FDBusiness.com

Once trays have been filled with product, poultry processors will often be faced with how to transport them to packaging equipment elsewhere in the plant. This job can be done manually using crates. Alternatively, product can be transported on a complex system of belt conveyors, usually criss-crossing other similar systems. TrayTrack, a unique automated solution from Marel Poultry based on an overhead conveyor, is the perfect answer to this challenging logistical problem. The system intelligently distributes trays filled with end product to downstream packaging equipment. It can handle multiple jobs and can buffer trays inline, all with no labor involved and traceability ensured.

TrayTrack fits in perfectly with the Marel Poultry philosophy of giving poultry processors total control over their processes. The system consists of an overhead conveyor equipped with special carriers where trays are loaded and unloaded automatically. Tray Track is controlled by intelligent software, which distributes trays intelligently over multiple sealing/wrapping and labelling lines in the packaging department. This department will often be some distance away from where trays are filled.

Automation
Finding people to work in poultry processing plants is a world-wide problem. This is driving automation, which now also extends to logistics and process interfaces. TrayTrack is fully automatic, can handle high speeds and does away with the disadvantages of manual labor, offline buffering as well as capacity and productivity issues. Even the cleaning and drying process is entirely automated, similar to a car wash.

Intelligent software
Integrated Innova software directs trays to the packaging lines, deciding when and where each tray is unloaded. The aim here is to match the flow of filled trays as efficiently as possible to available sealing and labeling equipment. TrayTrack is able to buffer trays inline and deliver them right on time at the proper unloading station, ensuring that packaging lines are always kept fully and correctly fed. By making such intelligent distribution choices in the packaging department, TrayTrack’s software can even save a packaging line!

Traceable
Today’s consumers want to know where their food has come from, even the farm where their chicken was raised. Usually, the tracking process of individual products in a poultry plant stops once products are unshackled. Using TrayTrack, products keep fully traceable from the moment they are loaded onto trays until these trays have been sealed and labeled.

Multi-job
Unlike a system of conveyor belts, TrayTrack can handle multiple jobs simultaneously. Carriers can hold trays of different sizes with different products. According to production needs, TrayTrack will choose the best available sealing and labeling line for each tray, no matter what its size or contents.

Unlike belts, TrayTrack is based on an overhead conveyor and does not take up valuable floor space or need a floor plan. Hanging up above at a safe height, it does not get in the way of existing flows of people or product.

For more information visit marel.com/poultry

CAPTION:

TrayTrack is an inline logistic interface between tray filling and tray closing, offering full traceability without human labour involved.