How Manufacturers Can Increase Automation and Data Capture

Phil Black - PII Editor 02/02/2015

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The ability to help firms increase their levels of automation and data capture in order to achieve improved efficiencies, effective planning and increased throughput will be a key focus of the CSB-System stand at Anuga FoodTec.

The company will demonstrate a range of solutions that help to deliver high levels of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), in-depth data compilation and analysis, including cloud-based services, and seamless traceability. The software and hardware are effective across a wide range of industries including meat and poultry, fish, delicatessen products and bakery.

A key highlight will be the innovative CSB-Rack, a specially-designed industrial IT workstation for automated data capture. The system provides operating data in real time at the point of origin, and this is then imported directly into the CSB-System. From procurement of raw materials across all processing stages and quality management to complete labelling of the products, all traceability requirements are integrated in a way that reduces documentation expenses and keeps labelling to a minimum.

The machine’s robust waterproof design and shatter-proof shield for both display and touch screen makes it ideal for all factory environments, including extreme temperatures and high humidity. In addition, its innovative touch-screen technology ensures ease of use for operators.

The CSB-System Cloud Service Centre enables companies to maximise the efficiency and flexibility of cloud-based services to deliver reliable, in-depth business data at any time without the need for an on-site IT facility. The Cloud Service Centre is capable of hosting data of up to 20,000 ERP users and also covers all aspects of IT security covering database management systems and hardware.

CSB-System’s latest fully-integrated traceability system offers companies a vital competitive advantage. The advanced software enables businesses to obtain International Food Standard (IFS) ‘higher level’ certification, meeting all legal requirements and providing an enhanced quality management system that helps to reduce costs and improve overall production efficiencies.

The CSB system is also able to link to external consumer databases such as fTrace and Mynetfair to meet growing demand from end-customers to check the authenticity and history of the products they are purchasing.

The system has been designed to link all areas of operation – from raw material procurement through processing and packing to onward despatch – through a single central database that can monitor and report back on the progress or whereabouts of a product at any time.

CSB says an integrated system also helps to reduce manual information inputting for enhanced accuracy and control of production, with online capture of data directly at source which in turn helps to minimise the costs of documentation and labelling.

Central to the system is the use of lot numbers to link all parts of the production and supply chain including equipment, such as weighers and weigh price labellers, finished packs, and storage facilities. The posting of information about the identified units is carried out in goods receiving, inventory, production and sales. RFID and barcode readers enable information to be readily available throughout the process for checking and amendment as required.

Lot numbers help to ensure identification of ingredients and components during manufacture and provide links to finished products to deliver a comprehensive overview of product origins. This includes identification of all suppliers of processed raw and auxiliary materials.

The system can also form part of an efficient logistics programme, with faster order picking, and information sent onto carriers in advance to enable them to plan loading requirements and delivery routes.