LOMA Systems is helping food manufacturers reduce manufacturing costs and improve production efficiencies with the launch of a new graphical Ethernet PC-based software tool designed to monitor the performance of its CW3 Checkweighers and IQ3 Metal Detectors.
TRACS (Trending-Reporting-Analysis-Capture-Software) provides real time feedback across all lines in a central format, allowing operators to analyse different trends between shifts or products and quickly identify and address inefficiencies rather than waiting for historical information.
Developed in conjunction with AutoCoding Systems, Loma’s TRACS software enables information relating to contaminant detection rates, weight and overfill records to be compiled quickly to demonstrate compliance with current legislation.
The availability of real-time data from Loma Checkweighers is of particular value in recording and tracking the cost of product giveaway per line. Operators are able to adjust production processes quickly; so ensuring product giveaway is kept to a minimum and unit weight targets are achieved. This benefits food manufacturers’ cost centres and ensures compliance with the latest weights and measures legislation at the lowest weight possible.
TRACS gathers live data from IQ3+ Metal Detector heads and conveyors, CW3 Checkweighers and CW3 Combination Checkweighers and Metal Detectors. Live and historic batch cards hold key compliance data summaries for these units. At pre-specified intervals, TRACS polls the equipment and collects data which is stored on a secure server. Operators can view the TRACS reports via the plant intranet using their web browser.
Tony Bryant, Loma’s UK Sales Manager said, “We formed an exclusive partnership with AutoCoding Systems in 2013 with the purpose of developing a real-time data analysis tool for improved operational control, efficiency and easy compliance reporting. By joining forces, we have extended our capabilities in data capture to offer customers a remote reporting solution based on the latest software technologies, which can be installed on any production line and has the advantage of ongoing specialist technical support.
“TRACS uses simple visuals and offers accessible information, clarity of reporting and real-time availability. It can help increase staff engagement in continuous improvement and allows trend analysis of key measurements, such as giveaway and production throughput, between shifts or products.”
Mike Hughes, AutoCoding Systems’ Managing Director added, “There are excellent synergies between our two companies. AutoCoding Systems enables the set-up of all Loma checkweighers and metal detectors, together with the control of the data associated with the devices. As a result, we were already familiar with communicating remotely to various Loma models.
“By repurposing the equipment data in accordance with Loma requirements, we have been able to develop the Loma TRACS reporting tool. Both AutoCoding Systems and Loma have a strong presence within our target markets so we see mutual opportunities for cross-marketing.”
