P4A in partnership with the FELTEN Group has introduced the latest version of its ‘Pilot’ process management software to the UK. The key feature of what is a highly developed and powerful software package is it’s flexibility; the Pilot suite can be used to increase production efficiency on just one production line, with no additional IT support, in contrast it is also extensive enough to provide an easily configurable ‘Production Intelligence’ system for an entire manufacturing site, replacing manual systems or indeed expensive and inflexible systems from other vendors. “The new ‘PILOT Suite’ introduces the concept of ‘Production Intelligence’ to UK industry, it can be tailored to provide improvements in reporting, visualisation, efficiency and control in virtually any process or production situation.”
The people behind this launch will be interesting to anyone in the UK automation software sector; Mr. Werner Felten, CEO of the FELTEN Group and Mr. Paul Hurst, the new MD of Products 4 Automation (P4A) was previously the MD of Citect UK. The combination of what Felten describes as “the functional part of SCADA and MES systems, but developed so that it is so flexible and easy to configure that it can be applied to virtually any process situation”, and what Hurst describes as “The best opportunity to solve production problems and improve efficiency that has been launched in the UK in the last ten years”.
About Pilot With the “PILOT Suite,” the FELTEN Group has developed a new and unique solution strategy for optimizing production management processes. PILOT is special because of its focus on Production Intelligence (PI).
In order to achieve this, the “PILOT MES” (Manufacturing Execution System), “PILOT BDE” (operating and process data acquisition), and PILOT “WDS” (weighing and dispensing system) products, with their individual function modules, have been developed to meet the requirements of Production Intelligence. By integrating these products into a framework that also includes special PI tools, an innovative platform has been created that facilitates the intelligent coordination of production management.
Pilot can be used to increase process efficiency by providing accurate data and management of process functions, thereby reducing production costs and improving output levels. The flexibility of the system means that it can be applied to just one production line with a single PC or an HMI economically, and deliver improvements, whereas it’s scope also means it can be used to link production on a very large site to other management information systems without the high cost of more traditional MES systems from larger vendors.
The holistic approach of Production Intelligence differentiates itself significantly from the usual MES products by moving away from the very isolated view of the planning and control processes that they typically offer.
PI makes way for the true integration of business and production processes, which are uniformly controlled by characteristic values. By doing so, performance potentials can be increased in a more targeted and comprehensive manner. At the same time, the technological advances of the PILOT products ensure that companies can create their workflows according to individual demand and that they can change their workflows in a matter of minutes. This results in an optimum ratio between automation and flexibility for each process.
Werner Felten, executive director of the company, describes the problem this way: “Despite their integration into ERP and other infrastructure systems, conventional methods for production management have always worked with a very limited focus.” He sees this as a significant limitation in exhausting the possibilities for increasing productivity.
“The processes are the real capital in production management, because they don’t just determine the relationship between quality and quantity in the output, they also determine the economic efficiency.” Up until now, processes were not given enough attention because of a strong technical focus. “Suitable software solutions are important, but they must focus on the processes,” says Felten as explanation for the new focus and name changes for their solutions. “As the first product strategy for production management, the PILOT Suite, in conjunction with the PI framework, completely fulfils the holistic requirements of production intelligence and therefore we are a significant step ahead in the market.”
About the FELTEN Group: The FELTEN GROUP is an international software and consulting company that develops solutions for process optimization in all production areas according to GMP and FDA international quality standards (21CFR Part 11). Our clients include Beiersdorf, Boehringer Ingelheim, Symrise, Sensient, Texas Instruments, etc. FELTEN is the first supplier to pursue the holistic and process-oriented production intelligence approach. In addition to its business in German-speaking European countries, Felten is also represented in Great Britain and France.
About P4A
Products4Automation (P4A) is a specialist supplier of new and innovative software and hardware solutions to the UK market. Product ranges available from P4A include the latest touch-screen HMI’s and flat panel PCs, SCADA software and plug-ins, a wide range of SCADA enabled hardware, Alarm plug-in software for large automation systems, and a full range of Production Intelligence software solutions.
