Egg Grading Modules

Ovotrack uses a SQL Server database as the core of the Ovotrack System. This database serves as the central hub where all operational data is stored and managed. It is typically installed on the company’s server and supports seamless data synchronization with external software applications, such as ERP systems.

Ovotrack can also be configured to communicate directly with egg grading machines, provided the machine supports this functionality. Communication is available with all Moba Omnia and Sanovo Ardenta, OptiGrader, and GraderPro grading machines.

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A set of labels can be generated for each farm, house, and flock producing eggs. These labels are typically provided by the drivers collecting the eggs. Each label includes all required pre-registered information, such as the farm name, address, and flock registration number. In addition, every label contains a unique ID, displayed both as text and as a barcode.

The farmer applies one label to each pallet of ungraded eggs and can optionally add the date of lay and the quantity of seconds, when applicable.

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When trucks with ungraded eggs arrive at the packing center, the farm label barcodes are scanned. Scanning the first label automatically creates an Egg Purchase Order for the relevant farm and house. All delivery information shown on the labels and delivery documents, such as the date of lay and number of cracks, is captured in the Ovotrack Database, and the stock position of ungraded eggs is updated in real time.

If no label is available, for example when eggs are supplied by a non-contracted farmer, a new label can be printed directly within Ovotrack.

Optionally, a weighing scale can be connected to Ovotrack to automatically record and store the weight of each pallet. When using ECS® pallets, pallets can also be registered by reading the integrated RFID chips.

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Ovotrack Stock Locations provides real-time visibility of inventory across your grading facility.

Within the module, multiple stock locations can be configured, including areas, sections, and rows. All uniquely identified materials in Ovotrack, such as ungraded eggs, packaging materials, reusables, and finished goods, can be assigned to a specific location by scanning the item label and the destination.
This ensures accurate location-based inventory control and provides a clear, real-time overview of stock per position throughout the grading operation.

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At the grading machine loader, pallet labels of ungraded eggs are scanned using a wireless scanner. When the grading machine supports communication, an Ovotrack Loader PC enables direct data exchange. After scanning, key information such as farm name, flock ID, egg quantity, stamp-on-egg code, and date of lay is automatically sent to the grading machine.

This information supports full traceability within the grading process and can also be used to control the data printed on each egg. The batch change is registered at the exact moment of scanning, and the stock position of ungraded eggs is updated in real time.

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In automated depalletizing setups at the grading machine loader, there is no operator to manually signal a batch change. With the growing adoption of automated depalletizing, Ovotrack and Giordano developed the Eggs Cargo Identifier (ECI).

ECI is a patented plastic tag with a unique barcode that can be clipped onto the top corner of a pallet. At the batch change position on the loader of the grading machine, a fixed scanner reads the ECI barcode and automatically triggers the switch from one supplier to the next. After the batch change, the ECI tag is returned using the grading machine’s existing dirt tray detection system.

This approach is not only essential for automated operations but also more reliable than manual batch change procedures, where timing depends on operator actions. Ovotrack ECI is an extension of Ovotrack Loader and consists of Ovotrack Software, a fixed scanner, and a set of ECI tags.

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Ovotrack Grading Results automatically collects and imports grading data through direct communication with the grading machine.

Grading results are stored in the Ovotrack database and can be synchronized with other systems to support farm billing and performance statistics. This eliminates manual data entry and ensures accurate, reliable reporting for financial and operational analysis.

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Egg quality tests such as Haugh units, yolk color, and shell strength are commonly performed at egg grading centers. With Ovotrack Egg Quality, test results are automatically captured and stored in the Ovotrack Database.

During receiving, an additional label is printed for the egg sample to be tested and sent to the laboratory. The Ovotrack Egg Quality module runs on an existing laboratory PC. Before testing, the sample label barcode is scanned using an Ovotrack wireless scanner. Once testing is completed, the results are imported into Ovotrack and stored under the original pallet ID, making them immediately available for reporting and analysis.

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Reusable transport materials such as plastic pallets, trays, dividers, crates, and pallecons are widely used in the egg industry. While these reusables are sustainable, they represent a significant investment and require accurate registration and tracking.

Ovotrack Reusables automates the registration and management of reusable materials. The module registers incoming and outgoing reusables, provides real-time insight into their location, and indicates when farms need to be restocked. With real-time visibility, Ovotrack Reusables supports accurate planning and logistics. It also provides insight into the hygienic status of reusables and offers an overview of damaged materials.

Reusables can be registered both online and offline, at the production center or at the farm, by scanning with a pocket PC. Ovotrack Reusables is fully integrated into the Ovotrack platform but can also be used as a standalone solution.

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Packaging materials can be traced in the same way as eggs. With the Ovotrack Packaging module, a label is printed for each pallet of packaging material upon receipt. Each time a pallet is moved from the packaging warehouse to the processing area, the pallet label is scanned to maintain full traceability.

Supplier traceability codes can also be stored in the database, ensuring accurate supplier information is available in the event of a recall.

In addition to traceability, Ovotrack Packaging provides real-time stock control of packaging materials. Based on current stock levels, the system can generate alerts when packaging materials need to be replenished.

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Packaging materials can be traced in the same way as eggs. With Ovotrack Packaging, a label is printed for each pallet of packaging material upon receipt. Each time a pallet is moved from the packaging warehouse to the processing area, the label is scanned to maintain full traceability.

Supplier traceability codes can also be stored in the database, ensuring accurate supplier information is available in the event of a recall.

