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Chemistry

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Innovative IT solutions for the digitalization of the chemical industry

Digitalization for companies in the chemical industry plays a key role in overcoming the current challenges facing the sector. The chemical industry in Germany and Europe is under considerable pressure. Energy prices are at record highs and falling demand is putting many companies in the chemical and process industry and their profit margins under severe pressure. Production has been cut back in many areas. This is because the enormous increase in energy costs can no longer be passed on to the same extent.
However, digitalization in the chemical industry offers opportunities to make processes more efficient and tap into new value creation potential. The experienced experts at PTA IT Consulting support chemical companies in the implementation of digital solutions and accompany them on their path to greater efficiency and innovation.

But how can chemical companies solve these challenges? A first and important step is to work together with experienced IT experts and process consultants to analyze the process flows in detail and, in a second step, to optimize and automate them.

Our industry experts have been working on a wide variety of digitalization projects in the chemical industry for many years. We provide you with expert support in implementing your processes systematically and seamlessly in your IT landscape. Use digitization and our proven industry knowledge as an opportunity to optimize your company and your processes in order to remain competitive in the future.

In the chemical industry in particular, but also in almost all other sectors, it is necessary to subject products and materials to continuous quality control or situational, usually risk-based testing. There is still considerable potential for digitalization and thus process optimization in the testing laboratories integrated into the production processes, but especially in the analytical testing laboratories. The opportunities for increasing efficiency and quality through digitalization in the testing laboratories are good.

All companies in the chemical industry are subject to strict legal regulations and are required to ensure continuous monitoring of products, new substances and their purity and synthesis. This explains why players in the chemical industry have to cover a wide range of laboratory analyses – whether in research or in production testing laboratories. However, routine laboratory tasks are always labour-intensive and usually require qualified personnel with specialized know-how. Many of these activities can be automated.

However, due to the huge range of testing processes and the variety of samples taken, the automation of testing processes in analytical laboratories is still in its infancy compared to medical laboratories. Nevertheless, this area in particular offers great potential for digitalization if chemical companies rely on an experienced implementation partner to support them in implementing the highly configurable software solutions required for this.

Digitization of the chemical industry: laying the foundation for your laboratory digitization with LIMS

The LIMS (Laboratory Information and Management Systems) is the information technology backbone of every laboratory. The selection and introduction of a LIMS that is well tailored to the individual needs and processes of the laboratory is crucial for the direct benefits and potential that can be gained as part of the digitalization of laboratories in the chemical industry.

LIMS support all steps of sample processing as well as the recording, evaluation and reporting of the measurement and analysis results obtained. They are therefore a decisive milestone on the way to successful laboratory digitization. Our experts will work with you to implement a LIMS tailored to your individual requirements – across multiple sites, departments and laboratories if required.

Project ID: 6366

Analysis of laboratory processes

Project ID: 5356

Business process analysis for a LIMS implementation

The decisive prerequisite for the successful introduction of a LIMS is a clear definition of the processes to be supported. This is why we analyze precisely these when developing a concept and specifications. We work with you to develop a target image – this enables you to define the requirements for the LIMS so precisely that the selection of the right system for you is made significantly easier. You can always rely on the fact that our team is manufacturer-independent and will therefore find the optimum solution for your laboratory.

In addition, this approach also simplifies the preparation of a meaningful offer for the LIMS manufacturer, which in turn significantly accelerates the coordination and decision-making processes. We use process models based on Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) as part of our as-is analysis. As part of the analysis, we usually also identify organizational weaknesses, which can often be directly improved by simple measures and can be implemented independently of the introduction of the LIMS. If required, we also develop target concepts that include a concrete plan for implementing the defined improvement measures. Rely on the experienced experts at PTA IT Consulting for digitalization in the field of chemistry – for results-oriented optimization of your processes.

