Linpac Allibert is integrating radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology into produce trays designed to speed up supply chain processes in the Norwegian grocery sector.
The company says that the use of its RFID-enabled Maxinest+ produce trays is leading to faster trip cycles, accurate real-time inventory and reduced losses for NLP customers.
NLP was set up by two of Norway’s grocery trade associations to help develop the use of return and re-use systems for returnable containers and pallets.
Details of supplier, content, customer location, washing and delivery schedules are input into RFID tags at the distribution centre. The receiver scans the crates and pallets through an RFID portal to access information, which is automatically sent through to an ERP system.
The aim of NLP’s asset management system is to see that the precise quantity of trays is delivered to the right place at the right time. Linpac Allibert’s new line-side production of RFID-enabled distribution containers and produce trays is said to have improved production efficiencies and reliability. Customers can input data to their inventory prior to receipt, for ‘much faster processing of stock’, says Linpac.
Two water and shock-resistant RFID tags are applied at the point of manufacture and each tray is validated by a test reader before being palletised.
Full pallet loads pass through a portal, which records quantity and checks the tags are working. Customers receive the serial numbers by email for upload onto their system. This provides an instant quantity check at delivery and allows the quality-assured trays to be released directly into the supply chain. The owners of the containers can have their logo along with barcode printed on the outside, allowing the container to be easily identified and tracked at every point in the supply chain.
The new trays are a part of NLP’s RFID rental package that is said to deliver a complete return on investment ‘within a matter of weeks’. Mikael Ruotsalainen, Linpac Allibert’s Sales Manager for Scandinavia, says: “Our RFID enabled containers are proving to be a vital component in helping our customers to manage cost out of the supply chain.”
