Plan Automation Technology Blog

Mat Bedard

Recent Posts

Costco Technology Comparison Inspection Study: Product Testing

Posted by Mat Bedard on Tue, Apr 25, 2023 @ 11:04 AM

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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

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

Should You Use Single Energy X-Ray Technology for Food Inspection?

Posted by Mat Bedard on Fri, Sep 15, 2017 @ 10:09 AM

Food inspection has become an essential element in food production. Contamination of food with any impurities may cause serious repercussions to your business with safety programs such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). This is because of the product liability law which states that every food producer is liable for any contamination of the products they make if a consumer gets harmed. Regular rubbers and plastics can also pass through inspection radars—which can cost you dearly.

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Topics: X Ray Inspection for Food, X Ray Inspection Technology

What to Look for in On-Site Emergency X-Ray Inspection Services

Posted by Mat Bedard on Wed, Aug 30, 2017 @ 11:08 AM

Whether it’s a bone that manages to remain wedged in a piece of meat, a loose screw that eventually falls off a machine, or bits of plastics that find their way into your batch, any contaminants in your finished product will be a major blow to your brand. The enactment of the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) has led to many industries emphasizing food contamination prevention. Therefore, you should meet the mandatory preventative controls to comply with the FSMA, and X-ray inspection equipment is key to ensure food safety.

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Topics: X Ray Inspection of Meat, emergency x ray systems

7 Stages of Quality Control Checks for Meat and Poultry

Posted by Mat Bedard on Mon, Aug 28, 2017 @ 09:08 AM

Products of meat and poultry have often been connected to the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can be reduced by implementing the HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). However, the FSIS has the overall oversight and authority for quality control checks in meat and poultry products that are intended for commercial distribution. Its main responsibility is to ensure that there is a wholesome production of meat and poultry products.

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Topics: HACCP

Why Performing Fill Level Inspection is so Important

Posted by Mat Bedard on Fri, Aug 25, 2017 @ 10:08 AM

Adjusting products to the correct fill levels manually can lead to operator error, increased downtime, and wastage. However, today there exists modern quality inspection equipment that can monitor the correct fill levels and adjust the filler heads to ensure that you are compliant—without the product and time wastage which often happens through product giveaway or reworking. Performing these adjustments and measurements during full production can provide a significant edge in a competitive market and increased productivity for your business

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Topics: X Ray Inspection for Food, X Ray Inspection Technology