Packaging

OMAC committee workshops develop universal packaging standards

Universal controls specification for packaging machinery based on OMAC packaging guidelines

January 3, 2013

Members of the Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) Packaging Working Group’s PackML and PackSpec committees met in December at B&R Industrial Automation’s facility in Atlanta to develop a universal controls specification for packaging machinery based on OMAC packaging guidelines, and to simplify PackML. According to B&R, simplified PackML will benefit small and mid-market companies by making productivity-enhancing practices like OEE more accessible. The committees clarified and simplified ISA TR88.00.02 language, and identified the most frequently used PackTags to facilitate the fastest returns on investment for users and developers. PackSpec harmonized its specification document with the PackML revisions to beta test the specification with an end user and OEM, and to develop a test protocol. The teams outlined a five-year plan to present to OMAC Packaging Group leadership that covers TR88 revisions, educational activities, a modular programming template and harmonization with the Weihenstephan protocol.

Shane O’Halloran joined Food Engineering in November of 2012 as Digital/Online Editor. He graduated from Oberlin College in 2010, and worked as a copy editor and contributor to BleacherReport.com and ShesGameSports.com. He has also written feature articles on a freelance basis for publications in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. His areas of expertise include social media campaigns and website management. Shane produces daily news updates for www.foodengineeringmag.com and Food Engineering’s social media sites. In addition, Shane writes news articles for FE’s TechFlash e-newsletter and Food Engineering’s People and Industry section.