Markem, one of the UK's leading providers of coding and marking solutions, is the first company in its field to offer a new system to dramatically improve the operation of supply chains in the UK.

The Salford-based company has signed an agreement with Newbury Data to make on-line verifiers available to the UK market. These products complement Markem's range of on-line coding and labelling equipment, particularly in applications that demand consistently readable UCC/EAN barcodes.

The verifiers, which can be =readily integrated into any production line, will radically increase productivity by eliminating problem codes, improving traceability and reducing down time. The y meet a long-held demand from suppliers who had previously believed that such a product was not viable due to the high speeds of production lines.

Markem Systems will market the company's product to enable suppliers to benefit from advantages including:

* the ability to check every single box on the line, rather than a selection

* removal of the need to take items off the production line to scan them with a hand-held verifier

* recording of all information to ensure traceability of problems within the line

* checking the right barcode is in place and that it is meeting the required quality standards of readability

Markem has already successfully trialled the on-line verifiers in supermarket and cash and carry warehouse operations in the UK.

The e.centre, which gives recommendations for best practice in bar coding, states that on-line scanners must be present and should be supported by off-line verification equipment. "The advanced solution offered by Markem will not only meet the e.centre's requirements but exceed them," the company says.

The on-line verifiers can be retro-fitted and used with existing Markem products. Markem has invested in data communication links between the verifiers and its Cimjet and Cimpak print and apply labellers and its 5000 series ink jet printers.

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