ALcheck with Barcode Scanner

ALcheck is an economical standalone control checking solution, which can be added to any ALTech labelling system, or supplied as a free-standing solution for integration into a 3rd party packaging machine or line process, ensuring that every barcode is readable, the correct barcode symbology and the correct number set at the start of the batch run.

It can be configured with either one or multiple barcode scanners, either acting together (e.g. to find a barcode potentially positioned in an unknown or multiple locations) or on individual triggers; e.g in different machine phases as separate inspection processes, for example comparing the loaded product at the infeed of a cartoning machine with the outer carton it is to be placed into, or front and back labels to ensure a matching pair.

Where multiple scanners are supplied with ALcheck it even remembers which scanner is associated with which recipe, selecting different scanners automatically depending on the product running

ALcheck can be tailored to almost any budget, compatible with both low-cost CCD scan engines and high-perfomance vision based 1D & 2D omni-directional scanners (from leading manufacturers such as SICK and Datalogic), offering a performance of more than 400 inspections per minute where required. It also possible to read barcodes with smart vision cameras, allowing comparison with some other feature of the product (e.g. cap colour, packaging type), see ALcheck with Vision Sensor.

In its simplest form e.g. confirming the presence and correctness of 1D barcode, reading of the code confirms:

• That the barcode is present and readable
• That the barcode matches that set at the start of the batch

And in the case of a 'just applied' label (e.g. a traded unit or outer carton case label)

• That this label has been successfully applied

ALcheck provides a full user access controlled login functionality with vivid and intuitive touchscreen display, the ability to create and store product recipes (which can then be selected from a list or via optional hand scanner), onscreen statistics, and connected machine lockout (unless ALcheck is set and running), with immediate line-stop on error. Optionally, ALcheck can also be offered with downloadable session log reports providing valuable production statistics, automatic product rejection systems and line smart card RFID login.

In recent times, the placement of 2D barcodes, even where there is already a standard barcode on the label or product, has become popular, as the standard EAN code only identifies the product, and does not define the revision of the label or artwork, perhaps containing critical allergen or compliance information that may have changed over time. Where this 2D cannot be placed within the existing artwork, perhaps due to lack of space or a very protective marketing department, many label manufacturers already provide the possibility to print this 2D code on the rear of the label backing paper liner to provide the next best solution.

More recently 'covert /stealth barcodes' printed via UV ink (hidden to the naked human eye) can provide the possibility to add this information without the customer even being aware (of this extra level of security). We can even provide a solution to on-demand print this information (also used to add invisible batch traceability information; see TIJ UV Printing Solutions).