Radio frequency tagging system improves product traceability
APV Enquiry 306
As part of a range of traceability solutions, APV® have developed radio frequency "tagging" system for mobile containers. They enable the control system to monitor a batch of product throughout its lifecycle, wherever it is located in the plant, or further into the entire supply chain.
These systems have been widely acclaimed by retailers and food manufacturers alike for their contribution to product safety and production efficiency.
For example, each container has a unique "electronic signature", which is transmitted to the control room. This allows the status of the container to be tracked at any stage of the process. Production staff can quickly identify the type and age of the product, whether the container is empty or full, or awaiting a cleaning cycle. This not only contributes to plant efficiency, but, even more importantly, it supports the need to improve plant hygiene.
The operator can simply check the tracking cycle to establish whether the container has been cleaned prior to refill. In addition, there is a "fail-safe" mechanism, which automatically prevents refilling in the event that the container is mistakenly connected to the filling station without first passing through a cleaning routine.
Several types of tag are available to meet the needs of varying applications. One option is a passive tag, which is suitable for "read only" applications. There are also active tags, which can be used for both reading and writing. In some cases these are equipped with sensors capable of measuring temperature, from the point at which the product passes into the container for transfer to other treatment areas. This means that the plant operator is alerted if the temperature of the processed product rises above pre-defined limits.
The software maintains a database of current location and status, providing a complete audit trail. Locations monitored include, for example, the cold store, clean/empty store and many other process areas. The status identifies the batch as well as the process phase, such as clean/empty, filling, full, emptying, empty/dirty, within CIP routine etc.. This helps manufacturers to monitor the entire supply chain.
The system provides automated reporting, which can be used, amongst other things, to assess product yields. In addition to being more accurate than any existing paper system, these reports alert production staff to a decrease in yield and can help to pinpoint where a loss might be occurring so that the necessary remedial action can be taken.
With increasing legislation for production audits and product traceability, APV is constantly extending its portfolio of offerings to help its customers to provide consistent quality at lowest costs.
