Edge-based calculation engine for real-time KPI reporting with Veracode-compliant security in pharmacy operations.
Industry: Pharmaceutical (Mail Order Pharmacy)

Quick Facts

AttributeValue
ApplicationKPI reporting for pharmacy operations
PLCsRockwell Automation (including custom controllers)
HistorianGE Historian 6.0
DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server (CVS SQL)
Clients50+ client connections
SCADA Nodes14 iFix nodes
SecurityVeracode certified

The Challenge

Challenge: Modernize legacy SCADA applications for KPI reporting that failed modern security audits (including Veracode) and lacked flexibility for real-time downtime, OEE, and event monitoring.

Specific pain points:

  • Legacy applications failed Veracode security audits
  • Fragmented system created compliance risks
  • Delayed KPI visibility for operations
  • Limited scalability for enterprise-wide deployment
  • No real-time downtime and OEE monitoring
  • Inflexible architecture for pharmaceutical MES integration

Impact: Compliance risks and delayed KPI visibility hindered operational decision-making across pharmacy facilities.

The Solution

Architecture

TierComponentCapabilities
FieldRockwell PLCs (multiple)Production data, custom controllers
EdgeFrameworX Edge (App Server 1)Calculation engine, real-time KPI/OEE
IntegrationXML FilesParsed into tags from filter system for MES
HistorianGE Historian 6.0Time-series data storage
DatabaseSQL Server (CVS SQL)MES Event Monitor
PortalFrameworX Portal & Monitor (App Server 2)Dashboards, 50+ clients
Legacy14 iFix SCADA NodesOPC DA client for dashboard

Dataflow

  OPC UA Server (Tags Published) MES System Factory Studio Edge (Edge License) Factory Studio Higher-Level (Dashboard) Over 50 client connections Direct FS Driver Rockwell PLCs (Multiple) For MES system XML Files (Parsed into Tags) From Filter System for MES iFix Client (OPC DA) For Dashboard 14 iFix SCADA Nodes

Edge Calculation Engine

CalculationPurpose
DowntimeReal-time tracking and categorization
OEEAvailability, performance, quality metrics
Security MetricsCompliance monitoring
Event ProcessingMES event correlation

Server Infrastructure

ServerRole
App Server 1Local Engine + Edge Calculation Engine
App Server 2Portal & Monitor
OSWindows Server 2021 R2

Integration Points

SystemConnection
Rockwell PLCsDirect FS Driver
MES SystemOPC UA Server (tags published)
Filter SystemXML files parsed into tags
iFix SCADAOPC DA client
GE HistorianEdge → Historian feed

Key Enablers

FrameworX capabilities that made this solution possible:

CapabilityApplication
Edge Calculation EngineReal-time KPI and downtime/OEE calculations minimizing historian overhead
Secure Enterprise DeploymentPassed Veracode and modern security audits
Templated Asset TypesRapid deployment with consistent data models
Integrated DashboardsPortal & Monitor with SQL integration for MES events
OPC UA PublishingTags published for MES system consumption
XML ParsingFilter system data converted to tags


The Results

  • Real-Time KPI Visibility — Downtime, OEE, and security metrics available for pharmacy operations
  • Compliance Achievement — Passed stringent security screening and Veracode testing where legacy systems failed
  • Optimized Historian Performance — Calculations shifted to edge reduced historian load and improved responsiveness
  • Scalable Deployment — Standardized asset templates enable consistent rollout across multiple facilities
  • 50+ Client Support — Enterprise-wide dashboard access for operations teams
  • Reduced Compliance Risk — Modern security posture eliminated audit failures

This case demonstrates edge-based KPI calculation for pharmaceutical operations with Veracode-compliant security and optimized historian performance.

In this section...