Workflow
Ishida Data Capture System improves production reporting procedures
Wednesday 14. January 2009 - Ishida has developed a data capture system that records data from every pack weighed by up to 100 checkweighers into a single secure database, providing a rich source of valuable production data.
The Ishida Data Capture System (IDCS) is a user-friendly, secure system that offers an extensive range of reporting options to enable production managers to employ state-of-the-art monitoring for legislative compliance whilst also identifying cost saving opportunities, minimising product giveaway and improving production efficiencies.
The system is compatible across all Ishida DACS checkweigher models. As well as allowing remote control and set up of the checkweighers, an extensive range of reporting options is available. Data can be analysed by batch, shift, operator, product or machine, and reports fully customised to include, for example, production histograms, downtime, checkweigher OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency) and daily reports.
The information generated can be used to monitor and analyse all types of pack data such as product giveaway and film wastage, enabling corrective actions to be identified and cost savings implemented. Data is accessed either on-site or remotely using secure Ethernet connections, the only software required to interrogate the server-based database being a standard web browser.
To ensure that data from every pack is recorded, if access to the central server is lost, a DACS Checkweigher based memory enables data from approximately 45 million packs to be stored locally. Once server connection is re-established, this buffered data is automatically added to the central database.
The optional feedback control feature provides the ability to increase or decrease the fill from upstream volumetric and auger fillers, providing additional cost saving through reduced giveaway.
“In todays modern production environment, manufacturers need to reconcile the need for full reporting to meet legal obligations with the pressures of operating to maximum efficiency,” explains Paul Griffin, Ishida Europes Marketing Director.
“IDCS has been developed to meet both these challenges and importantly the software can be tailored to individual customer requirements. A further advantage is that it can enable companies to operate in a paperless environment while still complying with the law.”