PECM Issue 17 2015 | Page 46

On-Line Vision as an Integrated Part of Factory Floor Information Management at Dairy Crest M achine Vision has come a long way during the last couple of decades and its use within food and drink manufacturing industries is now becoming commonplace. One such application which went especially well for the Harford team, because it was the only valid option to solve a complex set of problems, was the installation of vision on the spread packing lines at Dairy Crest in Kirkby, Liverpool. The following account from Mark Lanfear, Technical Manager at Dairy Crest, Kirkby, highlights some of the benefits of sustaining the highest quality standards through machine vision and integrated information management. Case Study: Harford’s Integrated Vision System Helps Dairy Crest Sustain the Highest Standards “Our Harford Control vision system offers us Quality Assurance on packaging and allows operators to focus on other areas of production knowing it is under control. As suppliers to multiple supermarkets it is not unusual for us to have several promotions in process at various times, for many different outlets, which are often running competing promotions. Because of this we often run similar 46 PECM Issue 17 packaging from stores through production for different supermarkets. Any mistakes in this could damage our customer relationships and even cost us future sales. We also have strict legal requirements on packaging which were amended in 2015 due to FIR Regs. This was pushed through our production comfortably and safely, knowing we had a vision system to ensure we could phase out the old packaging appropriately, minimising waste and downtime by using the vision system to drive change and minimise exposure to risk. However, our Harford vision system doesn’t just ensure legal and commercial parameters are met, but forms an integrated pa rt of our factory floor information management system which, in addition to the security provided by its on-line vision modules, also sets up our date coders, minimises paper recording, analyses line performance such as OEE and materials utilisation whilst maintaining compliance with Average Quantity Law. We rely on the vision system heavily for our packed product quality. Introducing a lid to tub has complications with fit, packaging quality, date print and clean packaging (no spread on tubs). Our Harford Vision System allows us to pick up on Our Harford Control vision system offers us Quality Assurance on packaging and allows operators to focus on other areas of production knowing it is under control. these defects, clear the line, check for future faults, archive the images for Team Leaders to view, be satisfied with how any issues have been handled on the line and also helps to determine root cause to facilitate continuous improvement. All this shows our due diligence in supporting our customers’ We rely on the vision system heavily for our packed product quality. needs and helps ensure we meet these high quality demands, for Leading Brands, every time. We also use the system as a training aid, printing off some failed images to check that operators know what to look for when they are running the line and also the appropriate corrective actions to take in all circumstances, thereby highlighting our overriding commitment to quality, whilst continuously improving our operators’ knowledge surrounding our high standards.” For further information contact Harford Control on +44(0)1225 764461 or [email protected]