< Previous20 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netWAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTIONpeak periods and verytime consuming. Withthe increasing volumesof orders, the companywere faced with increasingoverheads to managegrowth. Now, the producer uses the systemextensively throughout its transport cycle. The carrier views thecall-off details on a web platform and contributes additionalinformation such as the trailer plate. After accepting the call-off, the carrier views the loading schedule at the pick-up facilityand books an available time slot. When the truck arrives forpick-up and is finished being loaded, the execution status, forexample ‘At Delivery’ or ‘Shipped’ and records date andtimestamps and changes the delivery dates, if necessary. Assoon as the truck arrives at the destination, the carrier updatesthe status to ‘Delivered’. Documents can be scanned, uploadedand attached to the call-off record and viewed by all shipmentparticipants.Encouragement to logistics partners also meant that the wholechain was linked up and this should be the approach for allwarehouse and distribution specialists, extending an efficientsystem out to others you are in contact with. Joining up multiple sites for abooking schedule that reduceswaiting costs is good news forwarehouse operators.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGESUp tothe minute data isoften demanded by manufacturers as a matter of courseIncreasing operationalefficiency through“on demand”transport managementMiller Brands UK has seen a 50% reduction ininternal processing time for their transportoperations thanks to a web-based transportmanagement system from TranswideThe food and drink industry is experiencing an increase intransport operations. This is driven by structural changes affectingglobal supply chains, including a shift towards fewer, more efficientproduction plants and distribution centres, as well as “just-in-time”delivery.A web-based transport management system like Transwide helpsincrease transport efficiency through real-time collaborationbetween supply chain partners, enhanced planning and optimisationof transportation flows, and powerful settlement and analytics tools.As a result, manufacturers manage to substantially reduce the timeand costs for data processing and communication, the time forloading and unloading trucks, and the amount of empty mileage.At Miller Brands UK, increased volumes created a greaterworkload burden on their already taxed transport planningorganisation. Glenn Burgess, Head of Supply Chain Operation,recalls, “As our volume grew, it became increasingly difficult toefficiently manage all our inbound transport. We had insufficientmanpower and a lack of transparency.”By implementing Transwide, Miller Brands UK was able tostreamline processes and reduce workloads for its transportplanners. Glenn Burgess says, “Our volumes doubled over the lastfour years. Transwide enabled us to manage these higher volumeswithout increasing our department’s headcount.” As the solution isavailable “on demand”, no software installation was necessary.Miller Brands UK has seen a 50% reduction in internal processingtime for their transport operations. Glenn Burgess estimates that theTranswide TMS solution has helped realise savings of £125,000 peryear, and was able to deliver a ROI within two months.Read the full case study at www.transwide.com/case-study/Miller-BrandsPHOTO: JASON ALDEN/ONEREDEYE17-21:Layout 1 24/5/13 13:17 Page 4Food & Drink International 21WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTIONbusiness operations more efficiently andaccurately. The ongoing need to quicklydevelop new and revised products byleveraging industry specific applications iscritical to their success.”One company that has made use ofInfor’s supply chain managementsolutions is AB World Foods. Theirhighly complex supply chain arises fromthe nature of the company’s globallysourced and distributed products, as wellas by the demands of growth andacquisition.In the course of merging the operationsof Patak’s and G Costa, it became clearthat the two businesses ran very differentS&OP processes, which yielded differentservice levels, inventory turns and lead-times. They also supported their S&OPprocesses on different technologyplatforms.AB World Foods’ Gary Brookes says,“As with most FMCG companies, oursupply chain is responsible for the largestspend, and is therefore an area where wecould achieve the most significant costsavings. It could also provide the pivotallink between all functions of the business.Some of the supply chain solutions welooked at were too simple, others tooexpensive. Infor was the best packagefrom a cost and capabilities point ofview.” The overall benefit of the project toAB World Foods is that its