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09/02/2009

New Innoline MES (Manufacturing Execution System) from KHS Offers Extensive Range of Advantages

Every beverage company wants to achieve the highest possible transparency in product manufacturing, filling, packaging, and logistics in the easiest possible way.  With its new Innoline MES (Manufacturing Execution System) outfitted with modules that have been developed in active collaboration with MPDV Mikrolab GmbH, KHS is offering a particularly powerful integrated solution for this sector.  This system enables users to dock production and logistics modules to a central data collection point just as easily as modules relating to the field of filling and packaging. Maximum transparency coupled with simplicity are a given. An additional key advantage of using Innoline MES is that (depending on the scope of the project) only a single interface is needed as a link to the higher level ERP system.  Further significant advantages of Innoline MES relate to the considerable increase in organizational efficiency of system technology, improved production planning and optimized deployment of personnel, as well as more efficient material supply and reduction in system downtime. Also worthy of mention is the fact that this system is able to comprehensively track batches. These features provide definite competitive advantages. Thanks to Innoline MES, it is therefore possible to respond to new market demands more quickly than ever before. The basic version of the Innoline MES comes with the Line Monitoring module, which records production data from the filling, packaging, and other filling-related processes and evaluates this information in accordance with the requirements of the Weihenstephan standard. Results can be accessed online at any time at the press of a button. Other modules pertaining to Order Execution, Order Material Tracking, Recipe Management, Order Scheduling and Production Analysis can be integrated as required into the Innoline MES at any time especially for the filling and packaging equipment. Order Execution is focused on order management for filling and packaging lines and displays for the operator on the line monitor timely information relating to an order assigned by the ERP system, including, for example, all the necessary information for the material to be readied for order processing. Greatest possible support is assured for product changeover. In addition, data is accurately assigned to individual filling orders within the system. Furthermore, processing times are assigned to each individual order with the utmost accuracy. The Order Material Tracking module uses scanners to accurately record all raw materials and supplies required for an order thereby enabling batches to be traced with absolute accuracy. What is more, it ensures that only materials specified for a particular order are used and posted accordingly. Innoline MES Recipe Management provides the basis for all products intended for filling and is used to monitor the specified process parameters. Limits are continuously monitored automatically and the operators are alerted immediately if limits are exceeded. This ensures high product quality throughout the entire filling and packaging process. At the same time, product loss is reduced by issuing alarm messages quickly, which in turn also minimizes costs. The Order Scheduling module shows an online display of orders along a definable timeline. At the same time, this module offers an option for automatic order planning. Automatic order planning takes into account all boundary conditions such as the availability of machines, changeover times, and the optimum sequence of orders geared to this information. A further significant plus point is that orders can also be incorporated manually into the Order Scheduling module. This enables a fast response in particular to last-minute customer orders. The Production Analysis module provides comprehensive evaluations of production data. A module, which is used to summarize information and give management a concise overview of key data. At the same time, the required data can be freely selected from a number of options. For example, this key data can pertain to the efficiency of the line, the most frequent reasons for downtime or to the quality rates. Concise key data can be produced for an individual line or for a number of systems.  Companies who have several production plants can directly compare the key data of each plant at the press of a button – provided the Innoline MES is available at all plants. As a central data collection point, the Innoline MES also communicates with Batch-IT, Maintenance Management, the Laboratory Information Management System, and with the warehouse management and material flow system, and finally routes all the information gathered to the ERP system. Beside applications in the beverage industry, the new Innoline MES is also ideally suitable for the food and non-food sectors. The Innoline MES is a learning system, which constantly incorporates the new requirements of the beverage, food, and non-food sectors into the existing system. Companies who have invested in the Innoline MES receive regular updates on request.