Food & Drink Process & Packaging Issue 11 2016 | Page 44

Implementing Autocoding to Comply with Retailer Code of Practice At a Glance What they wanted to do • Implement an automated label and date code veri cation system. • Integrate the system into current set-up including printers. • Support operational ef ciency and productivity. What were the success criteria • The system had to comply with the retailer codes of practice. • The system had to integrate with existing packaging line devices. • To not interrupt the 24/7 operation of the factory. What they accomplished • Compliance with retailer codes of practice. • Optimise their factory productivity and efficiency. • Challenge Ichiban UK contacted OAL to investigate the implementation of focus by accurately recording line stoppages and identifying areas for improvement.” a label verification and date code Results control system in response to The OAL Autocoding system has the introduction of stricter rules, provided peace of mind to Ichiban UK regulations and codes of practices set by securing the label, by retailers. Breaches of these codes date codes and price on their of practice can result in substantial packaging. The system was installed fines as well as loss of reputation. quickly with minimal factory downtime. Ability to plan ahead and The increasing consumption and proactively reduce downtime. popularity of sushi meant any Ichiban UK uses the system to identify installation needed to minimise and improve production performance downtime to maintain capacity. as the OAL system automatically Ichiban UK hoped to use the installed records downtime. The accurate date system for both compliance and is then used to proactively prevent to drive operational efficiency and issues arising on the packaging line. Customer Ichiban UK Ltd is the largest sushi manufacturer in the UK. They produce authentic sushi for major retailers in a growing UK market. At their single 450 staff in a 24/7 operation, last year alone they cooked around 1200 tonnes of rice. productivity on the shop floor. Julie Rice, Technical Manager explains why Ichiban UK chose OAL: “We chose the OAL system because it’s a tried and tested solution that provides the compliance we need. It’s easy to use and has helped us 44 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk Olympus Automation trading as OAL Olympus Automation trading as OAL A1 Parkway, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 6YN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1733 394700 Fax: +44 (0) 1733 394901 Web: www.oalgroup.com Email: [email protected]