sales andoperational planning process nowdelivers much more accurate results,because predictions are now based onreal world data rather than estimates.One forecast now drives the business.Above all, it increases the trust ofconsumers and retailers in thepredictable availability of the company’sbrands worldwide.Gary Brookes says, “Throughout thephased implementation, we have seensome profound benefits. In the case ofinventory planning we have alreadyincreased our service levels from 91% to96%. Recently we have surpassed ourtarget of 98.5%. In addition we havereduced our stockholding of finishedgoods by approximately 20%, a financialsaving of over £2 million.”To learn more about Infor, visitwww.infor.com.Software tomeet thechallengeFor food and drink companies, business is always a race.That’s why a software solution designed specifically for theunique challenges of beverage, dairy, meats and numerousother micro-verticals is an absolute must.Mike Edgett,Director of IndustryMarketing, ProcessManufacturingThe newInfor 10x is the mostwide-ranging, userfriendly suite ever builtfor the processsectorwww.fdiforum.netWith over 1500 food and drinkcustomers worldwide – including Dr,Pepper/Snapple, Rynkeby Foods, TerBeke, Idahoan, Kemin, HJ Heinz, BetterBaked Foods and Brewster Dairy – Inforunderstands the unique demands thesecompanies face and provides provenindustry specific functionality within itscomprehensive suite of applications. Thisin turn provides a process-centric solutionthat improves efficiency andresponsiveness by addressing specificvariables and industry requirements,including shelf life, aging, catch weight,tank scheduling, regulatory compliance,lot tracking, and formula optimisation.The new Infor 10x is the most wide-ranging, user friendly suite ever built forthe process sector. Mike Edgett, Directorof Industry Marketing, ProcessManufacturing says, “Food and beveragemanufacturing companies are under moreintense pressure than ever to perform17-21:Layout 1 24/5/13 13:17 Page 522:Layout 1 24/5/13 08:58 Page 1Food & Drink International 23www.fdiforum.netSOFTWARE SPOTLIGHTThe increasing diversity of products andproduct packaging has made a big impacton the technology used in food productionin recent years. It’s hard to see howcompanies could function correctly withoutsoftware packages at the many differentstages of production and distribution. Thereal challenge though, is to work out whatsystems are the most suitable for any givencompany.It’s now easier than ever for companiesto make use of bespoke software that canbe fully integrated into the productionprocess, rather than have to change yourways of working to incorporate an off-the-shelf option. The added advantage is theexceptional traceability, which is ofparticular importance as the supply chain isextended.ERP solutions are now commonplacethroughout the industry – and that’s notsurprising given how effectively they havechanged the way in which companies canwork. The presence of real timeinformation means downtime is drasticallyreduced, with a perpetual inventory –which is accurate – replacing therequirement for regular stock takes. Thesolutions ensure confidence in the accuracyof the information the companies provideto all parts of their supply chain, and allparts of the company. Solutions providerssuch as Epicor also bolster the ERP solutionwith fully integrated WMS capabilities aswell – bringing all logistics and supply chainmanagement solutions in one system thatcan be tailored to specific requirements.Of course, any software system is only asgood as the information that is put into itand the latest systems bear that in mindwith a host of valuable features. TheLocateIT RF process from ClydebuiltSolutions is one example, streamlining theGoods In process of their existing WMSoptions. When products arrive, hand heldRF guns are used to scan the palletsreceived, confirming the load, bringing the24 Behind the networkIncreasingly intuitive and effective software solutions are adding additional strength tothe supply chainCognex softwareincluding visionsystems, sensors andID readers providessolutions for a hugerange of applicationpossibilities in thepackaging industryIntegrated softwaresystems such as thoseprovided by Stevensprovide fabuloustraceability throughoutthe supply chain23-27:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:57 Page 1SOFTWARE SPOTLIGHT24 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netControl SystemsX-RayProduct & OCMLabellingPrintersThermal TransferTop or SideBox LabellingWeigh-Price-Labellersincluding C-Wrap applicaonscan using your smart phone or go to www.bizerba.comCheckweighersCWE for moist area’s, CWE-Dry for packed dry products and CWP Neptune for wet area’s01908 682740 info@bizerba.co.uk www.bizerba.comBizerba UK Limited, 