Product category:
Food and drink manufacturing: packaging and bottling equipment
News Release from: Claricom | Subject: Package Coding Management System
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 January 2003
Package system centralises on-pack
coding
Package Coding Management System is eliminating the risk of product recalls due to coding errors and allows centralised network control of on-pack coding, without excessive manual data input.
Leading food manufacturer Katsouris Fresh Foods has installed a Package Coding Management System from Claricom in a drive to increase efficiency and eliminate the risk of product recalls due to coding errors The Claricom system chosen by Katsouris allows centralised network control of on-pack coding, removing the need for excessive manual data input and providing a logical, rule-based approach to ensure the accuracy of all variable coding data
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 20 Sep 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Barcoding now under new management
By eliminating the manual set-up of coding equipment, chilled desserts supplier Kensey Foods has both simplified set up procedures and eliminated the risk of product recalls due to coding errors
Efficient package coding bags the right products
The latest enhancements to package coding management systems offer even greater accuracy in food products packaging.
This represents greater reliability, flexibility and speed in coding, vital to Katsouris as a major supplier to leading retailers.
The Claricom CLARiSOFT Generic Image Design Software is used to compile and maintain a centralised technical database of product coding specifications (Use By Dates, Price etc.) and associated message designs for all of Katsouris's product lines.
By using a single controlled source of all coding information, duplicate systems or repeated data entry are avoided.
Further reading
Network control demonstrated for all coders
The benefits of an independent approach to coding solutions were demonstrated at Pack Expo in Chicago, by network control on all types of coders from continuous ink jet to thermal transfer types.
Package coding software reduces operator error
Package coding software ensures that the input and transfer of data is controlled to bypass superfluous manual entry and avoid mismatches between primary and secondary packaging.
Packaging and coding accuracy improved
Package coding management system provides a food manaufacturer with a high level control of coding information and ensures packaging and coding accuracy.
Using CLARiSOFT, a set of rules is established to ensure the coding information is always relevant and accurate to the product.
This approach also allows flexibility with regard to changes in coding information, such as pricing promotions - simply by amending the criteria, the CLARiSOFT software works out the relevant changes across the product lines.
In addition, all of the coding information is managed off-line, further reducing the scope for errors and ensuring consistent coding across all lines.
A Claricom CLARiNET network automatically sets up all the coders and on-line bar code reading equipment.
Operatives first use portable or fixed bar code readers to confirm that the correct product and product packaging has been selected for a particular line.
All the correct information is then sent automatically to the coding equipment from the secure technical database; this includes the date coding, price and the format the printed information should take.
This method reduces the scope for manual error and provides an easy-to-use, faster and more efficient set-up.
Katsouris is currently comissioning Phase 2 of the installation where on-line bar code reading equipment is automatically activated to ensure that every single carton or sleeve matches the selected product - i.e product is in the correct carton.
An important consideration for Katsouris in choosing Claricom was that the open platform Claricom system is compatible with all leading makes and models of coding and labelling equipment.
This allows Katsouris to operate the system across its existing ink jet coders and, more importantly, gives the company freedom of choice in selecting coding equipment in the future.
Claricom is working closely with Katsouris to further develop its coding procedures, for example by providing continuous verification along the whole of the production line.
"Accurate and flexible coding is crucial to the success of our production," explains Richard Vaughan, Technical Manager at Katsouris.
"Not only does the Claricom system remove the risk of manual input errors, but the software is easily programmed to cope with any potentiality.
"Since the Claricom system went on-line, the factory have not experienced any recalls due to date coding errors." As a result of the successful application in one factory, Katsouris is in the process of rolling out the Claricom system to their other two factories.
• Claricom: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
