A new real time supply chain technology system is going to be installed at Sainsbury’s. The multi-million dollar pound investment will be used to monitor food sales taking place every minute. This will also permit immediate updates of delivery schedules, and respond to changes in the buying pattern of customers which could take place in a single day or even in a few ours. This will enable the store management to decide which stores fresh stocks have to be sent to. Better decision making will help in faster movement of goods on sale, and this will help to reduce the stock of unsold foodstuff by at least 15%. Food sales are often affected by external factors like weather change the new system will help to effect corresponding changes in movement of supplies.
Elaborating on this, the supply chain director, Tim Goalen gave the example of filling shelves with barbecue foods on weekends, only to find rain spoiling everyone’s plans for an evening outdoors. The barbecue shelves stay full while warmer foods get wiped off completely with people clamoring for more. The new system will help avoid wastage and avoiding perishable foods from going bad will help to save about 1400 tons of carbondioxide.
Elo TouchSystems, a business division of Tyco Electronics, and a global leader in touch systems, has introduced a new range of Interactive Digital Signage (IDS) touch systems, SID 2010. The purpose behind this launch is to cover opportunities in digital display applications and development. This new IDS portfolio is a combination of precision acoustic pulse recognition touch screen technology and large format LCD panels of commercial grades. It offers a high performance solution for interactive enabling of large scale digital displays in high traffic areas to System Integrators, Software Developers and Value-Added Resellers. Flawlessly Functioning Interactivity.
The IDS portfolio from Elo TouchSystems has the distinction of being the only display system that includes zero-bezel, edge-to-edge glass touch screen technology and makes it into large format rugged panels most appropriate for commercial applications. This distinctive solution yields consistent and tough touch functioning with its acoustic pulse recognition (APR) touch technology. It comes in a tough aluminum chassis that besides being durable also ensures reliable interactivity and performance in all locations permitting public access. Its optional computer modules help to get optimal media bandwidth and interactivity. This helps in delivering consumer content that is both engaging and measurable.
Thus Elo’s IDS portfolio brings features into the digital signage market that were not present before-these include large format, highly durable display screen designed specifically for interactive touch applications. Touch functionality is the new area for consumer engagement and targeted out-of-home messaging. Elo is convinced that IDS will help to drive the evolution of the digital signage market since it will be able to accelerate the adoption of the channel partners and their competitive advantage.
Components using latest technology
The IDS family of Elo TouchSystems has zero-bezel Digital Signage-rated displays (versus home environment panels) in three sizes between 32 t o 46 inches. The advanced panel technology incorporated into the portfolio includes DID technology or the LCD Digital Information Display technology from Samsung Electronics. The advantage of this is that it provides a scratch-resistant, aluminum frame encased solution that can endure constant interactivity in high-traffic and venues with more public access. Its seamless glass design sealed from edge to edge makes it contamination resistant, and prevents dust and moisture from entering. Elo’s APR technology can identify touch on the entire screen surface, the touch being any kind, finger, stylus, pen or prosthetics. This enables a full screen interface navigation and a highly efficient display canvas that will suit every commercial application.
Touch screen technology is becoming increasingly popular with today’s consumers and businesses getting increasingly habituated to touch interfaces on their mobile phones. This is leading to the creation of a vast new class of large scale, out-of-home digital signage for the retail sector. The combination of Samsung’s DID technology and Elo TouchSystem’s IDS solution will revolutionize the digital signage industry.
IDS solutions also include options like high performance computer modules that are meant for interactive media delivery and measurement. These can run on Intel Core 2 Duo processor or Intel Celeron Dual Core processor, and can easily slide behind the touch display into a dedicated bay. The system can also be interoperable with content management servers as well as web based consoles. This will provide seamless internet connectivity, multimedia sharing and electronic point-of-sale. The computer modules will also be able to support optimal partitions of network stored content and locally cached material. This will give developers the flexibility to deploy and monitor content from web connections or from device to device.
Easy to clean and maintain, the IDS family also comes with the facility to lock power and control functions to prevent any tampering. They come with in built speakers and audio expansion capabilities are an asset.
Marks & Spencer, Britain’s leading retail chain, declared a saving of GBP 35 million in the last financial year due to higher efficiency levels achieved in its supply chain. The changes implemented included warehouse consolidation and successful implementation of streamlined efficiency projects. Part of the consolidation exercise including closing down of 21 of its 110 sites. It also involved opening new warehouses with very large storage capacity. A one million square foot warehouse was opened in Bradford, with no cost or time overruns, and a second one is under consideration at Midlands.
This is being considered for being made into a national distribution center and a dedicated e-commerce facility. If current plans are successful, the warehouse will be operational by the summer of 2012. All these changes are part of the system overhaul being undertaken by Marks & Spencer. It spent a total of GBP 194 million on supply chain and technology last year, which is 6 million more than the amount spent the previous year. The stress was on simplifying the supply chain and incorporating a “single touch process” currently under trial in the children’s wear section. This is likely to enhance the pace of movement of goods, reduce lead times and cut on the number of times stock is handled.
