Small quantity handling

With ManDos, AZO, the specialist in automated handling of raw materials, has developed an operatorcontrolled manual weighing centre for the provision of micro quantities.

+ManDos is particularly well suited for adding micro quantities such as flavourings, raw baking ingredients, emulsifiers, dyes and other ingredients where this cannot be fully automated in a profitable manner owing to their consistency (physical properties) or production need (quantity and frequency), for instance in the case of:

+ Low batch frequency

+ Raw materials that are not suitable for automation

+ Frequent change of ingredients

+ A large number of components

+ Limited investment resources

+ Requirement for end-to-end documentation

ManDos is of modular construction. It combines subassemblies, such as scales, surge bins, work tables, suction systems, barcode readers and label printers, and the software solution needed for this. The system works with a standard operating concept for a very wide range of terminals. The intuitive user guidance makes use of icons and graphic elements.

The weighing centre can be used in a stand-alone capacity, but can also be expanded to a networked batch production system with host interface. The raw material identification using barcode and the documentation of all work steps and weighing results ensures traceability of every batch at any time. Furthermore, the system has its own master data management (order and recipe management as well as item and stores management). ManDos meets the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, can be validated, and can also be used in explosive atmospheres.

How it works

When an order has been started, the operator is informed as to the component that needs to be weighed. After identifying the raw material using a barcode reader, the operator weighs the required amount in a container. A large weight display and a graphic bar diagram with change of colour make it easier to carry out manual dosing within the required tolerance. All the components are weighed into the container in the same way, one after another. If necessary, a label can be printed to identify the target container. The raw materials used and the entire weighing process are recorded and documented. +++