Session 6: Plug & Produce: A case study of Modular Automation in R&D Laboratories at Merck KGaA
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | West Red Level, Suite 81
Plug & Produce: A case study of Modular Automation in R&D Laboratories at Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany is automating the laboratory environment in addition to digitalizing production at its global HQ in Darmstadt, inaugurated in 2020. Merck’s laboratory facility contains some 120 fume hoods equipped with lab equipment such as pumps, stirrers, and dosing modules. In the past, experiments with the different modules were carried out either manually or using a conventional laboratory management system. The frequent reconfiguration of the lab setup called for a major investment of time and resulted in high costs. The laboratory presents a uniquely dynamic environment as experiments with different set ups vary every day. In contrast to the production environment, everyday work in a research laboratory is characterized primarily by the fact that systems regularly have to be reconfigured and work steps continually changed. Merck KGaA has found the key to success in modular production and is relying on an industry standard called MTP – Module Type Package (VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658). MTP is a solution approach that enables all the equipment within a central control system to communicate independently of the typically fragmented hardware and software landscape in use. The main benefits of this approach are: Time saving: Reduction of experiment time by 50% compared to traditional operations in lab. Cost saving: Reduction of cost by 20..30% compared to traditional operations in lab. Flexibility: Improvement by 80% compared to traditional operations in lab. The Plug & Produce approach enhances flexibility through rapid reconfiguration, utilizing modules with standardized design and automation.
Speaker:
Giuseppe Menin, Director Life Sciences & Process Industry, COPA-DATA
Sponsored by:
Biography:
Giuseppe Menin began his career in the mechatronic engineering at the end of the 80s, as automation engineer and software developer. As a project manager, he coordinated R&D projects for the automation, digitalization of manufacturing lines.
In 2004, Giuseppe joined COPA-DATA, the developers of zenon software platform. He is currently covering the role of Director of Life Sciences & Process Industry at COPA-DATA HQ in Salzburg (A).
He follows digitalization projects in life sciences together with pharmaceutical companies and equipment vendors.
Since 2014, he has been a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).
He has an active role within ISPE Pharma 4.0 CoP – Plug & Produce working group.
He is member of GAMP Italy Steering Committee.
