer a range of advantages. Agile development has a long history in the software industry, but …

The Benefits of Agile Development for Digital Transformation in Life Sciences Read More »

Leading automation applications and platforms continue to transform processes and operational performance in the life sciences sector. They offer an extensive range of features that continue to improve and evolve. That said, even the best automation platforms and applications have limits. They are designed and developed for specific purposes, and, in many cases, they perform …

Case Study: Efficient Validated Approach for Comparing Automation Software Project Files Read More »

The unified namespace (UNS) is a hot topic in manufacturing right now, largely because it is a key component to digital transformation success. We’ll explain what UNS is in this blog and why it is so important. At a high level, it is about data, integration, and communication. Data, Integration, and Communication Data is at …

What is the Unified Namespace (UNS)? Read More »

Digitalisation and smart manufacturing projects and initiatives can come under a number of different headings. One of the most common is paper-to-glass, where legacy, paper-based processes are digitalised and, where possible, automated. Paper-to-glass projects deliver significant improvements measured against a range of KPIs. They can also help establish a foundation for further digital transformation projects …

Case Study: Transitioning Batch Production Compliance Processes from Paper to Glass Read More »

Digital transformation is a key priority for manufacturers in the life sciences sector. A crucial element of most digital transformation strategies is the implementation of MES (manufacturing execution systems) and/or modern SCADA solutions to digitalise processes and increase automation. The customer who is the subject of this case study wanted to achieve this objective. They …

Case Study: Successful Implementation of POMSnet MES in Life Sciences Sector Facility Read More »

Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are becoming increasingly important as organisations strive to improve productivity, compliance, and control while taking advantage of the opportunities presented by digital transformation technologies. The question is increasingly becoming which MES platform to choose, as there is a variety of options available. One of those options is POMSnet Aquila MES (also …

Why Choose POMSnet as Your MES in the Life Sciences Sector Read More »

Do you have a legacy SCADA system in your manufacturing facility that is creaking at the seams? Are you worried about the risks posed by your outdated SCADA system, or are you frustrated by the limitations it places on your modernisation efforts? Are you simply fed up with the high and difficult-to-control costs? Upgrading your …

7 Reasons to Upgrade Your Legacy SCADA System to the Ignition Platform Read More »

In regulated industries, CAPA (Corrective and Preventative Action) is a core component of your Quality Management System (QMS). Your CAPA quality process is essential for regulatory compliance reasons, but CAPA is also about improving product safety, operational safety in your plant, productivity, OEE, cost-base, and more – the list goes on. CAPA aims to identify …

How Digital Transformation Drives Significant CAPA Quality Process Efficiency Savings Read More »

  Download the infographic as a PDF Combined SCADA and MES – Full Stack OT Platforms Explained Full Stack OT (operational technology) Platforms combine SCADA and MES (manufacturing execution system) functionality into one solution. Here’s an overview: What is SCADA? Data acquisition Data communication Data presentation Machine control What is MES? Production order management, scheduling, …

Infographic: Combined SCADA and MES Platforms Explained Read More »

The traditional manufacturing software stack – often referred to as the ISA-95 model – is well established in a range of industries and sectors, including the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing industries. Companies have built structures and processes around this model that facilitate profitable production, regulatory compliance, and effective quality control. However, hierarchical structures like …

Combined SCADA and MES Solutions for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers Read More »

Manufacturers in the life sciences sector have been going through a period of continual change as organisations automate processes, integrate equipment, and make better use of data along Industry 4.0 principles. Part of this process of change is the growing trend to switch to Full Stack OT Platforms. Full Stack OT (operational technology) Platforms are …

How to Choose the Right Full Stack OT Platform Read More »

Bridging the gap between IT and OT is a key objective for a growing number of organisations in the life sciences sector. The benefits of doing so are substantial, including having increased OT oversight and being able to use OT data to transform business operations. When bridging the IT/OT gap, it is essential to understand …

Understanding Cybersecurity Risks When Bridging the IT/OT Gap Read More »

CDMOs (contract development and manufacturing organisations) and CMOs (contract manufacturing organisations) have been a feature of the life sciences sector for many decades. However, this part of the sector is changing and growing, making externalisation an even more critical element of worldwide pharmaceutical and medical device development and production. A lot of the change taking …

Externalisation in the Life Sciences Sector Through the Growth of CDMOs and CMOs Read More »

Pharmaceutical and medical device companies are high-value targets for cybercriminals, making cybersecurity a high-priority consideration. A key component of good cybersecurity is adopting password security best practices. Good password security is important to protect IP and patient data, as well as ensuring operations can continue without the often significant interruptions that can occur as a …

Password Security Best Practices for the Life Sciences Sector Read More »

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are technologies that are transforming the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. When implemented properly, they can help manufacturers in the life sciences sector overcome some of the most difficult of today’s challenges, as well as improving productivity, efficiency, and quality. Both technologies are similar as they …

