Automated identification processes require a new dimension of communication, interdependence and collaboration with the environment, from the individual item to the pallet. An efficient, proven and resilient solution like the one from supply chain technology company Zetes, where all processes are monitored, is essential for this.
It all starts with the premise that a Efficient, modern traceability system with only one automatic data carrier (barcode or data matrix or QR code, RFID chip), which ensures fast and reliable data capture. This carrier, which is mandatory for the product ID, has developed in such a way that it can be used in enriched with relevant information in two key areas This is done by adding contextual production data such as batch number and expiry date for automatic verification of this information at each stage of collection, as well as adding a unique identifier for a specific product reference (commonly referred to as „serialisation“) that allows the unit to be traced.
These developments have already proven themselves in other markets and are regulated in the crop protection sector by the CRISTAL (Communication of Reliable Systems to Agriculture and Logistics) standard. The data matrix code for the identification of crop protection product units was defined by the agrochemical industry in order to Protect products, promote trade and at the same time make the distribution of counterfeits more difficult. The benefits include the digitalisation of production, transparency and monitoring of movements in the supply chain, a guarantee of authenticity and other relevant parameters.
The impact on companies and the measures they must implement to ensure compliance with the standard in their sector are extensive. For the contextual identification, the company must be able to print on data carriers during operation at the time of packaging. This means that the automatic identifier changes from a static to a dynamic state on two levels: the batch level and product level (serialisation) per batch.
„All partners are included “vertically": Operations such as planning, the packaging process, communication with peripheral devices, the execution of tasks and batch reports, their storage in the cloud and, if required, connections to the authorities.
„Horizontally“, packaging must be managed globally at the individual level, and a new dimension of traceability is emerging. For implementation in the crop protection sector Zetes with leading players in the industry. They each have their own Strategies and planning for implementation. The phases are often progressive (first serialisation and then aggregation).
Zetes' pragmatic approach has been developed on the basis of many years of experience and enables the inclusion of an extensive portfolio of standard processes. From data source to execution in a highly automated environment, the aim is to optimise the digitise production in a way that corresponds exactly to the physical movements. In practice, companies are always surprised at how easy it is to use a solution that they had imagined to be very complex.
For companies opting for a serialisation and aggregation solution, a site audit is essential. Such a solution requires many Specialist areas are brought together that correspond to each phase of the process information chainfrom sequencing or cloud-based data storage to the physical presence of the product in the factory.
The choice should be made in favour of a partner who has the relevant expertise to provide optimal support during the implementation process. This includes a detailed analysis and a corresponding report on all the necessary requirements, the chosen architecture and the associated operational changes from user to administrator level.
In aggregation, a single „parent“ identifier (that of the container) can be used to find all „child“ identifiers (those of the content). During the Query and especially for transfers between locations or owners, these links can increase acquisition speeds tenfold. This avoids many repeated read processes at the lowest hierarchy level. If production is aggregated at carton and pallet level, hundreds or even thousands of primary packaging units can be found by simply reading the pallet number. This process is often only recommended. Ultimately, however, its application is almost indispensable in favour of productivity throughout the entire supply chain.
The use of a special execution solution in the context of the „dynamisation“ of identification is unavoidable and requires different capabilities that must be made interoperable. These include: Information Technology (IT) for transactions (exchange with information systems), IT for management and supervision (web), industrial IT (HMI, communication, data formatting and analysis), collaborative and networked automation in real time. The ZetesAtlas solution, for example, covers all of this, including Planning and installation of identification stations.
Faced with the challenge of dynamic identification, many tools, architectures and approaches prove to be obsolete. ZetesAltlas can be used as a mature, flexible and resilient execution solution down to the individual packaging level to ensure an efficient, independent and scalable environment. It is also a component of Zetes' supply chain solution portfolio.
