Product news
AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE
instantaneously, we can pull up all information associated to a certain lot.”
The difference with automation
The new system has made it possible for these trace backs to occur within a matter of minutes, whereas before the implementation it took roughly two hours. The inventory accuracy has improved as well. Every additional percentage point in accuracy helps a produce distributor stay competitive. Before the implementation, accuracy ranged from the high-80 to low-90 per cent; accuracy is now between 98 and 99 per cent. Because the system is automated, physical inventories have become a thing of the past, saving eight to 16 labour hours each day, which equates to approximately US$96 to $240 saved in labour costs per day. Given the early improvements, Clark believes the system will pay for itself within two years, and all subsequent gains beyond that will further help the business.
Because FoodLogiQ presented an entire solution – incorporating their PTI solution with a full line-up of Intermec technology (a PM4i industrial printer, PB50 mobile printer, and SR30 handheld scanner) – LoBue Citrus was able to focus on its core business. "The whole process with FoodLogiQ was hands-on," said Clark. "We didn't have to go out and try to piece together our own system. FoodLogiQ has been able to integrate the whole package of requirements that we need beyond just the G10 code identification number. They've incorporated food-safety programmes, and you can actually keep your food-safety documentation in their system."
A single hardware manufacturer
LoBue Citrus processes up to 1200 packages an hour, and the system has held strong. During the day, the Intermec hardware sits on a warehouse loading dock that is open to the outside. Even in conditions such as these, the equipment works day-in, day-out. "All the equipment I've ever used from Intermec is bullet-proof," commented Clark. "My experience has been that, if you want to go with a system that you can count on to be there day after day after day, it's Intermec."
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LoBue Citrus decided to go with a single hardware manufacture to simplify the complexity of the system. The system operators needed to be able to work with a handheld scanner, industrial printer, mobile computer and mobile printer. Hence, having a commonality in the interface was essential to avoid a lengthy training period. "I find that once you find a system that you can rely on, it's much easier to have a single-source manufacturer, versus trying to integrate pieces, especially pieces that have to communicate with one another," remarked Clark.
Exceeding requirements
Clark said he was happy with the combined solution FoodLogiQ and Intermec provided, and that it could be used as a standalone system or it could be integrated into an existing system. More importantly, the pilot
has been a success, meeting the initial goals of the implementation.
"What they've done is develop a system that is not commodity-specific," said Clark. "And in that, they've incorporated all the aspects of traceability, food safety, sustainability, pesticide application documentation, and record keeping. I've been involved in the production management of produce for 25 years, and this so far has been the easiest one I've been involved with."
Key benefits
• Food trace-backs can occur within minutes vs. two hours before. • Inventory accuracy is now 98 to 99 per cent versus 86 to 94 per cent before. • 8 to 16 man hours saved on physical inventories per day. • US $96 to $240 saved on labour costs per day.
October 2011
MANUFACTURING &LOGISTICS
IT 35
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