Improved profitability on the Packaging Line

Scanvaegt Systems is a leading supplier of end-of-line systems for packaging departments and can provide a fully-automatic, scalable solution for the entire line. All processes - from weighing, labelling and quality checking - can be run automatically through the line with no manual handling.

For decades, Scanvaegt Systems has delivered numerous advanced packaging solutions, primarily to the meat, fish, and poultry industries, both domestically and internationally. The company offers a comprehensive range of end-of-line (EOL) solutions, integrating both hardware and software. 'EOL' refers to the final stages in the packaging process, where the packaged product is weighed, labelled with all relevant information, and undergoes quality control.

Expertise in EOL Automation
Allan Hedevang, Market Manager at Scanvaegt Systems, has over 20 years of experience working with EOL systems. In this article, he highlights the significance of automation and digitalization in packaging tasks such as weighing, labelling, and quality control through the use of flexible labelling solutions and IT systems.

"We often become involved when a customer is undertaking a rationalization project. Typically, the customer seeks higher capacity, enhanced security—such as reducing human handling and input errors, eliminating data inaccuracies, ensuring traceability, and achieving workforce savings," explains Allan Hedevang.

Rapid return on investment
Customers are also highly interested in the payback period, which often is under one year. According to Hedevang, this is due to the fact that automation can save labor equivalent to a full-time position per step in various packaging processes, especially when compared to a 10-year-old packaging line.

Automated weighing and labelling Solutions
Scanvaegt offers various automated EOL solutions, including weigh-price-labelling (WPL) systems for weighing and labelling retail packages in the initial stages of the packaging department. This system combines two functions: it first weighs the package, then prints and applies a label containing information such as weight, date, batch number, and barcode. If the package falls outside predefined weight tolerances, it is automatically rejected onto a separate belt, preventing the dispatch of incorrectly weighted products and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Hedevang further explains, "This system is the 'Formula 1' model, capable of handling up to 120 items per minute, making it one of the most efficient and reliable systems on the market."

In the subsequent stage, packages are placed into boxes. Once the box is filled, it needs to be sealed, weighed, and labelled. Here, Scanvaegt offers an automated solution with the Automatic Box Weigh Labelling (ABWL) system, which ensures increased flow in the packaging line. "Our ABWL solutions can handle multiple box types simultaneously. Using the product ID code, the system performs a pairing check of the box, ensuring consistency between the products inside, the label data, weight content, and traceability information. Any discrepancies result in automatic rejection of the box," Hedevang adds.

Scalable and cost-effective solutions
Scanvaegt has developed a scalable ABWL concept in collaboration with a major Danish slaughterhouse. This concept is designed to accommodate various box types and sizes on the same conveyor belt, reducing labor costs. Previously, it was necessary to have an employee at each weighing station to manually select the product number; this is no longer required, as the ABWL system automatically scans the product ID code and identifies the product number accordingly.

To ensure stable and efficient operation on the packaging line, Scanvaegt has developed a solution that guarantees only one package per conveyor section. This allows speeds of up to 20-30 boxes per minute while maintaining accurate labelling. The solution also manages potential line stoppages and prevents package accumulation.

Final stage automation
At the final stage of the packaging department, Scanvaegt's system automatically labels pallets with finished boxes using Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) labels on two or three sides, and potentially at different heights. The system can also verify the readability of the barcode on the label, ensuring it can be scanned by customers' barcode scanners.

Integration with ScanPlant NG MES
The common denominator for all these EOL processes is the software that integrates them. Scanvaegt offers an efficient production management tool—ScanPlant NG, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that manages and plans all processes from goods reception to production, packaging, inventory management, and shipping. In the packaging department, ScanPlant is used for tasks such as metal detection, checkweighing, weigh-price labelling, box labelling, and pallet labelling.

"We are one of the few suppliers that cover all production processes. Our software ensures that customers can monitor production development and create transparency in everything from productivity and inventory development to yield and waste in real-time. Data collection is the path to increased profitability," explains Hedevang.

Reducing manual labor and errors
ScanPlant NG can also be operated in the warehouse via handheld terminals and mobile devices, featuring built-in input controls to prevent data entry errors and ensure accurate information. "We have developed an MES system focused on process control and a user-friendly platform where the operator is guided through various checks step by step. The digitalization and data collection capabilities in ScanPlant allow for sorting and comparing data, providing the dairy with a comprehensive overview," Hedevang emphasizes.

Automatic order processing
ScanPlant enables clients to reduce manual work and minimize error sources, such as in automatic order processing. Hedevang notes, "We are experiencing significant interest and growth in sales of our ScanPlant solutions. It is a unique tool that can also benefit small and medium-sized food companies. Even a small business can save labor equivalent to half a full-time position in this area. Therefore, investing in a new EOL system improves profitability and strengthens our clients' competitiveness, which is always under pressure."

Commitment to automation
"The food companies we collaborate with are advanced in automation, including several medium-sized enterprises. They all understand that optimized production enhances their profitability," concludes Hedevang.

Read more