The NexusPCM package code management software system from Visy Technology Systems has been designed to provide an error-free, totally secure, integrated labeling and coding environment for packaging lines.
NexusPCM integrates with manufacturing and warehousing software thus providing management control of the labeling and coding process.
In many ways NexusPCM is the equivalent of HACCP programs for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Mislabelling and coding can have serious consequences.
Events in the food industry have occurred such as the distribution of chocolate ice cream in cartons marked as such but actually containing a different ice cream.
The NexusPCM package code management software system can virtually eliminate errors such as mismatched packages and labels, missing or incorrect product codes, mixed printed labels, etc, as well as mixed pallets and mixed cases.
In other words, NexusPCM operates at the primary (individual product), secondary (carton) and tertiary (palletising) levels.
An outstanding feature of NexusPCM is that it can operate as a stand-alone manufacturing application or can be a part of an enterprise-wide system as it is designed to interact with high level manufacturing control programs including SAP, JDE and MFG/PRO as well as databases such as Oracle, SQL, etc.
NexusPCM thus provides a realistic total cost of ownership in that the cost of rejects due to mislabelling or coding is virtually eliminated and as importantly that potential recalls are avoided.
The NexusPCM software system operates across centrally administered Ethernet networks, for example, an administration and control system connecting to a production network with links to ink jet coders, inspection cameras, RFID hardware, barcode labellers and verifiers.
The suite of core NexusPCM software modules includes a device configuration module, a supervisory and administration module, a production floor module, an advanced logging and reporting module, and data base links for SQL, Oracle and others.
Production data at the final point of packaging is collected, logged and transferred to enterprise-wide manufacturing control and warehouse management systems.
The NexusPCM philosophy provides for absolute assurance of label and product code integrity.
As an example, a label that has been defectively printed will be picked up by the integrated inspection camera.
The combination of an inspection camera and its incorporation in the supervisory and administration software will not only prevent this type of error from happening but will also pick up erroneously positioned labels.
Furthermore downstream carton printers are synchronised with the primary product marking printers. The process is completed by the integration of pallet label printers.
Through the use of barcode scanners it is possible to identify randomly presented pallets, and to label them correctly.
NexusPCM links with communication-capable devices such as inkjet, laser, thermal transfer printers, etc.
The software manages appropriate print format templates, logos, as well as data to printers in the packaging lines.
A service manager module provides device service requirement alerts, detailed service records and TCO analysis.
Visy Technology Systems is continuing the further development of its NexusPCM package code management system and as a GS1 Strategic Alliance Partner is committed to providing the highest level of labelling and carton marking technology for Australian industry