Automated Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots in the Pharmaceutical Industry Read More »

Manufacturing in the life sciences sector is dominated by large-volume, high-speed production facilities where business models are based on economies of scale. This approach has served the sector and society very well over the past decades, especially in the developed world. Now, however, there is increasing interest, research, and innovation in a different form of …

Mobile Manufacturing in the Life Sciences Sector – Opportunities, Risks, & Challenges Read More »

Digitalising pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing facilities is a high priority for companies in the life sciences sector. Achieving this priority involves developing fully integrated production lines while maintaining (and improving) compliance with GxP regulations. Eliminating manual data entry is an essential requirement to reach this level of digitalisation. The rewards of creating the fully …

Eliminating Manual Data Entry – An Essential Requirement for Pharma and MedTech Manufacturers Read More »

Cutting-edge technologies are helping manufacturers in the life sciences sector improve productivity while also addressing challenges – challenges that include skills availability, product quality consistency, production oversight, and OEE (a measure of equipment and overall production line performance). Examples of these cutting-edge solutions include Manufacturing Execution Systems, process automation solutions, and equipment systems integration solutions. …

The Benefits of Dynamics 365 Mixed Reality for Manufacturers in the Life Sciences Sector Read More »

Like other companies, manufacturers in the life sciences sector faced a number of challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. One specific and unique challenge was how to conduct a regulatory audit when people couldn’t travel and there were restrictions on who could meet, where, and when. At SL Controls, we developed and successfully implemented a digital …

Digital Regulatory Audits – the Fully Compliant, Less Costly, and More Efficient Solution Read More »

Considerable progress has been made in the development of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) over recent years. Many new CGT products have already been approved by regulators in the US, EU, and other parts of the world, and many more are in development. The most exciting part is the improvements in patient outcomes that CGTs …

Overcoming the Manufacturing Challenges of Cell and Gene Therapies Read More »

The life sciences sector continues to grow as new therapies, drugs, and products are developed. New manufacturing and business technologies are also driving change in the sector, as are ever-evolving regulations and best practice guidelines. So, where is the sector heading? Here are nine game-changing trends in the life sciences sector to be aware of: …

9 Game-Changing Trends in the Life Sciences Sector Read More »

All sections of the life sciences sector understand the need to evolve operations using the cutting-edge technologies, processes, and best practices that come under the smart manufacturing umbrella. However, it’s important to take a structured approach, with a carefully developed and implemented smart manufacturing strategy. In this blog, we’ll look at why it is important …

Smart Manufacturing Strategy Overview for the Life Sciences Sector Read More »

Most pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers have implemented new technologies and processes over the past number of years that would come under the smart manufacturing umbrella. You are probably also now considering the next stage on your journey. What are the smart manufacturing solutions and opportunities that you should explore next? There are a number …

Smart Manufacturing Considerations for Pharma and MedTech Manufacturers Read More »

Manufacturing in all sectors and industries is changing as smart manufacturing technologies, the industrial internet of things, and Industry 4.0 best practices continue to advance. What about the life sciences sector specifically? Here are the 2023 smart manufacturing trends that pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers need to be aware of. Integration of MES, SCADA, and …

Smart Manufacturing Trends for 2023 in the Life Sciences Sector Read More »

Transforming your life sciences facility into a factory of the future involves implementing smart manufacturing solutions as part of a digitalisation strategy. Those solutions will ensure you get the benefits of digitalised processes while establishing the foundations for the next stage of your journey. There will be challenges, however, and one of the most important …

Smart Manufacturing Solutions and the Importance of Data Integrity Read More »

Systems integration is an essential part of any modernisation and improvement project in manufacturing organisations. Systems integration is also the cornerstone of Industry 4.0, and it is central to the development of the smart factory of the future. What does systems integration mean in practice for manufacturers in the life sciences sector? One of the …

The Importance of Systems Integration to Optimise Your SCADA, MES, and ERP Systems Read More »

GAMP 5 is one of the most important validation and computer system assurance guides for the life sciences industry. This year saw the release of GAMP 5 Second Edition. So, what’s new and what’s changed? The original GAMP 5 was published in 2008, and it went on to become the globally accepted guide for the …

A New Look – GAMP 5 Second Edition Read More »

ALCOA+ is a set of principles that ensures data integrity in the life sciences sector. It was introduced by, and is still used by, the FDA – the US Food and Drug Administration. It has relevance in a range of areas, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical research, manufacturing, testing, and the supply chain. As well …

What is ALCOA+ and Why Is It Important to Validation and Data Integrity Read More »

The benefits of Industry 4.0 technologies, processes, and systems include improved productivity and efficiency, better flexibility and agility, and increased profitability. Industry 4.0 also improves the customer experience, including through more personalised and intelligent products. Understanding and then contextualising these benefits is important, particularly in highly regulated industries like medical device, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. …

Benefits of Industry 4.0 Read More »