(This is part threein a three-part series on integrating packaging machinery with track and trace serialization systems to meet the 2017 pharmaceutical mandates. Part one is here. Part two is here.)
TRACK & TRACE PALLET CELLS
Robotic palletizers also integrate easily with track and trace systems. Prior to palletizing, labeled cases are verified at the case infeed conveyor. The system either presents the label to the barcode reader or a barcode reader positioned on the conveyor can read the label before the case is picked. In either scenario, incorrect cases can be rejected for rework. Robots can also be programmed to position the case label so that it can be seen and scanned at pallet’s final location.
Barcode Scanners at a Palletizer Infeed
Robotic palletizers can be integrated directly with track and trace case packers to create a complete end-to-end system. High speed case packers integrated with stand-alone robotic pallet cells can handle up to 20-25 cases per minute using two robots, one to case pack and one to palletize. Track and trace packaging lines requiring lower speeds, between 5-6 cases per minute, can incorporate case packing and palletizing with a single robot to create a very compact track and trace packaging solution. Labelers and scanners are also integrated with robotic palletizers. Fully loaded pallets are also labeled using RFID tags, bar codes or readable codes to fully verify the contents of the pallet.
Single Cell Robotic Palletizer with Integrated Serialization System
By integrating OEM serialization systems with packaging machinery, pharmaceutical manufacturers can secure their supply line from counterfeiting and meet current and future pedigree requirements. The investment in integrated equipment provides a streamlined process that can be easily reconfigured for future applications.
Dual Cell Robotic Palletizer with Integrated Serialization System