Plan Automation Technology Blog

End-to-End Process Improvements: A Meat Experts Point of View

Posted by PLAN Automation Blog on Fri, Nov 15, 2019 @ 10:11 AM

To reach their targets – including product specification as well as budgets and profits  – meat operations are utilizing advanced x-ray technologies that inspect for contaminants in the earliest stages of production and determine if products regularly meet specifications. Such systems also solve problems by helping identify the reasons for rejections and inconsistencies and providing feedback for improvements.

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Topics: Product Safety, X-Ray Inspection, Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Product Inspection, X Ray Inspection of Meat

2020 Vision: Four Packaging Trends That Will Affect Manufacturing Processes

Posted by PLAN Automation Blog on Fri, Nov 8, 2019 @ 13:11 PM

Consumers are driving changes in packaging, whether based on their interest in more sustainable options, demand for different sizes and formats to fit their needs or other reasons. Looking ahead, one can expect additional disruptions in traditional product development and packaging, which will impact all facets of production, including the inspection of items for safety and quality purposes. Advanced x-ray systems are keeping up with, and in some cases ahead of such changes, with features reflecting current market trends and future directions. 

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Topics: Packaging Automation, Product Safety, X-Ray Inspection, Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Product Inspection

Improve Overall Food Quality Management with Advanced X-ray Inspection Technologies

Posted by PLAN Automation Blog on Fri, Nov 8, 2019 @ 13:11 PM

Food quality management is a customer-driven system that encompasses food quality assurance and food quality control, among other elements. Manufacturers use quality management systems in the food industry to provide products that are as free as possible from flaws, to meet rigorous standards required by regulations, their own objectives, and that are made efficiently and consistently. Advanced x-ray inspection technologies are tools that can be utilized for both quality control and quality assurance purposes, to different ends but for the shared food quality management goals of producing goods to satisfy end user demands and protect a company’s brand. 

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Topics: Product Safety, X-Ray Inspection, Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Product Inspection

PLAN Automation Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Posted by PLAN Automation Blog on Mon, Sep 16, 2019 @ 20:09 PM

2019 marks the 10th Anniversary for PLAN Automation as the most progressive and customer-driven automation distribution organization in Canada. As Canada's only national source for quality packaging automation solutions, PLAN Automation can provide customers with all the equipment needed for their automation projects through our base of extensive and market-proven supplier resources. With offices located all across Canada, our veteran team of Technical Sales professionals have been providing quality, cost effective and service-based automation solutions that transform modern manufacturing operations. Product inspection, general automation, and complete turnkey line-integration services are all available from PLAN Automation and Banding Systems Canada.

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Topics: Plan Automation Awards

X-ray 101: How it works, and how it can improve food safety and increase product quality

Posted by Mat Bedard on Tue, Aug 6, 2019 @ 16:08 PM

Food manufacturers across the globe have been relying on x-ray technology since the early 1990s to protect consumers, reduce the risk of product recalls and safeguard their brands. But what exactly is x-ray inspection and how does it work?

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Topics: X-Ray Inspection, X Ray Inspection for Food, Product Inspection, Eagle Pi, emergency x ray systems, X-Ray Solutions

Covering the Points: How X-Ray Systems Provide Solutions for Compliance

Posted by Abigail Horner on Tue, Jul 23, 2019 @ 08:07 AM

Staying up to speed on the latest food safety and quality standards is important, even if sometimes complex and time-consuming. As they work to stay compliant with global and domestic standards, manufacturers can take advantage of the many benefits of inspection technologies to enhance and optimize their production process while preventing potential hazards and assuring quality and consistency. These technologies may prove as the difference between compliance and incompliance, or simply the difference between producing a safe product or a dangerous hazard for public consumption.

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Topics: X-Ray Inspection, Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Product Inspection, Compliance, X-Ray Solutions

8 Benefits of Using an Automatic Stretch Wrapping Machine

Posted by Mat Bedard on Fri, Oct 27, 2017 @ 12:10 PM

Packaging is the final step of your production line, but the first thing that your customers see after your products are delivered. Efficiency and consistency are the two most important elements of any successful packaging. Good stretch wraps will protect your pallets from dust, damage and other forms of tapering. Although wrapping pallets isn’t complicated, hand stretch wrapping causes inconsistencies. Companies are now finding it easier to invest in stretch wrapping machines that can comply with their unique daily operations.

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Topics: Stretch Wrapping, stretch film, Stretch Wrap, stretch film wrapping

What Contaminants Will an X-Ray Inspection Machine Miss?

Posted by Mat Bedard on Mon, Oct 16, 2017 @ 12:10 PM

X-ray product inspection machines have evolved greatly over the years. Modern x-ray machines can detect a wide range of contaminants based on their density or chemical makeup. Additionally, x-ray inspection machines can check package weight, seals and fill level to make sure the package is ready for distribution.

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Topics: X-Ray Inspection, Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Technologi, MDX

X-Ray 101: What it is And How it Works

Posted by Mat Bedard on Tue, Oct 10, 2017 @ 13:10 PM

Odds are that if you work in the food industry, you’ve heard of x-ray product inspection technology before. This technology has been used to help increase food safety and quality since the early 90s.

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Topics: X-Ray Inspection, Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Technologi, X Ray Inspection for Food, X Ray Inspection Technology, MDX

Avoid Over & Underfilling with a Product Inspection System

Posted by Mat Bedard on Tue, Sep 26, 2017 @ 07:09 AM

There are billions of different packages that are filled every day around the world. A package can mean a jar, bottle, box, tube, a can or any other container filled with a product. According to the law, all prepackaged goods should display the volume or net weight and the number of pieces. In the modern world, the value of a product is much more than just its functions and sealable elements including image and safety.

Some simple products incorporate these elements because they can influence their compliance with the regulatory requirements. You should conduct product inspection checks thoroughly, including checking whether packages contain what they are labeled in legal quantities.

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Topics: Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Product Inspection