GSE launches recipe and process management software

GSE Systems, a leading provider of real-time simulation and process control solutions for the energy and process industries, has launched its FlexBatch version 4.0 recipe and process management software.

This manufacturing execution system (MES) software is used by food, brewing, and agricultural companies in conjunction with their process automation systems to schedule and manage production based on their recipes.

According to GSE, the latest version makes the creation of complex recipes faster and easier, and allowing manufacturers to increase their plant throughput by optimising equipment scheduling. Because FlexBatch stores recipes and batch records in a relational database, it's easy to access recipe and electronic batch records from any desktop application. FlexBatch reports are written in Microsoft Access and can be customised accordingly.

GSE actively participates on the ISA SP88 Committee for Batch Control and is a Founding Sponsor of the World Batch Forum. FlexBatch was designed with these standards in mind. In 2003, GSE will be adding new system features that will further reduce the dependence on user procedures for compliance with the Food and Drug Administration's electronic records and electronic signature requirements.

"The most exciting aspect of FlexBatch is that it increases profitability for our customers,"​ said Dion Freedman, senior vice [resident of GSE Process Solutions. "It allows customers to increase throughput, reduce batch cycle times, lower engineering cost, and introduce new products more rapidly."​

First introduced in 1996 on the OpenVMS platform and in 2000 on the Windows platform, FlexBatch is an S88 compatible batch software package developed by GSE. Version 4.0 runs on the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system and uses SQL Server 2000 as its database engine. The software is also available on High Availability Servers (HAS) for mission critical applications where uptime is important. Upon failure detection, the software shuts down the failed computer and brings the backup computer on-line without operator intervention.

GSE Systems is a real-time simulation, process control, and automation company with over 500 applications, and 200 customers in more than 30 countries. It is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland with offices throughout the United States. The Company's global locations include offices in Japan and Sweden.