This product supports the linkage of equipment data to customer systems by using a standardized communication method, thereby contributing to the efficiency of the utilization of equipment data.
In recent years, in the pharmaceutical industry, which is closely related to our products, the importance of data utilization and system linkage in research and development and manufacturing processes is increasing based on the concept of "Pharma 4.0 (*4)" proposed by ISPE (International Pharmaceutical Technology Association). In order to realize this, it is important to link the data obtained from the equipment used at research and manufacturing sites in a format that is easy to use in the upper-level system.
On the other hand, with conventional communication methods such as Modbus, it is necessary to manage the data structure and semantics separately for each device, so the development burden when linking the system is a problem. Against this background, the importance of OPC UA-compatible equipment is increasing as a communication standard that can be standardized and exchanged, including data contents and attribute information.
The newly developed MTR-OPC1-PW is a dedicated interface board that supports standardized data linkage between PHC's life science research and medical support equipment and customer systems. The main features of this product are as follows.
1. Supports a wide range of equipment data linkage
By connecting our equipment to the customer system, it is possible to link a wide range of telemetry data based on OPC UA standards, such as the temperature inside the equipment, the opening and closing status of the door, the setting temperature, the operating status of the refrigeration circuit, and the operation status of the refrigeration circuit.
2. Standardized information sharing, including the meaning and units of the data
Since it is possible to share not only numerical data but also attribute information such as the contents and units of data, it promotes data utilization on the customer system side and contributes to the efficiency of system-to-system cooperation.
3. Supports the reduction of the load of cooperation with customer systems
By adopting a standardized data exchange method that complies with the OPC UA standard, it is expected to reduce the development burden and setting work during system cooperation on the customer side.
In addition, by making it easier for equipment data to be used centrally on customer systems, this product supports the improvement of monitoring and operation efficiency and traceability of equipment. In addition, it is expected that it will be deployed in the future for process automation through cooperation with the customer's superior systems and operational processes.
Through these functions, we will contribute to the efficiency of the utilization of equipment data at facilities and the development of management infrastructure that takes into account data integrity.
Since the launch of the medicinal refrigerator in Japan, PHC has been working on the development of a wide range of life science research and medical support equipment, mainly storage and culture equipment. The new product was developed to further expand the lineup of interface solutions that connect our equipment and customer systems.
Takao, Senior Managing Director and General Manager of Life Sciences Business Unit at PHC Corporation, said: "With the launch of the MTR-OPC1-PW, we are now able to provide a wide range of data linkage infrastructure, from analog interfaces to OPC UA standards. We have also expanded our data linkage solutions that flexibly respond to various facilities environments and connection needs.
In particular, we believe that this product will support the collaboration and utilization of equipment data required at research and development and pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, and contribute to the development of a platform for customer data utilization. We will continue to sincerely face issues in the research and medical field and contribute to the evolution of cutting-edge life science research and modality by providing new solutions."
About PHC Life Science Division
Founded in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese operating company of PHC Holdings Corporation (Securities Code 6523 TSE Prime), a global healthcare company from Japan. We develop, manufacture, and sell research and medical support equipment that are essential for long-term preservation of samples and cell culture, as well as new solutions for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) field, testing and analysis equipment including POCT equipment, and in-vitro diagnostic reagents. Through these products and solutions, we are working to support researchers and healthcare professionals in approximately one hundred and ten countries and regions, as well as to improve medical services for patients.
About PHC Holdings Corporation
PHC Holdings Corporation (Securities Code 6523 Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime) is a global healthcare company whose management philosophy is to create new value for all people who wish for health and to contribute to the creation of a prosperous society. Under the umbrella of PHC Co., Ltd., Asencia Diabetes Care Holdings, Epredia Holdings, Epredia Holdings, LSI Medience, Wiemex Co., Ltd., and Medifort Co., Ltd., Medford Co., Ltd., etc. are engaged in development, manufacturing, sales, and services in the business domains of diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnosis and life sciences. In FY2025, we have customers in more than 125 countries and regions around the world using our products and services. The PHC Group is a general term for PHC Holdings Corporation and its operating companies.
