Domino To Demonstrate Serialised Product Tracking At Achema 2006
Live simulation of unique EPC product numbering for pharmaceutical and medical products
For the first time in Europe, world leading ink jet and laser solutions provider, Domino Printing Sciences plc, will exhibit a range of high quality, high speed complete track and trace pharmaceutical packaging lines, demonstrating the various stages of serialised product traceability from individual EPC (electronic product code) coding to late stage customisation. All Domino pharmaceutical product variants comply with both GAMP4 (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) and 21CFR11 compliance.
Tailored to meet the increasing demands from EU standards and regulatory bodies, Domino's flexible solutions, are fully compliant with IFAH (International Federation of Animal Health) batch codes and EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) serialised codes and utilise a variety of applications, such as unique EPC serial product numbers, 2D-Data Matrix bar coding and RFID technology.
The addition of serialised product tracking enables customers to replace embossing applications resulting in improved quality and speed production changeover.
Late-stage customisation with new full colour drop on demand technology
Domino's range of coding equipment can be used to print variable information on products and outer packaging, allowing for late stage customisation, such as language differences or specific market information. This results in savings through improvements in production efficiency and reductions in inventory and enables customers to produce small batches of specific products.
At ACHEMA 2006, Domino will be showing samples of full colour applications printed with its new prototype full colour high resolution drop on demand digital print technology. Domino will offer advice on how this solution can be used to create bespoke late stage colour packaging within the pharmaceutical sector, further reducing the danger of counterfeiting.
EPC and Data Matrix
Foremost in Domino's portfolio at ACHEMA is the DSL1 Pharma high performance scribing laser and the continuous ink jet A-Series Pharma printer which will code serialised EPC numbers embedded in a 2D-Data Matrix code on primary packaging such as blisters and cartons, together with human-readable information. Both printers have been designed to meet the specific requirements of the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors for improved print quality and line efficiencies.
Lee Metters, Domino's Sector Development Director, explains, "A combination of EPC and Data Matrix codes can deliver substantial benefits by providing a cost-effective way of complying with the increasingly stringent traceability and anti-counterfeit requirements. In addition, serialised product tracking enables compliance with the E-Pedigree requirements now coming into force in a number of markets."
He continues, "The Data Matrix is highly regarded for its robust structure and the volume of data that it can encode in a very small space. In addition to a serialised number, the Data Matrix code also includes a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) as well as a lot number and expiry date. Both our ink jet and laser technologies print Data Matrix codes, providing the flexibility of batch based or individual item coding for serialised product traceability."
RFID solution for outer shippers
During the final stage of Domino's track and trace simulation at ACHEMA, visitors will also be able to see how a RFID label and bar code is applied to outer shippers, using Domino's Product Traceability System (PTS) which includes a Domino high-resolution C-Series ink jet printer. By adding the capability to print, on-line, market specific variable information such as languages, the C-Series allows reduced outer case inventories and increases production flexibility.
In addition, as a fully automated system, the PTS applies smart labels with embedded RFID tags, directly onto outer cases. The PTS can be integrated within an existing production line, or installed independently for batch processing of specific customer orders.
A recent partnership agreement between Domino and SYSTECH International, combines Domino's expertise in coding and marking technologies and SYSTECH's track-and-trace know-how. The agreement provides support for coding formats ranging from bar code and Data Matrix to RFID with in-line verification and tag reading capabilities, failsafe data and product tracking control, which will also be demonstrated at ACHEMA.
About Domino Printing Sciences plc
Domino Printing Sciences is a world-leader in ink jet and laser technologies offering total coding, direct product marking and printing solutions. Domino has established a global reputation for the continual development and manufacture of ink jet and laser printing technologies.
In 2005 Domino had a turnover in excess of £192m. It employs 1,800 people worldwide and sells to more than 120 countries through a global network of 16 subsidiary offices and more than 75 distributors. Domino's manufacturing facilities are situated in the UK, Germany, USA, China and India and include group companies Sator, Alpha Dot and Wiedenbach.
For further information visit www.domino-printing.com.