Olmec-UK installs code reading system at healthcare firm

Published: 10-Nov-2011

Verifies codes on packs at 1,200 cartons/min

Olmec-UK, a vision systems integrator in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and food sectors, has successfully implemented a custom designed high speed in-line code reading system to meet the track and trace code reading requirements for CIP13, which is now mandatory in France.

The system, fully integrated into the control system at a leading unnamed healthcare manufacturer, provides 100% reading and verification of codes on cartons and is capable of read rates up to 1,200 cartons/min.

Since 1 January all pharmaceutical products distributed in France are required to conform to French CIP13. This means they must include an ECC200 data matrix barcode that incorporates the CIP13 code, a batch number, expiration date and human readable text.

The vision system designed by Olmec, which is headquartered in Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire, reads the 2D code and text printed on the carton as it leaves the cartoning machine. The code is also verified according to 7 parameters of ISO 15415. Cartons are automatically rejected if the 2D code is unreadable or missing, or if the text is missing or incorrect.

The system provides batch reporting including statistics on the number of cartons manufactured and the quantity rejected. In addition, individual carton print codes can be checked and the data printed.

Olmec undertook a detailed analysis of the existing control system functions at the healthcare manufacturer, including triggering and reject reconciliation as well as the failure mode of all sensors to ensure a seamless integration of the code reading system.

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