PBM Graphics, SD, packages Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) game card packs and decks. To track their product through world-wide distribution and deter counterfeits, WOTC required a unique serial ID on each unit and their associated display carton, case and pallet.
Packs are created on two lines each producing 180 packs per minute during two shifts. Six production line PCs interface to a MS-SQL database that stores the IDs and relationship tables (Packs to Display; Displays to Case; and Cases to Pallet). Each PC includes a multi-port serial and a digital I/O board for interfacing to hardware that controls the production lines.
PC with PLC Controllers
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An inkjet printer creates a Datamatrix serial ID on the pack's flow-wrap. Two SIG Doboy pick-and-place robotic units place packs into display cartons.
Each PC processes a complex Corner Office middleware program that interfaces with the MS-SQL database, inkjet printers, bar code scanners, PLCs, or the case and pallet packaging operations.
The middleware shipping program uses a Symbol wireless scanner to record pallet and case IDs for tracking purposes.
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Project Highlights
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