Manufacturing Execution System proCX improves efficiency in the process industry -- version 2.5 offers a standard interface to PCS 7 and enhancements in line with 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines

The new version 2.5 of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) proCX from Compex IT Plant Solutions offers a standard interface to Simatic PCS7. This means that the MES solution from the Siemens subsidiary can also be linked to control and visualization systems such as Teleperm and WinCC. ProCX thus allows the total data exchange and communication from systems and components at the automation level up to the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) level. What's more, proCX is now in compliance with the general requirements of the American FDA (Food & Drug Administration) dealing with the authenticity and integrity of electronic records and signatures.

ProCX is based on the ISA standard S88 for the batch process industry. The MES solution has a material management module alongside production planning and control. Production and quality data are available for logistics planning at the ERP level and for process control elements such as programmable controllers (PLCs) and the Distributed Control System (DCS).

The new interface is compatible with the OPC (OLE for process control) standard. proCX can thus be linked to process control and visualization systems such as Simatic PCS7, Teleperm and WinCC. Although the component comes with a standard setup, the information exchange between proCX and the control system can be customized to meet the needs of an individual company. At this moment, two major German chemical companies ordered the concept and will start implementation in the coming months.
proCX allows up to six hundred processes to be managed simultaneously on an NT server. Several PCS7 servers and multi-batch systems can run on one network with no apparent loss of performance. And the system is remarkably stable: it supports the PCS7 redundancy concept and can restore itself after power or network failures automatically and system-synchronized. Additional protection mechanisms prevent data losses and invalid or incorrect data stocks.

The new version proCX complies with the FDA guideline 21 CFR Part 11 with respect to the general requirements on the authenticity and integrity of electronic records and signatures. Product based security measures together with system and configuration settings guarantee integrity of electronic records. proCX includes audit trail functionality , user management and user profiles, and acces privileges that define individual security profiles: it is therefore impossible, for example, for a user to use another user's password.

Further information and download at http://www.compex-group.com

Compex IT Plant Solutions is specialized in high-end solutions for batch process industries.
Over the years, Compex IT Plant Solutions developed three state-of-the-art software products that can be implemented separately or as part of a unique and integrated suite: Unilab 4i (Laboratory Information Management System or LIMS), proCX (Manufacturing Execution System or MES) and speCX (Product Lifecycle Management or PLM).
The customer base of Compex IT Plant Solutions consists of large industrial companies throughout the world. The companys efforts in delivering innovation, quality and service have been rewarded by several distinctions among which the prestigious 'Ernst & Young Enterprise of The Year-Award in 1998 and the 'Kraft Foods North America Supplier Excellence Award in 1999.
Compex IT Plant Solutions is headquartered in Belgium and part of the Siemens AG division I&S (Industrial Solutions & Services). The company has an experience of fifteen years of software development and implementation for batch process industry and laboratories. The company is represented worldwide by the Siemens sales channels and integration services, as well as by selected external technology and system integration partners