ManDos – operator-guided manual weighing centre for the provision of micro quantities

AZO at IBA 2018

The operator-guided manual weighing centre ManDos is ideal for micro quantities such as flavourings, baking agents, emulsifiers, dyes and other ingredients that cannot be fully automated in a profitable manner owing to their consistency (physical properties) or production need (quantity and frequency). However, it is these micro quantities in particular that have a crucial impact on the recipe, meaning that proper control and documentation are essential during their addition to the manufacturing process.

ManDos is ideal for the following situations:

• Low batch frequency

• Raw materials that are not suitable for automation

• Frequent changes of ingredients

• A large number of components

• Limited investment resources

• Requirement for end-to-end documentation

Our expertise – benefiting you!

ManDos can be used as a stand-alone system, but can also be expanded to a comprehensive, networked batch production system with host interface. The logical user guidance provides the best support for the operator and minimises wasted batches. The raw material identification using barcode and the documentation of all work steps and weighing results ensures traceability of every batch at any time. The system has its own master data management (order and recipe management as well as item and stores management). ManDos meets all the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, can be validated, and can also be used in explosive atmospheres.

How does ManDos work?

ManDos is a modular system combining the necessary sub-assemblies, such as scales, surge bins, desks, suction systems, barcode readers and label printers, and the software solution needed for this. The ManDos system provides a standard operating concept for a very wide range of terminals. Icons and graphic elements help guide the user.

When an order has been started, the operator is informed as to the component that needs to be weighed. After identifying the raw material using a barcode reader, the operator weighs the required amount in a container. A large weight display and a graphic bar diagram with change of colour make it easier to carry out manual dosing within the required tolerance.

All the components are weighed into the container in the same way, one after another. If necessary, a label can be printed to identify the target container. The raw materials used and the entire weighing process are recorded and documented from end to end.