What is an Item Level Manager ?
To produce item level pedigrees each bottle, vile or blister pack needs to be serialized. The data carrier is generally the conveyance for the serial number. The most simple is
human readable serial number. Barcode is the most mature data carrier for a serial number with either datamatrix and RSS. The most complex and expensive data carrier is
RFID.
To apply a serial number to an item on a packaging line is a complex process that requires provisioning serial numbers, verifying the serial numbers, and associating the serial numbers.
This complex process requires a packaging line architecture that synchronizes and manages data, an Item Level Manager.
There are two basic frameworks for Item Level Management, PC or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
Most drug packaging lines currently have two control frameworks. There is a PLC based control, generally Allen Bradley. And a PC based control for inspection and validation.
The Item Level Management framework can either be PC or PLC, depending on the customer preference.