UK-based chilled desserts supplier Kensey Foods claims to have increased the efficiency of its coding system by installing a package coding management system from Claricom.
Kensey Foods uses the system to network and set up automatically all the coders and online bar code reading equipment. This is claimed to have improved the accuracy of its coding process.
Operators scan a barcode using a portable hand-held reader to confirm the product and product packaging for a particular line and the necessary coding information is then sent from a secure technical database without any manual input.
At the same time, online bar code reading equipment is also automatically activated to inspect every carton at the point of packaging to ensure that the packs correspond to the selected product.
Product coding specifications, such as the date coding, price and weight declarations and the format the printed information should take, are compiled and maintained in a single controlled source using Claricom software.
CLARiSOFT uses a logical, rule-based approach to ensure the coding information is relevant and accurate to the product - duplicate systems or repeated data entry are avoided and accuracy is ensured throughout the entire production process.
This approach also allows flexibility with regard to changes in coding information, such as pricing promotions - by amending the criteria, the software works out the relevant changes across the product variants.
In addition, all of the coding information, including the design of the printed images, is managed off-line, further reducing the scope for errors.
An important consideration for Kensey in choosing Claricom was that its open platform system is compatible with all the leading makes and models of coding and labelling equipment. This has allowed Kensey to operate the system across its existing Linx and Markem hardware and gives the company freedom of choice in selecting coding equipment in the future.