In addition to traceability, Ovotrack Packaging provides real-time stock control of packaging materials. Based on current stock levels, the system can generate alerts when packaging needs to be replenished.

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An Ovotrack End of Lane PC is installed next to the grading machine and connected to a wireless scanner. All customer product types and label layouts are configured in Ovotrack, allowing unique labels to be created for each product and customer.

Before grading starts, sales and stock orders can be selected and assigned to specific packing lanes at the End of Lane PC, either by scanning the order barcode or selecting the order directly on the screen.

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To maintain traceability and inventory control of graded eggs, outer cases are labeled with a unique ID. Ovotrack End of Lane consists of an Ovotrack PC, button boxes at the end of each packing lane, and label printers mounted on the button boxes.

Ovotrack End of Lane can be configured in several ways. Products or orders can be selected manually, assigned automatically from sales or production orders, scanned from an order list, or set directly via the grading machine. Once a product or order is assigned to a packing lane, the correct label layout and print data are automatically selected.

When a case, box, or pallet is fully packed, the operator presses the button for that lane and a label is printed with the correct layout and a unique ID, shown both as text and as a barcode. The unique ID and the origin of the eggs are then stored in the Ovotrack Database.

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Ovotrack Case Tracking enables individual cases to be tracked along the conveyor belt, from the packing lane to the printer.

The solution allows all finished products to be labeled using a single printer. Ovotrack Case Tracking monitors each case in real time and ensures the correct product label is sent to the printer. If a case cannot be identified, the conveyor belt is automatically stopped so the case can be removed.

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Ovotrack Print & Apply provides fully automatic, real-time labeling of cases on a case conveyor or integrated directly into a case packer.

When a packing lane is connected to a case packer via Ovotrack End of Lane, the correct label layout is automatically sent to the Print & Apply System. Ovotrack Print & Apply is available in multiple configurations, allowing labels to be applied on the top, front, or side of a case.

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Instead of manual label printing, Ovotrack offers a fully automated solution for printing and applying case labels using the Ovotrack Speedlabel Pro system on the case conveyor.

The Speedlabel Pro system is capable of:

– Identifying products using a vision system that scans carton graphics
– Printing and applying labels to the front and/or side of each case
– Rejecting unidentified products automatically
– Handling up to 1,800 cases per hour

For each product and/or customer, unique labels can be designed for product, case, or pallet labeling. Label design is fully flexible, with each label containing at minimum an EPC number, the unique Ovotrack ID, displayed both as text and as a barcode.

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Scan Portal with Semi-Automatic Palletizing ensures real-time, accurate inventory at all times.

Each case passing through the scan portal automatically updates inventory levels. If a label is missing or the barcode cannot be read, the case conveyor stops and an alarm alerts operators to resolve the issue.

By verifying that every case label is readable and scannable, the system ensures reliable scanning during dispatch. The additional scan also removes any unused labels from the traceability system.

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Using wireless scanners in the dispatch department, pallet labels can be created at any stage of the process. During palletizing, order preparation, or loading, all product IDs on a pallet are scanned and linked to a pallet label with a unique PAL number.

Pallet labels can also be generated automatically by palletizers and applied either manually or automatically, depending on the setup.

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Repacking is often required after grading, for example for shrink wrapping or when bulk-packed eggs need to be split into smaller customer orders. In these cases, new case labels must be created while maintaining the link to the original pallet. Ovotrack Repack enables labels to be reprinted while preserving the original traceability information.

A Repack Solution consists of a wireless scanner, an Ovotrack PC, and a label printer, often using the same hardware already available in the dispatch area.

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Graded eggs purchased from external grading centers must also be fully traceable within Ovotrack. Outer cases and pallets are labeled in the same way as products graded in-house, ensuring a consistent labeling process.

Ovotrack Receive Graded uses the same hardware as the Ovotrack Receive module. Supplier traceability codes can also be stored in the database, ensuring accurate supplier information is available in the event of a recall.

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Using wireless scanners in the dispatch department, pallet labels can be created at any stage of the process. During palletizing, order preparation, or loading graded eggs, all product IDs on a pallet are scanned and linked to a pallet label with a unique PAL number. Pallet labels can also be generated automatically by palletizers and applied manually or automatically.

When building a mixed pallet, all case labels are scanned. Once scanning is complete, a pallet label is created that links all cases on that pallet into a single group ID, ensuring full traceability.

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To complete traceability, stock-graded products must be linked to sales orders in the dispatch department before loading and shipment. For this purpose, an Ovotrack PC with one or more wireless scanners can be installed in dispatch, along with a label printer for printing new labels when required.

Pick lists or load lists are printed with barcodes and scanned first. The outer case or pallet barcodes are then scanned, allowing the system to verify the correct products and check best-before or sell-by dates.

Once products are connected to sales orders, delivery notes or bills of lading can be generated, and the data can be transferred to the ERP system for invoicing.

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The Ovotrack SSCC Pallet Label solution builds on the internal pallet label created using Ovotrack Stand-Alone Palletizing or Ovotrack Semi-Automatic Palletizing. This internal pallet label identifies the product and maintains traceability but is not yet linked to a sales order.

Within Ovotrack Dispatch, the internal pallet label is connected to a sales order. Once linked, all required information becomes available to generate the SSCC pallet label. The SSCC label can then be printed, and the corresponding IDs are used on delivery documents such as the delivery note or bill of lading.

SSCC data can also be synchronized with the ERP system and shared with customers via an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN).

Ovotrack SSCC Pallet Label supports flexible label configuration, allowing different SSCC label layouts to be defined per customer and/or product.

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