Chromatographic System Upgrade
Advantages to upgrading your system
- Extend the life span of your system
- Safeguard your batch records,
- Reduce the risk of system failure,
- Cost savings and cost control,
- Take advantage of latest applications,
- Improve your system while maintaining your SOP.
Why update your existing operating system?
Prevent long production downtime due to outdated equipment
How do you reboot your control unit after a system failure?
One solution to ensure a fresh start of your system after a control system failure is to restore the last image of the hard drive onto a new PC. However, this is only possible if the PC has the same hardware and operating system.
Depending on the type of computer (office or industrial), the availability of spare parts varies between 6 months to 3 years maximum.
In fact, IT manufacturers are constantly improving their components and creating new references.
This can make it difficult or nearly impossible to get a new PC that is identical to your existing one.
This is why Novasep has chosen to use the Siemens® industrial PC since the guaranteed production life is 3 years. In addition to this, there is a 5 year guarantee for technical support and spare parts.
Updating your system is necessary to avoid prolonged production downtime. Planning ahead allows you to minimize the risk of breakdown which may have a strong financial impact.
Compatibility of your new IT requirements with obsolete operating software and incompatibility with new software
Software companies such as Microsoft® no longer guarantee the support of older software versions (like Windows® 2000 or NT). It has, therefore, become difficult to resolve issues related to operating systems, like finding drivers for new hardware on the market (driver for printers, network card, PLC communication card, etc.)
It may not be possible to install old software like Windows® 2000 or NT onto a new computer as the new components may be incompatible.
Supervision software developed on an old operating system would not be compatible with a more recent one.
As a result, upgrading your application has become necessary.
What are the other risks involved in working with an outdated system?
Working with an outdated system can cost you more than you might imagine.
If your control system fails, you risk the following:
- Losing data and batch records,
- Long term downtime of your equipment,
- Complex and expensive troubleshooting,
- No possibility of repair due to supplier’s discontinued technical support.
Anticipating an upgrade of your system to secure and ensure your production allows you to reduce these risks and can save you time and money.
How to upgrade your existing system?
Today’s industry standards are even more demanding in terms of productivity, security, customer service and equipment operations.
As a company grows, it sometimes outgrows its own operating systems.
These tools that were initially innovative solutions towards development can now become problematic obstacles.
In order to control cost, you must closely examine the reliability, flexibility and efficiency of your operating system and increase its life span through upgrades hence, securing your production.
Upgrades
The upgrade of your automated system is an essential step in improving its performance and reliability, but it can also be a tricky one.
As part of Novasep’s continuous improvement program, we:
- Track any technological advances involving the software and material made by the supplier or manufacturer.
- Provide necessary expertise in migrating any operating system, automation or software program.
- Offer adapted solutions to guarantee the life span of its systems and their evolution.
Therefore, Novasep can help you evaluate your system’s condition to define the best upgrade solution based on its utilization and your budget.
Course of action to upgrade your system
Within the scope of your project, Novasep can propose an upgrade in several steps:
Step 1: Analyze your existing system
As the first step, Novasep evaluates your system in order to define the critical points:
Outdated operating systems
- Microsoft® Windows® 3.1
- Microsoft® Windows® NT
- Microsoft® Windows® 2000
Outdated computers
- Compaq® Deskpro®
- Siemens® Simatic® Panel PC 670
- Fujitsu Siemens® Scenic®
- Siemens® PC Rack IL40
- Siemens® PC Rack IL43
Outdated automation parts and accessories
- Siemens® CPU 316 2DP
- Siemens® WinACTM Card
Step 2: Propose solutions
For the second step, Novasep looks at the set-up currently installed on the new equipment and suggests an adapted set-up based on your needs and how your machine is used.
Base of the current set-up
- Microsoft ® Windows ® XP
- Siemens® SIMATIC® IPC547C
- Siemens® CPU 317 2DP
- Siemens® WinACTM RTXTM
Starting from this base, Novasep proposes the following possibilities:
- Upgrade computer equipment (Siemens Industrial PC),
- Install a new operating system (Windows XP or 7).
- Upgrade the SCADA, communication software and database.
- Migrate to a more recent Novasep SCADA (Software SC),
- Migrate or upgrade of data operating software (GRAPHICS),
And to take it a step further:
- Install a Disaster Recovery Plan,
- Virtualization of your application on the server (VMware)
Any modifications to your system can be qualified by Novasep’s Quality procedures to meet cGMP specifications.
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Download our brochure on chromatographic system upgrade
Download our brochure on Process Development Services for industrial biotech applications.
Download our brochure on Customer/After Sales Services for industrial biotech productions.
For any other questions regarding Novasep’s offering, please contact us.
Copyright and Trademark Information:
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Compaq and Deskpro are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
Siemens® and SIMATIC® are registered trademarks of SIEMENS AG. WinAC™ is a trademark of SIEMENS AG.
SCENIC is a registered trademark of Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH.
RTX™ is a trademark of Venturcom, Inc.
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