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Versant Object Database
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries
- Chemicals
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
Applicable Functions
- Discrete Manufacturing
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Manufacturing System Automation
- Predictive Maintenance
- Process Control & Optimization
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Siemens Industry Automation was tasked with providing a scalable solution for the automation of batch processes in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage industry. The solution needed to ensure high product quality, production performance over time, complete traceability of production, quick response to market conditions, and efficient use of production equipment. The challenge was to find a database technology that would optimally match the requirements of the SIMATIC® BATCH program design, which provides an object-oriented view on models, procedures, and recipes for comprehensive batch processes. The system needed to be stable, performant, and capable of handling large database files up to double-digit Gigabytes in size. It also needed to provide fast and reliable real-time access to prevent any significant delay, failure, or shutdown that could potentially affect product quantity and quality.
About The Customer
Siemens Industry Automation is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls, and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value-added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales, and a wide range of maintenance services.
The Solution
Siemens chose to use Versant object databases to manage the applications comprehensive object models, providing real-time capability, 24/7 availability, and flexible scalability for optimal system adaption to plant size and individual requirements. The database also provides the necessary tools such as redundant replication and automatic schema versioning to support software updates while the system is up and running. The Versant object database's reliability, its capability to replicate with redundant servers, and its ability to automatically update the database schema during replication after a software update on the redundant server, which might include data model changes, made it an ideal choice for this application.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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