EPCP-5

Overview

The Hobart EPCP-5 is an Access Prepack System console. Hobart’s parts manual identifies it as the Linux HT Series Console, part of an Access Prepack setup that can include a console, scale and printer. The system is described for use with Hobart NGW, CLAS and Hand Wrap Stations.

The parts manual lists the EPP-3 printer for use with EPCP-5, as well as the EPP-3 printer’s use with EPCP-3 and EPCP-4. The Access Prepack product family also lists EPSA-1 and EPSA-2 stand-alone scales. The supplied sources do not specify which components are included with an EPCP-5 purchase, so confirm the required scale and printer configuration when selecting a system.

Key Features

Operator functions

• Large color touchscreen display; the spec sheet states that all models have a 10-inch display.
• Three-screen gesturing.
• Search the product database by description or nearest PLU number.
• Manage product and shelf life by day and/or hour.
• Enter operator notes and product notes.
• Access on-screen help questions and answers.
• Use an on-screen alphanumeric keyboard and numeric keypad.

Supervisor and service functions

• The USB port can support an external keyboard or USB drive.
• COOL records can be created on the scale.
• The database can be backed up to a USB drive.
• Operator and supervisor screens are web pages that can be accessed remotely through a web browser.
• Scale diagnostics can be retrieved, and scale configuration and the PLU database can be verified or modified.
• Real-time scale use can be monitored.
• System firmware can be upgraded through a USB drive or network.
• The system can automatically send email notifications when it is out of labels or when the cassette or print head is disengaged for a given period.

Label and product information

• Product life and shelf life can be managed by days, hours or minutes.
• Operator notes, product notes, expanded text and special-message fields support product information on labels; the length of expanded text and special-message fields is limited by label size.
• EAN13 bar codes are available for packages over $99.99 total price.
• The spec sheet lists label widths of 1½, 2¼ and 3 inches, with lengths up to 4 inches for auto-apply.

Specifications

• Product type: Access Prepack System console.
• Model identification in Hobart’s parts manual: EPCP-5 Linux HT Series Console, ML-44242.
• Display: 10-inch color touchscreen; the spec sheet states this display size for all models.
• Electrical requirements for the Access EPCP control panel: 120/60/1, 0.50 amps, 65 watts.
• Shipping weight for the Access EPCP control panel: 15.9 lb.
• Operator interface: three-screen gesturing, product search by description or nearest PLU number, on-screen help, alphanumeric keyboard and numeric keypad.
• USB: one port is specified for use with a USB drive or external keyboard.
• Weighing capacity for HWS: 30 lb. × .01 lb. (30.09 maximum) or 50 lb. × .01 lb. (50.09 maximum), for all console models.
• CLAS weigher capacity: 30 lb. × .01 lb. (30.09 maximum), for all console models.
• NGW weigher capacities are specified as 12 lb. × 0.005 lb. and 30 lb. × 0.01 lb. with the EPCP-5s model; these figures are not identified for the EPCP-5.
• Pricing capacity: up to 999.99 in steps of .01.
• Related listed printer: EPP-3, specified in the parts manual for EPCP-3, EPCP-4 and EPCP-5.

Operation

Operators can search the database by product description or nearest PLU number, enter product and operator notes, and manage product and shelf-life information by day and/or hour. The interface includes a large color touchscreen, three-screen gesturing, an on-screen keyboard and numeric keypad, and on-screen help. The supplied information does not provide a complete operating procedure or button-by-button instructions.

Supervisor functions include creating COOL records on the scale and backing up the database to a USB drive. The USB port can also support an external keyboard. The spec sheet says system screens can be accessed remotely in a web browser for service functions, including retrieving diagnostics, checking or modifying scale configuration and PLU data, monitoring scale use, and upgrading firmware through USB or a network.

Applications

The Access Prepack System is specified for use with Hobart NGW, CLAS and Hand Wrap Stations. Its listed labeling functions support prepack product identification and shelf-life information, while the system’s scale and printer components support weighing and label printing as configured. The spec sheet describes HWS and CLAS weighing capacities for all console models; its NGW capacity figures are specifically identified for EPCP-5s, not EPCP-5.