Automated system and method for managing and monitoring spare parts in a container packaging line

JP2025513160A5Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-03TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-07
Publication Date
2026-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current spare parts management in packaging lines is inefficient due to manual recording of maintenance and spare parts usage, leading to errors, poor data quality, and inadequate monitoring of spare parts.

Method used

An automated system and method for managing and monitoring spare parts in packaging lines, utilizing RFID tags with unique identification information and a central data storage system to track spare parts usage, maintenance, and manufacturing data.

Benefits of technology

The automated system improves the accuracy and efficiency of spare parts management, reduces errors, and enables predictive maintenance, enhancing the overall reliability and performance of packaging lines.

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Abstract

An automated system (100) for managing and monitoring spare parts in a packaging line (1) including at least a packaging machine (2) configured to package containers filled with a pourable food product, the system (100) being configured to perform an automatic reading of machine-readable identification devices (24) associated with spare parts (21) in order to uniquely identify said spare parts (21) and identification devices (24) located on the packaging line (1) and coupled to said spare parts (21), and to determine unique identification information of said spare parts (21) when they are used on the packaging line (1). a spare parts database (42) included in a data storage (14) configured to store maintenance information related to a unique identification of the spare parts (21), the maintenance information relating to the use of the spare parts (21) in the packaging line (1), and a processing unit (12) operatively coupled to the data storage (14) and configured to process the maintenance information in association with operational information of the packaging line (1) to monitor and evaluate the operation and performance of the spare parts (21) in the packaging line (1).
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated system and method for spare parts management and monitoring in packaging lines, particularly in the production of composite pourable food filled packages. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, many liquid, semi-liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are distributed and sold using composite packages made from multi-layer composite packaging materials.

[0003] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure with a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for shelf-stable products, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil, which overlaps with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and is covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0004] Composite packages of this kind are usually produced in fully automatic packaging lines (or plants) which start with a web of multi-layer composite packaging material, form the composite package, and fill the composite package with the pourable food product.

[0005] A typical packaging line comprises at least a filling machine that forms a composite package starting from a multi-layer composite package and fills the composite package with a pourable food product. Furthermore, the packaging line may include upstream and / or downstream processing devices that receive the composite package from the filling machine and perform additional processing on the composite package. The downstream processing devices may comprise, for example, one or more of a buffer unit for temporarily buffering the composite package, an application unit for applying straws or other elements to the composite package, a grouping unit, e.g., a palletizer unit, for grouping multiple composite packages together in a storage unit (such as a pallet).

[0006] It is known that in such packaging lines, spare parts and components can play a critical role in ensuring reliable and efficient operation.

[0007] Traditionally, spare parts are replaced by operators during corrective or planned maintenance operations, but these changes are rarely properly registered (recorded) during the same maintenance operation. Spare part replacements are usually recorded or registered manually by operators, sometimes with the help of software applications (apps) to make the insertion of new maintenance instances more user-friendly.

[0008] Therefore, the reporting of maintenance events and activities is subject to human factors, which leads to several problems, such as a lack of control of maintenance interventions (which may be subject to errors and failures) and an inefficient management of the actual parts used by the packaging machines on the packaging line.

[0009] In this regard, it has been shown that the majority of technical problems currently occurring in packaging lines are due to improper management and monitoring of the associated spare parts.

[0010] Furthermore, errors or inaccuracies made by operators when manually reporting maintenance actions will dictate bias and poor quality of the data collected, which may later be used for analysis (e.g., by artificial intelligence or similar data-driven solutions).

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to develop an efficient solution for controlling and monitoring the usage of spare parts in packaging lines and thus solve the above mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved solution making it possible to at least partially meet the above-mentioned needs.

