Manik Sangvikar
Engineering Specialist-Controls, BBraun Medicals
Mr. Manik Sangvikar from BBraun Medicals in the US explained his views on issues such as the influence of MES on the workplace of the future and specific MES requirements for emerging markets. Mr. Sangvikar has over thirteen years of experience with Automation (Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens) / MES (Apriso, Werum) implementation as an consultant and worked within Pharma, Automotive and extensive experience with or without GMP regulated Control/MES implementation. For him one critical question regarding smart manufacturing is how to turn the data that MES deliver into knowledge.
We are working on multiple MES projects, one of MES implementation project is in production and currently in support and enhancement phase. Other two project are currently in concept and feasibility phase. Out of two, one might be on paper on glass, heavy on user input and other might be hybrid (paper on glass & connection with Automation).
In my opinion, information is key in digital manufacturing. How information is generated, distributed and used to make quality, operations decision will change next generation MES implementation. This includes mobile devices and data analysis. MES with other applications is tool in manufacturing to generate/distribute/manage information.
This is not currently implemented as many of packing line are still on manual process. Our company is currently evaluating serialization implementation and there is pilot project. After pilot project, it will be rolled out many sites within company.
Serialization is definitely important requirements for emerging markets. This will help track products to origin. Another important requirement would be converting all manual based batch record or other plant information to electronic to have seamless digital information across multiple geographies.
Currently two areas in production work with MES. In one of area MES is paper on glass with no connection to equipment. But in other area MES is connected to automation system for all EBR data. Both MES are implemented on review by exception and currently in production.
Engineering department is in charge in regards to vendor selection and implantation with company MES/Automation standards. In any vendor selection process process requirements vs MES product analysis is important along with technical details of project. One of important factor in consideration is amount of customisation. Intent from engineering is to use as much standard feature of MES product as possible.
Currently, I am working on Werum PAS-X MES with all automation interfaces. But previous to this I have worked on Apriso MES as well.
As global MES implementations are now becoming common, but regulatory rules are different and this affects MES implementation. I am looking forward for these inputs from other MES experts from Europe. Also get some insights on currents trends in MES implementation and knowledge sharing is key aspect for this conference.
Interview Partners: Manik Sangvikar and Josefin Fügener