2-4 Erica Road, Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, MK12 6HSpallets into the system and making the contents instantly visible andavailable, with the correct data already attached. If there’s acontradiction between the goods that have been received and thosethat were expected, that can be flagged up immediately, avoidingpotential problems later on in the process.The sharing of information is clearly the major driver towards theintroduction of software solutions. At its simplest, the introductionof QR codes have made a difference in this regard. Introducingthese on packaging allows for far more information than can ever befitted onto a label, so consumers can scan the QR code on thepackaging and obtain additional information about the product –such as where exactly the meat has come from. Some manufacturersare even showing customers the production facilities usingwebcams. At a time when the provenance of meat products inparticular is of particular importance to consumers, this adds anextra level of reassurance.Yet the system also has benefits throughout the supply chain.Producers can save master and production data on a central SQLserver and, from there, send it to the data providers over the internetin an encrypted format. Simultaneously, price labelling systems printdynamic QR codes referring to these data records on labels.This is a system offered by Bizerba and Dieter Conzelmann, theirDirector of Industry Solutions, says, “Increasing numbers of usersare currently asking for the so-called unique QR code, which assignsa unique ID to every package and thereby makes product piracymore difficult. Bizerba price labelling systems, such as the new GLM-Ievo, are already capable from a technical perspective of overcomingThe increased speed andcomplexity of the supply chainhas been countered withincreasingly effective softwareIntroducing QR codeson packaging allows for far moreinformation than can ever be fitted onto alabel ,so consumers can scan the QR codeon the packaging and obtain additionalinformation about the product23-27:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:57 Page 2SOFTWARE SPOTLIGHTFood & Drink International 25www.fdiforum.netthis next hurdle posed by the evolving QR code.”The new breed of software specialises inproviding information to all who want it in anappropriate and user-friendly fashion. Oneexample of this is practice is at Sauces etCréations, which has introduced new software asthe company has expanded from sevenemployees to thirty – and hence a continualrequirement for all to be aware of theirobligations. Stevens has provided two weighingsystems with thermic label printer completed bystock control, to ensure total control andvisibility of their activity at any time, and makesure they are working according to their recipespecifications and requirements.From the goods in, the Stock Control solutionrecords the supplier, their lot number, the internallot number, Use By date, quantity and all requiredHAACAP information in a user-friendly fashionon a PC or touchscreen in a wet area. Sauces etCréations’ Quality Manager says, “I especiallyappreciate the opportunity to check informationat any time, put a stock lot in quarantine andadjust a quantity. I can access all the informationvery easily and precisely in only a few seconds.”With the twinscale, the cooker can weigh onthe major platform any weight over 300g andsensitive or high price ingredients are weighedon the 0.5g increment minor platform. Thebenefit for traceability and efficiency is that theoperator has to weigh each ingredient into pre-defined tolerances and also fill in the lot number,meaning ingredients can’t be forgotten, and theproduct is neither over- or underweight. Thiscreates savings in time and money on rawmaterials usage, as well as full traceability.The other advantage of a system like this isthat errors or flashpoints can be spotted andtransmitted to those who need to know as soonas possible. Systems such as that fromAutoCoding Systems can help, and the companyhas also recently started a strategic partnershipwith Shoplogix who specialise in performancemanagement solutions. The Shoplogix solutionenables companies to identify and evaluatewhere problems, performance limitations andconstraints exist within their processing andpackaging applications by capturing real-timemanufacturing data. This is then visualised todisplay accurate machine performanceinformation, and the objective measurements canoptimise a continuous improvement initiative.Many food and drink companies nowoccasionally bypass some aspects of the supplychain and sell their products to the consumerdirectly online – which is especially the casewhen it comes to artisan or unique products.The foodservice sector and wholesalers also nowhave the flexibility