Key Technology Introduces New Network Communication Capability for G6 Optical Sorters and Automatic Defect Removal Systems

January 24, 2008 – Key Technology introduces new OPC-compliant network communication software for all G6 optical sorters and automatic defect removal (ADR®) systems.  The new software allows the G6 systems to easily interface with plant networks, extending machine monitoring and communication control capabilities beyond the plant floor to the control room.   

With the only sorters in the food processing industry that provide OPC-compliant communication software for plant-wide networking, Key offers a powerful new opportunity for processors to improve operations.  Seamlessly interfacing G6 sorters and ADR systems with the plant network increases automation, which optimizes the process by reducing operator error.  The communication capability also speeds response times if product quality or operational issues arise, which improves final product quality and maximizes product yields.

Machine monitoring allows the plant network to read various settings on the user interface, monitoring both machine status and product data.  The quality of incoming product as defined by the rate of occurrence of any number of specific defect categories can be monitored over time and charted to identify trends.  Machine settings such as the size threshold of each defect category, and machine activity such as the rate the ejectors are firing at each type of defect, can be monitored. 

The new communication software provides data to the network, which enables processors to program their networks to alert operators or administrators if certain predefined conditions occur.  The network can now respond intelligently to specific product quality or machine performance conditions, triggering the network to page or send an email or instant message to key people, enabling them to address and remedy the situation quickly.

With the network communication capability, specific machine functions can now be controlled remotely or automatically.  Product changeovers can be automatically achieved via the network by recalling the product set-up file from memory.  Machine settings can also be adjusted remotely, either automatically in response to certain predefined conditions or manually from the control room.

The new OPC-compliant network communication software is available immediately for all G6 sorters and ADR systems, which include Key’s current family of Optyx® and Tegra® sorters and ADR® 5 as well as legacy sorters and ADR systems and non-Key sorters that have been upgraded with the G6 electro-optical platform.

About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on the Global Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.