Manufacturers in regulated industries can now capture process data at the point of measurement to create secure, time-aligned digital records for compliance and audit, with the launch of Watlow's Edge Process Management (EPM) platform. The first release, EPM Data, targets environments where process records must withstand regulatory inspection and customer audit.
The platform combines data management, process control and automation for temperature-driven operations in a modular, distributed architecture. It is designed to replace fragmented systems and legacy chart recorders across industries including metals, heat treatment, life sciences, power generation, water and wastewater, and food and beverage.
"The process record has effectively become part of the product," said Chris Mooney, Industrial Controls Segment Director at Watlow. "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."
Capabilities include high-precision inputs with field calibration accuracy for standards such as AMS2750 and CQI-9, and secure, tamper-resistant records designed to support requirements including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11. A single consistent process record can be used by operations, quality and audit teams for review, approval and long-term retention.
The initial release includes two panel-mounted devices - the compact EPM-07 for smaller furnaces, ovens and skids, and the EPM-15 for larger or multizone systems - plus Data Reviewer software for visualising historical process data, with optional audit trail and electronic signature functionality.
EPM Data is being introduced to selected customers, with broader availability planned through Watlow's global sales network.
www.watlow.com/epm