ABB Automation and its predecessor companies have introduced many of the foundation technologies and standards that are integral to today's modern batch processing solutions. A leading supplier in DCS-based batch systems, ABB currently enjoys over 23% of the worldwide market, according to ARC (Automation Research Corp) Nineteen out of the top 20 worldwide pharmaceutical companies are ABB customers.
A living legacy of industry firsts
ABB has a well-recognised history of batch process expertise. It was one of the first companies to automate batch processes in the '60s, and has developed many of the industry's milestones. These include unit relativity, modular procedures and phases in the '70s, NAMUR and SP88-based products in the '80s and historical batch data recording and batch activity management in the '90s. Here are a few significant dates for ABB in batch:
* In 1968, Taylor Instruments was one of the first companies to apply mainframe computers to batch automation. The company also introduced the first commercially available batch control language, Taylor Advanced Batch Language (TABL). It was the first user-based language that allowed users to program their own batches.
* In 1972, Taylor introduced the concept of unit relativity for batch; this concept simplified and reduced engineering effort for multistream plants.
* In 1975, Kent Process Control introduced the modular concept in batch pharmaceutical applications.
* In 1982, Kent process control systems were applied to configurable, multi-purpose batch plants.
* In 1984, Taylor introduced TCL; the first structured Batch Language to run in a distributed environment.
* In 1985, ASEA introduced the first standard product to follow NAMUR guidelines.
* In 1991, ABB Introduced the first SP88 oriented standard product, Batch 300.
* In 1994, ABB introduced its Production Data Log, which was the first batch-oriented historical data recording.
ABB has also been instrumental in helping to form the standards that guide today's batch processing practices. In 1988, industry experts from ABB predecessor companies ASEA, Kent Process Control and Taylor Instruments were on the founding SP88 committee. In 1995, the SP88 standard was approved; the ABB affiliates included ABB Process Automation, ABB Automation AB, Fischer & Porter Hartmann and Braun and Bailey Controls Company.
An extensive portfolio that includes batch processing applications and more
ABB claims to have the industry's most extensive portfolio of batch solutions available in the marketplace today. These solutions are appropriate for batch manufacturing activities of any scale, from complex large processes such as bulk chemical, to smaller batch manufacturing, such as cosmetics, food and beverage. ABB's large-scale batch solutions, such as ABB Batch 300 and Symphony Batch systems, are trusted and used in many bulk pharmaceutical, fine chemical, polymer and photographic chemical production plants all over the world. Scaleable batch management products include ABB's AdvaBatch, which easily manages multiple recipes for smaller batch applications that require S88.01-based solutions. This solution works with ABB's Advant OCS control solutions, as well as third-party systems via OPC. SymBatch NT 1.1 is the latest batch management system within the symphony enterprise management and control system; it combines functionality according to industry batch standards such as NAMUR NE 33 and ISA S88.01 with ABB's own industry proven batch automation expertise.
ABB's electronic batch record system allows pharmaceutical and other regulated industries to enjoy the full advantage of simplified electronic record keeping and electronic signature. EBR replaces paper batch process records with a complete, paperless, electronic batch record with electronic signature. It complies with FDA 21 CFR part 11, which became effective in August 1997.
Batch automation is more than automating recipe formulas and procedures. ABB provides integrated Enterprise Historian with batch specific capabilities including data collection, display, reporting and batch to batch analysing. The enterprise historian scales down for small system solution as well as scales up to provide redundant and distributed enterprise-wide batch information solutions for mission critical applications. ABB's planning and scheduling solution integrates with the ERP system for optimisation of individual batches, as well as plant production equipment. ABB also provides a full complement of automation solutions to improve batch manufacturing productivity, including innovative human system interfaces, fully scalable open control systems, and control system validation support.
Claiming to be the world's largest automation supplier, ABB's Automation business segment includes major product areas such as control products and systems, manufacturing execution systems, instrumentation, analytical devices, meters, robotics, drives, motors and machines. Major industry markets served are chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, food and beverage, pulp and paper, metals and minerals, manufacturing industries, marine, and utilities.
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