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32 October 2020 Tablets & Capsules Routine performance monitoring can also have a direct impact on a production line's overall equipment effec- tiveness (OEE). Installing a system with built-in con- dition monitoring capability that automatically detects when the system may need correction and communicates that information directly to line operators, reduces the required frequency of verification testing, maximizing the line's production uptime. Reliance on experts Manufacturers should remember that, while they are knowledgeable experts regarding their products, their equipment suppliers are the experts regarding the capa- bilities and qualification procedures of their equipment. That expertise makes them the best source of reliable recommendations on questions about the most effective inspection equipment type for specific product needs, where to place that equipment on the production line for optimal results, and how to validate, verify, and monitor the equipment's performance. Relying on the equipment supplier to conduct onsite validation and advise on conducting periodic verification and ongoing performance monitoring can reduce both the validation time and the time needed for verification and ongoing monitoring procedures, increasing productivity. Companies can also rely on these experts to be knowl- edgeable about the most current regulations and the tech- nology that affects equipment validation. It is critical for a supplier's success to stay current on those topics, and shar- ing that knowledge is a valuable part of their service. T&C Robert S. Conrad (robert.conrad@mt.com) is sales direc- tor, pharmaceutical, at Mettler Toledo Product Inspection (800 447 4439, www.mt.com), which consists of CI-Vision, Hi-Speed, and Safeline. The company supplies in-line check- weighers, metal detectors, machine vision systems, and x-ray inspection systems to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, plastics, and chemicals industries. Monitoring Routine performance monitoring, as distinct from periodic verification, consists of a series of frequent, regular performance checks during production. These checks confirm that processes are performing within acceptable limits and that there hasn't been a significant change in the system's performance level since the last successful test. The monitoring frequency may be as often as every two hours, depending on company standards, industry standards, and/or retailer codes of practice. If the mon- itoring process finds that a particular device is out of specification, all product that has passed through the pro- duction line since the last successful routine performance- monitoring event must be considered suspect and should be quarantined and re-inspected. In many cases, line operators conduct online per- formance monitoring. However, many of today's more sophisticated product inspection systems incorporate built-in performance monitoring software that automates this process and alerts operators when deviations occur. This valuable software feature removes any human error factor from the monitoring activity to help ensure that inspection processes are still being performed properly. The software also provides documentation that will guide the end user's quality assurance groups in their continu- ous improvement efforts and that will also be a valuable asset in the event of a regulatory inspection. Manufacturers should remember that, while they are knowledgeable experts regarding their products, their equipment suppliers are the experts regarding the capabilities and qualification procedures of their equipment. Includes: • Equipment, materials, and services listings • Trade name directory • Company listings with contact information • Industry associations and societies • Tables of common capsule sizes and common tablet shapes November Don't miss it, Subscribe now. tabletscapsules.com