(openPR) - Lueneburg, Germany, August 17, 2010 - MSD deployed PAS-X, the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) by Werum Software & Systems, to run its packaging line operations in Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium in order to increase the compliance level during packaging operations and subsequently shorten lead times to improve delivery performance. Operations include fully automated blister lines and filling lines, semi-automated packaging lines and manual packaging processes. The project for introducing PAS-X was completed in 2009 and the system has been in operational use for more than 12 months now.

The installations' MES functionality contains Master Batch Records Management, Equipment Management, Order Control, and Electronic Batch Recording. Interfaced with ERP, PAS-X is a cornerstone for fully integrated packaging operations.

One of the functional highlights of the PAS-X installation is the use of Generic Master Batch Records (MBRs) that enabled a reduction of the formerly high number of MBRs to 1/80th of the original count: 2.500 Stock Keeping Units are now running based on 45 Generic MBRs. PAS-X supports In-Process Control execution to acquire sample results; the taking of the various samples is a time triggered process. Another functional highlight of the PAS-X installation is the acquisition of manual labour time. The operators log-in for specific operations on a dedicated terminal which is available at each packaging line - simply by pressing the associated button.

Information shown on the PDA terminal includes:

- the execution of the EBR which tracks the different process steps during the packaging run
- the overall status of the workcenter controlled by the PAS-X Equipment Management function
- safety icons/instructions, when applicable, controlled by the PAS-X Master Data Management function.

PAS-X has helped MSD increase its Right First Time (RFT) indices by online check of all critical process parameters. By using 'review by exception' capability provided by the PAS-X Electronic Batch Recording functionality MSD was able to decrease time and effort for the overall review and release of its packaging operations. Last but not least, PAS-X helped improve packaging operation documentation by the use of electronic equipment logbook, electronic production reports, electronic labour reports and the calculation of KPIs.

For high-resolution pictures please click here:
www.werum.com/en/mesnews/news/NR_MSD.jsp

About Werum Software & Systems
Werum (www.werum.com) is the international leading supplier of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Its successful and well-established MES product PAS-X is installed at 16 of the world’s top 30 pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The comprehensive range of functions built into PAS-X is the key to quality and compliance and lays the foundation for operational excellence initiatives in the manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceutical products. The company’s MES-related services include consulting, project management, validation support, system integration, training, maintenance, hotline support, and life cycle management. The software provider supplies turnkey, integrated and ready-to-be-validated Manufacturing Execution Systems. A global network of local Werum offices and carefully selected regional solution partners guarantees reliable on-site support for clients. Founded in 1969, the IT company employs more than 400 people at its headquarters in Lueneburg, Germany, and at eight other locations in Germany, France, the United States, Japan, and Singapore.

For more information on Werum and PAS-X, take a look at our website at www.pas-x.com.

Werum Software & Systems
Wulf-Werum-Strasse 3
21337 Lueneburg, Germany

Press Contact:
Dirk Ebbecke
Director Corporate Communications
Tel. +49 4131 8900-689
E-mail: dirk.ebbecke@werum.com