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Retort Controls ICON SMS

Retort Controls are a long standing strong point at STOCK.

Originally developed in 1992 for use with STOCK retorts, STOCK’s ICON SMS (Sterilization Management System) is a state of the art SCADA (Supervisory Control AND Data Acquisition) Retort Controls system for general method thermal processing, control and monitoring. STOCK’s Retort Controls system was accepted by FDA and approved by the USDA in 1994 for automatic, real time, deviation compensation/optimization and computer generated batch records in lieu of manual operator logs.

Since the early 1990’s, we have continuously evolved STOCK ICON SMS to keep it the most flexible, durable and comprehensive Retort Controls system on the market. The latest version continues this tradition and can be offered with a wide range of standard Controls System Processors and HMI’s, and allows for easy upgrade from previous versions. ICON SMS is a web page based system developed and maintained by internal STOCK Engineers. An internet browser acts as a portal to share fully visualized HMI’s and Host Computer SCADA applications and data across the end user intranet and beyond. ICON SMS users can generate and approve production recipes at a central location for multiple facilities, and can access cook and data metrics from any location given the appropriate system privileges.

STOCK’s ICON SMS Retort Controls system incorporates tools for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and have been fully validated according to NFPA 43-L guidelines.

STOCK ICON SMS controls are used for our entire product line, including both batch and continuous retorts, and have been sourced to upgrade competitive equipment on a routine basis. In fact, STOCK’s ICON SMS Retort Controls have been chosen as the preferred solution for numerous Food, Beverage, Pet Food, Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences applications, as well as in other flexible retort packaging industries outside of our core business market.


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STOCK America’s ICON Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System includes high end visualization for representation of the equipment along with a secure relational database for safe and secure data collection and storage.

STOCK ICON controls are used in our entire product line, including batch and continuous retorts. Additionally, they can be utilized to control competitive sterilization systems, related equipment and general thermal processes.

  • Quick and inexpensive upgrade from earlier ICON system
  • Scalable, robust and secure database with cross-over backup
  • Precise retort control with phase dependent valve tuning factors
  • Web Based ICON SMS recipe, report and trending manager independent of retort HMI program
  • Reports can be exported to various formats such as PDF, XLS, and RTF with guaranteed printout accuracy
  • FDA / USDA accepted features including real time process optimization and deviation compensation
  • Real Time data is recorded and stored for each and every process
  • Common recipe and data management architecture for ALL process modes
  • HMI provides equipment visualization and comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
  • Compatible with 21 CFR part 11 requirements (Electronic Record and Signature requirements); 21 CFR part 11 validation available upon request
  • Full IQ / OQ documentation on each installation

Report Management is provided via an intranet application that allows users to monitor the current state of the retorts and generate reports for the process of recipes. Some of the features are:

  • Status screen displaying the retort’s current status with real time process trending
  • Proven, reliable report generation
  • Auto printouts are available at the end of each batch within 5-10 seconds from process completion
  • Query and manual report views and printouts available at host or networked computer
  • Reports include recipe, historical trending, batch reports and summary data tables
  • Easy Query Tool / Reprint Function
  • Reports can be filtered by date, time and retort

Recipe management and recipe download is provided via a web based application. Users can develop, edit and download recipes as well as generate retort processes and recipe reports.

Since it is a web based application, it can be accessed from any computer connected to the network without the need of additional applications.

  • Number of recipes practically unlimited; segregated by process mode
  • 16 step process definition; more upon request
  • Revision control / Windows OS password protection
  • Recipe & step specific alarm setpoints

Real time and historical trending includes:

  • Real Time Trending shows ‘one shot’ of retort activity
  • Custom configurations with tag based trending of critical variables
  • Historical trending data tables and detailed charts for accurate process and deviation evaluations
  • Flexible data points

Additional Products

Retort Controls Add-On Modules

Over the years and at customer request, STOCK has implemented and included many different features to add on to our ICON SCADA control system. We have taken the most requested features and bundled them into software modules. These modules can be added to existing ICON, included with a control system upgrade, or delivered along with new equipment.