Vanguard SystemsVanguard Systems

Pharmaceutical automation, French-speaking Switzerland

Pharma automation: delivering in GMP without slipping.

10+ years on regulated pharma sites in French-speaking Switzerland and Basel. PCS7, WinCC, TIA Portal, Rockwell PlantPAx, fill & finish, WFI, ISA-88 batch. FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ documentation compliant with GAMP5 and 21 CFR Part 11. Core business of Vanguard Systems.

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Field reality

Pharma-specific challenges in Switzerland

01

Demanding GMP validation: every PLC or SCADA change must be documented, justified and tested per GAMP5. Non-compliant delivery = costly time-to-market delay.

02

Multi-stakeholder coordination: machine OEMs, integrator, site team, validation, quality, IT. Without clear ownership, FAT/SAT milestones slip.

03

Heterogeneous stack: you need both Siemens (PCS7, WinCC, S7) and Rockwell (ControlLogix, FactoryTalk) depending on equipment. Single-vendor specialization is a trap.

04

Production continuity: any intervention on a batch line must be prepared to minimize downtime. No room for error on sensitive products.

Our method

Our pharma approach

We define the scope with automation, operations and quality teams. Deliverables, tests and documentation traceability are prepared according to the site QMS. Their approval and inspection preparation remain coordinated with your quality team.

Technical stack used

Technologies we master in this sector

  • Siemens PCS7
  • Siemens WinCC
  • TIA Portal
  • SIMATIC BATCH
  • Rockwell ControlLogix
  • Rockwell PlantPAx
  • FactoryTalk
  • Wonderware AVEVA
  • PI System
  • Kneat
  • Trackwise
  • Veeva Vault
  • GAMP5
  • 21 CFR Part 11
  • ISA-88
  • ISA-95

Project evidence

Assignments from Tai Van's career

  • Merck Serono, Corsier-sur-Vevey

    Tai Van: project leadership, integration, testing and documentation in 2023-2024. More than 30% lower energy consumption for the air handling units.

  • Acteur pharma majeur, Bâle

    Architecture and deployment of a digital platform connecting production, quality, maintenance and supply chain.

  • Big Pharma, Bâle

    AI agent for process optimisation in a GMP environment, integrated with industrial data.

  • Takeda, Fill & finish

    Fill & finish line commissioning, from FAT to operational qualification, with Siemens and Rockwell integration.

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Related services

Our services for this sector

Industrial automation and PLC/SCADA integration

Vanguard Systems delivers industrial automation projects in French-speaking Switzerland, from engineering to PLC/SCADA programming, testing and commissioning. We work with Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff and Emerson on new projects, retrofits and migrations. The project can connect instrumentation, control and energy supervision, with documentation and support after handover within the agreed scope. On special machines, we take the automation, electrical and integration scope; the mechanics stay with the builder or your teams. Work, interfaces and responsibilities are defined before the project starts. A senior automation engineer can also reinforce your engineering office.

Qualification and validation (CQV)

Complete support for qualification and validation in GMP environments: Factory Acceptance Test, Site Acceptance Test, installation, operational and performance qualification. GAMP5 and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant documentation, deviation management, support for Big Pharma internal audits and authority inspections.

Solution architecture and systems integration

Design of technical architectures for complex industrial environments: ERP/MES/SCADA integration, unified data platforms, OT/IT governance, industrial network security. Our approach combines multi-vendor technical expertise and understanding of operational constraints in a regulated site.

Frequently asked

FAQ: pharma & life sciences

Can you connect MES, LIMS, ERP and automation in one validated workflow?

Yes, within a scope agreed with automation, IT, process and quality teams. We map data and responsibilities, design interfaces across PLC/SCADA, MES, LIMS and ERP, then prepare test criteria and the required traceability. The site QMS continues to govern the validation strategy and final approval.

How do you prepare deliverables for an audit or inspection?

Documentation requirements are defined with your quality team and according to the site QMS. The scope can include FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ, deviation management and change traceability. Acceptance criteria, approvals and responsibilities are agreed before execution; an inspection outcome is not guaranteed.

Can you work on both PCS7 v7 and v9 simultaneously?

Yes. We routinely handle PCS7 v7 → v9 migrations, maintaining a legacy environment during transition. Non-regression testing and migration documentation are part of the standard deliverable.

How do you minimize production downtime during batch line interventions?

Scoping with operations and quality, planning during maintenance windows, simulator testing where possible and a rollback procedure. Night work or work outside usual hours requires agreement on scheduling, access and safety conditions.

What is the lead time to start an urgent on-site pharma mission?

Initial response within 4 hours from 07:00 to 19:00, every day. For an accepted urgent request in French-speaking Switzerland, intervention within 48 hours subject to access and safety constraints. Planned project schedules remain subject to scoping.

Other sectors

Explore other sectors we serve

Microtechnology & watchmaking

Food & beverage

Fine chemistry

Energy & utilities

OEMs & special machines

Contact

Let's discuss your pharma & life sciences project

Initial response within 4 hours from 07:00 to 19:00, every day. Accepted urgent request: intervention within 48 hours. Scope provided by quote.

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