Preface

How can we manage complexity while remaining agile and flexible at the same time? The intelligent use of standards can go a long way toward achieving this goal. It starts with using a standard software like zenon, where you can benefit from features and functionalities without having to do any programming yourself. There are also many standards beyond the immediate zenon universe that help us to manage complexity. One nice example of this is modularization using module type package (MTP) solutions. Used with MTP, zenon enables enhanced efficiency, flexibility and a significantly faster time-tomarket. Read more about MTP starting on page 14, including details of a successful rollout at Merck KGaA (page 48). Communication is also based on standards. Standards are used, for example, in protocols, generally, at field level, in the network and in communication with higher-level systems. One recent highlight in the Life Sciences sector is the seamless integration between Werum PAS-X and the zenon software platform. This brings our customers a major step closer to paperless operations. Read more about this on page 44. With zenon Historian 360, we would like to introduce you to another new product based on the zenon software platform. Starting on page 29, you’ll learn how this process historian can help you process your data productively and, in a standards-compliant manner. We also have news to share about COPA-DATA beyond our technology and applications. At our head office in Salzburg, we are delighted to have a new office building that will enable us to expand our capacities significantly. This means our growing team in Salzburg will be able to support our colleagues and customers worldwide even better. You’ll find initial reactions and more from page 62. Be inspired!

thomas punzenberger, ceo