AutoCoding Pallet
Complete automated SSCC and Pallet management
The pallet labelling solution from AutoCoding Systems is
a complete server based pallet labelling system which
allows ERP interfacing, pallet tracking, pallet re-labelling
and rework. The system interfaces with AutoCoding line
control for consolidation of operational data.
Standard Operation
This section will describe a typical system of standard look-up and labelling methodology.1. Pallet arrives in front of the stretch-wrapper and the
oscillating scanner determines the SKU, alternatively a
PLC system may provide a pallet data string.
2. Line ID is determined either via a “Line ID” label or
from the Line control PLC system.
3. ERP/WMS system is queried for any resulting
information including next available SSCC number.
4. Pallet record for the pallet is added to the FIFO queue
in the AutoCoding Pallet software.
5. Pallet is stretch-wrapped and transported to the
labelling station.
6. Pallet-in-position is raised by Line PLC or sensor.
7. Label data is sent into the A5 pallet label layout and
sent to the pallet labeller.
8. Labels are applied and verified by a barcode scanner.
9. Pallet is received to Line Control and receipted to
ERP/WMS. Local Audit log may be updated.
If an automatic labeller is not responding then the print can be re-routed to a desktop printer controlled by the same AutoCoding Pallet terminal. This can also be used for re-print in case of repackaging of a pallet.
The Pallet labelling solution from AutoCoding Systems is capable of identifying pallets from separate production lines through the links with the AutoCoding Line Controller software.
Integration Options
A pallet can be uniquely identified (E.g. a sequential barcode sticker or RF tag (i.e. 12345)) as it is
emerging from the palletiser, at the same time the palletiser can transmit a string to the AutoCoding
Pallet Labeller software which creates a data record indicating that pallet 12345 is arriving from Line
4, contains 45 boxes on 5 layers and
consequently is a full pallet of
sufficient height for automatic
labelling. Inconsistencies between the
ERP count and the palletiser count
can be raised to the operator.
A part pallet could be too low for automatic labelling and the print would be diverted to a desktop printer. In both cases the case count on the label would be modified and the report to ERP/WMS adjusted for quantity.
This functionality will guarantee that the pallet labelling process will never go out of synchronisation, as the sequential number scan will reference a single unique record regardless of arrival sequence to the labeller. Through a server architecture, it will be possible to share pallet records across pallet lines, enabling a pallet labeller to find and retrieve pallet information for a pallet not originated on the current line.
Batch ID
The batch/Lot ID is at time of pallet labelling normally not known by ERP/WMS or Line Control. The only way of obtaining this information is through an operator input.A batch ID would be assigned against each SKU and when the SKU input from the palletiser is received, the batch ID would be appended to this record for label printing and audit reporting.
The batch ID is normally an alphanumeric string and will be entered by the operator on a touch-pad brought up on the terminal. It will only be possible to assign a batch ID against an SKU for which there is an open production order available via the ERP/WMS interface.
Order Selection
There may be more than one open production order of a given SKU and it is required at the pallet line level for a supervisor/operator to select which production order to use for each SKU.A list of available SKU's (from the material master download) is displayed and a list of production orders available via the ERP/WMS production order download are shown for assignment. Only SKU’s which have open production orders against them will be displayed.
Manual Printing
If the printer on the Automatic labeller is unavailable due to fault, print-head replacement etc. then the label can be re-routed to a desktop printer for manual application.Once the labels have been applied the "release pallet button" button on the touch-screen interface will release the pallet back to line control and update the audit log.
Re-Work
By entering any SSCC number the corresponding pallet label can be re-printed on a label printer.This is for a scenario where a label has been damaged or where the stretch-wrapper has not applied the film to specification.
PLC overlay system - AutoCoding Pallet Tracker
Where existing PLC systems cannot provide any originating line ID information the AutoCoding Pallet Tracker software can receive input from line sensors input and as the pallet is moved from one conveyor segment to another, the sensor input updates the AutoCoding Pallet Tracker.When line control presents the pallet for labelling the AutoCoding Pallet Tracker can provide the originating Line ID information.