The project started with the launch of the Languiru “Qualidade do início ao Fim” (“Quality from Beginning to End”) dairy products.
Individual codes
The filled aseptic carton packs from SIG Combibloc are printed with individual and unique QR codes at the time of production. In addition, the trays are printed with unique QR codes and the pallets with barcodes.
SIG Combibloc said this ensures operational traceability from the raw product to the point of sale. This means Languiru can prove product quality to consumers in a fast, practical and accessible way.
Through the codes Languiru can locate every packaged product at any point in the supply chain, whether for quality crosscheck or for recalls (if necessary).
When consumers read the QR code, they are automatically directed to the relevant product website.
Response to trends
Ricardo Rodriguez, president and general manager SIG Combibloc Americas, said the launch responds to three trends – connectivity; authenticity and trust; and natural products.
The advantages of this new technology, to be exported to more than 65 countries supplied by SIG, include the fact that it also maintains control and management of production lines. This maximizes the plant’s overall efficiency and cuts operational and investment costs through an information intelligence tool known as Power BI.
The unique QR codes also allow simple and customized promotions, such as those developed for a specific chain of supermarkets or in a specific region.
For such campaigns, SIG has developed a database application for marketing and sales analysis.
QR codes, which are printed with anti-fraud paint, will be available for the following Languiru products: UHT whole milk, skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk, zero lactose and UHT chocolate milk.
Open platform
A proprietary application connected to the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) was developed to track the product in the supply chain. Inside the factory, the information is collected via interfaces with the client’s ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning), data entries, tablets and data collectors.
RFID technology is used to incorporate quality information from the packaging.
The platform developed by SIG is open, enabling connection to equipment from different suppliers. The interfaces are efficient both for capturing information and for performing process data analysis to optimize manufacturing efficiencies and reduce operating and investment costs.
SIG has just completed a 220m Reais ($65.8m) expansion at its plant in Campo Largo, Brazil. It is the fourth such redevelopment of the plant, which has 500 employees.