Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) has introduced a control technology solution that it claims increases productivity for batch operations and speed-to-market of batch products.
Honeywell’s Experion® Batch uses patent-pending visualization technology to allow operators to “look ahead” into their processes and see an intuitive and comprehensive timeline of every task required to complete a product batch.
This approach provides operators with insights into upcoming events or potential delays, which make it easier for them to conduct multiple tasks, take appropriate actions sooner and adjust next steps accordingly.
“Many operators currently say they don’t have enough visibility into their batch processes,” said Matthias Maaz, HPS director of pharma and specialty chemicals.
“Not knowing what tasks are coming when or being unable to foresee delays can lead to reduced production. Experion Batch solves this issue and allows operators to do more with less.”
Experion Batch is designed for industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical and food processing, where manufacturers are challenged to increase operator efficiency and product quality while using fewer resources to reduce costs.
The technology is said to simplify ongoing maintenance by eliminating the need for a centralized, dedicated batch server. This enables engineering and maintenance personnel to take a unit controller out of service without affecting other units.
“Industries using batch software management solutions are characterized by increasingly complex production processes, more multi-product lines and increasing numbers of recipes,” said Janice Abel, principal consultant, ARC Advisory Group.
“The trend for batch manufacturing is toward real-time manufacturing, which requires closer coordination between the batch and control system software and sensors, and improved operator visibility into the process. Any solution that can improve visibility into what has happened, what is happening now, and how the operator can anticipate subsequent actions should be of high value to batch manufacturers.”
