The purpose of the group is to discuss the use of S88-Part 5 and the PackML Technical Report. Until now, the group has focused primarily on exchanging experiences and establishing a common understanding of the S88-Part 5 work. In its latest meeting, the group defined the following goals for the work they intend to do:
- Description of examples of implementations of S88.01 and S88.05 (lessons learned, etc.)
- Description tools. Framework for the use of S88.01 and S88.05 in batch, discrete, and continuous production environments.
- Reference project. Description of a project that can be used to test different implementation models.
- Migration. How to move from existing structures and interfaces to structures and interfaces compliant with S88.01 and S88.05
- 10 reasons for using S88.05
- Review of the state models in S88.01 and S88.05
The following companies are participants in this new group: Grundfos, ABB, NNE Pharmaplan, Atkins Danmark, RoboCluster, Aarhus Karlshamn, Danisco, Arla Foods, Au2Mate, B&R, AAF, PJD, Danish Meat Association, Wonderware, Novo Nordisk, Logica, Rockwell Automation, COWI, Siemens, and Eltronic.
Dave Chappell, chairman of the Make2Pack Workgroup and chief technology officer of Complete Manufacturing Automation, views the formation of the new group in Denmark as one more sign that the value of true enterprise integration top floor to shop floor is clearly recognized and companies are willing to put in the effort needed to achieve it. "Reaching the kind of integration that an aggressive firm like Arla Foods is after is still a monumental task," says Chappell. "Not only are there upfront costs involved, there are customization and translation issues that surface as you move across the layers of the enterprise. This new group recognizes that the place they want to reach is not around the corner. But they're willing to work toward it."
Chappell reminds those who have an interest in enterprise integration, Make2Pack concepts, and PackML standards that there's no better place to get a heavy dose of learning than at the Packaging Automation Forum March 31 in Chicago and at the Make2Pack and Connect-and-Pack Workshop Program on March 30, also in Chicago. For more information on these co located events sponsored by Packaging World and Automation World contact Events Manager Adriene Cooper at [email protected].
