​​It is pretty clear that automation can improve efficiency, track performance and liberate operators from mundane routines. But with it comes cost and time factors around customization, communication and validation. So, the challenge is not just how to automate, but how to do it well.

Using a ‘plug-and-play’ approach can greatly enhance the benefits of automation. By standardizing the communication framework, it can substantially cut the time and effort needed to implement equipment in a flexible, single-use technology environment.

It is pretty clear that automation can improve efficiency, track performance and liberate operators from mundane routines. But with it comes cost and time factors around customization, communication and validation. So, the challenge is not just how to automate, but how to do it well.

Using a ‘plug-and-play’ approach can greatly enhance the benefits of automation. By standardizing the communication framework, it can substantially cut the time and effort needed to implement equipment in a flexible, single-use technology environment.

The BioPhorum Plug-and-play technical sub-team completing interface tests using the MTP approach

Cost savings
Using a plug-and-play architecture can lead to significant cost savings, as illustrated in the table:

* Time estimation for a validated environment under change management control
 
Looking ahead, interface specifications for several unit operations in a drug substance manufacturing facility should be completed by mid-2020, as will a fully functional prototype of a single-use bioreactor interface system. There are also plans for a virtual private network so that members can connect their technology without traveling.
A more detailed review of some of the value of the work of the plug-and-play team has been published by BioProcess International in an article called The Value of Plug-and-Play Automation in Single-Use Technology.

Plug and play: The value of plug-and-play automation in single-use technology

Release Date - 17th December 2019

  automated facility     NAMUR     plug and play  

Abstract

Automation can improve efficiency, track performance, adjust operations, and liberate operators from mundane routines. Automation requires a flexible set of tools that align well with the inherent flexibility of single-use technology (SUT). Although SUT flexibility enhances a biomanufacturer’s ability to modify operations to meet the needs of today’s dynamic industry, it also increases timelines and costs related to customizing and validating automated additions. This paper presents the findings of a team of industry automation experts who are sharing their experiences and testing new automation methods, with a vision to a reusable, standardized approach that enables rapid integration of intelligent process skids.