The OMAC Packaging Workgroup has updated the “Guidelines for Packaging Automation” to Version 3.1. This version of the guidelines includes the guidelines for PackAL, an application library of common software elements used in packaging machinery applications that was developed by the PackSoft subgroup of the OPW.
A working group of OMAC, the OPW provides a forum where packagers, machine builders and technology providers from around the world can work together to achieve the benefits of advanced packaging machinery automation. The working group has adopted the “Connect and Pack” logo to signify the workgroup’s effort to promote industry standards and guidelines to facilitate plug-and-play packaging machines.
OPW subgroups working on different aspects of the guidelines include:
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PackSoft — development of programming guidelines like PackAL
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PackML — development of a common machine language including a machine-state model and PackTags (a tag-naming guideline)
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PackConnect — development of industry network standards required for packaging applications
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PackLearn — promoting the education needs in packaging automation
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PackAdvantage — promoting the business benefits of the OPW guidelines.
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The “Guidelines for Packaging Automation” is a single document that encompasses the combined work of all of these subgroups. As the subgroups complete work, the guidelines are submitted to the OPW Executive Committee for approval. The executive committee is made up of users, technology providers and machine builders who are elected to the committee by their peer group. The executive committee will authorize periodic updates to the guidelines to incorporate the approved changes.
A number of technology providers and machine builders have adopted the OPW guidelines and are incorporating these guidelines in their products, and a number of users have begun to specify OPW guidelines on the packaging machines they purchase.
OMAC, the Open Modular Architecture Controls Users’ Group (www.omac.org) is an affiliate organization of ISA and works to collectively derive common solutions for both technical and non-technical issues in the development, implementation and commercialization of open, modular architecture control (OMAC) technologies, and to facilitate the accelerated development and convergence of industry and government developed OMAC technology guidelines to one set that satisfies common use requirements.
OMAC has about 500 member representatives from end-user companies, OEMs and technology providers and integrator companies. OMAC currently operates three Work Groups: Packaging Machinery, Manufacturing Infrastructure, and Machine Tool. OMAC is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation ( www.automationfederation.org ).
For additional information on OPW, or to download a copy of the updated guidelines, go to the OPW website ( www.omac.org/packaging ).
