Watlow® launches Edge Process Management™ for advanced regulatory compliance

St. Louis, Missouri, USA — Watlow®, the global leader for industrial thermal solutions, has launched Edge Process Management™ (EPM™) as a scalable platform for faster and easier regulatory compliance, including trusted process records.

EPM combines data management, process control and automation within a single scalable architecture for temperature-driven operations in regulated industries. EPM is designed as a modular, distributed platform that enables manufacturers to move beyond fragmented systems and legacy chart recorders towards a consistent approach to process management across assets, sites and regulatory environments.

EPM Data for digital records

The first platform module released, EPM Data, introduces a new approach to managing process records, capturing and structuring data at the point of measurement to create secure, time-aligned digital records that support compliance, audit readiness and evidence-based decision-making.

EPM Data is engineered to deliver records that stand up to scrutiny, whether for internal review, regulatory inspection or customer audit. By creating a consistent, tamper-resistant true data source, it enables teams to defend process performance, resolve issues and maintain confidence over time. This is designed for environments where process records must withstand audit scrutiny, support investigations and provide defensible long-term evidence across sites.

Application range

The EPM solution is suited to industries including pharmaceutical, biopharma, metals, heat treatment, life sciences, power generation, water and wastewater, environmental monitoring, and food and beverages, with key capabilities that include:

• Secure, tamper-resistant records designed to support regulatory requirements including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EudraLex Annex 11
• ISPE GAMP® 5 Second Edition, Category 3 parameterizable modules for repeatable data integrity, F0 and MKT calculation
• High-precision inputs with field calibration accuracy to meet demanding standards such as AMS2750 and CQI-9
• A consistent process record that can be used by operations, quality and audit teams for review, approval and long-term retention

Scalability

The initial EPM Data release includes panel-mounted devices and review software designed to fit into existing industrial environments to scale from individual assets to enterprise deployments. The broader platform roadmap will see additional modular capabilities rolled out to extend the EPM architecture across larger and more complex, distributed systems.

Initial components include:

• EPM-07, a compact system suited to OEM equipment, laboratory systems and smaller production assets.
• EPM-15, designed for larger process equipment, utilities or multizone manufacturing applications with higher channel requirements
• Data Reviewer™ software that visualizes and interprets historical process data, supporting review, approval, and audit workflows, with optional audit trail and electronic signature functionality.

Devices and software are being introduced to selected customers, with broader availability planned through Watlow’s global sales and distribution network. Additional modular expansion options will follow.

Audit readiness

“The process record has effectively become part of the product,” explained Watlow’s Industrial Controls Segment Director Chris Mooney.

“With EPM Data, and the broader platform behind it, we are giving customers a trusted, time-stamped record created at the point of measurement, designed for daily operations and audit readiness, without adding system complexity.”

“It gives operations teams real-time visibility and provides quality teams with records they can rely on months or years later,” said Mooney.

Stan Breitlow, Director of Control Product Solutions and Chief Systems Designer at Watlow®. added:

“EPM Data is built for customers whose process records must stand up to serious questions, whether in front of an auditor, during an investigation or when resolving a customer claim.”

About Watlow®

Watlow^® is a global industrial technology company that uses its world-class engineering expertise, advanced thermal systems and manufacturing excellence to enrich everyday life.

Many of the world’s leading companies leverage Watlow® technologies in vital applications such as semiconductor processing, environmentally friendly energy solutions and lifesaving medical and clinical equipment, to name a few.

Founded in 1922, Watlow® culture is driven by its mission of “Enriching Lives Through Inspired Innovation,” enabling the company to deliver high-impact solutions that improve its customers’ competitive advantage.

The founding vision of Its UK-based Eurotherm® by Watlow® division is to be the preferred supplier of machine automation products, applications, systems and services for customers in specialist industries, with more than 50 years’ experience in providing world-class process control, recording and automation.

Resources

Visit Trusted process records for temperature-driven industries to learn more about Watlow® EPM.
See Edge Process Management (EPM) for YouTube video.