In 2024, labelling errors accounted for almost a quarter of all UK food recalls. Addressing this, Vyper Vision from Fortress Technology gives food processors a high-speed, easy-to-integrate vision inspection system.
Inspecting label application and placement, use by dates, allergens, ingredients, batch numbers and barcodes, it examines every label on every pack at 200ppm.
Adding to its expertise in metal detection, X-ray, checkweighing, combination systems and digital reporting, Fortress Technology will show how Vyper Vision is optimising quality control on a single end-of-line inspection machine.
By preventing label-related defects from reaching the point of sale due to wrong data input, poor-quality printing, or illegible allergen details and barcodes, Vyper Vision can safeguard consumers and prevent the issuing of costly food safety alerts and recalls.
Vyper Vision will be demonstrated on a Raptor Combination metal detector and checkweigher within the same footprint.
Providing top and bottom inspection, the system uses advanced optical character recognition (OCR) to detect and reject faulty labels, printing errors, and poor-quality print in real time.
“The accuracy of OCR technology means that Vyper Vision is especially good at reading label data on concave packaging, usually shaped or chilled products where condensation can distort text and codes on labels,” claims Fortress Commercial Manager Jodie Curry.
OCR also adjusts to variable lighting conditions and variations in font sizes and label distortions, as well as automatically adjusting to different packaging types, adds Curry. The camera is IP65-rated and is within a waterproof enclosure.
Designed for all industrial food manufacturing environments, out-of-tolerance packs are instantly rejected into a lockable bin.
Every reason for rejection is automatically captured as an image by the Vyper Vision system and is sent as a digital file to a processor's central network, where it can be stored electronically.
Designed to be easily integrated into any Fortress inspection system, Vyper Vision can be seamlessly connected to a customer’s centralised data and reporting system utilising various communication adaptors, such as OPC UA.
Vyper Vision is also compatible with Contact 4.0, Fortress Technology’s turnkey system for monitoring, data collection, and reporting.
Vyper Vision can also be programmed to inspect special promotional labels, 2D and 1D barcodes, as well as special cooking and storage instructions.
For a full demonstration of Vyper Vision and how it can further enhance quality control, visit the Fortress Technology stand B32 at PPMA Total 2025.