Exyte

The growing importance of Process Architects in life sciences

In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial production, Process Architects have become pivotal, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. In this article BLS Process Architect Donato de Vivo shares his views on the integral role of process architecture in the design and modernization of pharmaceutical facilities.

In the world of engineering, large companies like Exyte, are seeing a growing trend in the integration of Process Architects. This is largely driven by the intricate demands of designing industrial plants, notably those dedicated to pharmaceutical production. These architects act as integrators, collaborating across diverse disciplines such as process engineering, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic engineering, with a focus not only on architectural considerations but also on regulatory compliance, particularly adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Safe proofing the integration of equipment and overall design

Process Architects engage in multifaceted responsibilities, encompassing site assessment, planning, benchmarking, process analysis, and cost estimation. Of particular importance is the development of layouts, where early integration of equipment is crucial to avoid costly errors. “The job of Process Architects involves considering a range of personnel and material flows, as well as standard operating procedures and regulatory compliance,” explains Process Architect Donato de Vivo

De Vivo says this is important because the layout of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is intricately linked to the facility's needs. Defining User Requirements (URS) involves separating essential objectives from non-strategic ones, requiring meticulous decision analysis. “This ensures the architectural design already aligns with GMP standards, user requirements, equipment layout, personnel and material flows, and cost considerations,” he explains.

Prioritizing collaboration and communication throughout a project life cycle

Stakeholder engagement is a necessary skillset in every project, and for Process Architects, it is particularly important that they are involved in the planning process from day one. By prioritizing each stakeholder throughout the different stages of a project, the project team guarantees collaboration and information sharing which proves instrumental in risk mitigation and overall project success. “This, in conjunction with the integration of 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows for optimal design solutions and synergy between systems,” adds deVivo.