Origin & Credibility
Formed from nearly
100 years of expertise.
Optio Systems was formed through the merger of DSL and Datastor — combining decades of experience delivering control and plant information systems into some of the most demanding batch manufacturing environments. Today, that expertise is focused on paints, coatings, and specialist chemicals, where consistency, traceability, and control are critical to product quality and profitability.
Imperium⁴ is proven in complex coatings production. At PPG Birstall — one of the UK's most advanced paint manufacturing sites — it manages highly variable formulations, frequent changeovers, and strict quality requirements, demonstrating how the platform handles real-world complexity in paints and specialty chemicals.
While our heritage includes large-scale batch operations such as John Thompson & Sons, the same challenges — recipe control, contamination risk, traceability, and operational visibility — are even more critical in coatings. Imperium⁴ is designed to solve these problems directly, giving paint manufacturers the control and confidence to run consistent, high-quality batches at scale.
Combined years of batch manufacturing expertise
Facilities commissioned globally
Birstall — one of the UK's most advanced paint manufacturing sites
John Thompson & Sons — large-scale batch manufacturing heritage
The Flagship Product
Imperium⁴
A browser-based process control ecosystem that interfaces with all major PLC hardware. Modular, API-first, and built to adapt — not to lock you in.
Reliable
Process changes don't break it. Validated routes, formulation substitutions, and new products adapt cleanly. Meaningful alarms — not alarm floods — so operators catch real issues fast.
Flexible & Open
Adapt formulations, add raw materials, or refine process sequences without full rewrites or disruptive shutdowns. Imperium⁴ allows you to manage complex paint and chemical recipes dynamically — whether you're adjusting pigment blends, resins, or additives. API integrations connect directly with formulation and LIMS systems, while seamlessly pushing production, quality, and batch data into ERP.
Operator-Friendly
Intuitive, browser-based interface showing what's running, what's blocked, and what to do next. Guided operation reduces training time and prevents wrong-material and cross-contamination errors.
Platform Modules
End-to-end control, from intake to despatch.
Raw Material Intake
RFID-controlled raw material receipts, automatic vessel allocation, supplier lot capture, and full intake traceability from delivery to store.
In Their Own Words
"Efficiency improved 20–40%. We're very happy."
Post-implementation
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