Part of the overhaul is the refurbishing of the IT system of Marks & Spencer. Efforts are being made to improve the stock management system so that more accurate real time stock level information can be obtained. By 2011 a new point of sale system will be implemented in all stores. This will yield cost efficiency and a better shopping experience for customers at all outlets. The company is also making SAP its core business system with phase -1 already implemented in the Foods Division, and its implementation is under way in the Merchandise Section.
Marks & Spencer has witnessed a 27 % surge in sales to cross GBP 413 million. Its online clothing segment has outperformed the market with its share increasing from 5.3% to 5.6% during the 52 weeks ending 28th march. The site saw an increase in traffic to the tune of 30% as well.
Consolidation of the company’s shopping channels is making Marks & Spencer a seamless multi-channel business that ensures the same high quality of service for its customers worldwide in whichever way they chose to shop. The old in-store ordering system has been replaced by a click-and-collect service called “Shop Your Way”. This enables customers to order merchandise from home or buy at the store and have it delivered at the location of their choice. This service is available at 300 outlets and reach all the stores by year-end. A trial run will be carried at a few select Simply Food stores as well.
The operating profit for the last one year saw a 1.4% increase to GBP 779.3 million, and a 3.2% increase in sales to GBP9.3 billion. The first quarter of the current year has been satisfactory and the outlook for the coming months would be impacted by the new government budget for the year.
Intermec’s most rugged and advanced mobile computer, the Intermec CN50 has now been upgraded and improved substantially. Enhancements include doubling the existing memory and provision for better scanning options so that customers have more options to choose from, for the configuration of the high performing data and voice communication solutions. The CN50 now has 256 MB of memory which ensures better response and the ability to continue simultaneous applications. These applications include those using a large data base or even those applications that run on RAM based virtual machines.
Another improvement incorporated is flexible deployment of the EA11 1D or 2D area imagers that are meant for scan intensive operations. The option of deploying the EA21 area imager has also been included. The EA21 is meant for reading barcodes and taking images of full page documents with the aid of Intermec’s eMDI software.
The CN50 is being touted as Intermec’s next generation mobile computer since it offers flexibility in I/O options, enhanced 256 MB memory, integrated wireless functionality and a host of other features. This makes it the ideal mobile device with a flawless performance record to meet the requirements of constantly evolving enterprise mobility applications. Areas where 3G cellular networks are not available can use a variant of the CN50 operating over EDGE networks. Its configuration proves to be cost effective for businesses in such regions and a better alternative than using limited data communications requirements.
LXE is a division of EMS Technologies and manufactures mobile computers that are rugged, wearable, handheld and vehicle mounted. It helps companies and businesses to provide the entire corporate network to the mobile work force that is out in harsh and demanding conditions, by providing mobile computers to meet all their requirements. LXE computers thus help in cutting costs, improving efficiency and also enhancing customer satisfaction. LXE’s latest offering to the business world is 4 new headsets that have been specifically designed for voice recognition applications like intensive picking and so on. The headset is a crucial component of the voice recognition system since it is the primary interface between the person on the work floor, the operator and the system. The productivity of the operator is determined by the quality of the headset, its ease of use, its ergonomics and its weight. An uncomfortable headset would certainly have a negative effect on the operator’s performance.
LXE’s latest handsets have been designed to enable the worker to clearly hear all the system prompts wherever he is and in all kinds of warehouse environments. The headsets work efficiently in extreme temperatures between -40 degrees to +50 degrees Celsius. Their dual sound port microphone design facilitates the cancellation of surrounding noises and disturbances. A waterproof microphone is used so that it can operate in conditions where there is moisture, in freezers, cooler and dry areas.
The 4 new models include:
1. ToughTalk HS1, a single ear, single over-the-head headband.
2. ToughTalk HS2, a single ear, dual over-the-head headband.
3. ToughTalk HS3, with a wire frame, dual ear and behind the neck.
4. ToughTalk HS4, a rugged, single ear, dual padded over-the-head headband.
Voice only applications can utilize the dedicated voice units. Voice plus scanning is possible with multiuse units, which along with multimodal units permit the use of the same hardware for various applications as well as multiple job processes. These units are available as handheld, vehicle mounted and wearable designs.
The Magellan 8400 bi-optic scanner is the best performing five sided point of sale scanner available in the market. Not only does it improve operational efficiency, it also helps to achieve the maximum first pass read rates. It has helped to take Magellan and Datalogic to the next level of higher value addition and greater productivity at checkout points, breaking previous thresholds achieved in terms of performance, output, value and reliability. The Magellan 8400 works as either just a scanner or a combination of scale and scanner with the aid of the Datalogic patented All-Weighs scale platter. This ensures accuracy in weighing at the check out counter of fresh produce and bulky items. The two remote scale display options include a single display only on the pole or a dual display on the pole, one meant for the customer and one for the cashier, as required in certain applications.
The Magellan 8400 models come in three sizes, namely short, medium and long scanners, each meant to accommodate specific POS configurations. It gets the fastest scanning speed in the industry with the aid of FirstStrike advanced software decoding algorithms. The software also enables the simultaneous improvement of first pass read rates of barcodes that are poorly printed, damaged or wrinkled. Thus operational efficiency gets enhanced at the check out counters in the retail segment.
