Machinery Update September \ October 2017

www.machineryupdate.co.uk september/october 2017 MACHINERY UPDATE 29
Product lines are controlled by
dependable automation system
An automation
system installed
by fish and
seafood company
Dawnfresh to help it
meet retailer demands
has also delivered a
10% uplift in packaging
line throughput.
The OAL Connected
system controls the
packaging line to prevent
any product recalls
related to label and date
code errors and has
replaced a previous,
non-performing option.
Dawnfresh has invested
in a single automated
system from OAL to
control its packaging
lines and integrate
existing packaging devices
ensuring that the correct
packaging and labelling is
applied before products leave
the factory. “We chose OAL as
our supplier because its system
achieved our specification
and more,” explains Phil
Cassidy, technical director
at Dawnfresh. “OAL really
understood the challenges
we faced improving visibility
The system has helped seafood company Dawnfresh comply with the M&S Code of Practice
on the packaging line and
delivered a fantastic solution.”
Wayne Johnson, head of
OAL Connected, says that the
company is seeing tougher
requirements for packaging
line control as the cost of
failure increases.
The OAL system now
installed at Dawnfresh works
by scanning a 2D barcode
AMJ Maters MU J-F 2015_Layout 1 19/01/2015 14:39 Page 1
printed on every product to
check and verify the date code
and packaging is correct.
If a mismatch error occurs,
the line stops, and the
problem is investigated.
Since the installation,
Dawnfresh has had zero
product recalls relating to
label and date code errors.
OAL says a shorter return
on investment time
was achieved because
Dawnfresh is using
its integrated factory
performance reporting
module. This records
accurate real-time
production data for the
site to identify areas for
improvement as part of
a continuous improvement
strategy.
In operation, when a line
stop occurs, operators must
record a reason code on
the touchscreen terminal.
The recorded data is both
accurate and can be used in
real-time so engineers can
act as potential slowdowns
occur while also helping
Dawnfresh to identify any
areas for improvement.
“By investing in
automation, Dawnfresh has
secured compliance with
retailer codes of practice
for label and date code
verification while producing
actionable data to improve
production performance
continually,” says Johnson.
T 01733 394700
W www.oalgroup.com
Lantech modular case erector capable
of up to 30 erected cases per minute
• Unique vacuum pick up frame
• Ergonomic magazine for easy filling of case blanks
• Small footprint
• Easy size change from one format to another
• Supplied as a hot melt glue option or adhesive tape
• Colour operator touch screen panel
• Can be a stand-alone machine or integrated into
other machinery
• Installed and commissioned with after sales support
C1000/2000
case erector
from Lantech
17 Elizabeth Court, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 8PF
T: 01480 382739 M: 07764 772965 E: andrew@maters.co.uk www.maters.co.uk