PackML, the packaging machinery language being developed by Unilever, Markem, P&G, Pharmacia, Nestle Purina Petcare, and a host of automation suppliers, has three overall goals: to simplify packaging machinery integration on a line, to speed start-up and shutdown of an entire line, and to facilitate packaging-specific data acquisition and analysis.
Most packaging machines have their own internal state models that represent machine states such as running, stopped, waiting, etc. If the majority of packaging machines were to adhere to a common state model such as PackML’s (based on the popular S88 batch standard), experts agree that it would simplify packaging line integration and reduce the controls engineering burden faced by many packagers.
In other words, the equipment would become more “Plug-and-Pack™”.
See the story that goes with this sidebar: Plug-and-pack a reality