and equipment to carry outtransactions in a convenient fashion – allowingthem to place orders outside of office hours, forexample. This means that many are now lookingtowards e-commerce solutions to provide moreeffective relationships with their consumers.ECi, with their EasyOrder system, provideopportunities in this manner – such as theDutch brewer Bavaria, who have made use ofthis thanks to its ability to functionindependently of, but integrate seamlessly with,existing company software.One benefit of this system for consumers andmanufacturers alike is that ordering has becomeeasier because an order proposal is created forall clients, based on the average orders of recentweeks. This rewards consumers for continualpurchase and can include special promotions toincrease consumer loyalty, while they don’t haveto spend time creating new orders from scratcheach time.The use of software has been so ingrained inthe production process over the last few yearsthat it’s sometimes hard to imagine how someparts of the industry coped without it. The nextstage is for this software to become even moreintuitive, explicit and effective – creating aneven more efficient supply chain.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COMBIKERIDERLONDONAccuracyConfidenceProfitabilityPeace of mindLooking for ways to remaincompetitive in today’sdemanding market?We have the solution.YOUR inventory in OUR handsHead Office: 6 Orr Square, Paisley, PA1 2DL Tel: + 44 141 847 1920 Fax: + 44 141 889 7962www.clydebuiltsolutions.com23-27:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:57 Page 326 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netSOFTWARE SPOTLIGHTPACKAGING AUTOMATIONAutoCoding Systemsoffers Automated OEEreporting solution withShoplogixFollowing the recent announcement of the strategic partnershipwith Shoplogix, AutoCoding Systems now offers an automated OEEreporting solution to assist factories to increase productivity. Experienced systems integrator, AutoCoding Systems, has over tenyears’ experience in the FMCG sector offering automation solutionsacross packaging line operations. Their products comprise a provenrange of modular applications, from entry level coding and packagingintegrity solutions through to complete set-up and control of allpackaging line devices, such as coders, barcode scanners, labellers,metal detectors, checkweighers and vision solutions. The Shoplogixsolution, facilitating the visualisation of manufacturing KPI data, canbe used as a standalone performance monitoring tool, or integratedinto AutoCoding for automatic capture of fault codes, line stops etc.By utilising this solution, companies will be able to identify andevaluate where problems, performance limitations and constraintsexist within their processing and packaging applications. Thesolution concentrates on capturing real-time manufacturing datawhich is then visualised, via a suite of highly professional reports, todisplay accurate machine performance information. All equipmentspeeds, downtime and reason codes can be captured, without theneed for additional personnel. The data is available for reporting inreal-time and can then be archived electronically. The reports areaccessible to view at any time via a network or internet connecteddevice, such as PC, tablet or smartphone. AutoCoding Systems recognises that precise and timelyinformation is the first step in achieving a competitive advantageand the Shoplogix solution provides the objective measurementsrequired to optimise any continuous improvement initiative. Theresulting information assists in reducing operating costs and,ultimately, delivers increases in manufacturing profitability.Tel: 01928 790444Email: janetharrison@autocodingsystems.comwww.autocodingsystems.comECOMMERCE/ORDER MANAGEMENTSupportingbusiness acrossthe industryConsolidating cost and improving efficiency is key inany organisation that has many routes to market.Ensuring a reliable process flow from distribution out to the B2Bclient requires skilled and timely order management that is able totake into account various business rules that may affect processflow and takes away the need for human intervention.Musgrave Wholesale foods, winners of the 2012 Clipper LogisticsSupply Chain Technology of the Year Award (Hermes Retail WeekSupply Chain Awards), adopted Easy order last year, havingidentified the requirement for an order management solution intheir business to improve their service and delivery to their clients.In the 12 months following they have successfully deployed it across1000+ Londis stores. A contributing factor for its success isbecause EasyOrder integrates with handheld scanners so at storelevel, the processing of stock replenishment on the shelves is a veryquick and easy process.ECi supports businesses in the