Fortress Technology has debuted its next-generation food metal detector interface, aiming to offer snack and bakery manufacturers a clear, concise, and easy-to-navigate solution for managing food safety risks, it says.

Fortress Technology's latest touchscreen features a simple design with bold buttons, contrasting icons, and a multi-color warning system. According to the company, this ensures that, even in high-pressure situations, staff can immediately access critical control point (CCP) information, as well as review and act upon alerts and events recorded in the log.

The high-contrast digital display features light and dark modes. This supports safety critical tasks, enabling staff to clearly see alerts and essential information which can significantly reduce human errors in fast-paced manufacturing facilities, Fortress says.

Helping processors maintain full compliance with food safety standards, the new interface reportedly supports real-time monitoring and provides immediate access to event logs and faster product setup. 

Live production statistics are clearly presented on the HMI, including contaminant detection, conveyor and reject bin status, throughput metrics, sensitivity settings, and the product being inspected. All this event data is logged for extraction and data reporting. 

Quality assurance reports can be extracted from the HMI by USB or automated through Contact 4.0 digital reporting technology. This improves real-time traceability and monitoring, simplifies audit reporting and automates performance verification records, the company says. Additionally, there are options for networked data integration. 

Processors with more advanced connectivity needs can utilize optional OPC UA and Ethernet/IP Communication Adapters to enable customized real-time data capture and data integration with existing plant monitoring, ERP systems, and databases. 

When paired with Halo Automatic Testing to verify the performance of each Fortress Technology food metal detector, these features can assist food processors to comply with stringent safety standards. This includes HACCP, GFSI, BRCGS, and retailer and supply chain codes of practice. 

Greater versatility 

Measuring 7.2 x 4.5 inches, Fortress Technology’s new touchscreen can integrate with all metal detectors in the product line, the company notes. Having a uniform screen size means that food processors currently utilizing Stealth and Interceptor gravity, pipeline, and conveyor metal detectors can upgrade to the new touchscreen without requiring extensive modifications. In keeping with the Fortress Technology Never Obsolete guarantee, this flexibility ensures that facilities can enhance their inspection processes and benefit from the latest user interface innovations, while maintaining compatibility with their existing equipment, Fortress adds.

“Providing a high-visibility interface supports day-to-day operational efficiency. It also makes it easier for manufacturers to adhere to regulatory standards and documentation requirements,” explains Product Manager Matt Gidman. 

Fortress Technology has confirmed that the current membrane-style and stainless steel HMIs will continue to be available and are not being phased out. By retaining these durable and cost-effective interfaces alongside their new touchscreen innovations, Fortress Technology ensures that manufacturers operating in demanding and heavy washdown environments continue to benefit from reliable and robust solutions tailored to their specific operational needs, it says.

Incorporating 500 pre-programmed product categories reduces set up and training times, while the secure multi-level password system prevents operators from overriding instructions on the HMI. These features all minimize human errors and support a culture of food safety accountability, reports Gidman.

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