Romaco Successfully Completes Virtual Factory Acceptance Tests

Due to current travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Romaco is organizing its daily operations in the virtual space. Since pharmaceutical machinery manufacturers' customers are currently not permitted to attend factory acceptance tests for their new equipment, Romaco has begun conducting FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) via live stream or video conference. The first live remote FAT for a Noack blister machine was recently completed successfully at the Romaco production facility in Karlsruhe, Germany. For a pharmaceutical manufacturer in South China, this machine can now be shipped and commissioned as planned. Apart from the customer's physical absence, the virtual FAT followed the exact same procedure as its traditional counterpart. According to the FAT report, all production and safety-related tests were performed on the machine and broadcast live. Only half a day was required for the virtual acceptance of the Noack 623 blister machine, which will be used to seal ultra-lightweight and nearly transparent hard gelatin capsules in aluminum-aluminum blisters. During the live stream, the customer's representatives in China closely monitored various functional tests. The responsible project manager at Romaco China was present alongside the customer to immediately translate questions and answers and ensure seamless communication.

Virtual daily activities

Markus Frey, Regional Sales Manager at Romaco Pharmatechnik GmbH Karlsruhe, said, "The only things we cannot accomplish during digital acceptance tests are the meals we normally share with our customers, and of course the group photo taken next to the machine after the FAT," and added, "We want to do these again once the pandemic is over." In the meantime, Romaco is developing a certain routine when it comes to live factory acceptance test streams. A blister line containing a carton box and case packer is currently undergoing acceptance testing via live connection for a French end-packaging manufacturer. In parallel, FAT preparations are continuing for two targeted Romaco Siebler effervescent packaging lines for a pharmaceutical group in the United States.