Allpax, powered by Pro Mach, introduced today the AllTrax basket tracking system for non-automated retort rooms. AllTrax is a barcode-based system for tracing cans, jars, trays, and pouches by basket through each critical checkpoint in the retort room and tagging those packages to verified processing by an individual retort. This new system is designed to improve security within the retort room and to lower the risk of product retort bypass. AllTrax can be integrated into every non-automated retort operation.

Previously, Allpax introduced a similar system for automated Allpax retort rooms. Customers and those with other brands of retorts contacted Allpax about the availability of a similar system for non-automated retort rooms where baskets are moved manually. Inquiring companies desired to better ensure that every can, jar, tray, and pouch they produced was verified to be properly sterilized and that an electronic record documented that fact.

Each basket is tagged with a human readable number and a machine readable number, both in laser-etched stainless steel. Scanning positively identifies each basket as it moves between loading, retorting, and unloading zones of the retort room. Positive identification is cross checked by the software-based tracking system.

Non-conforming actions are alarmed and require authorized operator resolution to clear the alarm. For example, the system will alarm if a basket fails to enter a retort or enters the wrong retort. Each basket scan triggers the tracking system to transfer a basket’s identity from one logical set of basket positions – zones – to the next (See Figure 1). Basket checkpoints are located at each loader, retort, and unloader system in the retort room. For an extra level of security, companies can opt to have employees wear a tag which is also scanned and links the employee to the basket.

“The AllTrax system is a marriage of hardware and software optimized for tracing and tracking packaging through the sterilization process,” said Greg Jacob, Vice President and General Manager, Allpax. “Allpax accounted for the realities of the retort room in terms of productivity and built a fast and easy to use system that will have zero impact on throughput. This is the type of safety and security development the entire Allpax team is proud to have created.”

For more information on AllTrax from Allpax for non-automated retort rooms, call 1-888-893-9277 and ask for Greg Jacob. For information on other Allpax lab retort, retort, and retort room automation solutions visit www.Allpax.com.