Pharmaceutical and medical device industry

Stable, validated, and uninterrupted processes in the pharmaceutical and medical device sector

In the pharmaceutical and medical device sector, stability, precision, and traceability are essential drivers for success. Even the smallest power disturbances can affect sensitive processes or jeopardize entire production batches.

Janitza measuring devices continuously monitor power quality, detect disturbances at an early stage, and ensure a stable power supply — from laboratories and cleanrooms to full-stack production facilities. They also enable seamless documentation of power events, support compliance with standards such as ISO 50001, and provide transparency for audits and validation processes.

The result: increased safety, efficiency, and quality in energy-dependent processes — enabling reliable and sustainable production across the life sciences industry.

Industrial facility with steam pipes in front of a mountain landscape.

Challenges in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical production environment places the highest demands on power quality, process reliability, and traceability. Every deviation can impact product quality, validation, and supply security.

High reliability

for continuous production and laboratory processes

Stable power quality

to prevent voltage dips and disturbances

Comprehensive documentation

of energy and process data for audits and GMP compliance

Strict regulatory requirements

such as GMP, FDA, and ISO 50001

Climate-stable energy supply

for ventilation, cooling, and cleanroom systems

Sustainability and energy efficiency

through transparent monitoring and CO2 reporting

Project example

Global energy monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry

An international pharmaceutical company was looking for a scalable solution to make energy consumption and power quality transparent across all production sites.

Current situation

The goal was to implement targeted energy efficiency measures, reduce CO2 emissions, and meet regulatory requirements in accordance with ISO 50001.

Solution

By introducing Janitza measuring devices such as the UMG 801 and the GridVis® software, a comprehensive energy monitoring structure was established. The devices communicate via OPC UA interfaces directly with the central data system, allowing measurement points worldwide to be easily integrated and monitored.

As a result, all consumption and quality data from the sites are now available in real time. The company benefits from greater supply reliability, standardized documentation of energy events, and a solid data foundation for efficiency and sustainability initiatives.

Result

Reducing energy consumption as a success factor in the pharmaceutical industry

Strict climate and environmental requirements:

Cleanrooms, constant temperature, and humidity control require 24/7 operation of ventilation, cooling, and filtration systems. These systems alone can account for up to 70% of a facility’s total energy consumption.

Continuous operation:

Production and laboratory processes run around the clock, often with high electrical loads from pumps, mixers, sterilization units, or bioreactors.

Validation and safety requirements:

Systems can rarely be shut down, as every restart requires renewed validation or risk assessment — making uninterrupted operation essential.

High Availability

Risks and Costs of Unplanned Production Downtime

  • Downtime costs of between €50,000 and over €500,000 per hour, depending on the production line
  • Material losses in the six- to seven-figure range if ongoing batches become unusable due to changes in temperature, pressure, or cleanroom conditions
  • Revalidation or requalification of equipment and processes required after an unplanned shutdown
  • Higher risk of delivery delays and contract penalties due to missed production deadlines

Solution

Reliable Power Supply – with Janitza Measurement Technology

Power quality monitoring

for high-availability systems

Batch process monitoring

Seamless monitoring, documentation, and auditable provision of energy- and quality-related parameters during a pharmaceutical batch

Scalable measurement technology

for individual production lines or entire facilities

Standard-compliant data processing and archiving

Comparison of energy consumption

across different production sites

Full transparency of energy usage

to identify irregular loads and take corrective action