RFID technology allows you to control various stages of production. Various accessories/fixtures for confectionery production can be equipped with RFID data carriers for control and monitoring. Reading the data allows you to trace the path of the product from production to the warehouse.
The RFID system guarantees not only product monitoring but also process optimization; it also allows for the monitoring and optimization of production statistics. The information is transmitted to the line operator’s server, which can store the relevant production cycle data. Thanks to RFID systems, each machine receives information that can be used to improve both line productivity and production quality.
The RFID system is also very useful in logistics, as it allows you to track the path taken by the carrier on which it is applied within the production facility. The company has access to a series of data for line monitoring, quality management, and hygiene requirements. It can, for example, check whether a cleaning cycle has been performed correctly. RFID technology notifies the operator of anomalies against a predefined standard.
Verification technologies
Modern technologies can guarantee confectionery companies the highest quality in terms of coding and labeling, inspection and control, and marking that is best suited to different products, production lines, media, etc. These include industrial inkjet markers and heat transfer printers for food, coding systems, X-ray inspection systems or metal detectors for foreign object detection. End-of-line inspections can be fully automated.
With automation systems, you can count the number of pieces produced, read barcodes, sort products by color, and remove and discard those that don’t match. There are many vision systems that meet the different needs of confectionery companies. There are quality control, food identification and tracking systems that can be installed even on high-speed production lines, guaranteeing efficiency and accuracy.
The Data Matrix system, for example, is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbol on a square or rectangular grid. Its data capacity is larger than that of a linear or one-dimensional barcode, although it takes up less space, so a 6 mm x 6 mm Data Matrix can hold up to 50 characters. In addition, Data Matrix characters with up to 20% damage remain legible without data loss.
It can be applied directly to the packaging. OCR (optical character recognition) technology, on the other hand, enables optical recognition of characters such as expiration dates and batch numbers, tracking of serial numbers, and verification of thermal transfer printing. RFID technology can also be used at the end of the line to track individual food to ensure its authenticity.
Confectionery businesses can use thermal imagers to check package seals, verify container fillings, or measure the temperature of equipment, chilled, cooked, pasteurized foods, etc. without direct contact. Thermal imaging cameras can also be used by confectioneries to monitor temperature uniformity along the entire length of conveyor belts in ovens. The installation and use of thermal imagers is simple. In addition, they are compact and can be installed anywhere.