What is Serialization?
In the current business environment there is a lot of discussion about serialization systems for use in track and trace applications. As more companies operate globally and their supply chains steadily grow in complexity, a need for item-level product tracking has never been greater. The implementation of a serialization solution is being driven by regulatory requirements; however businesses are finding more ways to utilize these systems and put an end to unnecessary revenue loss while streamlining their workflow and meeting trade partner requests.
With ever-changing market trends and legal requirements, you need an unrivaled solution from packaging to distribution and beyond. It is not so much the data carrier (RFID or Barcode) that is important, but the ability to use the business information that is associated with that serialized number that makes the serialization of product valuable.
Acsis has designed the definitive family of software products called ProducTrak to manage serialized and non-serialized data. Closely entwined with this software is the serialized packaging data management (SPDM) application. At a glance, the overall SPDM serialization solution – line and site – is made to manage data-flow through a series of work-flows and stored procedures. This solution is crucial to meet the needs of both line and site level serialization requirements.
But why stop there?
We are proud to announce our new SPDM-complimentary software package, which includes SPDM Line, SPDM Site, Parcel Pack, ProducTrak ReWork, and SPDM Contract Packaging (CP). Our new solutions will still utilize the VisiTrak platform while allowing Acsis the ability to share data seamlessly between business operations. This includes outsourced manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.
We understand that the process of moving product through warehousing and distribution is time consuming, which is why you shouldn’t need to hold pallets of commissioned product at site level for potential rework or shipping processes until the last moment prior to the actual shipment. This is where we differ from our competitors - we help you meet your customers’ needs instead of standing on the sidelines.
Schedule a Demo Today
Download Brochure
What others do ...
The "closed box" approach, confined within the four walls of the main operation. Serialization means just that - applying a unique number to the individual item, with little or no connectivity to other enterprise functions. The ERP system is typically updated only on completion of the order.
What Acsis SPDM does ...
At the machine level, SPDM is functionally similar to the closed box system. But that's where the similarity ends.
ProducTrak Serialized Packaging Data Management (SPDM) Series – supports end‐to‐end visibility and management of serialized and non‐serialized data on the packaging line and across the distribution network. The SPDM series consists of:
• ProducTrak SPDM for Site – a configurable GUI that manages number conversions and tracks the parent‐child relationships throughout the packaging levels.
• ProducTrak SPDM for Line – the gateway between packaging and the EPCIS repository.
• ProducTrak SPDM for Contract Packagers (CP) – provides visibility and connectivity to an unlimited number of outside resources (EPCIS repositories) and packaging lines/end‐users.
• ProducTrak Rework – providing a central solution for aggregating and de‐aggregating serialized product.
• ProducTrak Parcel Pack – a station‐based solution that manages the packing and shipping of serialized and non‐serialized product.
Schedule a Demo Today
First , there's the matter of device selection: SPDM allows you to manage your choice of printing devices, inspection devices, and control systems - with seamless connectivity to all leading brands.
Second, SPDM Site has its own independent SQL reposition server, running 24-7, and does not rely on full-time availability of the ERP system. If the main system is down for any reason, routine maintenance or other, the SPDM function - and the line it manages - continues to operate. SPDM can be configured to post to ERP at any stage in the manufacturing process, thus allowing the Book of Record to be updated in real time.
Third, in combination with other Acsis modules, SPDM can:
-
Manage product movements through the line and warehouse (SPDM + ProducTrak Mobile).
-
Manage outsourced packaging (SPDM + ProducTrak Partner Management).
-
Manage aggregation and shipping (SPDM + ProducTrak Parcel Pack).
-
Manage distribution (SPDM + ProducTrak Partner Management).
-
Manage e-Pedigree generation (SPDM + a sub-system of ERP, such as SAP's AII or Oracle's OPSM).
-
SPDM software is architected to integrate with any industry accepted machine vision technology.
-
SPDM software can be architected to communicate with any industry accepted Level 2 serialization provider.
-
SPDM software provides a “configurable” Communication Hub to interface with either EPCIS and/or Enterprise resources.
-
SPDM software manages and stores all Products and Recipes from a central location, allowing our clientele the ability to easily deploy serialized and non-serialized process standards across their packaging lines.
-
SPDM software provides the capability to assist in automating the process of “Goods Movement” immediately from packaging thru distribution and shipping.
-
Rework, QA, and Manual Palletizing operations are engineered within the Acsis product suite to support browser-based technology. Individual PC’s running an “executable” are not required.
-
The overall SPDM solution offers our clientele the ability to implement their serialization strategies on a global basis, regardless of line-level packaging technology decisions.
-
The overall SPDM solution can solve the immediate architectural needs of how serialization impacts the Contract Packaging industry.
What this means in short is that SPDM allows serialization to become an integrated, vital part of the entire enterprise. This is connectivity that the closed-box alternative simply cannot provide without significant additional investment in custom code. SPDM does its job using off-the-shelf software available now. VisiTrak, the server/middleware platform for all ProducTrak modules, is running in 30 countries with over 1000 installations worldwide.
For an in-depth look at our frequently asked questions regarding Acsis ProducTrak SPDM, click here.
Schedule a Demo Today