Download PDF
AstraZeneca Enhances Product Traceability with Honeywell Forge
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Robots - Wheeled Robots
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
- Telecommunications
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Picking, Sorting & Positioning
- Track & Trace of Assets
Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical business, was faced with the challenge of complying with an increasing number of country-specific regulations that required products to be traceable throughout the supply chain. This necessitated changes in existing warehouse processes and the provision of equipment to warehouse and production staff to efficiently record product movement down to the sales pack. AstraZeneca also aimed to provide inspectors and sales representatives with the means to verify product status directly in the field. A significant concern was the potential impact of a single centralized database on the performance of scanning devices used in the warehouse, with an instantaneous response being a key requirement. Accuracy and the ability to verify material batch quantities against outbound SAP deliveries were also crucial.
The Customer
AstraZeneca
About The Customer
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical business primarily focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for various medical fields including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology, and infectious disease. The company operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca needed a solution to comply with growing country-specific regulations requiring product traceability throughout the supply chain.
The Solution
AstraZeneca chose Honeywell Forge as the solution due to its clear GUI, ability to process data offline, and standard SAP connectors. The Honeywell Forge Track & Trace solution was used to equip warehouse and production staff with handheld scanners connected to a central SAP Track & Trace system hosted by SAP in the SAP Enterprise Cloud. The solution was also deployed on picking tables used to scan multiple codes, forklift terminals, and Android and iOS mobile devices used by field inspectors to verify product status and master data. Honeywell Forge Track & Trace was selected for its suitability for a mission-critical operation involving a variety of mobile scanning devices, its out-of-the-box integration with SAP Track & Trace and SAP WM/MM, rapid development, and secure support for third-party devices.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
Related Case Studies.
Case Study
Smart Water Filtration Systems
Before working with Ayla Networks, Ozner was already using cloud connectivity to identify and solve water-filtration system malfunctions as well as to monitor filter cartridges for replacements.But, in June 2015, Ozner executives talked with Ayla about how the company might further improve its water systems with IoT technology. They liked what they heard from Ayla, but the executives needed to be sure that Ayla’s Agile IoT Platform provided the security and reliability Ozner required.
Case Study
IoT enabled Fleet Management with MindSphere
In view of growing competition, Gämmerler had a strong need to remain competitive via process optimization, reliability and gentle handling of printed products, even at highest press speeds. In addition, a digitalization initiative also included developing a key differentiation via data-driven services offers.
Case Study
Predictive Maintenance for Industrial Chillers
For global leaders in the industrial chiller manufacturing, reliability of the entire production process is of the utmost importance. Chillers are refrigeration systems that produce ice water to provide cooling for a process or industrial application. One of those leaders sought a way to respond to asset performance issues, even before they occur. The intelligence to guarantee maximum reliability of cooling devices is embedded (pre-alarming). A pre-alarming phase means that the cooling device still works, but symptoms may appear, telling manufacturers that a failure is likely to occur in the near future. Chillers who are not internet connected at that moment, provide little insight in this pre-alarming phase.
Case Study
Premium Appliance Producer Innovates with Internet of Everything
Sub-Zero faced the largest product launch in the company’s history:It wanted to launch 60 new products as scheduled while simultaneously opening a new “greenfield” production facility, yet still adhering to stringent quality requirements and manage issues from new supply-chain partners. A the same time, it wanted to increase staff productivity time and collaboration while reducing travel and costs.
Case Study
Integration of PLC with IoT for Bosch Rexroth
The application arises from the need to monitor and anticipate the problems of one or more machines managed by a PLC. These problems, often resulting from the accumulation over time of small discrepancies, require, when they occur, ex post technical operations maintenance.
Case Study
Robot Saves Money and Time for US Custom Molding Company
Injection Technology (Itech) is a custom molder for a variety of clients that require precision plastic parts for such products as electric meter covers, dental appliance cases and spools. With 95 employees operating 23 molding machines in a 30,000 square foot plant, Itech wanted to reduce man hours and increase efficiency.
