Which SNEED-JET® Printer Helped Add Batch Codes to Pietrzyk Pierogi?
The world of business can often be complex and challenging, especially when it comes to ensuring that products are properly coded and labeled for distribution. This is particularly true for businesses like Pietrzyk Pierogi, which strive for excellence in their culinary creations and aim to uplift and support their community. We understand the importance of simplifying coding and marking processes so business owners can focus on what truly matters: growing their business and making a positive impact.
Pietrzyk Pierogi is dedicated to providing a prosperous future for its employees by paying them a livable wage, respecting their rights as workers, and fostering an environment where people are encouraged to aspire for more in life. Their mission extends beyond creating traditional and unique pierogi and other Polish street foods; they serve as a community model for other small businesses, demonstrating the benefits of investing in one's community. With such admirable goals, Erica Pietrzyk and her team must maximize their free time and streamline their operations.
Why is Batch Coding Necessary When Expanding Distribution?
Expanding distribution beyond home sales or local farmer’s markets to include well-known retail giants necessitates adherence to strict regulatory standards. These regulations often require including date codes, batch codes, lot codes, serial numbers, and other traceability information, ensuring that products meet the high standards of stores like Walmart, Kroger, Target, H-E-B, Whole Foods, and other retail giants. According to the FDA:
- “The goal of the Food Traceability rule is to ensure Key Data Elements (KDEs) can be maintained across the supply chain for more efficient and effective tracing while providing firms flexibility within their existing tracing systems… The traceability lot code (TLC) is an integral component of the rule’s requirements. It links to the other KDEs required, including the TLC source, which provides the physical location where the traceability lot code for an FTL food was unassigned.”
While lot codes are crucial in traceability, batch codes are equally important. Batch codes keep track of groups of items produced simultaneously, with the same ingredients, at the same location. Without batch codes, products would face significant hurdles in the distribution process. Erica from Pietrzyk Pierogi emphasizes this necessity:
- “We didn’t have a system set up for batch coding and were expanding our distribution and needed to have a better system in place for tracking our products.”
Pierogis and Handheld Printing for the Win
In the fast-paced world of food production, efficient and reliable systems for coding and marking products are essential. Rather than relying on outdated methods such as attaching labels manually or writing batch codes by hand, Erica Pietrzyk and her team opted for a more modern solution: the SNEED-JET® Titan T6 Handheld Printer. This decision has proven to be a game-changer for their production process.
The Titan T6 Handheld Printer is not only cost-effective but also highly versatile. It allows for adding batch codes, lot codes, QR codes, barcodes, personalized messages, and other traceability information without needing an overly expensive or complicated system. Erica shares her positive experience with the printer:
- “We use the printer daily; we use it for anywhere from 1000 prints to 4000 prints daily… It has made our production system very efficient and allows us to track our products much easier.”
While the primary focus here is on labeling pierogi, it's important to acknowledge that every Sneed user has a unique experience. The Pietrzyk Pierogi team, in particular, has found immense value in their Titan T6 Handheld Printer despite a few minor challenges:
- “I had a couple of questions about getting the auto dates set up, but it only took maybe two hours…It’s pretty reliable, although sometimes the ink jet gets clogged or misfires. Overall, it works well.”
Although they faced some hiccups while integrating the Titan T6 Handheld Printer, these were minor issues that were easily resolved with guidance from our Sneed experts. Our team is committed to ensuring that Pietrzyk Pierogis can be distributed smoothly, and we're proud to hear Erica's positive feedback: “Sneed Customer Service is top-notch.” We remain dedicated to providing ongoing support to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
