|
Technology
The rapidly, ever-evolving fields of
electronics and computer technology has created a situation that allows
FoodHorizon to provide an automated data collection and information
management system for smaller food manufacturing businesses that is both
powerful and very cost effective.
The premier technology solution from
FoodHorizon, Sentry9000, provides a complete package for food
manufacturers from farm to fork. However,
this system can be overwhelming to smaller food manufacturers that only
require a limited amount of automation to improve their information
management systems and operational efficiencies.
CENTURION
Centurion
was introduced to provide smaller food
manufacturers as well as food service operators a system that can help
level the playing field.
Centurion is not just software, but is a system that provides the
power of an Internet database, the portability of a handheld computer, and
wireless capability for temperatures using a probe .
In
its most basic form, Centurion eliminates paperwork for HACCP and other
processes specific to each plant. This is accomplished by using
computer forms and storing data to be analyzed and reacted to on an
Internet database based on an off-site server. This data is
available via web sites designated for each client.
Centurion
utilizes the portability of a Bluetooth enabled handheld PDA that has been
enhanced with a rugged case to withstand the environments found in food
processing plants. A
Bluetooth temperature probe completes the wireless data collection that
automates the input of temperatures .
Temperatures are necessary for Receiving, Storing, Processing and Shipping
of products. This provides a
permanent record that does not consist of piles of paper.
|
|
Corrective Actions represent a major portion of the Centurion system.
When a control point is measured and results entered that require
corrective action, a form is automatically generated on the PDA with
instruction for correcting the operation.
In addition, the management team is alerted so that they are aware
that a violation occurred and how it was handled.
Internet
Web Forms
The Designated Web Site for each Centurion client provides an integral part of the Centurion system in putting
together an overall program for production and food safety.
There are four web site forms that include a form for 1)
Scheduling the day’s production, 2) a List of Schedule Jobs for Review
and Closing, 3) a “Dashboard” that shows where a scheduled job
currently exists
in the overall operation, and 4) WebSentry which presents the detailed data
for every control point being monitored.
The
capabilities of Centurion do not stop here.
There are several enhancements that make it even more powerful for the
smaller food processor.
Enhancements
One
of the most critical areas to food manufacturers requiring refrigerated conditions
is to be aware of that temperature at all times. It is necessary during
processing for product control and food safety, storage of ingredients and
products and Murphy's Law requires that a compressor only go out at 3am when
there is no one in the plant.
Cold
Steel is the wireless sensor system from FoodHorizon that allows area surveillance of
coolers, freezers, processing areas and other locations. Temperatures are taken on a
timed schedule and can be reported Real-Time with alerts and alarms to notify
required personnel when temperature limit violations occur. Cold Steel
consists of wireless sensors for gathering temperature data and a DAQ (Data
Acquistion Unit) for collating all the temperatures and putting them into a
viewable format accessible on the WebSentry site. This also provides important data
for refrigeration maintenance personnel in tracking 24-hour demand on compressors.
Barcode
reading and utilization of this data can be used for lot tracking and
inventory control as well as other functions.
RFID
has received a lot of attention as of late. This is not brand spanking new technology, but it is good technology for
defining and providing a trail for ingredients and products.
It works more automatically than barcodes because the RFID
interrogator reads
in an area and does not require a direct scan.
What
data is recorded?
Your
decision It can include description, lot identification, date
received, weight, PO Number and much more.
As
you can see there are many options that make Centurion a perfect tool for
the smaller food manufacturer.
Pre-Op
and Mid-Shift SSOP Inspections
Lot
tracking can be addressed.
Labeling
accuracy can be addressed.
Inventory
control can be addressed.
Centurion
provides the entry for everyone into the current world of automated data
management.
|
