Serialization demand drives Antares expansion at new headquarters
The serialization-based track and trace solutions provider will move to Moorestown, New Jersey in early 2017, increasing the company’s warehousing space fourfold.
According to the company, the new space ups capacity of ready-to-deploy serialization modules in preparation for a November 27, 2017deadline, at which date manufacturers will be required to print a unique product identification code on all units of sale and homogenous cases distributed domestically.
The new facility will also include a testing facility for conducting multiple, simultaneous factory acceptance tests (FATs). Additionally, a demonstration showroom will display functioning packaging lines for demonstration and training and will host the debut of Antares’ Omnivision 360° Bottle Tracking System.
Capacity and compliance
Adriano Fusco, Antares Vision, Strategy and Development Director, told us there are currently more than 25 regulations worldwide already implemented or planned to be implemented in the next two to three years.
“Such deadlines have driven the serialization programs of the largest multinationals that consequently drove the investments and the growth of the main global vendors,” Fusco said.
“Global vendors must provide the capability necessary to deliver hardware, software and – even more importantly – the services. For this reason, we are regularly audited by our main customers not only on the quality of the products and the process, but also on our long-term capability to grow and deliver.”
The company has increased production capability fourfold in the past two years, moving to a new larger building in Italy and now, quadrupling its US presence.
Fusco said Antares has also optimized the delivery process, harmonizing and streamlining procedures from pre-sales activity, to specification, installation, and validation, in addition to reducing the cost of services and overall delivery time.
“For many companies that are late in their program, this means they can still be compliant in time thanks to this more efficient approach,” Fusco added.
“Globally, the number of lines to be equipped with serialization capabilities are still very high and will not be saturated before at least 8 to 10 years,” he said.
However, in the US lines are expected to be completely equipped in a few years, at which time the business will progressively transition from the “first equipment deployment” to maintenance services.
Fusco explained, “Preventive maintenance is key in this business, where the production capacity is often saturated and the availability of the lines must be 100%.”
