Autocoding Systems - Right date code & packaging
Stop label and date code errors. Guarantee every product leaving your factory has the correct date code and packaging. Automate your packaging lines and remove the risk of product recalls.
“Without a doubt I would recommend OAL to other manufacturers […] this system is the failsafe.”
Learn why leading food manufacturers choose OAL to manage their complex packaging operations:
Most popular label and date code verification system on the market with an install base exceeding 1,400 packing lines in the food industry.
Technical excellence. 30-year company history, 35 engineers with proven application knowledge to solve your exact label verification problem.
Code of practice compliance tools, training and audits to ensure retailer compliance.
Reliable support: dedicated 12-person support team offering 24/7, 365 coverage.
Latest technology: Innovate UK government-funded projects valued at £4.5 million to support the development of AI-based systems.
The Autocoding System
The autocoding system is a hardware and software solution that automates the set-up of printers to stop date coding errors. It uses cameras powered by AI to verify that the packaging is correct.
Standard operation
The operator selects the job/product to run on the OAL Line Terminal (touchscreen) from your production plan
The system automatically sets the printers to print the date code and other custom field data per the rules in the Master Product Database (MPD).
The system automatically sets the camera to read and verify the packaging's barcode (1D or 2D) against the running job.
The camera image is processed using AI to verify other packaging elements including date code and promo labels.
Quality checks are undertaken to check the at start-up, end of run and intervals during production (typically 30 minutes).
“The team at OAL are easy to work with, working together we have implemented a robust automated label and date code verification system. The 24/7 support is quick, friendly, and efficient!”
100% Continuous Label Verification
Every pack is scanned and verified. A camera is mounted to the line to scan packaging barcodes and verify against the running job.
Multiple barcode cameras are mounted on the line to scan all elements for products with multiple packaging elements (pot, lid, sleeve).
Right date code
Automatic printer set-up and 100% print inspection.
Save time each changeover and prevent human input errors on printers by automating the setup and monitoring of your printers.
Ensure 100% date coding confidence by verifying the date code printed on every pack with APRIL Eye.
The OAL system automatically sets up the printers to print the correct date code for the works order/job you’re running.
Stop human errors. Operators no longer set up printers. The OAL system automatically sets up all printers (primary and secondary) to print the date code for the running job.
Brand agnostic. The OAL system works with all printer brands.
Fault and alarm detection. If the printer enters a fault state, the OAL system detects the errors, stops the line and forces a redownload of date code information.
Save time. Operators can be reassigned to other activities as they no longer set up printers.
“The installation team were easy to get on with and very obliging. They already know the food industry and its standards and as such managed the installation accordingly to eliminate product risk and line downtime”
Offline packaging verification
Manage labels printed offline with the OAL system. Verify offline (pre-printed) labels against the live packaging job.
Standard operation
The operator selects the job/product to run on the OAL Line Terminal (touchscreen) from your production plan
The operator is prompted to complete QA checks on job start, including using the hand scanner “hand scanning” to verify the correct labels have been brought to the line for the running job.
Quality checks are undertaken to check the first and last pack and intervals during production (typically 30 minutes)