X-rays equipped with data software

POWERFUL x-ray systems are often deployed to help detect safety and quality problems while also providing valuable, comprehensive and easily-retrievable product information. They have become increasingly indispensable in today’s marketplace where transparency and traceability are in demand as consumers, retailers, foodservice operators, and government regulators seek product information.

Advanced x-ray systems from Eagle Product Inspection automatically detect and reject contaminants across a spectrum of food, beverage and non-food products, with the additional benefit of key data and analytics.

Eagle’s range of x-ray machines for raw, in-process and packaged products are driven by SimulTask™ PRO software. This software – including the latest SimulTask™ 5 platform releasing soon – allows managers to easily access statistics and reports on inspected products. The company’s x-ray machines can be equipped with proprietary TraceServer™ software that records the x-ray inspection process and related production data. The scalable program can access data from customer-provided programs, consolidating information into one centralized database. By tracking production through every stage, the software allows manufacturers to conduct the due diligence needed for greater traceability and, in turn, transparency.

The Pack 550 PRO x-ray detects shards shards, metal fragments, mineral stones, rubber and plastic materials, and calcified bone

The information is valuable for exports, too. “Some countries want a great level of detail, and manufacturers are able to access the x-ray reporting if there is ever a question or issue,” says George Humphries, Senior Technical Specialist for Eagle Product Inspection.

As global companies use information from Eagle’s x-ray detection systems for verification and validation, from their own ingredients sourced by vendors to comply with audits, they can use the information in other beneficial ways. “By having better metrics, manufacturers can see more about their processes,” says Humphries. “Customers aren’t looking for a static database but want to know how to maximize data.”

The maximization of data is likely to continue, given advanced detection technologies and software that can be integrated with other manufacturing systems. “By tracking products and attaching information to them, item-level traceability is possible. We work with customers who are doing that, and many manufacturers are excited about where the capability is going,” says Humphries.

Eagle has representatives across the globe, including parts of Asia. The company has an office in Singapore and China.