Autocoding Systems - Right date code & packaging
Prevent Packaging Errors and Recalls with AI-Powered Verification
We know a single label error can lead to recalls, downtime and lost trust. Our system prevents that.
Achieve 100% continuous verification of labels and packaging to ensure compliance, reduce downtime, and protect your brand reputation.
Trusted by the UK’s Leading Food Manufacturers
“Without a doubt I would recommend OAL to other manufacturers […] this system is the failsafe.”
Why OAL’s Autocoding System?
Trusted by the UK’s Leading Food Manufacturers
Technical Excellence
With over 30 years as a trusted automation partner, and a team of 50 experienced engineers, OAL delivers practical, intelligent solutions to real-world label verification challenges.
Industry Proven
The most popular packaging verification system on the market installed on over 2,000 packing lines. Built to handle complex packaging operations with ease.
Innovation at the Core
Ongoing investment through £6.5 million of Innovate UK-funded projects drives the development of next-gen systems using AI, vision, and smart automation technologies.
Always-On Support
Our UK-based support team of 15 specialists is available 24/7, 365 days a year. You can speak directly to an engineer within one hour, because downtime isn’t an option.
Seamless System Integration
Integrates effortlessly with your existing line equipment to deliver simple one-click control. No need for manual checks or complex configurations.
Retailer Compliance
Comprehensive tools, training, and audits ensure full compliance with the latest Code of Practice requirements. Certified by GS1 UK and trusted by major retailers including M&S.
How Autocoding works?
Our Autocoding system combines intelligent software with robust hardware to automate printer setup and verify every pack, eliminating date code and label errors before they cause problems.
Step-by-step operation:
Select the Job
The operator selects the product or works order on the OAL Line Terminal (touchscreen). With one click, the system automatically configures the entire packaging line.
Printers Automatically Set Up
The system pulls data from the Master Product Database (MPD) to automatically configure all printers with the correct date code, based on your P+ rules. Additional fields such as grower, country of origin, and batch codes are also applied automatically, removing the risk of manual input errors.
Packaging Verified
Integrated cameras scan and verify the 1D or 2D barcodes to confirm that they match the selected job. This prevents mix-ups and ensures traceability for all packaging components, such as pots, lids, sleeves or labels.
AI-Powered Packaging & Product Checks
The system uses AI to inspect printed information such as date codes, allergen declarations, promotional flashes, and label presence or position, catching errors that barcode verification alone can’t detect. It can also check product quality, identifying issues like missing sachets or visible defects in the food product itself.
Paperless Quality Assurance
Operators complete start-up, end-of-run, and interval quality checks (typically every 30 minutes) using a handheld camera. All checks are recorded digitally, ensuring full compliance and audit readiness, without paperwork.
“The team at OAL are easy to work with, working together we have implemented a robust automated label and date code verification system. The 24/7 support is quick, friendly, and efficient!”
100% Continuous Label Verification
Every pack is scanned and verified. A camera is mounted to the line to scan packaging barcodes and verify against the running job.
Multiple barcode cameras are mounted on the line to scan all elements for products with multiple packaging elements (pot, lid, sleeve).
Right date code
Automatic printer set-up and 100% print inspection.
Save time each changeover and prevent human input errors on printers by automating the setup and monitoring of your printers.
Ensure 100% date coding confidence by verifying the date code printed on every pack with APRIL Eye.
The OAL system automatically sets up the printers to print the correct date code for the works order/job you’re running.
Stop human errors. Operators no longer set up printers. The OAL system automatically sets up all printers (primary and secondary) to print the date code for the running job.
Brand agnostic. The OAL system works with all printer brands.
Fault and alarm detection. If the printer enters a fault state, the OAL system detects the errors, stops the line and forces a redownload of date code information.
Save time. Operators can be reassigned to other activities as they no longer set up printers.
“The installation team were easy to get on with and very obliging. They already know the food industry and its standards and as such managed the installation accordingly to eliminate product risk and line downtime”