NorTRACK product tracking system—development and implementation |
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Authors: | W. Gibson P. Veselovsky |
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Affiliation: | a MDS Nordion, 447 March Road, Kanata, Ontario, Canada K2K 1X8 |
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Abstract: | This paper presents the experience gained by developers and users with implementation and operation of NorTRACKTM, a real-time computerized product tracking system. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) collects and transfers data in real time to NorTRACK’s OracleTM database on a Windows NTTM server network. After extensive development and Beta testing at MDS Nordion’s Canadian Irradiation Centre in Montreal, Canada, NorTRACK was installed in January 1997 with a new irradiation facility in Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc.’s Albuquerque plant in the United States. NorTRACK communicates with the irradiator control and safety system, the plant's central manufacturing database, an innovative pallet staging and tote loading robot, and an automated dosimetry reading system. This integrated system allows the sterilization facility to monitor the irradiator operation and the flow of many products, through varied processing modes, continuously and reliably. As a result of operating with NorTRACK, both MDS Nordion’s CIC facility and the Endo-Surgery manufacturing site, are beginning to realize unique benefits in their respective operations. MDS Nordion is also initiating several future product enhancements and additional productivity modules. This paper describes the NorTRACK system, the various stages of the development project and Beta tests, and the experience of the users to date in their operations. |
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Keywords: | Process control Computer software selection and evaluation Gamma rays Programmable logic controllers Database systems Computer networks Computer control Software package NorTRACK |
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