Emerson’s new AMS software capabilities further ease validation for regulated industries

New functions help validated industries meet the requirements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11

AUSTIN, TEXAS (10 October 2002) — Emerson Process Management has extended the leadership position of its PlantWeb^® digital plant architecture in the pharmaceutical industry with the announcement of new functions in its AMS predictive maintenance software. 

The new capabilities help pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers meet the requirements of FDA 21CFR Part 11. Complying with these requirements is critical to validated industries that must maintain detailed records of all production activities. AMS and related services offer expanded calibration, security, and documentation capabilities to maintain detailed records of all activities pertaining to the production of regulated products.

To help meet the demands of FDA 21CFR Part 11, AMS now allows easy reproduction of device calibration certificates for past calibrations. Documentation of Test Schemes changes are also logged to the Audit Trail. In addition to being able to view the Audit Trail entries by device ID or by AMS tag, the Audit Trail now captures AMS System Administrator events. Customers can even enter a manual Audit Trail event to track those actions not already recorded automatically by AMS.

The increased security in AMS, coupled with an option to prohibit the checking out of routes to a calibrator past due for calibration, are further examples of how AMS helps customers meet these requirements.

About AMS Predictive Maintenance Software

AMS is a single tool for device configuration, documentation, calibration management, and diagnostics. It communicates with intelligent field devices through FOUNDATION^® fieldbus or HART protocols across Emerson's open, networked PlantWeb digital plant architecture. AMS documents all activities pertaining to production and as required for calibration certificates and audit trail logs, including manual entries.

AMS captures rich diagnostic information about not only the health of Emerson field devices, but of the process as well. It also interfaces and captures health data from the field devices of a majority of the world's leading automation suppliers. This functionality empowers PlantWeb to deliver predictive diagnostics information to those responsible for maximizing asset availability and performance.

Supporting the PlantWeb technology platform and its AMS software, Emerson's Asset Optimization delivers world-class services to help users make significant and continuous improvements in production asset performance. Asset Optimization improves plant availability, increases productivity, and reduces equipment cost-of-ownership across the full spectrum of plant assets including mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, process equipment, instruments, and valves.

About Emerson Process Management

Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing, and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management, and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb^®, AMS, Fisher^®, Micro Motion^®, Rosemount^®, DeltaV™, Ovation^®, Intellution^®, MDC, and CSI.

About Emerson

St. Louis-based Emerson  is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliances and tools. Sales in fiscal 2001 were $15.5 billion.

PlantWeb, SNAP-ON, ValveLink, Plugged Line Diagnostics, Root Cause Diagnostics, Fisher, Micro Motion, Rosemount, DeltaV, Ovation, and Intellution are marks of Emerson Process Management. FOUNDATION is a mark of the Fieldbus Foundation. HART is a mark of the HART Communications Foundation. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.