The Digital Transformation [1] of companies is, as widely acknowledged, a complex and demanding process, yet undeniably inevitable. Achieving such ambitious change efficiently, swiftly, and accurately remains a challenge. Thus, practical solutions and effective implementation methodologies must be identified case by case.
Stages of Digital Transition
The digital transition process encompasses several stages. It begins with assessing technological maturity, supported by tools[2] such as the Electronic Batch Record (eBR), discussed later. Once the starting point and objectives are clear, the next step is to devise a plan to achieve these goals. This includes defining Digital Transformation methodologies (resources, processes, organizational structure, communication, etc.), selecting technologies to implement, and planning accordingly.
Technological vs. Industry 4.0 Expectations
Moments of crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, highlight organizational behaviors, categorized as per the concept of ‘krisis'[3]: (1) improvement, (2) failure, or (3) weakened return. Preparation, particularly at the technological level, significantly influences an organization’s ability to exhibit the first behavior during crises.
Challenges in Technological Adoption
Despite familiarity with terms like Industry 4.0, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and Electronic Batch Record (eBR) in the Portuguese industry, there remains a noticeable gap between organizational technological maturity and the expectations of Industry 4.0. Concerning information management, some operations still rely partially on paper, limiting modern operations in terms of reliability, security, data availability, and processing.
Benefits of Electronic Batch Record (eBR)
Electronic Batch Record (eBR) digitizes the collection, processing, storage, and external communication of data associated with product batches across various industries, ensuring compliance with “Good Practices” (often referred to as GxP). This not only enhances operational efficiency but also provides evidence of regulatory compliance to customer requirements.
Compliance of Computerized Systems
Addressing the obligations of compliance, particularly in highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, involves adhering to specific guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the FDA[5] and EU[6]. The ISPE has developed Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP[7]), outlining how system quality assurance can be achieved through validation processes tailored to different system types. These processes encompass various technical aspects such as data integrity, verification mechanisms, data storage protection, electronic record printouts, and more.
Railes MES and its Capabilities
Despite its complexities, solutions like Railes MES by Muvu Technologies[8] offer market-ready tools compliant with regulatory guidelines. Railes MES provides real-time production analysis and control, integrating functionalities like MRP, Predictive Maintenance Planning, Real-time Monitoring, and Electronic Batch Record (eBR).
