The scope of an IT solution for a production system may vary significantly. Solutions may range from simple SCADA applications for the management of one or more processes, over more advanced MIS solutions with databases for the collection of data to actual production control system(MES or batch control system). The latter concern production data, order control and production performance as well as reporting. At the same time, they are fully integrated with other systems, for example ERP, planning and maintenance systems.
Project implementation
In the AN GROUP we attach great importance to the client´s actual needs being in focus. Therefore, the preliminary work in terms of preliminary analysis and clarification with the client before projecting and development is very important to ensure the success of the project. In case the client has not already formalised any requirements, the preliminary analysis can be of use in a requirements specification.
AN GROUP employees are used to having the role as project leaders, and so we have the tools necessary for supporting the implementation of the actual system development process. Furthermore, we have experience in:
- Management of traditional software development projects in accordance with the Waterfall model
- Development in accordance with the eXtreme Programming model in which systems must be developed in iterations, or in which the system is not detail-specified
- Use of structured project models that make it possible to test systems in accordance with GAMP 4, the leading automation guideline within the pharmaceutical industry
Design
The basic software design is very important in order to meet the requirements for stability, performance, flexibility and usability . Therefore AN GROUP applies standards and tools in the design and development of software solutions such as:
- Function modelling, IDEF0
- Data flow diagramming, Ward and Mellor
- Information modelling, Database diagramming, E/R
- Object-oriented modelling, Unified Modelling Language (UML)
Technologically, solutions provided by AN GROUP may be divided into two groups:
- IT solutions implemented in commercial SCADA, Batch and MES platforms from market dominating software suppliers.
- Solutions developed for and adapted to special purposes based on high-level programming (for example VB or C# in .NET, C++ and SQL).
The type of technology chosen to solve a task depends on the requirements for project functionality, which are determined in a preliminary analysis. Generally, a prerequisite for a successful project is that the choice of technology is based on the project and customer needs, not vice versa.
AN GROUP has carried out software development projects for companies including Novo Nordisk, Gumlink, Arla Foods, Schur Packaging Systems and Danisco.
