Pack Expo 2002: packaging machine with PackML state model purchased

Chicago, IL – Pharmacia Corp. announced that it would accept the first delivery of a machine equipped with the OMAC Packaging Workgroup’s PackML universal packaging state model. The Generation 3 servo-driven tube filler from Norden Pac Machinery implements the new state model on the company’s EasyWare machine control, in an IEC 61131-3 compliant function block format applied to the machine’s Elau PacDrive integrated motion/logic controller.

According to Workgroup member and Pharmacia automation engineer Robert Martell, ”I’m thrilled to be the first customer to receive a packaging machine with PackML inside. For my business, this is a great step toward reducing the cost of integrating and (FDA) validating my pharmaceutical packaging systems. The cost of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 validation and testing can range from 10% to 40% of total project costs driving the specification of the universal state model to standardize packaging machine operation, integrated motion and logic to reduce the number of controls being validated, and off-the-shelf IEC function block libraries to streamline validation.”

For Norden Pac automation manager Jonas Ewing, PackML ”allows us to offer these benefits with no cost or schedule impact to our customers.”

PackML team leader Fred Putnam of Markem Corp. noted the significance of this event, which capped the week’s announcements of PackML implementations from a number of companies, including his own firm’s coders. ”This is a momentous occasion. The PackML State Model is being implemented by and for companies on a global basis, and our team is confident that this first purchase of a PackML equipped machine is just the beginning of a groundswell of specifications and implementations.”

The PackML function block, source code for which has been donated by Elau to the OMAC Plug-and-Pack initiative, provides easy implementation of the state model for any supplier complying to the international IEC programming language standard. Plug-and-Pack describes the packaging machine users group’s mission of working together with machine builders and technology providers to achieve the benefits of advanced packaging automation.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskGary A. Mintchell, senior editor gmintchell@reedbusiness.com

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