What makes pharmaceutical automation different from other industries?

Pharmaceutical automation must support validation, controlled change, data integrity, and audit readiness, making documentation and system structure critical.

Do you design automation systems to support validation and GAMP requirements?

Yes. Our systems are designed with validation in mind, using structured software, clear documentation, and controlled change approaches aligned with GAMP principles.

Can legacy automation systems be upgraded in pharmaceutical environments?

Yes. We specialise in phased upgrades and parallel systems that allow legacy PLC, SCADA, and control panels to be modernised while maintaining compliance.

How does SCADA support compliance and traceability?

SCADA systems provide alarms, trends, batch records, and historical data that support traceability, audit requirements, and operational oversight.

Do you integrate BMS and cleanroom systems?

Yes. We integrate BMS, HVAC, utilities, and cleanroom monitoring systems into unified, controlled automation architectures.

Which platforms do you support for pharmaceutical automation?

We support Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Mitsubishi platforms, alongside a wide range of legacy systems commonly found in pharmaceutical facilities.

What is pharmaceutical automation?

Pharmaceutical automation uses PLCs, SCADA systems and industrial control platforms to support compliant, reliable and traceable manufacturing processes in regulated pharmaceutical environments.

Why is validation important in pharmaceutical automation?

Validation ensures automation systems operate consistently, maintain auditability and support regulatory compliance throughout pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Can legacy pharmaceutical automation systems be upgraded safely?

Yes. Pharmaceutical automation systems can be modernised using structured, validation-aware upgrade strategies designed to minimise operational and compliance risk.

How do SCADA systems support pharmaceutical manufacturing?

SCADA systems improve traceability, alarm management, audit trails and operational visibility, supporting controlled pharmaceutical production environments.

Pharmaceutical Automation

Industrial automation solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, designed to support compliance, data integrity, and reliable production.

At Stratos Control Systems, we deliver standards-based automation systems that help pharmaceutical manufacturers maintain validation, improve traceability, and reduce operational risk.

From PLC programming and SCADA systems to control panel design and system upgrades, our solutions are built to meet the demands of regulated environments.

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Pharmaceutical Automation Challenges

Pharmaceutical manufacturing environments present complex automation challenges, including:

Validation and compliance requirements (GAMP-aligned approaches)
Ageing or unsupported PLC and SCADA systems
Poor documentation and unclear system ownership
Controlled upgrades in live production environments
Cleanroom and utility system integration
Data visibility and traceability requirements

By addressing these challenges at the control system level, we help reduce risk and simplify ongoing compliance.

Explore Automation Challenges

Validation-Ready Control Panel Design

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial control panels must do more than control equipment. They must support validation, provide clear documentation and allow controlled system changes throughout the lifecycle of the facility.

Our Control Panel Design, Build & Manufacture service delivers structured, well-documented control panels designed to support regulated environments. Combined with detailed EPLAN Control Panel Design, clear component identification and comprehensive testing, our control panels simplify maintenance, support audit readiness and provide a reliable platform for future automation upgrades.

Whether installing a new production line or modernising existing equipment, we design control panels that help maintain compliance while supporting long-term operational performance.

How We Support Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

Control Panel Design (AutoCAD & E-Plan)

We design pharmaceutical-grade control panels using AutoCAD and E-Plan, focusing on clarity, standards compliance, and long-term support.

Standards-based panel layouts
Clear segregation and labelling
Designed for validation and audit
Fully documented electrical schematics

PLC & HMI Programming

We deliver structured, maintainable PLC and HMI software designed to support validation, controlled change, and long-term reliability.

PLC programming and upgrades
HMI development with consistent standards
Clear alarms and fault diagnostics
Software documentation and version control support

SCADA Systems for Pharmaceutical Environments

We design and integrate SCADA systems that support monitoring, traceability, and performance insight while maintaining data integrity.

SCADA system design and integration
Alarm management and audit-friendly reporting
Trends, batch data, and historical records
Platforms including Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View SE

Building Management Systems (BMS) & Utilities Integration

Pharmaceutical facilities rely heavily on utilities and environmental control. We integrate BMS and utility systems to provide controlled, centralised visibility.

