JZ Flowers implements zero tolerance on barcode errors

Quality control manager Bill Bradnum says: “Because our business is based on a manual production system, we have to use stringent quality checks at all stages of production to ensure that we pick up any human errors before bouquets leave our factory. “Punitive measures for even the most minor errors can be measured in thousands of pounds. The worst-case scenario for us is incorrect quantities or the wrong flowers arriving at a distribution centre, or bouquets with unreadable barcodes ending up in store.” So the factory at Plaxton Bridge, near Beverly, Yorkshire, which is dedicated to Morrisons contracts, piloted an on-line verification system to ensure 100% accuracy of labels from the print room. Barcode labelling specialist Label Store supplied Hand Held Products’ SV200 on-line verification system and four Datamax printers, which are now verifying labels on the fly, checking everything from contrast to symbology, direction and reflection, and ensuring 100% barcode accuracy and readability. The system scans every label printed and if an error is found, the printer pauses for the label to be checked and removed before proceeding with the print run. Not only does this ensure 100% barcode readability and accuracy, it also speeds up printing and saves money by reducing discarded labels. Says Bradnum: “We have already seen a reduction to zero rejections from our customers, which have resulted in zero penalties. I am now rolling this system out across the entire print room, and at the sites in Hull and Ireland.”