Field Produce Case Labeling with Sequential Code Rolls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Produce Traceability Initiative's requirement for date- and SKU-specific labels on field-packed produce poses challenges due to impracticality of predicting label needs, leading to waste and cost issues, and delays in receiving at coolers when printed off-site.
Innovation Solution
Pre-printed case labels with a common batch number and company identifier, distributed on rolls, where each label includes a unique code and information like commodity, packing configuration, and country of origin, allowing for efficient affixing and storing associations with harvest event data for traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If labels are printed in advance for field-packed produce, then labeling can be done efficiently, but significant waste of unused labels occurs and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates labels at the point of harvest based on actual produce data. The label information is not fixed in advance but is created on-demand using harvest event data, picker identification, and produce characteristics, allowing the labeling system to adapt to actual needs without overproduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares label templates and data structures in advance, but the actual label content is populated only when needed. Harvest event data, picker IDs, and produce information are collected and stored ready for immediate label generation, combining advance preparation with on-demand production
2Manufacturing precision
If labels are printed and applied at a location away from the field, then labeling can be done with proper equipment, but receiving at the cooler is slowed down and logistics become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling function is moved to the local harvest site where produce is initially processed. Portable labeling equipment is deployed at the field or packing house location, allowing labels to be applied immediately after harvest without transporting cases to a separate labeling facility
Solution Approach 2:
A portable labeling system serves as an intermediary between harvest and storage. This mobile unit brings labeling capability to the harvest location, acting as a bridge that allows produce to be labeled and then directly moved to storage without additional handling or transport steps
3Reliability
If date- and SKU-specific labels are required for every case, then traceability is improved, but predicting label needs becomes difficult and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling system automatically generates appropriate labels by querying harvest event data, picker identification, and produce characteristics. The system self-determines the correct date, SKU, and label format based on the specific produce being harvested, eliminating the need for manual prediction and selection of label types
Solution Approach 2:
A single labeling system handles multiple label types, dates, and SKUs through a unified process. The system can generate different label formats as needed based on the produce type, packing configuration, and harvest date, replacing the need for multiple specialized label inventories
Data Source
AI summary
Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling cases of produce. The labels on each roll include sequential codes that each span a unique range. Part or all of each roll's range can be associated with harvest data, including picker and block identifications. The association can be made by placing a label from each roll on a harvest form bearing harvest data, or by entering harvest data into an electronic device and using the device to read a unique code from a label. Pickers then harvest produce, fill cases, and label the cases from their rolls. The association of ranges to pickers allows a subsequently read unique code from a filled case to be properly credited to the correct picker. The association of ranges to blocks allows subsequently obtained quality information to be correlated to specific blocks.