[0013] Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an automated system and method for managing and monitoring spare parts in a container packaging line, as defined in the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a packaging line with an automated spare parts monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present solution. [Figure 2A] Each spare part used in the packaging line is shown with its own identification device. [Figure 2B] Each spare part used in the packaging line is shown with its own identification device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a central data storage solution in the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of an identification device in an automatic spare parts monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a packaging line (or plant) 1 including one or more packaging machines 2 (only one of these packaging machines, e.g. filling machine 2a, is shown in FIG. 1 by way of example) configured to produce packaging containers filled with pourable products, in particular food products such as milk, cream, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, emulsions, solutions containing solid particles (e.g. legumes), in particular composite packages formed from a multi-layer composite packaging material.

[0017] The multi-layer composite packaging material may comprise a layer of fibrous material, e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material, one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defining the inner surface of the packaging container that will ultimately contact the pourable food product packaged within the same packaging container.

[0018] The multi-layer composite packaging material may comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the multi-layer composite packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0019] Each packaging container may extend along a longitudinal axis and may comprise a longitudinal seam portion (extending along the respective longitudinal axis) and a pair of transverse sealing bands, in particular a transverse upper sealing band and a transverse lower sealing band. In particular, each packaging container 4 may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.

[0020] Additionally, the packaging container may include at least two lateral walls disposed on opposite sides of the packaging container (transverse to the respective longitudinal axes) and a plurality of lateral walls extending between the lateral walls.

[0021] More specifically, one respective transverse wall of each packaging container may define a bottom wall and the other respective transverse wall may define a top wall, in particular the bottom wall may define a support surface adapted to be placed on a (horizontal) plane, such as a shelf in a distribution point, and the top wall may be opposite the bottom wall.

[0022] Although not shown in detail, the filling machine 2a has the following features: - a conveying device for advancing a web of multi-layer packaging material along an advance path; - A tube forming device for forming a tube from an advancing web of multi-layer packaging material; - A sealing device for sealing the tube longitudinally; - a filling device connected to the injection duct for filling the tube with a pourable food product; and - a package forming unit which forms the tube and transversely seals the tube to form a composite package from the tube filled with the pourable food product; The present invention may include at least the following.

[0023] More specifically, the package forming unit comprises: - a forming device adapted to form, transversely seal and transversely cut a tube in order to obtain a composite pack, in particular a pillow package; a final folder adapted to receive the composite pack from the forming device and to form a packaging container from the composite pack, in particular a pillow pack; The present invention may include at least the following.

[0024] Additionally, the filling machine 2a may include a sterilization device disposed upstream from the tube forming device along the forward path and configured to sterilize (e.g., by physical and / or chemical sterilization) the web of multi-layer composite packaging material.

[0025] In an embodiment not shown in FIG. 1, the packaging line 1 may further comprise downstream processing equipment configured to receive packaging containers from the filling machine 2a via a conveying device and perform additional processing on the same packaging containers, such as printing information (such as expiration date and / or lot number) and / or pictures (such as graphic representations, bar codes, QR codes, data matrices, logos, symbols, etc.), applying straws to the composite packages, bundling several composite packages into storage units, such as packs or pallets, etc.

[0026] The packaging line 1 further comprises a control device 10 for controlling the packaging operations. The control device 10 comprises for example a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) unit or any suitable processing and computing unit and is arranged to execute a computer program designed to control the operations of the same packaging line 1.

[0027] The control device 10 is operatively coupled, e.g. via the internet and / or an internal network, to a central processing unit 12, located e.g. on a remote server (e.g. in the "cloud") or on a physical server at the factory site (also accessible by an external network), from which operational data and information relating to the packaging line 1 is received and stored in a data storage 14 which comprises a number of database resources (all data stored in the data storage 14 is available, e.g. for offline / non-real-time processing and analysis).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, an operator 15 of the filling plant 1 having a portable or mobile device 16 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, phablet, etc.) can access the central processing unit 12 and data storage 14 via a software application (app) to input and / or retrieve operational data and information related to the operation of the packaging line 1.

[0029] The operators 15 may also communicate with the central processing unit 12 via a fixed computer (or similar processing device) equipped with a suitable graphical user interface. In an embodiment not shown, the computer may also be part of the control device 10 of the packaging line 1. The same operators 15 may also interact with the control device 10 directly or via a mobile device 16.

