How Can I Prevent A Labeling Error?

NikkiQSM

Quite Involved in Discussions
#1
Hello All -

We recently had a labeling error occur and I am trying to put together a solid corrective action so it doesnt happen again.

A little background: We produce plastic pellets to medical companies who extrude the material into catheters or other medical devices.

We produce a drastic amount of different compounds, all different colors, resin types, etc.

All the finished product is packaged in the same white, hard plastic containers. On the outside of the containers a temporary label is attached by production to identify the customer, product, lot number, weight.

When QC has finished their final inspection - They attach a green accepted sticker to the white container, zip tie the bag closed and the cover is sealed shut.

What had happened is that there were several containers in one area, all for the same customer. Our Shipping employee placed the shipping label for "Product A" onto the container for "Product B" a different product.

How can I prevent this from happening again? I mean, really, she was obviously rushing and didn't look at the temp label close enough to see that it was the wrong material.

All I can think of at this point is to hire someone to help her with shipping so she isn't rushing around.

Thoughts / Questions?

Thanks!
 
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Mark Meer

Trusted Information Resource
#3
I agree with Scott. All I can think of is somehow making the critical information standout. Maybe even something as simple as just manually highlighting or circling the fields that could potentially be mixed up using different coloured highlighters...

That being said, no system is entirely foolproof. If this is a single, isolated incident, it may be sufficient to deal with it just by taking the personnel in question aside, and re-stating the importance of scrutinizing the labels to avoid mixup.

As long as we're not talking major recall risk here, I'd stick with minor "corrections", and just continue to monitor the system. If such an event recurs, then you might think of escalated actions (revise labels, new personnel, new process...etc.)
 

Mikishots

Trusted Information Resource
#4
Hello All -

We recently had a labeling error occur and I am trying to put together a solid corrective action so it doesnt happen again.

A little background: We produce plastic pellets to medical companies who extrude the material into catheters or other medical devices.

We produce a drastic amount of different compounds, all different colors, resin types, etc.

All the finished product is packaged in the same white, hard plastic containers. On the outside of the containers a temporary label is attached by production to identify the customer, product, lot number, weight.

When QC has finished their final inspection - They attach a green accepted sticker to the white container, zip tie the bag closed and the cover is sealed shut.

What had happened is that there were several containers in one area, all for the same customer. Our Shipping employee placed the shipping label for "Product A" onto the container for "Product B" a different product.

How can I prevent this from happening again? I mean, really, she was obviously rushing and didn't look at the temp label close enough to see that it was the wrong material.

All I can think of at this point is to hire someone to help her with shipping so she isn't rushing around.

Thoughts / Questions?

Thanks!
Has this specific situation happened before? I'm not convinced that hiring another person to alleviate the rush will help, because I do not believe that she did not look at the label because she couldn't. She simply didn't, or misread the information. And if this is a first-time occurrence, hiring an extra body would be unwarranted at this point.

Have you asked the employee's opinion? If you feel that she didn't look closely enough, is the information on the label obvious or legible at a distance? You may get a surprising answer.
 

NikkiQSM

Quite Involved in Discussions
#5
Has this specific situation happened before? I'm not convinced that hiring another person to alleviate the rush will help, because I do not believe that she did not look at the label because she couldn't. She simply didn't, or misread the information. And if this is a first-time occurrence, hiring an extra body would be unwarranted at this point.

Have you asked the employee's opinion? If you feel that she didn't look closely enough, is the information on the label obvious or legible at a distance? You may get a surprising answer.
It was discussed at our last Management Council Meeting that she is too busy. Recently we had another issue where she switched up the packing slip documents between two other shipments.

I have attached an example of our temp labels. Each sheet has two labels on it. Production tears each one in half.
 

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