Saving Time and Reducing Errors
“In terms of the greatest benefit we see from the Emydex system, it is mostly time. Emydex eliminates unnecessary checks by integrating all essential ones into its system. Previously, we were performing checks on our checks, for compliance, for customer requirements, and for internal information. With Emydex we were able to eliminate a lot of these additional checks. Emydex allows us to reassess and gives us more time to focus on compliance and process improvement”.
Furthermore, Emydex creates a better sense of accountability. You can see how long it takes for a technician to do a QC check. It creates more authority over the system. Using pen-and-paper, manual errors happen more often, whereas all data captured via an electronic check is monitored, validated and verified.
From a reporting standpoint, it is also quicker and easier to analyse and graph QC data captured, using Emydex’s BI (Business Intelligence) reporting tool. Trends can easily be extracted, and graphs can be compiled right away. “The Emydex system gives me a sense of security that the data I am looking at is accurate”, said Phil Wise. Phil also commended the alert system within Emydex, where he gets an email right away whenever there is a deviation. “The more you can have that information in real time, the better off you are to decide how to handle the issue. You don’t have to go hunting for the information”. Previously, issues like an excess of broken wings would only be noticed via paper records at the end of the day, necessitating machine adjustments or further investigation the following day.
“The new system offers remarkable flexibility. In the past, creating and maintaining paper records was mandatory. Now, by setting alerts for specific criteria within a chosen timeframe, we can cater to particular customer requests. For instance, to prevent potential customer complaints about an excessive number of miscut drumsticks, I could introduce an additional quality control check in the Emydex system and set it to be active for a specified period of time. Once this period is over, the extra check is automatically removed. This system allows such adaptability. When QC personnel go to the floor, they can say, ‘I have a new check to perform; I need to double-check drumstick cases for customer X.’ Implementing these corrective actions helps in continual growth. Once you familiarize yourself with the system, its ease of use becomes apparent”, said Phil.
Instant Access to Quality Data
Murray’s vision is to have the entire plant use Emydex for quality and compliance checks, with the same tablets also being used to access machine manuals, monitor performance, and view product grading images. This would help maintenance and QC work together more effectively, supporting production staff. Maintenance could check vendor quality with QC in real time. For instance, if there were mishaps in the last batch of birds, maintenance could immediately analyse the machine’s performance. “Our bird counter is automated and integrated. When a technician inspects the deboning machine, for example, he should access the history of checks through the system, including KPIs and alerts. There is a lot that the system can do, which is not utilized yet. Especially considering machine performance, which has great potential”, said Phil.
The system installed at Murray’s Chicken is well-suited for smaller plants that need specialized systems. Over a thousand different product codes, so not everything is standard. The previous system required significant manual effort. With the implementation of Emydex, processes have been standardized, enhancing accountability and traceability. “All information is right at my fingertips. I love it”, said Phil Wise.
