MATERIALS HANDLING THE FACTORY OF THE FUTURE
A leading manufacturer is set to launch an edge process management platform to help process engineers move towards full automation
I
ndustrial technology and thermal system manufacturer Watlow previewed its Eurotherm branded Edge Process Management
platform at the Germany based trade show SPS 2024 last month. The platform, described as the Factory of the Future by the company itself is claimed to provide intelligent automation, data-driven decision- making and robust cybersecurity to enhance efficiency and reliability. The Eurotherm EPM platform
helps manufacturers capture and analyse real-time data at the edge of a system. As the EPM program integrates advanced analytics and machine learning, EPM will empower users to streamline processes, reduce energy consumption and improve product quality while providing data security.
EPM DATA: REVOLUTIONISING DATA MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY The first EPM platform solution, EPM Data, will leverage Eurotherm’s advanced data management capabilities to allow manufacturers to capture, analyse and secure data at the edge of their application. The platform will integrate seamlessly with existing equipment and provide
adherence to industry standards making it ideal for industries requiring precision and regulatory compliance. Kevin Shaw, global R&D director
at Watlow, says, “EPM Data is aimed at industries looking to harness the power of their data, recorded and timestamped at the point of measurement. These features will allow for enhanced efficiency and security, it will also help them future proof their data.”
The product’s key features include: • High-precision data capture: Data collection by the platform is compliant with standards such as SAE AMS2750 and CQI-9 used by aerospace and automotive manufacturing. A unique cold junction compensation (CJC) design enables thermocouple accuracy measurements compared with calibration instruments.
• Real-time process analytics: A built-in batch validator will flag deviations in real time, reducing waste and boosting throughput for more efficient operations.
• Scalability and flexibility: Native expansion I/O will reduce engineering effort while expanding
the number of data points to meet growing operational needs.
• Comprehensive data integrity: Aligned with ALCOA+ principles, the product’s tamper-resistant data storage and audit trail will support compliance with global regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EudraLex Vol. 4 Annex 11. These are vital for sectors such as pharmaceuticals manufacturing.
• Robust cybersecurity: EPM Data is designed to meet IEC62443 standards, ensuring enhanced protection of sensitive data from cyber threats.
SUPPORTING THE INTEGRATED THERMAL LOOP VISION EPM Data is set to become a vital part of Watlow’s integrated thermal loop strategy, connecting heaters, sensors, controllers, power management systems and data recorders. This integrated loop will enable real-time data processing and machine-learning capabilities, optimising thermal processes, and allowing users to respond instantly to changes. This will reduce energy consumption and improve overall product quality, according to the company. Sebastian Girard, executive
director Europe at Watlow, says: “EPM Data will provide manufacturers with a powerful tool for real-time optimisation and enhanced data security. This solution will collect data to enable data analysis, report creation, machine learning, and provide advised decision making to improve manufacturing processes in line with industry 4.0 trends.”
EPM Data will leverage Eurotherm’s advanced data management capabilites
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www.engineerlive.com
For more information visit:
www.watlow.com
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