[0030] The packaging line 1 further comprises a storeroom or warehouse 20 in which packaging materials and various kinds of spare parts or components 21 for the operation of the packaging machines 2 of the same packaging line 1 (e.g. inductors for producing the above-mentioned sealing operation, jaws and knives for producing the above-mentioned cuts to form the composite packages, as well as other components such as electron beams, servo motors, pumps, etc.) are stored when not in use.

[0031] According to one aspect of the solution, a spare parts management and monitoring system 100 associated with a packaging line 1 is configured such that a spare part 21 (by way of example, FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically an inductor 21a used in a filling machine 2a that creates a longitudinal seal in the packaging container being formed) is uniquely associated with a corresponding machine-readable identification device 24, enabling its unique identification by an automated reading system.

[0032] The identification device 24 may comprise an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag 24a, which provides a unique identification of the corresponding spare part 21, and according to a possible embodiment may comprise a non-volatile memory unit 24b, which stores further data related to the same spare part 21 and its operation (explained in more detail below).

[0033] The identification device 24 may be manufactured as an integrated system, for example a system on a chip (SoC).

[0034] Additionally, the identification device 24 is made of materials suitable for harsh environments and high temperatures to withstand operating conditions that may occur on the packaging line 1. For example, the identification device 24 is made of a ceramic material, which is compatible with metal components (e.g., the inductors and knives cited above).

[0035] The identification device 24 may be coupled to the corresponding spare part 21 in any suitable manner.

[0036] For example, Figure 2A shows diagrammatically the bonding of an identification device 24 onto the outer surface 27 of a corresponding spare part 21, in this case the inductor 21a, for example by means of a layer of adhesive or other bonding material, while Figure 2B shows the attachment of the respective identification device 24 into a seat 28 provided on the outer surface 27 of the corresponding spare part 21, in this case the knife 21b (however, it is clear that these are only exemplary embodiments and that any other bonding between the identification device 24 and the corresponding spare part 21 can be envisaged).

[0037] The packaging line 1 further comprises a number of reader devices 30 (in FIG. 1 one reader device 30 coupled to the filling machine 2a is shown diagrammatically as an example), which reader devices 30 are suitably arranged and configured to perform reading of the identification devices 24 coupled to the spare parts 21 and to determine their unique identification information.

[0038] Typically, the reader device 30 is conveniently located on the packaging line 1 so as to enable full tracing of the spare parts 21 used therein. The reader device 30 may be located on the packaging machine 2, but also elsewhere, for example in a warehouse 20 (schematically shown in FIG. 1 ) of the same packaging line 1, so as to detect and monitor the stored spare parts 21.

[0039] In a possible embodiment, each reader device 30 includes an RFID reader 30a and at least one RFID antenna 30b coupled to the RFID reader 30a and positioned to receive radio frequency waves emitted by the RFID tag 24a of the identification device 24 (which is well known and will not be described in detail here).

[0040] Multiple RFID antennas 30b may be coupled to a single RFID reader 30a in the reader device 30. For example, a single RFID reader 30a may be coupled to a packaging machine 2 (e.g., the filling machine 2a described above) of the packaging line 1, and multiple RFID antennas 30b may be positioned at appropriate locations on the same packaging machine 2 to read RFID tags 24a associated with different spare parts 21 being used simultaneously on the same packaging machine 2 (e.g., each RFID antenna 30b may be associated with an inductor 21a, a knife 21b, etc.).

[0041] According to a possible aspect of the solution, the RFID reader 30a may be configured to determine the location of the spare part 21, for example with respect to the respective packaging machine 2, based on characteristics (e.g. amplitude or signal strength) of the RFID signal detected by the corresponding RFID antenna 30b. For example, the RFID reader 30a may be configured to determine in which filling unit (out of a possible number of filling units) in the filling machine 2a the inductor 21a is used.

[0042] During operation, in particular during maintenance or whenever a spare part 21 is installed or removed from a packaging machine 2 (e.g. filling machine 2a) of the packaging line 1, the control device 10 of the packaging line 1 is configured to cooperate with an associated reader device 30 to identify a new spare part 21 by reading the unique identification information stored in the corresponding identification device 24.

