System And Method For Handling Containers

A method for handling containers having electronic product ID tags, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing:
• at least one container handling station;
• a storage cabinet with a plurality of lockable compartments for storing tool kits for use within the container handling station for handling said containers;
• each tool kit having its own electronic ID tag associated with a predetermined compartment in the storage cabinet and with a predetermined product ID tag of a container;
• wherein access to each compartment is allowed or blocked by a respective electronically controlled lock;
• an electronic control unit in communication with the locks, the electronic control unit being operable to control the actuation of the locks and the electronic control unit storing information on the associated electronic ID tags of the tool kits, the predetermined compartments in the cabinet and the product ID tags of containers;
• an electronic ID reader device in communication with the electronic control unit, the electronic ID reader device being operable to read electronic ID tags of the components of the system and communicate same to the electronic control unit;
• b) reading, by means of the electronic ID reader device, the electronic product ID tag of a container and communicating read data to the electronic control unit;
• and c) actuating, by means of the electronic control unit, the electronic lock of a predetermined compartment in the storage cabinet to allow access to said compartment upon matching the electronic product ID tag of a container communicated to the electronic control unit by the electronic ID reader device with the associated electronic ID tag of the tool kit stored in the predetermined compartment, whilst keeping the remaining compartments locked.