A future shaped by data
JentonDimaco ’ s advanced optical character recognition ( OCR ) software reliably scans up to 200 pack labels p / m
Food label verification
A future shaped by data
In any business world , data is reshaping the landscape . Food processing is no exception . If we consider the next big technology development , it will inevitably be a non-incremental , non-organic , move away from human labour and towards automation . In food production humans generally perform two sub-tasks for each primary task . In virtually every case , one of these sub-tasks is checking / quality control .
After biological contamination , label related defects are cited as the second most common cause behind costly and brand-damaging product withdrawals and retailer returns . There are several powerful reasons to ensure that the labelling of food products is correct . From the perspective of a food processor , the reasons broadly fit into three categories – improved production efficiency , waste reduction and regulatory compliance .
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Using technology to verify the label offers far greater benefits compared to manual inspection .
Boosting production efficacy
Automated label verification has a huge part to play in increasing production line efficiency in food factories . Many applications which were previously deemed uneconomic to automate are now being automated based solely on the unavailability of a skilled workforce .
Using technology to verify the label offers far greater benefits compared to manual inspection . Given today ’ s production speeds , it ’ s impossible for one human to accurately read and process all the data for an entire shift . Let alone check all elements of the label integrity , use by dates , country of origin , special promotions and cooking time . Operative fatigue swiftly kicks in . A few minutes is more realistic .
Having decided to automate the two main questions that follow are “ How to go about it ?” and soon after “ what ’ s the risk ?”. Most automation tasks should be achievable and contacting organisations such as BARA can help guide projects .
Among some of the many automation risks , one of the most significant is removing the final visual check due to labour shortages . For instance , a food operative putting meat steaks into a retail tray will inevitably check a multitude of critical factors , such as general appearance , colour , fat content etc . as they pick up and place the steaks into the tray .