Food Service and Hospitalityindustry across Europe including distributors and multiple retailers.In excess of 1.3 million users in more than 22 countries enjoy thebenefits of EasyOrder every day. Other Companies in Foodinclude, Bavaria Beer, Hanos, Van Gelder, Spar and Foox A standard solution like EasyOrder is the cheapest, most reliableand most effective way to implement an online order system. Find out more by calling +44 (0)333 123 0333 or visit www.EasyOrder.eu23-27:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:57 Page 4Food & Drink International 27www.fdiforum.netSOFTWARE SPOTLIGHTComplete control Tropos manages the completeproduction process from quote todispatch, marshalling and trackingmaterials to match production anddemand. Complete with touch screenshop-floor data collection and supplychain integration, Tropos will bringunprecedented levels of control andefficiency to your operations.If you need to increase or decrease yourproduction levels, Tropos manages theprocess all at the touch of a button,ensuring you are in total control of youroperations. Robust traceability Required by regulators, customers andsuppliers, traceability is essential toprocess manufacturing. Tropos gives youunrivalled access to each and every stepensuring you are fully covered should anaudit or potentially damaging productrecall be required. If you ever have an inquiry about batchquality, Epicor can give you instant accessto all the information you’ll ever need, aservice that comes as standard. Thesystem helps you pinpoint the origin ofeach ingredient in your process, keepingyou ahead of regulatory requirements,easing risk and limiting the negativeimpact to your bottom line.Tropos will provide reassurances to yourcustomers that they are in safe hands. Thetraceability functionality has helpedexisting customers win new accounts andit can do the same for your business. Driving business efficiencies Tropos delivers savings for businessesacross a range of industries and is ideallysuited to demand-pull or leanmanufacturing environments. Whetherit’s smarter inventory control, accuratedelivery scheduling or flexible technology,Tropos can help drive your business to bemore efficient and reduce costs.Tropos is based on a pure processmodel aimed at driving efficiencies andimproving margins. It has been developedusing our expert understanding of thevariable nature of yields and productquality. Eliminating ingredient andproduct wastage can make that differenceas to whether your bottom line is a plus ora minus – Tropos will help your businessto ensure it’s a positive result.Specialist business solutions With its industry extensions, Troposwill blend seamlessly with your existingprocedures. Already in use in companiesacross sectors including food andbeverage, pharmaceuticals and textiles,Tropos will streamline your operationsand improve performance.Tropos is from Epicor SoftwareCorporation, a global leader deliveringbusiness software solutions to themanufacturing, distribution, retail, andservices industries. With more than fortyyears of experience, Epicor has more than20,000 customers in over 150 countries.Epicor solutions enable companies todrive increased efficiency and improveprofitability. With a history of innovation,industry expertise, and passion forexcellence, Epicor inspires customers tobuild lasting competitive advantage.Epicor provides the single point ofaccountability that local, regional andglobal businesses demand. ERPEpicor Tropos ERP– ERP for Process Manufacturing Offering unrivalled recipe-based production, materials traceability and regulatory complianceFor more information,call 01344 468468, email ukmarketing@epicor.com orvisit www.epicor.com/uk.23-27:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:57 Page 528 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netINVALUABLE ADVICE FROM INDUSTRY SPECIALISTSMEET THE EXPERTOur areas of activity are as follows:•Pick and place robotics for palletising or tray packing •Robotic palletisers – fixed and moving on a track•Gantry type palletisers •Layer palletisers – high and low level infeed for cases or sacks •Pallet stretch hood and shrink systems •Pallet stretch wrappers – semi and fully automatic •Rotary turntable, rotary arm and rotating ring types •Integrated product and pallet handling conveyor systems • Case packing either standard American or wraparound type •Collation shrink/tray packing machines • Project Management•Spares and service to UK customers •Maintenance contractsIf you have a requirement for a stand alonemachine, or a complete system, we would bevery pleased to discuss our range with you.Please contact us on, Tel: 0845 265 7570, email: info@phs-uk.com www.phs-uk.comPHOENIX HANDLING SOLUTIONS(PHS)Courtesy of Ishida EuropeFoundation Degree and BSc (Honours) in Food ManufactureFlexible, part-time courses by day release or distance learning,with options in: •Operations Managementfor Manufacturing and ProcessingManagers who require expert knowledge of food factoryprocessing, automation and manufacturing management. •Quality Assurance & Technical Managementfor thoseworking in Technical, Quality and NPD Functions. Whilst involvingin-depth study of food manufacturing and related science /technologies, this option provides additional insight into thepractices and systems which help ensure business control offood safety, quality and legality.Enhance your Career and Management PotentialThe National Centre for Food ManufacturingUniversity of Lincoln, Holbeach Campus, Park Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PTContact: 01406 493000 or email: ncfm@lincoln.ac.uk www.lincoln.ac.uk/ncfm28-29:Layout 1 24/5/13 10:48 Page 1Food & Drink International 29www.fdiforum.netPhoenix Handling Solutionsintroduce the Tosa 125e stretch wrapping solutionThe Tosa 125E ring machine is very versatile, being capable of spiral wrapping varying pallet loads at random and if required placing atop sheet and corner posts if required. The machine is extremely robust and reliable using the latest components. The machine has twosupports and is very simple to install and commission.The machine can handle up to 170 loads per hour with two film carriages, and the automatic film changing system is very simple forthe operator to load a new reel while the machine is operating, as the shuttle with the new reel is outside the guarded area.When corner protection is required, the machine can place them at random according to the customer’s order request, providingpallet tracking is included. The corners can be selected from a magazine which can hold up to seven different types or sizes of cornerboard.Phoenix Handling Solutions are Tosa’s sole UK agent, with more than fifty years’ experience in end of line packaging systems.For more information, call 0845 265 7570, email info@phs-uk.com or visit www.phs-uk.com.TwistDxintroduces a revolution in DNA and RNA detectionTwistDx introduces Recombinase Polymerase Amplification, a revolution in DNA and RNA detection. RPA replaces PCR with a rapidisothermal enzymatic process and is positioned to become the DNA-based diagnostic platform of the future. RPA products can be detectedin real-time using fluorescent probes or by end-point methods such as lateral flow strips or gel electrophoresis. The recent horsemeat scandal has highlighted the importance of food safety and food fraud and species authentication, not only for thecatering industry but also for consumers. RPA has several benefits, which would make it the ideal technology for future food testing DNAdiagnostics kits.Key features of RPA include its ability to work in multiple food matrices, a wide range of detection formats and capabilities and rapidanalysis of genetically modified organisms. A twenty minute assay time offers positive results in ten minutes and species authentication inunder twenty minutes. For foodborne pathogens, assay sensitivity keeps enrichment time short.Coming up in 2013, TwistAmp exo +ListeriaM, TwistAmp exo +Campylobacter, TwistFlow Red Snapper and other speciesauthentication kits. What can RPA do for you? Find out at www.twistdx.co.uk.University of LincolnUnlock your potential by studying for a Foundation Degree or BSc (Hons) in Food Manufacturing withthe National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) at the University of Lincoln.NCFM recognises that the food sector doesn’t slow down for anyone, which is why its undergraduate degree courses in FoodManufacture are designed to be studied on a flexible, part-time basis, by day release or by distance learning. This gives you the option toselect a study route that best matches your work commitments, your career aspirations and helps you add value to your organisation. With options in Operations Management or Quality Assurance and Technical Management, it takes 2.5 years to achieve a FoundationDegree in Food Manufacturing, whilst the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Manufacturing takes approximately 4.5 years.The University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacture works closely with food sector employers and leading suppliers ofprocessing and packaging automation to provide expert food industry know-how, specialist education and access to cutting edgetechnologies. Alongside the development of specialist industry role related skills, our degrees provide extensive knowledge of the science andtechnologies underpinning the food manufacturing sector.For further information, call 01406 493000, email ncfm@lincoln.ac.uk or log on to www.lincoln.ac.uk/ncfm28-29:Layout 1 24/5/13 10:48 Page 2Next >