A Partnership for Intelligent Automation
The partnership between Graniten and COPA-DATA combines advanced engineering and intelligent software.
With the support of COPA-DATA’s zenon automation software, Graniten has delivered a flexible, efficient, and future-ready packaging solution that is transforming pharmaceutical production.
The result is a modular packaging line seamlessly integrated within the customer’s digital ecosystem.
Challenges in the pharmaceutical industry
Manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry struggle with long changeover times and limited adaptability, especially when it comes to small-batch, high-mix production. Switching between formats for different products could take up to 8 hours.
The Solution – The Graniten Flexline platform with integrated zenon software
Result at a Glance:
The Graniten Flexline platform is designed to meet the rising market demands. It can, with close-to-zero (C2Z)
changeover time, handle a wide range of formats and packaging types within one system – from bottles to syringes
and autoinjectors – offering unmatched flexibility for pharmaceutical packaging.
Changeover time: reduced from 8 hours to under 1 hour
Integration: seamless data flow from ERP to SCADA to module
Flexibility: The Graniten Flexline can be configured for bottles, vials, syringes, autoinjectors or blisters
Sustainability: less waste, less downtime, greater efficiency
Scalability: modular design allows functions to be swapped or upgraded independently
Our key benefits are:
1. Modularity & Scalability
Each Graniten Flexline module operates autonomously yet connects to the overall zenon SCADA environment.
This architecture allows for quick module replacement and seamless expansion – future-proofing the system for new product types or packaging requirements.
2. Seamless Integration
Zenon serves as the gateway between the Graniten Flexline and factory systems. Graniten Flexline can operate in two modes:
Integrated Mode – Recipes and batch data are managed through the Automation Integration Layer (AIL), with automatic batch start once parameters are validated.
Stand-Alone Mode – Recipes are stored locally but remain connected for reporting, supervision, and batch management.
In both cases, zenon ensures reliable data communication, supervision, and reporting across all modules.
3. Drastic Time Savings
Changeovers that once took 8 hours now take less than 1 hour, including line-clearance activities etc. Parameters such as dimensions, label types, and product data are automatically downloaded from the customer’s ERP system via zenon,
drastically reducing manual setup. Operators can instead focus on cleaning, material handling, and documentation.
4. Sustainable Efficiency
Reduced downtime and resource waste make the Graniten Flexline a sustainable solution. Automation and flexibility lead to higher output with less energy consumption, supporting both productivity and environmental goals.
Conclusion:
By combining the Graniten Flexline platform with the line management capabilities provided in zenon from COPA-DATA, customers can now operate a streamlined, modular and intelligent packaging line — fully aligned with modern pharmaceutical production demands.
This collaboration is a clear example of how engineering excellence and digital innovation can work together to create automation that’s not only efficient, but adaptable, data-driven and sustainable.
COPA-DATA is the only independent software manufacturer to combine in-depth experience in automation with the new possibilities of digital transformation – reliable, future-proof and
operating worldwide. We develop software for industrial and energy automation that makes
our customers’ lives easier.
THERE IS ALWAYS AN EASIER WAY
GRANITEN help our customers to use automation efficiently, to increase their productivity and to lower their environmental impact in a sustainable way. Our product range for Pharma, focuses on primary and secondary packaging of small batches, and a wide variety of tertiary end of line packaging. From clinical trials to full scale production equipment, and custom innovations.
MACHINE SOLUTIONS FROM CLEVER MINDS
Contact us!
Contact us by filling out the form below or visit us at graniten.com or copadata.com for more information and to learn how we can support your automation journey!
