World View: RFID tags catch on to global shipments
Technology to improve supply chain operations
A global initiative is on to incorporate the benefits of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology into the flow of goods within the supply chain. This is the frontrunner to a new trend of smart packaging that will enable companies to track the movement of goods from supplier to end user.
Manhattan Associates, USA, a supply chain software solutions supplier, and Matrics, one of the best-in-class RFID suppliers, have formed a strategic alliance to drive the adoption of RFID technology in consumer goods supply chains. The main aim of the alliance is to help clients reduce overall costs and increase profitability by combining RFID tag and reader technology, with RFID-enabled supply chain execution solutions. The benefits to customers that use the two company`s RFID solutions will include improved accuracy and distribution efficiencies, shorter order cycle times and reductions in unnecessary handling and expenses. Another advantage of this technology is that it will enable companies to cut down on pilferage and loss due to theft.
The Matrics RFID system is comprised of electronic product code (EPC)-compliant RFID tags (Class 0 read only and read/write) and its new, multi-protocol reader (AR 400 RFID Reader). The device enables real-time, seamless tag reading and writing capability for all EPC-compliant tags including Class 0 and Class 1. Matrics` RFID technology reads farther and faster and costs less than comparable systems.
A similar exercise in implementing RFID was undertaken by Alien Technology, USA that partnered with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to install readers at receiving workstations to apply RFID tags to all shipments. The Norfolk Military Ocean Terminal was equipped with Alien readers and antennas in a mobile tunnel configuration to enable all outbound shipments to be read. In total, RFID equipment used in the operation included 13 readers and 16 antennas. To date, 15,000 tags have been applied to the diverse spectrum of material moving through the operation. Alien believes that tracking material will increase the overall operational efficiency of the shipping dock, enhance the receiving and shipping activities and increase the loading accuracy while reducing the time and effort necessary to locate material within the warehouse.