[0043] The controller 10 also registers the time ("timestamp") associated with the replacement of the spare part.

[0044] It should be noted that the identification of spare parts 21 in the packaging line 1 may be performed in a time-sequential manner or at preset time intervals (e.g., to evaluate the usage time or other operating parameters associated with the same spare parts 21).

[0045] In general, the control device 10 obtains maintenance information relating to the identified spare part 21 and the associated maintenance work, including in particular data relating to the packaging machine 2 in which the spare part 21 was introduced in case of replacement, the position within the packaging machine 2 or generally within the packaging line 1, and a time stamp associated with the identification of the spare part.

[0046] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, the described maintenance information is transmitted by the control device 10 to the central processing unit 12 and conveniently stored in a spare parts database 42 contained in the data storage 14, associated with the unique identification of the individual spare parts 21.

[0047] According to one aspect of the solution, the central processing unit 12 is configured to store manufacturing information relating to the spare part 21 in association with its unique identification information in the data storage 14 (e.g. in the same spare part database 42 or in one or more further database resources operatively coupled to the spare part database 42).

[0048] The manufacturing information may be obtained in a manufacturing plant, indicated diagrammatically at 50 in Fig. 3, where the spare part 21 (in the example the inductor 21a) is manufactured, the spare part 21 being uniquely identified by at least one further reading device 30 arranged in the same manufacturing plant 50 and configured to read the corresponding compensation device 24. These manufacturing information are transmitted to the central processing unit 12 for storing in the data storage 14 in association with the identification of the corresponding spare part 21.

[0049] The manufacturing information may include, for example, batch numbers, part numbers, manufacturing machine settings and corresponding electrical parameters, spare part design data, actual measurement data regarding the characteristics of the manufactured spare parts 21 (obtained by appropriate sensors in the manufacturing plant 50), etc.

[0050] According to a possible embodiment, the above-mentioned manufacturing information may be stored in a non-volatile memory unit 24b of an identification device 24 coupled to the spare parts 21 (the manufactured spare parts 21 are "smart" parts, having not only an associated unique identifier but also a number of pieces of information related to their manufacturing and design characteristics).

[0051] According to a further aspect of the solution, the central processing unit 12 (or any other processing unit of the spare parts management and monitoring system 100) is configured to process, in conjunction with a unique identification of the spare part 21, a number of operational information related to the operational characteristics of the packaging machine (and / or the entire packaging line 1) in which the same spare part 21 is used, which operational information is also stored in and retrieved from the data storage 14 (e.g. stored in the same database 42 or in one or more further database resources).

[0052] The operating information may include, for example, operating temperatures, filled product characteristics, packaging material characteristics, packaging machine settings and configuration, packaging machine maintenance status, packaging machine environmental parameters, and the like.

[0053] The operational information may also relate to operational characteristics of the same spare part 21, obtained during operation on the packaging line 1, e.g. when the spare part 21 is used in a packaging machine 2 of the same packaging line 1. These operational characteristics may include performance data related to the operational performance of the spare part 21 during its life span (the data obtained in association with a corresponding time stamp).

[0054] Suitable sensors along the packaging line 1, operably coupled to the packaging machines 2 and spare parts 21 of the same, may be configured to provide at least some of the above-mentioned operating information during operation of the packaging line 1, and the same operating information may be conveniently transmitted to the data storage 14 by the control device 10 of the packaging line 1.

[0055] The above-mentioned information and data stored in the data storage 14 (in particular maintenance information related to spare part replacement, manufacturing information and operational information) can be retrieved and made available for real-time processing and / or offline / non-real-time processing and analysis.

[0056] According to one aspect of the solution, the above information and data may be aggregated and jointly processed (by the central processing unit 12, and / or by the control unit 10, and / or by any further processing units of the spare parts management and monitoring system 100) to monitor and evaluate the operation and overall performance of the spare parts 21 in the packaging line 1.

