// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM

Batch Processing

Batch processing is a production method where products are manufactured in groups or 'batches' rather than one by one or in a continuous flow. Each batch goes through a stage of production before moving to the next.

Batch Processing — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Batch processing is a manufacturing approach where a defined quantity of products (a batch) moves together through each stage of production, completing one operation before the entire batch proceeds to the next, often used for products with moderate volume and variety.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of the secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, in which raw materials from the primary sector are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. Such goods may be sold to other manufacturers for the production of other more complex products, or distributed via the tertiary sector to end users and consumers.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Batch production
  • Lot processing
  • Group production
  • Intermittent production

USAGE NOTE

Batch processing is common in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and specialty chemicals where specific formulations are produced in discrete quantities.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Batch Processing.

  • Siemens

    A global technology powerhouse that offers a comprehensive portfolio of industrial automation, digital factory solutions, and software for manufacturing operations, including advanced batch processing control systems and MES solutions for various industries.

  • Rockwell Automation

    A leading provider of industrial automation and information solutions, offering control systems, software (like FactoryTalk Batch), and services that enable efficient and compliant batch processing in industries such as food & beverage, life sciences, and specialty chemicals.

  • Emerson Electric

    A multinational corporation specializing in industrial automation solutions, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and software platforms (e.g., DeltaV Batch) designed to manage and optimize complex batch processes, ensuring flexibility and regulatory compliance.

  • ABB

    A technology leader in electrification and automation, providing robust control systems (e.g., ABB Ability System 800xA) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) that support precise and efficient batch processing across diverse industrial sectors.

  • Honeywell Process Solutions

    Offers advanced automation and control systems, including Experion PKS for process industries, which provides integrated batch management solutions to optimize production, ensure quality, and improve efficiency in batch-oriented manufacturing.

  • SAP

    A market leader in enterprise application software, SAP's manufacturing solutions (e.g., SAP Digital Manufacturing, SAP S/4HANA) include robust capabilities for production planning, scheduling, and execution of batch processes, integrating them with supply chain and business operations.

  • AVEVA

    A global leader in industrial software, providing a wide range of solutions including MES, SCADA, and process optimization software that enable efficient management, control, and digital transformation of batch processing operations in various manufacturing environments.

  • Yokogawa Electric Corporation

    A major provider of industrial automation and control solutions, offering integrated production control systems (e.g., CENTUM VP) and manufacturing execution systems that are widely used for precise and reliable batch process control in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other process industries.

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