Packaging Automation

Automation in the Pharmaceutical

Automation and software for regulated pharmaceutical lines. PLC, Motion Control, HMI and SCADA development compliant with GMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and PackML models.

Automation

Automation of Pharmaceutical Packaging Machines

We develop automation software for packaging machines in the field pharmaceutical and life sciences , adopting PackML models (ISA-TR88) to standardize machine states, alarms and operational behaviors.

Development of PLC logic, safety and motion on Siemens, Rockwell and Beckhoff platforms, with PackML-ready and easily validatable modular architectures.

Qualified augmentation team to support OEMs and engineering departments during new developments, revamping and load peaks.

Areas of application:

  • PackML State Model: machine states standardized according to ISA-TR88
  • PLC Development: validated and modular machine logics
  • Motion Control: consistent synchronisms with PackML states and transitions
  • Commissioning: FAT, SAT and start-up in GMP environments

PLC Validated

PLC software development compliant with GMP and customer standards

Motion Control

Reliable synchronisms for blister and packaging machines

PackML Architecture

Complete implementation of the PackML model

Safety & Compliance

Integrated and documented safety functions

HMI

HMI

We design HMI interfaces for operators, maintainers and quality assurance , following PackML guidelines to ensure operational consistency and error reduction.

We develop SCADA systems for multi-line supervision based on PackML state aggregation and batch management.

Compliance FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 with audit trail, electronic signature and user management.

Areas of application:

  • PackML Line Aggregation: line states derived from machine states
  • Batch Management: batch management and production parameters
  • OEE Standard: OEE calculation based on PackML states
  • Compliance: GMP, data integrity, ALCOA

HMI Regulated

Interfaces compliant with data integrity requirements

PackML HMI

Standardized states, alarms and navigation

OEE & KPI

Line performance monitoring and downtime analysis

MES & Serialization

Integration with MES and track systems

PLATFORM

Process Optimization and Reliability

The adoption of the model PackML allows objective measurements performance and consistent comparisons between machines and lines.

We optimize performance while maintaining process stability and compliance without introducing non-validable behaviors.

KPIs and structured reports to support quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Areas of application:

  • PackML KPIs: performance analysis by machine status
  • Micro-Stops: precise identification via standard states
  • Benchmarking: comparison between software versions and lines

PackML Performance

Performance analysis based on PackML states and machine transitions

Micro-Stop Reduction

Identification and reduction of micro-stops through standardized diagnostics

Process Stability

Optimization of parameters while maintaining process stability and compliance

Validated KPIs

Validatable KPIs and reports to support quality assurance and continuous improvement

USE CASE

Automation and Supervision of Pharmaceutical Blister Lines

Development of control software for pharmaceutical blister lines based on PackML model, with standardized machine states, batch management, audit trail and integration with serialization systems, in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Challenges Faced

  • Implementation of the PackML model in a GMP environment
  • Machine states aggregation for line supervision
  • PackML alignment with IQ/OQ/PQ validation
  • Integration with MES and serialization systems

Applied Skills

PackML / ISA-TR88PLC Development (Pharma)Motion ControlHMI & SCADABatch ManagementPharma ComplianceValidation IQ/OQ/PQSerialization & Track & Trace

Technologies Used

Siemens S7-1500WinCC Unified / WinCC OAPackML State ModelOPC UASQL ServerTrack & Trace SystemsElectronic SignaturesAudit Trail

Results Obtained

  • Implementation of a PackML-compliant blister line with standardized machine states
  • Full compliance with GMP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11
  • End-to-end traceability of batches, parameters and operations
  • Reduction of changeover times thanks to batch management and versioned recipes
  • Solid and scalable foundation for OEE, KPIs and continuous improvement
USE CASE

Serialization and Track

Development and integration of serialization and tracking systems

Challenges Faced

  • Integration of serialization systems with PLC and line SCADA
  • Multilevel aggregation management (item, bundle, case, pallet)
  • Alignment between line events and external repositories
  • Regulatory compliance and data integrity in regulated environments

Applied Skills

Pharma SerializationTrack & Trace IntegrationPLC & SCADA IntegrationEvent HandlingBatch & Aggregation ManagementPharma ComplianceValidation IQ/OQ/PQ

Technologies Used

Serialization Systems (Antares / Tracelink / Similar)OPC UAREST / Web ServicesSQL ServerWinCC OA / WinCC UnifiedAudit TrailElectronic Signatures

Results Obtained

  • End-to-end serialization compliant with international regulatory requirements
  • Reliable integration between packaging line and IT systems
  • Complete and verifiable traceability along the entire supply chain
  • Reduction of operational errors thanks to structured event management
  • Scalable basis for extension to new markets and future regulations
USE CASE

Pharmaceutical Plant Supervision and Data Integrity

Design and development of supervision systems for pharmaceutical plants with collection, historicization and traceability of process data, guaranteeing data integrity according to ALCOA principles and compliance with GMP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11.

Challenges Faced

  • Centralized management of process data from multiple lines and plants
  • Implementation of audit trails and access control on critical data
  • Alignment between automation, IT and quality assurance
  • Validation of the system according to CSV and GAMP 5 guidelines

Applied Skills

Plant SCADAData Integrity (ALCOA+)Pharma ComplianceAudit Trail & Electronic RecordsUser & Access ManagementCSV / GAMP 5PLC & SCADA Integration

Technologies Used

WinCC OA / WinCC UnifiedSQL ServerOPC UAHistorianElectronic Records & SignaturesRole-Based Access ControlAudit Trail

Results Obtained

  • Centralized and consistent supervision of pharmaceutical plants and lines
  • Guarantee of data integrity on critical process parameters and events
  • Passed GMP and FDA audits without critical observations
  • Better collaboration between production, IT and quality assurance
  • Solid and scalable foundation for historical analysis, reporting and continuous improvement

Contact us

A quote, a particular request, or simply a coffee to meet us? Write to us and we will reply to a "nano-second".

Address
Piazza Maestri del Lavoro 7
20063, Cernusco sul Naviglio (MI)
Italy
Address
Piazza dei Martiri 1
40121, Bologna (BO)
Italy
Oncode Industrial sviluppa soluzioni software per il settore farmaceutico: supervisione linee, OEE, integrazione PLC, tracciabilità, controllo qualità e ottimizzazione dei processi produttivi. - Oncode Industrial