Product category:
Coding and marking materials, equipment and services
News Release from: Claricom | Subject: Package Coding Management System
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 September 2005
Dolgarrog benefit from part marking
control
Dolgarrog Aluminium Limited has installed a Claricom Package Coding Management (PCM) System to ensure the accurate coding of parts at its North Wales factory.
Accurate part marking is essential to ensure that each item is identified correctly, and that traceability and an audit trail can be implemented Whilst this is true for everything from PVC windows to pipes, it is particularly important in a market sector such as aerospace where safety is paramount
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 20 Sep 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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As a result, the potential consequences of errors range from the significant costs associated with reworking and re-supplying the parts to - in the worst case scenario - prosecution in the event of an accident involving incorrectly-marked parts.
The Claricom system eliminates potential for coding errors and provides a more integrated system that links the control of part marking directly to the company's existing ERP system.
The result is that, rather than keying in data manually, the operator simply scans a process card that then downloads the data relevant for that product.
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 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.
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.
"The operator doesn't have any inputting to do so mistakes are a thing of the past," comments Graham Williams, Quality Manager of Dolgarrog.
"System configuration is extremely flexible and has an open system architecture, which meant that linking with our ERP system was simple and effective from day one," he adds.
"The Claricom system transfers the job and product specific data directly from our existing ERP system to the coding equipment on the production line, removing the potential for human error." The Claricom Package Coding Management was recommended to Dolgarrog by its coding supplier, Domino, as the best and most effective way of ensuring the right information on the right product, right first time.
Claricom's award winning CLARiSOFT coder-independent message design software is used to define the 'look and feel' of the printed information, as well as product coding specifications or 'rules'.
CLARiSOFT is the only coder-in Image Design Software for on-line coding and labelling equipment and includes standard automatic functions that allow information such as Cast Number, Alloy and Dimensions to come directly from the ERP system for improved speed and accuracy.
Claricom products are compatible with the leading brands of coding equipment including Alpha-Dot, Domino, Imaje, Linx, Mectec, Videojet and more.
A Claricom CLARiNET network is then used to interconnect all of the printers and local hand-held barcode reading equipment.
A process card with a unique product barcode is given to production for each job.
The operator uses the hand-held barcode scanner to simply scan the document and this automatically sets-up the printers with all of the product and job specific information, including Customer Reference and Alloy Number.
The Claricom system is proven across a wide range of industries, from aerospace part marking, medical and pharmaceutical devices through to ready meals.
Manufacturers using the Claricom system include British Aerospace, Geest, Hamble Aerospace, Hazlewood Foods, Northern Foods and more.
"Since the Claricom system became operational, efficiency in part marking has increased significantly and all products have been securely coded without errors or reworking", said Graham.
"With the elimination of rework and increased operating efficiency the Claricom system will give us an ROI of less than 12 months".
"Coder set-up time has been reduced from around 2 minutes to less than 10 seconds per batch and we would estimate a financial benefit of approximately GBP4,000 per line, every year," he added.
By connecting all the coding equipment, the system guarantees the most efficient means of both factory automation and control, and effective centralised data collection and management.
This control can help to meet legal and regulatory conditions and traceability requirements.
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