Packaging line inspection systems

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Capture and Control Serialization

Getting ready for California ePedigree

In order to address anti-counterfeiting measures at the production floor level, Optel Vision introduces the Capture & Control Unit which handles all necessary Data Management, Tracking and Inspections.

Designed in compliance of the EPC Global Standard, this EPC Capture Application is a fully automated System with all the Inspections, Line Control and Data Management services required on packaging lines. This is applicable whether RFID is used or not.

Capture & Control (C&C) at Labelling or Cartoning
For on-line printing of serialized codes, usually occurring in the form of DataMatrix bar codes, the C&C Unit sends the serial number for each product to the coder. In case of pre-serialized packages, the C&C Unit activates the observed serial number. A camera ensures that the proper information is printed and other inspection stations verify for product integrity. For ejected products, serial numbers are retrieved from the active list. A line operator can re-activate these product via the C&C Interface.

For RFIDs, the same concept applies using an antenna for Writing and Reading Tags.

Capture & Control (C&C) at the Bundler and Case Packer
To ensure precise aggregation, each Bundle/Case needs to be identified and associated to the items it contains. The C&C unit handles the identification of the product prior to entering the Bundle/Case and tracks to the Bundle/Case they end up in. The C&C interfaces with the Bundle/Case printer to distribute a serial number. In applications where top or bottom coding is used, it might be possible to identify the Bundle/Case items after the package is formed.

Capture & Control (C&C) at the Pallet Packing
At this final stage, usually carried out manually, aggregation is also required. Therefore, each shipper needs to be scanned using an automatic or hand-held reader prior to their placement on the pallet. Pallet labels require a serial number that can be pre-printer or generated on-line through the C&C Unit. Each operator's actions are registered by the C&C as Pallet Start, Pallet End, Shipper Retrieve, Shipper Destruction, QA, or other.

EPC Status Edition and Security
At each C&C Station, line staff can edit the status of a serial number which includes retrieving, re-inserting, destroying, or disaggregating via the Interface. The interface is 21CFR Part 11 ready and contains all the necessary security levels and audit/batch trail files.