Nico Treurnicht of Ergopak, a scale control system manufacturer, highlights the evolution of the fruit export industry through four major waves, culminating in what he identifies as ‘packhouse agility’. This latest phase emphasizes the ability of packhouses to swiftly adapt to different packaging demands, which is crucial as packing instructions can frequently change. Ergopak’s technology plays a key role in ensuring these transitions are seamless.
Innovating with Artificial Intelligence
Ergopak has innovated by integrating artificial intelligence into their scales, allowing for efficient and precise packing. This technology provides a dual benefit: it speeds up the packing process and offers management a traceable, high-level overview of packhouse operations. This innovation addresses the mental fatigue packhouse workers face, particularly when dealing with varying quantities, like switching from packing large cartons to smaller 500g punnets.
The smart scale system designed by Ergopak features a user-friendly interface that displays a bar graph, the actual weight, and the variance from the target weight. This setup helps workers, by visually indicating how close they are to achieving the correct weight, without needing to perform complex calculations.
Additionally, the scales are engineered for flexibility, such as combination packing where different components are weighed and adjusted in sequence to meet specific requirements. This prevents errors like overpacking and ensures consistency across batches.
Ergopak’s latest innovation, the Aquila range, includes a touchscreen system compatible with various platforms, enhanced by a comprehensive web-based management platform named Panorama. This system facilitates a holistic and detailed management of the packing process, from the entry of grapes in crates – which are scanned and linked to specific field pickers – to their eventual palletization, allowing for a thorough tracking of inputs and outputs within the packhouse.
The adoption of Ergopak’s technology has grown significantly, now being utilized in packhouses across Morocco and fourteen European countries. Their system’s capability to differentiate between products of the same weight, while avoiding errors in processing, has given them a competitive edge. This technology not only improves operational efficiency, but also addresses potential morale issues among workers by preventing manipulation of the weighing process.
Ergopak will showcase their technology at the upcoming BerriesZA technical & trade symposium further highlighting their impact on the industry and their commitment to innovation in packhouse operations.