Connecting Rheonics Process Sensors with PCS, LIMS and ERP like SAP
What is the purpose of this article?
PCS, LIMS, and SAP are all enterprise software systems, but they have distinct functions. SAP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for managing business processes like finance and supply chain, while LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is specialized software for managing laboratory workflows and data. PCS, or Process Control System, is a system for controlling industrial processes and is often integrated with both SAP and LIMS to provide comprehensive data flow.
Rheonics sensors and solutions are crucial because they act as the foundational source of reliable, real-time measurement data. This data is vital for:
- Automated PCS Control: Enabling the PCS to make instantaneous, precise adjustments to the process (e.g., maintaining slurry consistency).
- LIMS Validation: Providing consistent, continuous process measurements that verify the integrity of batch quality checks.
- SAP Traceability: Ensuring the quality data sent upstream to the SAP system for inventory, costing, and final product reporting is accurate and traceable.
1. SAP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Purpose: Manages core business operations such as billing, finance, procurement, and human resources.
Capabilities: Can include modules for manufacturing and quality management, but lacks the specialized features needed for day-to-day laboratory work.
Implementation: Rheonics sensor measurement data can be integrated using standard protocols supported by ERP like OPC UA. Rheonics solutions like painttrack and coagutrack support integration using multiple protocols like OPC UA, JSON, etc.
Rheonics solutions
2. LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
Purpose: Specifically designed for managing laboratory processes, including sample tracking, test results, and quality control.
Capabilities: Automates lab workflows, integrates with testing equipment, and helps ensure data integrity and compliance with regulations like ISO and FDA.
Implementation: Through industrial standard protocols like Modbus, as well as through API available for various software platforms (LabView, Python, C, C++, C# etc)
Rheonics solution
3. PCS (Process Control System)
Purpose: Controls and monitors industrial processes in real-time.
Capabilities: Manages production steps, but does not handle the full scope of laboratory analysis or business administration.
Integration: Comprehensive article on integration support for various PCS systems: https://rheonics.com/rheonics-integration-to-plc/
Often integrated with both LIMS and SAP to provide a complete data chain from process control to laboratory analysis and final business reporting.
Rheonics solution
4. How do they work together?
- A common integration is between a PCS, LIMS, and SAP.
- The PCS monitors and controls the physical production process.
- The LIMS manages the samples and tests taken during the production process.
- SAP integrates the data from both systems for business-level functions like inventory management, quality management decisions, and reporting.
- This integration allows for a comprehensive view of operations, from raw material to final product, and helps automate tasks, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency.