Produce Traceability Initiative Solution

Gain Milestone 7 PTI Compliance & Provide Assurances to Major Retailers

PTI Solution Introduction

SG System has developed a PTI Compliant solution in partnership with North America’s most respected Growers, Packers & Shippers.

The solutions provides compliance with the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and meets the demands of retailers requiring Global Trade Identification Numbers (GTIN’s) on cases of finished product cases.

Proven to increase yields, reduce paperwork & obtain milestone 7 PTI compliance, the GS1 Bar-code solution gains immediate shop floor acceptance by utilizing user-friendly, step by step screens.

The solution allows factory floor hardware (touch screens, scales, scanners and label printer) to integrate with existing ERP / Accounting software (or operate stand-alone) to provide real-time production level inventory data. The solution allows labeling of Inbound Raw Materials (Pallet Labels), Individual Case Labels for Finished Products & Shipping Labels (Hybrid Pallet Labels).

GS1 Inbound Pallet Tags

In accordance with Produce Traceability Initiative, SG Systems has developed a GS1 Barcode Pallet Label to identify all inbound produce. The Label can be printed in various formats (paper, labels, etc.) and the GS1 Barcode label generation software supports many printers.

For receiving and weighing applications – the software connects to scales to record net & gross weights of inbound products.

Received weights from the Pallet Labels can be imported into your ERP System in real-time to provide accurate visibility of the delivery.

The Touch Screen Software allows inventory to be received against PO’s (imported from Accounting Software option) or booked in against Suppliers. Weight, Supplier Lot, Grower ID, Expiration, QTY, Pallet Tare, Container Type and Tare plus QA Questions are captured.

The Pallet Label features a GS1 Barcode. This GS1 Barcode can be scanned at the point of entry to the line or during the packing process to carry the traceability forward to a case level.

GS1 Case Labeling

In compliance with the Produce Traceability Initiative Milestone 5, SG Systems has designed a GS1 Barcode case labeling system to provide you with immediate compliance.

Labels can be printed on the production floor one at a time or in bulk quantities – using a range of label printers to suit the application (manual apply or automatic print and apply).

This sample label provides PTI compliance and can be scanned by the receiver to transfer information relating to the company GTIN and lot number.

Information about the GTIN is printed after the (01) application identifier. The lot number is printed after the (10) application identifier. Voice pick can also be incorporated and printed on demand.

SG Systems has a library of standard labels which use best practices, but we are also happy to provide customized labels to meet your preferences.

PTI Compliant SSCC Hybrid Pallet Label 4x6

GS1 Hybrid Pallet Labels

Milestone 7 of the Produce Traceability Initiative requires 4 x 6″ Hybrid Pallet Labels to be printed for all outbound shipments.

The SSCC Label (Serial Shipping Container Code) provides an accurate and simple method for producers to ship produce and relate the product type (GTIN), quantities and lot numbers to the receiver, via a single GS1 Barcode.

The V5 System enables finished products to be associated with the relevant sales order (by downloading from your existing sales order system or utilizing the V5 Systems’ own internal Sales Order Processing Software).

Each label can contain up to 4 horizontal GS1 Barcode. Each GS1 Barcode contains the GTIN, QTY & Lot Number of the products shipped. Each time a change is made to a lot number on a consignment, or even a product type, a new barcode will be produced.

The horizontal GS1 Barcode gives reference to any EDI (Electronic Data Interface) & ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) which is present. If you do not use EDI or ASN, no vertical GS1 Barcode will be printed. Further detail on Global Standards can be found here.

In addition to the automatic generation of a hybrid pallet label, a delivery note can be printer automatically. The delivery note provides a complete listing of all the finished product lot numbers contained on the delivery (across all pallets).

Hardware Specifications

The SG15 Touch Screen is a NEMA4X (IP66) heavy industrial computer designed for harsh manufacturing applications. It is usually supplied with a stainless steel fabricated stand with a built in scale, however the terminal can be supplied and connected to most existing scales and balances using internal connections.

The terminal is constructed using compression seals to maximize ingress protection. Cables entries are sealed and protected.

The Terminals are supplied with software applications which run on Windows or Linux as a background operating system.

Stainless steel stands, scales and printer enclosures are fully welded and polished to high manufacturing standards.

Supported Peripherals

Weighing Equipment (4 x analogue inputs, 4 x serial RS232 inputs).
Bar-code Readers (hardwired USB or Bluetooth)
Label & RFID Printers (network)
Report Printers (network)
Temperature Probes (serial RS232)
PLC & switchgear (serial or network)

Networking

The terminals utilize TCP/IP communications to a database using a wired or wireless LAN. This allows multiple Terminal to communicate with a central database. Terminal support is conducted using VNC or RDC.

PTI FAQ’s

What are GS1 Inbound Pallet Tags in the PTI solution?
The solution includes GS1 Barcode Pallet Labels to identify all inbound produce. These labels are adaptable to various formats and are compatible with many printers. This feature is particularly important for managing diverse produce types, from cucumbers and zucchinis to melons and pumpkins, ensuring accurate tracking and weight recording from the point of entry.
How does the PTI system manage the weighing of inbound products?
The software connects to scales to accurately record net and gross weights of inbound produce. This capability is vital for handling items like herbs and leafy greens, providing precise visibility of the quantity and condition of the produce as it enters the facility.
What information can be captured with the GS1 Inbound Pallet Tags?
These tags capture extensive information including weight, supplier lot, grower ID, expiration, quantity, and more. This level of detail is crucial for a variety of produce including specialty fruits and vegetables, ensuring complete traceability from the farm to the consumer.
What is the purpose of GS1 Case Labeling in PTI compliance?
The GS1 Case Labeling system is designed to ensure compliance with PTI Milestone 5. It’s a vital component for immediate compliance, applicable for produce like peppers, eggplants, peaches, and plums, facilitating efficient and accurate labeling on the production floor.
Can the PTI system print labels on the production floor?
Yes, the system is capable of printing labels either one at a time or in bulk quantities directly on the production floor. This flexibility is essential for handling a wide array of produce, including avocados, kiwis, bananas, and pineapples.
What information is included on the GS1 Case Labels?
The GS1 Case Labels include crucial information like the company GTIN and lot number. This feature is particularly important for tracking items throughout the supply chain, from onions and garlic to pears and cherries.
What are GS1 Hybrid Pallet Labels?
These labels are required for all outbound shipments and include a GS1 Barcode for tracking produce. This system is crucial for items like squash and mangoes, ensuring that each item can be accurately traced throughout its journey to the end consumer.
What does the SSCC Label on a Hybrid Pallet Label indicate?
The SSCC Label indicates product type, quantities, and lot numbers, facilitating easy shipping and receiving for a wide range of produce including strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms, and corn.
Can the PTI system link finished products to sales orders?
Yes, the system can link finished products like green beans and peas with relevant sales orders, ensuring that each item is correctly associated with its intended destination.
What information is contained in the horizontal GS1 Barcodes on Hybrid Pallet Labels?
The horizontal GS1 Barcodes contain essential data like GTIN, quantity, and lot number of shipped products. This feature is crucial for managing diverse produce types, ensuring accurate tracking and inventory management.
Does the PTI solution include hardware like touch screen terminals?
The solution includes robust touch screen terminals designed for harsh manufacturing environments. This hardware is vital for handling various produce types, ensuring durability and reliability in diverse operational conditions.
What are the specifications of the SG15 Touch Screen?
The SG15 Touch Screen is a heavy-duty industrial computer, ideal for precision handling of temperature-sensitive produce like blueberries and exotic fruits, maintaining optimal conditions throughout the handling process.
Are the terminals and peripherals suitable for harsh conditions?
The terminals and peripherals are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring durability and reliability for a wide range of produce handling environments, from wet and humid conditions to dry and dusty settings.
What types of peripherals are supported by the PTI solution?
The solution supports a wide range of peripherals including weighing equipment, barcode readers, label printers, and more. This wide support is essential for efficient and accurate handling of a diverse range of produce types.
Can the PTI solution handle temperature-sensitive produce?
Yes, with peripherals like temperature probes, the solution is well-suited for managing temperature-sensitive items, ensuring they are stored and transported under optimal conditions to maintain quality and freshness.