[0057] In particular, the performance of the spare part 21 may be evaluated in relation to the state, settings and environment of the packaging machine (or packaging line) and further in relation to the manufacturing characteristics of the same spare part 21. Thus, a complete and thorough analysis may be performed based on the manufacturing, installation and performance information of the spare part and on its interaction with the packaging line 1.

[0058] All of the data thus captured and stored can facilitate the implementation of AI (artificial intelligence), or general data-driven solutions, for the overall improvement of packaging operations.

[0059] Furthermore, full traceability of the spare part 21 along the entire spare part supply chain is achieved, from production to storage at the packaging line 1, installation and operation, making it possible to trace where, when and how the same spare part 21 has been used. By means of the identification device 24, the authenticity of the spare part 21 can be automatically verified throughout the entire spare part supply chain.

[0060] The above-mentioned control and monitoring of spare parts performance also enables the implementation of predictive and / or preventive maintenance strategies, e.g. by the possibility of planning in advance maintenance operations for replacement of spare parts and / or re-supply of spare parts 21 in the warehouse 20 of the packaging line 1.

[0061] The advantages of the discussed solution are clear from the above description.

[0062] In any case, it is emphasized once again that the disclosed spare parts management and monitoring system 100 provides a reliable and effective solution for the management and monitoring of spare parts 21 in a packaging line 1, thanks to the implementation of an automatic reading system of the unique identification information associated with each spare part 21 used on the same packaging line 1.

[0063] Thus, the formation of packaging containers can be improved and optimized, reducing problems and defects.

[0064] In particular, errors associated with known solutions involving manual operator intervention in recording maintenance operations carried out on the packaging line 1 are avoided and the associated problems are eliminated.

[0065] However, modifications may be made to what is described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0066] According to a further possible embodiment, in particular illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 4, the identification device 24 coupled to each spare part 21 may comprise one or more embedded sensors 60, for example temperature sensors.

[0067] These embedded sensors 60 may be integrated within the same integrated system of the identification device 24, for example within the same SoC.

[0068] Advantageously, this adds the ability for the identification device 24 to detect one or more parameters related to the operation of the spare part 21 and communicate corresponding variable measurement data.

[0069] For example, the identification device 24 may be capable of detecting the current temperature of the spare part 21 to which it is coupled during operation in the corresponding packaging machine 2 .

[0070] This advantageously allows for in-operation condition monitoring of the spare part 21 without requiring an additional power source (such as a battery) or direct electrical connections for additional sensors.

[0071] The described solution may be applied to any packaging line 1 including any packaging machine 2 and for any kind of pourable food product.

[0072] Furthermore, it will be apparent that in possible embodiments, only a portion of the spare parts 21 used on the packaging line 1 may be provided with unique identification information, for example only those spare parts 21 whose operation is considered critical to the operation of the packaging line 1.

[0073] Also, the number of reader devices 30 in the packaging line 1 may vary depending on the needs of the control and monitoring operations of the associated spare parts 21. In general, the reader devices 30 may be installed at strategic points in the packaging line 1 with any desired granularity and modularity.

[0074] Additionally, according to possible embodiments, the spare parts management and monitoring system 100 may automatically recognize the replacement of a spare part, but as mentioned above, the operator may be requested to provide additional details regarding the maintenance operation being performed, for example via a suitable software application running on a personal mobile device.

Claims

1. 1. An automated system (100) for managing and monitoring spare parts in a packaging line (1) including a packaging machine (2) configured to package containers filled with a pourable food product, comprising: The system (100) comprises: a machine-readable identification device (24) associated with the spare part (21) for uniquely identifying said spare part (21); a plurality of reader devices (30) arranged on the packaging line (1) and configured to perform automatic reading of the identification devices (24) coupled to the spare parts (21) and to determine the unique identification information of the spare parts (21) when they are used on the packaging line (1); a spare parts database (42) contained in a data storage (14) configured to store maintenance information related to the unique identification of said spare parts (21), said maintenance information relating to the use of said spare parts (21) in said packaging line (1); a processing unit (12) operatively coupled to the data storage (14) and configured to process the maintenance information in association with operational information of the packaging line (1) to monitor and evaluate the operation and performance of the spare parts (21) on the packaging line (1); A system (100) comprising:

2. the spare part database (42) is configured to store manufacturing information related to the manufacture of the spare part (21) in association with its unique identification information, and the processing unit (12) is configured to process the maintenance information in association with the manufacturing information related to the spare part (21). The system of claim 1 .

