What is the Internet of Things - IoT
The Internet of Things refers to a network of smart devices that can collect and share data. These devices are in addition to computing devices that can perform process measurement on their own.While a main controller is required to run and operate the entire system, IoT devices can communicate and share data themselves, without the need for a centralized controller. This is in contrast to traditional devices & sensors, that rely on a main controller to sense, transmit and process the required variable.
Like other industries, the pharma industry is also experiencing the benefits of IoT in a number of areas and departments. Its more practical application is real-time monitoring, data collection and integration with other systems for process & product improvement
The potential of IoT is enabling the pharma industry to increase its productivity, improve its compliance and enhance process monitoring for fault detection and remediation by integrating with the production process and gain valuable insights, which is lacking in the traditional system.
The IoT consists of the following components for its implementation.
● Smart devices and sensors - they are used to collect relevant data and send them to the central controller. For example, temperature, humidity and weighing
● Connectivity - it is used to provide connectivity between smart sensors and centralized controllers. For example, WiFi and Cellular network
● Centralized storage or cloud - it stores data collected by the smart sensors and the software algorithms that are applied to the collected data.
● Software — a combination of different coding algorithm that performs the desired function on collected data. It also performs record-keeping processes.
Role of IoT in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Let's briefly discuss the role of IoT in the pharmaceutical industry.
IIoT
IIoT, or Industrial Internet of Things, is a system where smart industrial devices such as sensors and actuators are interconnected to collect various process data such as temperature and humidity. The data is sent to a centralized controller for analysis, which is then used for various purposes and decision-making.
In the pharmaceutical industry, the IIoT can be deployed in various manufacturing processes, such as cleaning and filling, to monitor critical production data. A centralized computer or controller can then analyze this data for pharmaceutical-specific parameters. The outcome is fed to various digitalization tools for decision-making purposes.
For example, integrating IIoT with the packaging process allows us to collect product quality and productivity data, such as temperature, machine speed, and total output. The result is then gauged against specific metrics to determine product efficacy and quality.
Record collection and keeping
One capability of IoT is its ability to save measured values in its system, which can then be made part of related records. Integrating smart sensors with machinery & process allows for the collection of every desired parameter, which solves common traditional record keeping problems, such as human faults, missing entries and error in reading values.
For example, area temperature and humidity are critical environmental values that must be maintained at acceptable levels and recorded. IoT technology automatically applies the collected data into software analytics and arrange values in the desired record form.
Real-time data capability
Another aspect of IoT in pharma is collecting and monitoring data in real-time for various processes. By combining smart devices, relevant data processing, and data analytics, one can analyze the data coming from these sensors in a real time manner.
The data is then used for further processing, such as analyzing underlying processes and making decisions for optimum performance.
The real- time capability of IoT can be used in the following ways.
Predictive Maintenance - Smart sensors installed ...
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