Multi-code scanning system delivers fresh fish faster

Codeway adds Datamatrix codes to box-end labels so Visidot can verify everything on a pallet in a flash

Visidot decodes all the codes it can see on the side of a pallet

One of the UK's leading fresh fish processors needed to speed up its deliveries to a major retailer. This was a tall order.

Shipment Verification

The plant already had the most advanced production technology.

It supplied an ever-increasing range products from a variety of fish ranging from cod and haddock to salmon and sole.

However there was a bottleneck scanning the dozens of box and tray on each pallet by hand .

The Visidot Solution

Image ID proposed Visidot. This would to read all the labels on a side of the pallet at once, and reduce the time to despatch by 30 minutes.

For as near 100% efficiency as possible Image ID asked Codeway to add a Datamatrix 2D symbol to the label in addition to its existing barcodes.

Codeway Systems Integration

Codeway had already proven the Visidot system at one of its long standing customers. 

This automotive component supplier had to guarantee positive identification of every item shipped to the new Mini production line.

The fish processor had similat intelligent Intermec printers to the automotive company.

Codeway reprogrammed the PM4is on the fis lines h packing to intercept the XML data stream from the weighing systems.

The new program captures the unique pack number and other data, and adds the Datamatrix codes to the print commands.

The enhanced labels are printed on demand and applied before loading onto pallets..

Multicode Scanning

The Visidot installation is at the pallet wrapping station. Two banks of cameras focus on opposite sides of the pallet.

There is an operator console to control the process.

When the pallet is in position, lights flash the cameras capture images of all the labels on the sides of the pallet..Visidot software decodes all the codes.

When there's a problem it displays an image of the pallet on the operator's screen, ringing the offending item in red for immediate attention.

The turntable rotates a quarter turn for Visidot system to read the other two sides.

Once Visidot has verified the shipment against the order, the pallet is wrapped and labelled for desptach.

Visidot records all of the tray and box data, and keeps images of the pallet as proof of shipment.

The data is available for ASNs (Advance Shipping Notices) and traceability.

Faster Return on Investment

Visidot has enabled the company to improve performance and satisfy its customers using existing equipment and supply chain processes.

Compared to RFID, read rates are significantly higher, problems are much easier to correct, and investment is lower.

As a bonus the system is much easier to implement.

ds