The Factory of the Future: Watlow® Previews Groundbreaking EPM Platform at SPS 2024
11/06/2024
Watlow
Headquarters
St. Louis, MO – Watlow®, a leading provider of industrial technology and thermal systems, will preview its revolutionary Eurotherm® branded Edge Process Management (EPM) platform at SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. This cutting-edge solution will mark a major step forward in the development of the "Factory of the Future," where intelligent automation, data-driven decision-making and robust cybersecurity will converge to enhance efficiency and reliability across industries.
The Eurotherm EPM platform will enable manufacturers to capture and analyze real-time data where it is generated: At the edge. As the EPM program integrates advanced analytics and machine learning, EPM will empower users to streamline processes, reduce energy consumption and improve product quality while ensuring the highest level of data security.
EPM Data: Revolutionizing Data Management and Security
The first EPM platform solution, EPM Data, will leverage Eurotherm’s advanced data management capabilities to allow manufacturers to capture, analyze and secure data at the edge of their application. Seamless integration with existing equipment and adherence to industry standards will make it ideal for industries requiring precision and regulatory compliance.
Kevin Shaw, Global R&D Director at Watlow, states, “EPM Data will be a game-changer for industries looking to harness the power of data recorded and timestamped at the point of measurement to optimize their processes. Its features will empower manufacturers to enhance efficiency and security today, while future-proofing their operations for tomorrow.”
Key features will include:
- High-Precision Data Capture: Accurate, secure data collection will ensure compliance with standards such as SAE AMS2750 and CQI-9 relative to aerospace and automotive manufacturing. A unique cold junction compensation (CJC) design enables thermocouple accuracy measurements comparable to calibration instruments.
- Real-Time Process Analytics: Built-in Batch Validator will flag deviations in real-time, reducing waste and boosting throughput for more efficient operations.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Native expansion I/O will reduce engineering effort whilst expanding the number of data points to meet growing operational needs.
- Comprehensive Data Integrity: Aligned with ALCOA+ principles, tamper--resistant data storage and audit trail functionality will support compliance with global regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EudraLex Vol. 4 Annex 11, which are vital in sectors like pharmaceuticals manufacturing.
- Robust Cybersecurity: Designed to meet IEC62443 standards, EPM Data will ensure enhanced protection of sensitive data from cyber threats.
Supporting Watlow’s Integrated Thermal Loop Vision
The EPM platform, including EPM Data, is set to become a vital part of Watlow’s integrated thermal loop strategy, which connects heaters, sensors, controllers, power management systems and data recorders in a unified approach. This integrated loop will enable real-time data processing and machine learning capabilities, optimizing thermal processes, and allowing users to respond instantly to changes, reducing energy consumption and improving overall product quality.
Sebastian Girard, Executive Director Europe at Watlow, explains: “The future release of EPM Data will provide manufacturers with a powerful tool for real-time optimization and enhanced data security. This innovative solution will serve as a data collector to enable data analysis, report creation, machine learning, and provide advised decision making to improve manufacturing processes in line with Industry 4.0 trends. Our unified EPM architecture will span data management, process control, power control and automation, enabling manufacturers to make truly informed decisions and drive continuous innovation.”
Experience the Future of Process Automation at SPS 2024
Join us at SPS 2024 in Nuremberg from November 12-14 to preview EPM with live demonstrations. Visit Booth #120, Hall 7, for a firsthand look at how EPM will transform your process management with enhanced security and real-time data insights. Learn more at eurotherm.com/epm or the SPS Exhibition site.
About Watlow
Watlow is a global industrial technology company that uses its world-class engineering expertise, advanced thermal systems, and manufacturing excellence to provide a wide array of temperature control, power control, heater technologies, and temperature sensing platforms. Watlow brings its experience to a broad cross section of industries, including semiconductor processing, environmental chambers, energy processes, diesel emissions, medical and foodservice equipment.
Since 1922, Watlow has grown in product capability, market experience and global reach. The company holds more than 1,100 patents and employs more than 4,200 team members working in 11 manufacturing facilities and nine technology and development centers in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. Watlow covers 95 countries through sales and distribution offices around the world.