A wireless barcode scanning system is enabling 3M to track critical input materials and components used in the production of respirators and particulate filters. The system replaces manual collection of input material batch numbers on to paper records. The requirement for paperless data capture was highlighted during the introduction of SAP on site.
Intermec CK3R mobile computers provide a convenient operator interface with touch screen for simple interaction allowing users to scan barcodes for the following:
- Station ID
- Operator ID (from their employee card)
- Stock number (from the raw material ID ticket)
- Batch number (from the raw material ID ticket)
As well as inputting data from barcodes, data is also captured automatically from PLC’s, including critical machine operations, pallet number, product count and product ID etc. Links to Zebra GK420 label printers enable printing of labels for pallets and boxes.
The system has been developed to work across all production areas on site including an area that is validated to FDA 21CFR Part 11 standard for electronic records and electronic signatures.
3M is a multi national corporation with global sales of over $30 billion (2015)