Research our IT projects in the field of chemistry

Due to the regional proximity of our sites to large chemical companies, we are familiar with a large number of processes in the manufacture and transport of chemical products, which we handle in our IT projects as part of digitalization for the chemical industry. In addition to the pure production processes, these are in particular tasks in environmental protection and waste disposal as well as in research and development, e.g. for crop protection. In our IT project database you can get to know and check our professional and IT experience in detail:

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Biological laboratory trials

Designing and developing software systems for planning, carrying out and managing the data for biological trials in the area of plant management agents. …
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Dialogs for plant management agent field trials

Designing and developing dialog functions for a trials database in plant management agents. …
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Database for plant management agent field trials

Migrating a database for trial data from field trials in plant management agents. …
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Trial database

The application is used for the structured management of trials in a technical school. At the same time, resources such as personnel, test stands and boilers are scheduled. …
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IT solutions for the digitalization of the chemical industry: from process analysis to final testing

We offer comprehensive IT solutions for the chemical industry that cover the entire life cycle of your IT applications. We analyze your processes together and develop tailor-made IT systems or support you in the selection of IT systems so that you can carry out your test setups efficiently and safely. On request, we can take over all phases of the development process, from requirements analysis to multi-stage tests. We have successfully implemented numerous project approaches in this area on behalf of our customers.

Project ID: 5150

Laboratory application for chemical testing/research laboratories

Project ID: 5866

Mobile order management

Project ID: 5049

GxP validation preparation of a laboratory information management system

We provide you with manufacturer-independent support in system selection. As part of sub-projects, we can take on tasks throughout the entire development process on request:

  • Analysis of the requirements,
  • Concept
  • Implementation
  • Multi-stage test procedures that ensure the quality of our IT solutions


The applications for supporting test and research laboratories help your laboratory staff to plan experiments, create recipes, carry out tests and record results. We also implement our IT solutions for international chemical groups – multilingual, of course, in order to meet the requirements of globally distributed laboratory locations in the course of digitalization in the field of chemistry.

How to successfully automate laboratories with robots

To optimize the throughput times of samples through the laboratory (TTR – Time-to-Result), it is essential that sample preparation is automated. This is usually achieved by using sample preparation robots. We advise our laboratory customers on the selection of the ideal sample preparation solutions for their specific laboratory workflows. For device manufacturers, we develop the software required for efficient control and individual adaptation of the methods on the robot.

Project ID: 5997

Implementation - Control software of a laboratory device for automated sample preparation

Project ID: 5809

Application development sample preparation robot

Project ID: 5990

Requirements analysis - control software of a laboratory device for automated sample preparation

Tight cycle times are the order of the day in analysis and testing laboratories. In order to analyze more samples while maintaining the same high quality and to reduce the workload of laboratory staff, it makes sense for companies in the process industry, but also for state testing laboratories, to automate analysis with a high-performance robot system. There are virtually no limits to the range of applications.

For example, we have developed software for an equipment manufacturer that controls a laboratory robot that prepares samples for chromatographic analyses and injects them into the chromatography systems. The robot reliably and precisely runs through complex workflows that not only include transport and pipetting steps, but also the control of various attachments that can, for example, shake, heat, cool, evaporate or mix samples.

The software we have developed is designed to optimally control the various sample preparation steps and the nesting of the processing of different samples in order to make efficient use of waiting times or centrifugation times, for example. As our customers from the chemical industry usually design their sample preparation themselves and continuously optimize the appropriate equipment constellation for them, we develop software solutions that can be configured very flexibly. Our digitalization projects in the chemical sector therefore offer our customers the opportunity to fully exploit their potential while maintaining their flexibility.

Integration of devices via standardized interfaces in the chemical industry

Our life science specialists have decades of experience in connecting laboratory devices to laboratory software. In particular, we develop customized solutions for laboratories using the LADS (Laboratory and Analytical Device Standard), an extension of the OPC UA standard (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) for laboratories, in order to seamlessly network devices from different manufacturers.

The OPC standard enables smooth data exchange and full integration into IT infrastructures, making a valuable contribution to the digitalization of the chemical industry. In addition, our IT experts have highly automated the loading control of a refinery terminal through the use of OPC interfaces, allowing trucks to be automatically identified and loaded with the ordered refinery products.

Project ID: 5197

OPC server

Project ID: 5484

OPC replacement port

Because integration in laboratories is very individual and diverse, our life science specialists provide you with the complete spectrum – from the configuration of individual sample preparation to automated control of the software via standardized OPC interfaces. The OPC standard is an important pillar in the laboratory environment for networking highly specialized devices from different manufacturers and enabling seamless data exchange and complete integration of the device landscape into existing IT infrastructures.

