In a packaging system including a packaging machine and at least one component provided in addition to the packaging machine, the packaging system includes a display and a computer unit. The system is configured to display a performance graphic on the display. The computer unit includes a fault analysis section that is configured to detect a stop or output deficit of the packaging system and, when a stop or an output deficit is detected, to determine, from a list of error sources stored in a memory, an error source causing the stop or output deficit so that the determined error source is shown on the display.

In a packaging system including a packaging machine and at least one component provided in addition to the packaging machine, the packaging system includes a display and a computer unit. The system is configured to display a performance graphic on the display. The computer unit includes a fault analysis section that is configured to detect a stop or output deficit of the packaging system and, when a stop or an output deficit is detected, to determine, from a list of error sources stored in a memory, an error source causing the stop or output deficit so that the determined error source is shown on the display.

A warehousing line, a warehousing management method and device may include: a storage device, provided with a plurality of storage locations, wherein each storage location is provided with a location sensor configured to determine storage information of the storage location; a first conveyor device, configured to convey items to or from the storage device, wherein the first conveyor device is provided with a first information collection element configured to collect information of each item on the first conveyor device; a first stacking device, configured to move the item from the first conveyor device to a corresponding storage location of the plurality of storage locations, or to move the item in one of the plurality of storage locations to the first conveyor device; and a warehousing management system in communication connection with the location sensors, the first information collection element and the first stacking device respectively.

An apparatus for optimizing automated packaging of a shipment set, said shipment set comprising one or more items arranged in an arrangement for being automatically packaged, the apparatus comprising at least one image obtaining device for obtaining three-dimensional image data of said arrangement and at least one computer system and a signaling device, the computer system adapted for processing said image data to obtain information on the dimensions of individual items present in said arrangement and on the orientation and position of said items in said arrangement, performing an analysis of said information with respect to at least one optimization criterion and depending on said analysis, generating signals indicating to either proceed with automated packaging of said arrangement or to modify or to divert said arrangement, and the signaling device adapted for receiving the signals generated.

An apparatus for optimizing automated packaging of a shipment set, said shipment set comprising one or more items arranged in an arrangement for being automatically packaged, the apparatus comprising at least one image obtaining device for obtaining three-dimensional image data of said arrangement and at least one computer system and a signaling device, the computer system adapted for processing said image data to obtain information on the dimensions of individual items present in said arrangement and on the orientation and position of said items in said arrangement, performing an analysis of said information with respect to at least one optimization criterion and depending on said analysis, generating signals indicating to either proceed with automated packaging of said arrangement or to modify or to divert said arrangement, and the signaling device adapted for receiving the signals generated.

Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In embodiments, an item-management system comprises a container defining plural cells, a docking station configured to receive the container, sources of visible information to indicate the cell(s) into which an item is to be loaded, and at least one controller operable to control the visible information sources to indicate the cell into which the item is to be received.

According to one embodiment, a strapping apparatus includes a setting device, a determination device, a strap band supply device, an acquisition device, a color decision device, and a warning presentation device. The setting device sets a denomination of paper sheets to be strapped. The determination device determines a color of a strap band to strap a bundle of the paper sheets, based on the denomination. The strap band supply device supplies strap bands from a first strap band reel previously stored. The acquisition device acquires an image of the first strap band reel. The color decision device decides a color of the first strap band reel, based on the image. The warning presentation device presents a warning if the color of the first strap band reel is different from the color determined by the determination device.

According to one embodiment, a strapping apparatus includes a setting device, a determination device, a strap band supply device, an acquisition device, a color decision device, and a warning presentation device. The setting device sets a denomination of paper sheets to be strapped. The determination device determines a color of a strap band to strap a bundle of the paper sheets, based on the denomination. The strap band supply device supplies strap bands from a first strap band reel previously stored. The acquisition device acquires an image of the first strap band reel. The color decision device decides a color of the first strap band reel, based on the image. The warning presentation device presents a warning if the color of the first strap band reel is different from the color determined by the determination device.

A food processing system is disclosed. The food processing system includes a food scaling portion, a food bagging portion and a chute portion connecting the food scaling portion to the food bagging portion. The food processing system also includes a foreign object sensor arranged about the chute portion. The foreign object sensor and the chute portion cooperatively form a foreign object sensing zone within a passage formed by the chute portion that extends along a portion of a length of the chute portion. The food processing system also includes at least one sensor testing conduit extending through one or both of the food scaling portion and the chute portion. An exit opening of the at least one sensor testing conduit is arranged in an opposing relationship with respect to the foreign object sensing zone. A foreign object sensor apparatus for detecting non-foodstuff material is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.

A food processing system is disclosed. The food processing system includes a food scaling portion, a food bagging portion and a chute portion connecting the food scaling portion to the food bagging portion. The food processing system also includes a foreign object sensor arranged about the chute portion. The foreign object sensor and the chute portion cooperatively form a foreign object sensing zone within a passage formed by the chute portion that extends along a portion of a length of the chute portion. The food processing system also includes at least one sensor testing conduit extending through one or both of the food scaling portion and the chute portion. An exit opening of the at least one sensor testing conduit is arranged in an opposing relationship with respect to the foreign object sensing zone. A foreign object sensor apparatus for detecting non-foodstuff material is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.