Cleanroom environmental monitoring
HVAC, utilities, and services integration
Alarm handling and reporting
Centralised operator interfaces

Control System Upgrades & Refurbishment

We deliver planned automation upgrades that minimise disruption while maintaining compliance.

Obsolete PLC and SCADA replacement
Control panel refurbishment
Phased upgrades and parallel systems
Structured testing and handover

Supporting Pharmaceutical Automation Throughout Its Lifecycle

Pharmaceutical automation systems must remain reliable, maintainable and compliant throughout their operational life. As production requirements evolve and technology changes, structured lifecycle planning becomes essential for reducing operational risk.

Stratos supports every stage of the automation lifecycle, from PLC programming and SCADA implementation to control system upgrades, automation fault finding and electrical documentation. By planning for future expansion and maintaining accurate engineering records, we help pharmaceutical manufacturers protect their automation investment while simplifying future validation and maintenance activities.

Automation Platforms We Support

Stratos Control Systems primarily delivers pharmaceutical automation solutions using trusted industrial platforms:

Siemens
Allen Bradley
Mitsubishi

We also support legacy and specialist systems, particularly as part of upgrade and modernisation projects.

Siemens-Automation-Software Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Documentation That Supports Controlled Change

Accurate documentation is essential for maintaining validated automation systems. Up-to-date electrical drawings, PLC software records, SCADA configuration files and version-controlled documentation help reduce engineering risk while supporting future maintenance and system modifications.

Our engineers produce structured documentation using EPLAN Control Panel Design, providing electrical schematics, panel layouts and supporting records that simplify fault finding, improve consistency and support controlled change throughout the lifecycle of your automation systems.

Structured Testing for Regulated Environments

Testing is a critical part of any pharmaceutical automation project. Before installation, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) verifies control panel operation, PLC software, communications and system functionality in a controlled environment.

Following installation, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) confirms that the complete automation system performs correctly within the live production environment. This structured approach helps reduce commissioning risk, supports validation activities and provides confidence that the upgraded system is operating as intended.

Common Pharmaceutical Automation Challenges We Help Solve

Pharmaceutical manufacturers operate in highly regulated environments where automation systems must deliver reliable performance, support traceability and simplify validation. Many of the operational challenges faced across the industry can be addressed through structured automation design, accurate documentation and well-planned system upgrades.

Our specialist guides include:

Difficulty Sourcing Obsolete Automation Parts – Learn how to replace ageing PLCs, SCADA systems and industrial control panels while reducing operational and compliance risk.
Modernise Without Disrupting Production – Discover how phased automation upgrades help maintain production while introducing modern technologies and improving long-term reliability.
No Visibility Into Automation Systems – Explore how SCADA systems provide greater operational visibility, audit-friendly reporting and improved process monitoring.
Improve Fault Finding & Maintenance Efficiency – Understand how better diagnostics, structured PLC programming and accurate documentation reduce maintenance time and improve system reliability.
Poorly Documented & Inconsistent Control Systems – See how standardised electrical documentation and consistent automation design support validation, maintenance and future system upgrades.

Whether you're planning a pharmaceutical automation upgrade or addressing compliance, reliability or lifecycle challenges, Stratos provides structured engineering solutions designed for regulated manufacturing environments.

Automation Designed for Regulated Pharmaceutical Environments

Pharmaceutical automation systems must balance process control, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Legacy systems, poor documentation, or uncontrolled software changes increase validation effort and operational risk.

Stratos Control Systems delivers automation systems that are:

Structured and well documented
Designed for controlled change
Reliable and maintainable
Suitable for validation and audit

Our focus is on practical, compliant automation that supports both production and regulatory objectives.

Why Choose Stratos Control Systems

Experience working in regulated pharmaceutical environments
Standards-based design and documentation
Strong focus on validation, traceability, and controlled change
Expertise across PLC, HMI, SCADA, and BMS systems
Practical, risk-aware engineering approach

We deliver automation systems that are compliant, reliable, and supportable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Talk to Us About Pharmaceutical Automation

Whether you are upgrading legacy control systems, improving monitoring and traceability, or planning a new pharmaceutical automation project, Stratos Control Systems can help.