The OPC standard has proven itself in a wide variety of application scenarios, not just for digitalization in the chemical laboratory environment. For example, our IT experts have highly automated the entire loading control system of a refinery terminal using OPC interfaces. The main task of tanker loading is to process the loading orders. To do this, the trucks identify themselves at the loading entrance and are then automatically guided through the entire process and loaded with refinery products and the ordered quantity according to their order. The complex control and cross-system data exchange between various sensors and hardware and software components is accomplished using OPC interfaces. After a vehicle has left the loading station, the order data is reported to the system backend for further processing.

Automation and digitalization in chemical production

We master digitalization and automation in both laboratory and industrial environments, including refineries and chemical production. Together with your production managers, we develop and implement MES (Manufacturing Execution System) systems that enable transparent processes and efficient production workflows by seamlessly transferring operating data and machine statuses to your enterprise resource planning system. The solutions support production employees in various production steps and offer integrated workforce scheduling as well as comprehensive support and international rollout strategies.

Project ID: 6073

Documentation and testing of a manufacturing execution system

Project ID: 5667

Introduction of a sustainable software development process for business-specific applications

Project ID: 4915

Creation of a production management system (MES)

Our life science experts are able to cover the entire life cycle of an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) application for production support. Together with your production managers and specialist departments, we determine the necessary requirements, develop and implement the MES system and, if desired, roll it out across multiple sites.

Choosing the right interfaces ensures that all operating data and machine statuses are available at all times and can be seamlessly transferred from the store floor to the leading ERP landscape if required. We are completely vendor-independent and are able to implement the right interface for all common ERP solutions. Benefit from such an integrated solution by transferring your production orders directly to the MES. In the further production process, it supports your production employees and also the management in various production steps, such as the weighing of chemical raw materials, process control and filling of the finished product.

As part of such a system, we implement personnel scheduling integrated into the MES if required, which you can use to plan and document your production shifts efficiently and reliably. In addition to the interface to the ERP system, we also set up other interfaces for you, such as to the scales on the production lines or the barcode scanners for identifying raw materials. We will also be happy to develop a suitable rollout strategy with you if you are planning to use such an MES system with specific adaptations at your international production sites. And, of course, our IT specialists will ensure the quality of the application with customized support after the rollout.

Important questions about digitalization in chemistry

What advantages does digitalization offer chemical companies?

Digitalization in the chemical sector enables companies to make their production processes more efficient, reduce costs and increase productivity. By using data-based technologies, you can optimize supply chain processes, improve quality assurance and shorten innovation cycles in your company, for example. Automation and smart systems also allow you to make better use of resources and increase sustainability.

Which digital technologies are particularly relevant for the chemical industry?

The most important digital technologies in chemistry include

  • industrial IoT (Internet of Things) solutions that make it possible to monitor machines and processes in real time,
  • Cloud computing,
  • Artificial intelligence (AI),
  • digital platforms for networking the supply chain and
  • various automation solutions.

Our experienced IT experts provide you with competent and reliable support in selecting and implementing the right solutions for successful digitalization in the chemical industry.

How does PTA IT consulting support chemical companies with digitalization?

PTA IT Consulting supports chemical companies in the implementation of digital strategies and solutions – we advise and support you from the analysis of existing processes to the selection of suitable technologies and integration into existing systems. We attach great importance to transparent cooperation, always with the aim of helping you to increase your efficiency, reduce costs and promote innovation in your company.

Have we sparked your interest ?

With the right digital technologies, professional scaling of new business models and the automation of central processes, we support the chemical industry in surviving and growing in a challenging market environment. Our IT consulting professionals rely on modern IT solutions, platforms, interfaces and services. Make your business more efficient and agile – and draw on our proven expertise in the chemical industry.

Together with international chemical groups, laboratory facilities, refineries and medium-sized chemical companies, we have successfully completed countless digitalization projects in the chemical industry over the past few years. Contact us today, let our experts advise you and increase your competitiveness through results-oriented digitalization.

Dr. Thomas Steinmann, ein Mann im Anzug

Dr. Thomas Steinmann

Head of Life Science
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