3. the maintenance information includes one or more of the following: data of the packaging machine (2) on which the corresponding spare part (21) is used, a location within the packaging machine (2) or within the packaging line (1), and a time associated with the identification of the spare part; The system of claim 1 .

4. the operational information relates to operational characteristics of the packaging machine (2) in which the spare part (21) is used, the operational information including one or more of operating temperature, filled product characteristics, packaging material characteristics, packaging machine settings and configuration, packaging machine maintenance status, and packaging machine environmental parameters; The system of claim 1 .

5. the operational information includes operational characteristics of the spare parts (21) acquired during operation on the packaging line (1) associated with corresponding time stamps; The system of claim 4.

6. each identification device (24) comprises an RFID tag (24a) for carrying out a unique identification of the corresponding spare part (21) and a non-volatile memory unit (24b) for storing data relating to the spare part (21) and / or its operation; The system of claim 1 .

7. the identification device (24) comprises one or more embedded sensors (60) configured to detect one or more operating parameters related to the operation of the corresponding spare part (21) in the packaging machine (2); The system of claim 6.

8. the identification device (24) is made of a material suitable for harsh environments and high temperatures so as to withstand the operating conditions in the packaging line (1); The system of claim 6.

9. The RFID tag (24a) of the identification device (24) is bonded to the outer surface (27) of the corresponding spare part (21) or in a sheet (28) provided on the outer surface (27). The system of claim 6.

10. Each reader device (30) comprises an RFID reader (30a) and a plurality of RFID antennas (30b) coupled to the RFID reader (30a) and arranged to receive radio frequency waves radiated by the RFID tags (24a) of a corresponding number of the spare parts (21). The system of claim 6.

11. the RFID readers (30a) are configured to determine the location of the spare parts (21) with respect to their respective packaging machines (2) and / or packaging lines (1) based on characteristics of the RFID signals detected by the corresponding RFID antennas (30b); The system of claim 10.

12. a control device (10) of the packaging line (1) configured to cooperate with the reader device (30) to identify the spare part (21) by reading unique identification information stored in a corresponding identification device (24) and to register a timestamp associated with the replacement of the spare part; The control device (10) is operatively coupled to the processing device (12) for transmitting identification information and maintenance information related to a corresponding spare part (21). The system of claim 1 .

13. the reader device (30) comprises a warehouse (20) of the packaging line (1) where the packaging machines (2) and the spare parts (21) are stored, and is arranged along the packaging line (1) to perform a complete tracking of the spare parts (2) used; The system of claim 1 .

14. the processing unit (12) is configured to implement a predictive and / or preventive maintenance strategy through controlling and monitoring the performance of the spare parts; The system of claim 1 .

15. The spare parts (21) include one or more of an inductor, a jaw, a knife, an electron beam, a servo motor, and a pump. The system of claim 1 .

16. A packaging line (2) comprising an automated system (100) for managing and monitoring spare parts according to claim 1.

17. 1. An automated method for managing and monitoring spare parts in a packaging line (1) including at least a packaging machine (2) configured to package containers filled with a pourable food product, the method comprising: automatically reading a machine-readable identification device (24) associated with the spare part (21) to uniquely identify said spare part (21); storing maintenance information related to the unique identification of said spare parts (21) in a spare parts database (42) contained in a data storage (14), said maintenance information relating to the use of said spare parts (21) in said packaging line (1); processing said maintenance information in association with operational information of said packaging line (1) to monitor and evaluate the operation and performance of said spare parts (21) in said packaging line (1); A method for providing