History

The software systems division was formed in 1965 its role being to provide software solutions to the products manufactured by CI. In the early days software was developed on mini computers such as the DEC PDP-11 and Data General rack mounted systems using VDU's and teletype terminals as I/O. Software was developed using a range of software languages but principally machine code, Fortran and Basic. Initial applications controlled our weighing and sorting systems which were first targeted at the diamond industry but latterly the food and pharmaceutical industries.

CI has been developing statistical process control (SPC) and dispensary management systems (DMS) for the pharmaceutical industry since the early 1970's. Up until the late 1990's we developed tailor made solutions for numerous pharmaceutical clients both within the UK and across Europe. Clients included The Welcome Foundation, Eli Lilly, Glaxo, Smith Kline and French, ICI, Beechams, Roche Products, May and Baker, Orion, Sanofi, Squibb, Fisons and Merck Sharp & Dohme.

During 2002 we launched our first Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) DMS solution – Ci-DMS. Ci-DMS is a highly configurable and fully validated system designed to control the dispensing and addition of pharmaceutical raw materials. Since the initial launch a number of releases have been published with increased functionality, flexibility and configurability.

This experience has enabled us to develop new systems to expand our offering to support all stages of manufacture from batch creation through to batch completion.

CI has always been an early adopter of new technology and through the years has developed solutions to run on multiple platforms ranging from mini computers through to current PC technology. Peripheral devices such as intelligent barcode readers have also been supported. Interfaces have been developed to a range of hardware equipment including automated dosing systems and IBC handling systems.