Goettingen – Sartorius Mechatronics has released new software for monitoring and control of complex production processes in the food industry. This software, called Sartorius ProControl@Enterprise, enables food producers to monitor all production parameters in virtually real time and, if any non-conforming items are detected, intervene in the production process to take immediate corrective action. As a result, food manufacturers can avoid expensive non-conforming or substandard batches, while continuously optimizing their production processes.

SPC@Enterprise records important product data, such as average weight or nominal quantity, product moisture and fat content, including product attributes and environmental characteristics, such as labeling, use-by date or temperature inside the production plant. The software ensures compliance with all legally required tolerance limits. At the same time, early monitoring of the product data measured enables food producers to make full use of the tolerance limits to thus avoid expensive overfilling of unnecessary supplements. SPC@Enterprise software electronically records all measurements and tests to ensure 100% traceable documentation by generating an audit trail along with the respective electronic signatures and by providing extended user administration features. Therefore, SPC@Enterprise complies with 21 CFR Part 11 rules and can be used in strictly regulated production of pharmaceuticals.

SPC@Enterprise is interfaced by sensor to all instruments and gauges required for a safe and efficient production process. Data are saved via network in a central database and displayed, also in visual graphics, on one or several PC workstations and mobile terminal devices. This means that even complex production landscapes can be monitored and controlled from just one workstation. The software is based on Microsoft® SQL database technology and uses standardized hardware and software interfaces so that both Sartorius devices and other manufacturers’ equipment can be connected to the software. SPC@Enterprise can be configured and extended according to customers’ specific requirements and, depending on the application, will show users different levels of information. As a result, this software ensures fast, reliable and easy operation, minimizing implementation and operating costs.

A Profile of Sartorius

The Sartorius Group is a leading international laboratory and process technology provider covering the segments of biotechnology and mechatronics. In 2010, the technology group earned sales revenue of 659.3 million euros. Founded in 1870, the Goettingen-based company currently employs more than 4,500 persons. The major areas of activity in its biotechnology segment focus on filtration, fluid management, fermentation and cell cultivation, purification, and laboratory applications. In the mechatronics segment, the company primarily manufactures equipment and systems featuring weighing, measurement and automation technology for laboratory and industrial applications. Key Sartorius customers are from the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries and from numerous research and educational institutes of the public sector. Sartorius has its own production facilities in Europe, Asia and America as well as sales subsidiaries and local commercial agencies in more than 110 countries.