Seven design considerations
Designing a label verification system that meets the requirements of the cases described above requires careful consideration . Our infographic ( figure 1 ) provides an overview . Each numbered point correlates to the system diagram .
1 – It ’ s all about the data ! The diagram shows the label verification server linking to an MRP server , a proprietary server , and spreadsheets . Ideally all the data would come from an MRP server , but it is usually a combination of some or all of them . Wherever the data is sourced from it is important that the following rules are observed
- The data should not be duplicated across multiple sources - The data must be the latest version available - The data source must be secure and traceable
2 – The hardware . This should be able to read the label concerned . In our experience “ smart ” cameras are to be avoided as they present too many compromises . Different packaging solutions may necessitate multiple cameras located in different locations .
3 – The label technology . Currently almost 100 % of label verification systems are camera based for use on printed labels . To be ‘ future-proofed ,’ systems should be able to use alternative media such as RFID and NFC .
4 – The label . The ability to read many forms of label is important . As a minimum a system should have a good OCR to read text and printed characters , as well as 1D , 2D and data embedded codes . Many do not , instead relying on an off the shelf vision toolbox with
inherent compromises ! The ability to read encrypted codes such as those from MagVision can aid future proofing .
5 - QA / Technical . These teams generally have primary and secondary needs that can be helped by automating label verification . The primary need is to ensure compliance throughout production . From a central location , they must have a complete overview of what ’ s happening whilst being fed key process information , such as pass / fail percentages .
The secondary function is being able to check labels offline to the same standard as the online system . An offline label verification system utilising the same data allows new products / labels to be verified prior to them going into production .
6 – Remote access . Authorised remote access is critical for three principal activities . It allows remote technical support to help lineside operators diagnose problems on seemingly correct labels . In Dimaco ’ s experience , over 85 % of all remote access requests due to continuous rejection is a result of lineside operators working from obsolete data sources , such as printed spreadsheets . Remote access also enables senior technical personnel to monitor different production sites . Thirdly , it facilitates quick and easy on the job training .
7 – The Supermarket . Providing the capability to respond to changing requirements . In many applications it is common for pricing to change during a production run . If this happens then it is essential that the label verification is automatically updated .
• The label data is verified against a known correct standard
• Both systematic errors ( incorrect data ) and random errors ( e . g ., misplaced label / missing label / print head contamination ) are captured .
Additionally , these systems provide :
• Proof of compliance
• Facilitates fast audit responses
• Tracks manual overrides against individual user and time / date
• Easily allows the data to be fed back as part of continuous improvement programs .
An automatic label verification system should provide the data not only for compliance but to help guide the business .
36 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
Dr Russell Sion , Director , JentonDimaco
Future-proof and fool-proof
An automated label verification can deliver multiple benefits to a food producer . It can increase efficiency , reduce staff count , reduce waste , and improve compliance .
To achieve these significant benefits , care and attention must be taken when designing and implementing the system . Simply attaching a smart camera and entering data into a local terminal will not deliver anything close to the same benefits . For example , if a lineside operator sets a printer up to print a use-by date of “ Feb 30 ” and sets the smart camera up to verify “ Feb 30 ”. Guess what ? The so called , verification system passes all the packs !
In label verification there are no shortcuts to success . Yet , for those businesses prepared to make the investment there is the prospect of numerous benefits . Everything always circles back to one thing – It ’ s all about the data !
For more information go to : www . dimaco . co . uk