Belgian technology company Zetes is providing champagne producer Maison Burtin with digitalized traceability solutions through automated processes using new label printing, application and picking technologies.
The project forms part of a global digitalization strategy that aims to improve packaging, providing traceability of champagne bottles from packaging to delivery.
Maison Burtin chose the ZetesAtlas, a packaging execution system that provides identification, serialization and aggregation on packaging lines, combined with Zetes MD smart printing and applicator labeling stations.
These systems are linked to the warehouse solution ZetesMedea to improve order fulfillment. ZetesMedea allows warehouse workers to perform tasks quicker and more accurately, from goods-in to goods-out.
“This project has improved our efficiency and productivity, mainly through the standardization of all our label formats. This means that we no longer need to manage hundreds of different pre-printed labels because the labels are completed automatically,” says Bernard Guerbette, new build and project manager at Maison Burtin.
“We also do not need to change the spools according to the different label formats. Those procedures were time-consuming and required organizational effort,” adds Guerbette.
Process digitalization
Champagne bottle sales rose US$5 million at the end of last year compared to 2021. Maison Burtin, located in Epernay, France, vinifies and matures a variety of champagne cuvées through quality monitoring.
The producer says it used to work with systems and technologies that have now become obsolete. To improve quality control, reduce errors and enhance its brand image, Maison Burtin has decided to digitalize its traceability by integrating automated processes using new label printing, application and picking technologies.
“The project originated because large retailers and logistics companies started requiring us to identify all of our products with an EAN 128 code. All champagne cases leaving the site must be marked with adhesive labels, containing a specific organized set of information,” explains Bernard Guerbette, new build and project manager at Maison Burtin.
“We approached Zetes, the traceability specialist, to satisfy our requirements and offer an automated solution to identify all of our products, from production to shipment of our champagne cases.”
Labeling and palletizing
The supply chain solutions advisor explains that the ZetesAtlas solution is fully integrated into the company’s enterprise resource planning and guarantees Maison Burtin total and automated control of marking its packing boxes on its packaging lines.
The marking is controlled via a central and intuitive operator interface. For each box processed, one or two labels (brand and reference labels) are printed and attached to identify all champagne cases. To prevent production downtime, the printing head and label applicator head (Zetes MD1500 station) have been duplicated on each line to facilitate spool replacement.
Once the boxes have been labeled, they get palletized. This process is also fully automated as the pallet is wrapped in film using a system equipped with a turntable and an automatic filming machine. It is then identified and validated by two pallet labels applied to two faces by the Zetes MD6000 smart printing and applicator stations. It is then stored and then dispatched to the warehouse.
Modernized order picking
Enabled by integrating ZetesMedea solution, Maison Burtin will also be able to modernize its order-picking processes by adding an automatic picking system connected to the mobile technology. The purpose of this solution will be to replace the old picking method, which is still a paper-based system.
The global project, which integrates the entire chain from production to packaging and shipping of its bottles, has led to a productivity increase. Together with its traceability guarantee, Maison Burtin says it can now provide all of its customers with an optimized service quality.
