Weigh and Dispense with Automation

Weigh and dispense involves the precise removal of bulk raw materials from their source containers, or Dispensing of various materials in different amounts into containers or drums followed by dispensing them with specific quantities by meeting tolerances.

This dispensed quantities will be used for below purposes.

1. Providing the sample for R&D

2. Laboratory testing like material identification, purity etc.,

3. Allotting materials for manufacturing reference standards.

Nowadays most of the pharmaceuticals adopting automation systems for weigh and dispense operations. This will reduce lot of manual work but it is also mandatory to ensure below points in dispensing operations.

1. Regularly calibrating the weighing equipment to maintain accuracy.

2. Accounting for tare weight during dispensing.

3. Ensure precise measurements is paramount.

Automation solution services provides the weigh and dispense automated flows thru EBRs will reduce the risk of human error by recording the dispensing activities automatically. It will guide operators through electronic batch records. Automation system will do material verification which avoids accidental dispensing of incorrect materials and user will have traceability which is key parameter for pharmaceuticals in perspective of GMP.

Automation systems like Emerson, Rockwell, Pas-X etc., are good choices for automation activities and those systems always maintains the safety , quality and compliance throughout the supply chain.

Now take a look on one of the business scenario of weigh and dispense below.

Basic overview of weigh and dispense execution flow in automation system applicable to most of the business scenarios:

In Weigh and dispense it is also suggested to know type of possibilities of weighing methods. This will be useful for consultants when there is a change in business scenario.

Net weighing method: First Tare of the target container is weighed. Then, the input material is filled into the target container and weighed.

Net Removal : First the source container is placed on the scale. Then, material is removed to the target container and the remaining materials in the source container is weighed.

Gross: First filled source container is placed on the scale. Then, tare of the source container is either entered manually or selected from pre-configured standard tares and the source container is weighed.

Pallet: First the loaded pallet is placed on the scale. Then, the tare of the pallet and one of the containers it holds are entered manually or selected from pre-configured standard tares along with the numbers of containers. Finally, the loaded pallet is weighed.

Automation: Weighing is performed by an automation system and weight is sent through OPC.

Quantity Entry Method: No physical scale is used at all. The quantity provided by external means has to enter manually.

ID only: No weighing takes place. Sublots that hold a pre-defined material quantity are identified and their known weight is recorded.