We integrated a cloud-based QMS and LIMS with an on-prem data historian.
We developed custom connectors to bridge the gap between OT and IT.
We gave process engineers real-time access to critical laboratory data.
Eval Europe, a key manufacturer of specialty chemicals, were looking to modernise their laboratory with the AlisQI Quality Management System (QMS) and Lab Information Management System (LIMS). However, question soon arose of how they could accomplish this move to the cloud without disrupting the workflows of their process engineers.
Our challenge was to bridge the gap between Eval Europe’s new cloud-based data and their existing Yokogawa ExaQuantum historian, creating a unified data flow that supports instead of hinders their experts.
By integrating AlisQI with ExaQuantum, we set up an uninterrupted data flow for Eval Europe’s process engineers. Their new system eliminates the need to switch between cloud and on-premises platforms. This streamlines their workflows and gives them a single, unified view of all critical lab data. Eval Europe's new system lets them make better and more informed decisions and increase their operational efficiency, while the data remains available in their conventional analysis tools.
We partnered with
To build the unified data solution Eval Europe was looking for, we had to combine our expertise in IT-OT integration with custom software development. Our solution consists of three key components:
Our first step was to establish a secure and reliable connection to the AlisQI cloud platform. We developed a custom software module that interacts directly with AlisQI's API. This module acts as a dedicated gateway and handles authentication, data requests, and errors, so the information flow from the cloud happens smoothly.
However, this wasn't a simple "plug-and-play" situation. AlisQI's existing API didn't initially support the specific filtering and data retrieval capabilities we needed. We collaborated directly with AlisQI to enhance the API with more efficient data extraction capabilities.
With the data flowing from AlisQI, the next step was to efficiently route it to Eval Europe's on-site systems and prepare it for integration with ExaQuantum. We chose the MQTT protocol as the foundation for this data pipeline, since it's lightweight and built for constrained environments; the same reasons why we use MQTT for our Unified Namespace (UNS) architectures.
To manage the flow of MQTT messages, we implemented HiveMQ Broker, a leading MQTT broker known for its scalability and reliability. This lets us set up a high-performance channel for transmitting data between the cloud and Eval Europe's on-site systems. Any necessary data transformations (like format conversions or unit adjustments) are handled within this pipeline, so we can make sure that the data always arrives at ExaQuantum in the correct format.
The final, crucial step was integrating the transformed data with Eval Europe's existing Yokogawa ExaQuantum historian. We developed a dedicated connector, specifically designed to subscribe to the relevant data streams from the HiveMQ broker. This connector takes the incoming MQTT messages and translates them into a format compatible with ExaQuantum.
This ensures that Eval Europe's process engineers can continue to access and analyse lab data within their familiar environment, without disruptions to their workflows. Crucially, we also implemented a feedback loop. The connector confirms when data has been successfully written to ExaQuantum to guarantee data integrity and prevent data loss.
Given the strict regulations for chemical manufacturing, we designed this integration with security in mind from the start. All communication between the AlisQI cloud, the HiveMQ broker, and the ExaQuantum historian is secured using SSL certificates and encrypted connections to guarantee data confidentiality and integrity.
Beyond immediate security, we also built this solution with an eye towards long-term value. The AlisQI Connector, for instance, is built upon a reusable framework. This modular design allows other departments within Eval Europe to use the same core components for their own AlisQI integrations, significantly reducing future development efforts and costs. In other words, we've gone beyond solving their current problem and built a foundation for future data connectivity.
If you've read some of our other cases, you know that our goal is always to give our clients the tools and knowledge they need to manage their own solutions. That's why we gave Eval Europe not just in-depth technical documentation but are also organising hands-on training sessions for their team. Of course, we're always available to provide them with ongoing support and answer any questions they may have.
Ready to follow Eval Europe's example and eliminate your own data silos so you can get the most out of your lab data? Send us a message and let's discuss how we can build a connected, data-driven future for your organisation.
