Longwood, FL.- N2N Global, Inc. has developed an open source, free PTI compliant solution for use by those with voice pick technology in their warehouse or distribution center.
Much concern has resulted from the 7th milestone of the PTI (Produce Traceability Initiative) related to scanning outbound cases. However, N2N Global is now offering a solution that would remove this anxiety for the retail buying community and clear the path for implementation of PTI milestones.
“N2N has created a VPC (Voice Pick Code) that allows retailers to use their voice pick systems to capture the necessary information from a case needed for traceability”, said Chairman Angela Paymard of N2N Global. “The VPC can be used in lieu of scanning each outbound case.”
Most buyers use handheld scanners to scan inbound cases into their distribution centers. However, most buyers do not use scanners for outbound shipments. In lieu of scanners, most buyers use voice pick systems, whereby those who pick the product are told through a headset which warehouse slot to go to and how much product to pull from that particular slot.
“Retailers were struggling with Milestone #7 part of the PTI (outbound scanning) as it meant that they would have to equip their pickers with handheld scanners”, indicated Ernesto Nardone, CEO of N2N Solutions. “With N2N’s Voice Pick Code (or VPC), retailers can continue to use their voice pick systems and capture the same information that a handheld scanner would capture”.
The Voice Pick Code is a code that is physically shown on the case label and is calculated based upon the GTIN and the Lot/Batch # required for traceability. When the picker goes to the appropriate warehouse slot to begin staging the product for outbound shipment, instead of the picker reciting a 14-digit GTIN and up to a 20-digit lot or batch #, they simply are told which VPC to pick. As the VPC equates to a specific GTIN and lot or batch number combination, the retailer now has a date and time stamp of when that combination left its facility.
“We believe our Voice Pick Code closes the loop on traceability at the case level”, stated Nardone. “In addition, our newly created service “Traceability Source” also closes the loop on item-level traceability. Coupled with our Food Safety Manager product to address food safety, N2N continues to demonstrate to the industry that we are the leading provider of traceability and food safety solutions”.
For more information on Voice Pick Code, Traceability Source or Food Safety Manager, please contact N2N Global at 407-331-5151 or visit our website at www.kirkey.com.
About N2N Global, Inc.
N2N Global, Inc. (N2N) is the global leader in end to end business solutions for the perishables supply chain. With over 26 years of experience in the agribusiness community, N2N consults with, designs, develops and supports both business and software solutions for perishable products. N2N works with growers, packers, shippers, sales organizations, food processors, brokers, wholesalers, and other handlers of fresh product. N2N is an IBM Advanced Business Partner and leverages their products and services through multiple strategic alliances for the benefit of its clients.