Watlow Powers the Future of Manufacturing with New EPM Platform

Watlow®, a global leader in industrial technology and thermal systems, is set to debut its revolutionary Eurotherm® branded Edge Process Management (EPM) platform at SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. This game-changing innovation is a significant leap toward the “Factory of the Future,” where intelligent automation, real-time analytics, and top-tier cybersecurity converge to drive unprecedented efficiency and reliability across industries.

Harnessing Data at the Edge for Maximum Impact

The Eurotherm EPM platform will empower manufacturers to capture and analyze real-time data precisely where it is generated—at the edge. By integrating advanced analytics and machine learning, EPM will enable streamlined operations, reduced energy consumption, and improved product quality, all while maintaining the highest standards of data security.

EPM Data: The Future of Industrial Data Management

The first solution in the EPM platform, EPM Data, leverages Eurotherm’s cutting-edge data management capabilities to provide real-time data capture, analysis, and security at the edge of industrial applications. Seamless integration with existing equipment and adherence to strict industry standards make EPM Data an essential tool for precision-driven and regulatory-compliant sectors.

Kevin Shaw, Global R&D Director at Watlow, highlights its impact:

“EPM Data will be a game-changer for industries looking to harness the power of data recorded and timestamped at the point of measurement to optimize their processes. Its features will empower manufacturers to enhance efficiency and security today while future-proofing their operations for tomorrow.”

Key Features of EPM Data:

• High-Precision Data Capture: Ensures compliance with aerospace and automotive standards like SAE AMS2750 and CQI-9. A unique cold junction compensation (CJC) design delivers thermocouple accuracy comparable to calibration instruments.
• Real-Time Process Analytics: The built-in Batch Validator flags deviations instantly, minimizing waste and maximizing throughput.
• Scalability & Flexibility: Native expansion I/O reduces engineering effort while expanding data collection capacity.
• Comprehensive Data Integrity: Designed in accordance with ALCOA+ principles, it provides tamper-resistant storage and audit trails, ensuring compliance with global regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EudraLex Vol. 4 Annex 11.
• Robust Cybersecurity: Meets IEC62443 standards to safeguard sensitive data against cyber threats.

Advancing Watlow’s Integrated Thermal Loop Strategy

The EPM platform, including EPM Data, will play a pivotal role in Watlow’s integrated thermal loop vision. By connecting heaters, sensors, controllers, power management systems, and data recorders into a unified network, this strategy enhances real-time data processing and machine learning capabilities. Manufacturers will gain the ability to instantly respond to changes, optimize thermal processes, cut energy consumption, and boost product quality.

Sebastian Girard, Executive Director Europe at Watlow, underscores its potential:

“The future release of EPM Data will provide manufacturers with a powerful tool for real-time optimization and enhanced data security. Our unified EPM architecture will span data management, process control, power control, and automation, enabling manufacturers to make truly informed decisions and drive continuous innovation.”

See EPM in Action at SPS 2024

Experience the future of process automation firsthand at SPS 2024 in Nuremberg from November 12-14. Visit Booth #120, Hall 7, for live demonstrations of EPM’s real-time data capabilities and cybersecurity advancements. Learn more at eurotherm.com/epm or visit the SPS Exhibition site.

About Watlow

Watlow is a global industrial technology company specializing in advanced thermal systems, temperature control, power management, and temperature sensing platforms. Since 1922, the company has expanded its expertise across industries, including pharmaceutical, medical, and food service equipment, semiconductor processing, environmental chambers, energy processes and diesel emissions. With over 1,100 patents and more than 4,200 employees, Watlow operates in 11 manufacturing facilities and nine technology and development centers worldwide, serving 95 countries through an extensive sales and distribution network. Learn more at www.watlow.com.