Machine Data Connectivity

Vimachem's Machine Data Connectivity module is an IIoT Edge application designed for pharmaceutical and biopharma manufacturers that enables real-time connectivity to any machine or automation system on the shop floor. Built specifically for GxP environments, the solution addresses one of Pharma 4.0's greatest challenges: the lack of real-time process visibility. By automating the capture, transformation, and contextualization of machine data, it provides the foundation for digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The module operates as a plug-and-measure solution that can be self-installed to collect data from any piece of equipment and transmit it to a cloud platform or local server, enabling actionable machine insights within minutes. With completed deployments in over 20 countries worldwide, Vimachem combines deep pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise with proven machine data acquisition capabilities.

Core Capabilities

• Plug and measure any machine: Connect, collect, and visualize real-time data from any machine or automation system on the pharmaceutical shop floor.
• Instant data transformation: Clean, transform, encrypt, and securely transmit machine data to on-premises or cloud systems for real-time machine monitoring.
• Alerts and actioning: Alert the right person at the right time when action is required, and track incidents through a workflow with reassignment, resolution, and full audit logging.
• Capture PLC and control data: Universal plug-and-measure data collection for PLCs supporting open protocols including MTConnect, OPC-UA, and Modbus.
• Connect sensors quickly: Incorporate difficult or legacy equipment by adding external sensors or linking older equipment with digital and analog IO, all configurable and operated centrally through a web interface.
• Automated data transformation engine: Converts machine data into common data structures across all equipment types, collecting and storing Custom Sensor Values, Machine Status, Modes, Alarms, Overrides, Load, Speeds, Feeds, Diagnostics, and other data objects ready for real-time analytics.

Supported Protocols and Hardware

• Support for OPC-UA, MQTT, DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 60870 communication protocols.
• Compatible with a wide range of PLC brands including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, GE, Automation Direct, Bosch, Eaton, WAGO, Beckhoff, BACnet, Texas Instruments, Mitsubishi, Omron, and more.
• Auto-Build functionality speeds up engineering efforts by reading the structure of a PLC program and automatically creating model templates and instances based on the PLC schema.
• Secure encrypted communications throughout.

Deployment and Integration Options

• Flexible deployment: Deploy Vimachem IIoT Edge devices connected directly to any modern machine control system via ethernet port, or install the Edge software on your own VM or server.
• Cloud integration (optional): Data is encrypted and streamed in real time to the Vimachem IIoT Cloud MES platform via ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity.
• Out-of-the-box MES integration: Direct connectivity to the pre-built Vimachem Pharma 4.0 Intelligence MES applications for immediate value realisation.
• Scalable and fast to deploy: Designed for easy scaling across an entire pharmaceutical production and packaging shop floor or enterprise.

The Machine Data Connectivity module is part of the broader Vimachem Pharma MES Platform, which includes Electronic Batch Records, Manufacturing Analytics and OEE, Serialization Site Manager, and other modules. The solution is designed for GxP-compliant environments, and Vimachem also offers supporting services including MES implementation, computerized system validation, and quality assurance.