SubscribeMore frequent product changes and increased pack variants require revision of practices in barcode validation and verification, to guarantee seamless product transfer through the international supply chain.
Attention is focused again on barcode quality, particularly on Traded Units.
Cobalt IS, a GS1 Accredited Solution Provider, are showing the latest approach to implementing barcoding best practice in high speed production environments at PPMA06. Combining quality monitoring with barcode validation ensures the first incidence of deviation is highlighted and responded to. Designed to keep production uptime to a maximum, this approach enables planned rectification at natural breaks in the product flow.
Cobalt IS Print and Apply solutions now include barcode verification to ANSI equivalent standards during printing with validation after application. The Cobalt Sentinel calculates barcode quality and displays an ANSI equivalent grade in graphical format, so the operator can detect any early signs of degradation and correct before they become severe. Additional validation ensures the barcode can has been applied to the product effectively.
Offline barcode verification to ISO standards is based on intermittent sampling , which can indicate, too late, that barcoding is below the acceptable minimum, resulting in recovery and rework. When production is at peak, and QA are overloaded, delays are introduced which exacerbate the problem.
The Cobalt Sentinel offers features over & above barcode checking and inspection available in standard scanning alternatives. Applying additional interpretive logic, the Cobalt Sentinel simulates full off-line verification to result in an 'ANSI equivalent' grading of A-D or Fail. Degradation of quality is identified graphically from its earliest stages. Line operatives are fully aware of the severity of the degradation, and are able to make informed decisions on the corrective action required to continually achieve the highest quality ratings.
The Cobalt Sentinel maintains full counts and audit logs of barcode quality by event, with evidence of corrective action taken, including reasons codes.
It is the manufacturers' responsibility to ensure that barcode formats satisfy the requirements of International ANSI Standard ISO 15426-1, and are compliant with the GS1UK Coding System. Minimum acceptable ANSI gradings are prescribed, to ensure that the supply chain is focused on the effective flow of goods. Preventing incorrect or poor quality barcodes from entering the supply chain eliminates fines, rejects and rework for suppliers.
The current developments towards GDSN and a UK Datapool, with shared and common item identification, are opening the way to a more co-operative trading environment. Tesco, Walmart and Makro are actively encouraging their suppliers to engage in the process, which is founded on improved product identification.