Lake Image and Ashe help Smart Farming meet Tesco challenge

Lake Image Systems and Ashe Converting Equipment have collaborated to deliver an integrated GS1 label printing solution to enable apple farmers in South Africa meet Tesco’s strict quality requirements for labeling. GS1 DataBar symbols have recently been specified by Tesco as they carry more information in a smaller space than the current alternatives and are particularly useful for hard-to-mark items like fruit and vegetables. 
 
The solution is in use by Smart Farming, a supplier of fruit and vegetable labeling to farmers in South Africa. Tesco’s requirement for self-adhesive GS1 produce labels created a new challenge for Smart Farming, as the labels now need to be verified to a far higher level to ensure that print quality and information is sufficiently clear for in-store scanners to read them at the point of sale. 
 
‘There is a strong emphasis on inspection for this contract and Lake and Ashe have worked hard to integrate the camera systems to ensure perfect synchronicity,’ said Amos Krisi, CEO of Smart Farming. 

Lake Image’s IntegraVision camera system has been fitted to a 330m wide Opal slitter rewinder with 17 lines, each 20mm wide printed in a single web run.  Any faulty or sub-standard labels are identified by IntegraVision which triggers a controlled stop in the run so that the label from the appropriate line and lane can be removed from the backing paper and discarded.  
 
‘The quality of print is critical in this application as any deterioration could result in lower read levels leading to unwelcome delays for the customer at the till where speed and efficiency are critical to high customer satisfaction,’ confirmed Simon Godbold, sales manager of Ashe Converting Equipment. ‘Such an outcome could mean the loss of a lucrative contract for Smart Farming’s customers.’
 
The new GS1 approach, where farmers are supplying pre-labeled produce, can result in business benefits for the supermarkets in increased speed and efficiency and lower cost. GS1 DataBar can carry GS1 Application Identifiers such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates, creating solutions to support product authentication and traceability for fresh food products and couponing.

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