On top of its 2007 win, Matthews Intelligent Identification has won “PKN Best New Product” at Auspack 2009 — this year for iDSnet Express.

Key Facts:

iDSnet Express is product-traceability and production-reporting software that eliminates coding and labelling errors.

With iDSnet connected to all devices on the stand, Matthews demonstrated to Auspack visitors the benefits of networking devices to a centralised product database; benefits include faster product changeovers, increased quality control and full product traceability.

Mark Dingley, manager of Matthews’ Identification Systems Group (IDS), says product sent out with undetected code errors costs money and time to recall, reducing profits.

“Because iDSnet Express eliminates coding errors, FMCG manufacturers no longer have to face the problems of product recalls and re-work from products being incorrectly coded — or even not coded.

“iDSnet Express controls all machines from one spot, and, using scanners or a vision system, checks for the absence of a code or whether the right code has been applied. If any aspect is considered to be out of tolerance, we can divert that product, or raise alarms if the problem continues.

“The system, which reads text on a label to confirm a label match, can also identify colours within liquids to ensure, for instance, a lemon label is not placed on a product that is actually orange.

“iDSnet Express can also provide e-mail alerts to the manufacturer, or Matthews, of any machine faults, warnings or pending scheduled maintenance. Thus, in many cases, devices can be serviced before they fail or before print quality becomes an issue — adding further value for FMCG manufacturers.

“The optional reporting tools allow real-time, visual-production statistics and efficiency reports, giving supervisors and managers up-to-the-minute data and feedback on production performances against set targets.  All these reports are available via a web browser.”

Key elements of the iDSnet Express software are: simplifying product changeover into a single-barcode-scan action, quick information verification and rapid alert of coding or labelling errors.

“We know that when production lines stop, it really hurts the bottom line, so we’ve designed iDSnet Express to maximise efficiency and production while minimising problems and errors.”

The easy-to-use iDSnet Express software is now available in a “cellophane wrapped” package, that manufacturers can download and install themselves.

Matthews won the same “Best New Product” award at Auspack ’07 for its fibre YAG laser technology, used to code flexible packaging, without penetrating the film.

Phil Biggs, Matthews’ national sales and marketing manager, says iDSnet Express demonstrates Matthews’ philosophy of continual advancement.

“That, added to the uniqueness of our stand, plus opening our Chameleon bar at the end of each day, ensured our stand was one of Auspack’s most visited. We look forward to Auspack 2011 to make the same impact.”

Click here to learn more about iDSnet.