The Magellan 8400 has additional features like Flash memory that provides easier software upgrades which help to extend the benefits of the investment made in the scanner. Its auxiliary RS-232 port offers multiple uses like handling handheld scanners, configuring and programming the scanner, and accessing the label data output of the scanner. It can optionally be equipped with the Checkpoint EAS for certain applications that require Electronic Article Surveillance. Its auxiliary RS-232 port helps to support aftermarket integrated Sensormatic EAS antennas that provide good read acknowledgement. Other Value Added Features that are optional also bring optional information tools that lead to a reduction of front end costs by better management of information on scanner software and diagnostics.
RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is often touted as the technology of the future which will gradually lead to the phasing out of barcodes. But barcodes are meant for a specific segment in the business world, and will continue to be used even as RFID technology makes inroads into myriad business applications. The two technologies are related but also use a different method of auto identification and data collection, with some overlapping in applications. If used together in applications, the two technologies are capable of providing the highest returns on investment for end users. RFID offers many advantages over barcode technology. The primary difference between the two is based on the line-of-sight concept. A barcode has to be seen to be read, that is, it has to be directly exposed to the scanner to be read, which also implies that the barcode has to be oriented towards the scanner. RFID on the other hand, need not even be visible. They only need to be within the range of the reader to be read, and do not require any orientation or human effort. Moreover, barcode scanning is a slower process with each barcode having to be passed across the scanner, whereas, multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously, leading to unparalleled efficiency, time saving and enhanced throughput.
Barcodes are prone to fading and damage and this can render them illegible. This will mean that there is no way the product can be identified since standard barcodes will only provide manufacturer and general product details but not those specific to the item in question. This also poses a problem in perishable goods like milk where the barcode will contain identical information but there is no way of checking which cartons have earlier date of expiry. RFID tags, make this possible since serialization is possible with each item having a distinct identification. This proves to be a big asset in situations requiring product recalls and also in product settings in the retail setup.
The following are the differences that highlight the advantages of RFID:
1. Faster reading of RFID tags- RFID technology proves faster due to the higher read rate with multiple RFID tags being read simultaneously and automatically once they fall within the range of the reader. Barcodes on the other hand have to be individually read and they need to be placed within the line of sight. This leads to a slower speed of reading barcodes.
2. Line of sight- Line of sight is not a prerequisite for reading RFID tags since they can be read when they are hidden from the reader, by just falling within its range. Barcodes have to be oriented specifically towards the barcode scanner and it is not possible to reading them if they do not fall between the line of sight of the scanner.
3. Read/write and modification of data- RFID tags can be used for reading and writing data on them, and it can also be modified or updated. This cannot be done on barcodes which once generated and printed can hold only that information which can only be read.
4. Human involvement- Once the system of RFID has been installed and implemented, it can function without any human intervention and involvement. However, barcodes need constant human support, are labor intensive, since the work force needs to bring the barcode within the line of vision of the scanner, and this must continue for every item.
5. Durable- RFID tags are highly durable and do not get damaged easily since they can be attached inside a protective layer and still get scanned. This makes them easier to use in harsh and tougher conditions. Barcodes have to be attached to the external surface and are prone to damage, can be torn easily and fade as well, making them illegible.
6. Security- RFID tags provide higher security to data stored on them, since they can be password protected and encrypted and can also incorporate a “kill” feature which will enable permanent erasing of data stored on it, if ever the need arises. Barcodes, however have lower security thresholds, and are easier to copy, reproduce and imitate or counterfeited.
7. As event triggers- RFID tags are useful as event triggers and can therefore be used for door opening, alerts and alarms. This function cannot be performed by barcodes at all.
Thus RFID technology can be used where barcodes cannot. But RFID does not need to be used as a replacement for barcode technology. Having a system that incorporates both RFID and barcode technology would lead to numerous advantages for businesses with their proper integration and leveraging the benefits of each for product identification and data collection. RFID experts are able to give the right advice about how to use the technology for maximum benefit to the business.
The new RW 420 Print Station from Zebra technologies comes with the latest printing technology to deliver flawless results. This single, compact and lightweight print station includes an integrated printer, and can house a Motorola MC70 or MC75 handheld device. Its ergonomic design with very little weight makes it convenient to use for long periods of time. The streamlined RW 420 Print Station is ideally suited for the mobile worker, who can carry this light device on their shoulder or on a hand strap for customer visits, using it to enter data, complete all transactions with the aid of the magnetic stripe card reader and finally print out the receipts and documents that have to be handed over.
The RW 420 Print Station incorporates all the user friendly features of the Zebra RW printer series. Easy media loading, LCD screen displaying printer status, wireless connectivity and long lasting battery, all combine to ensure that the mobile worker can complete all his tasks while out in the field. These features make it the most convenient, easy to use and efficiency driven device.
Meant for the outdoors, the RW 420 is a rugged device with an IP 54 rating for resistance to dust and moisture. It can withstand multiple 1.8 meter drops to concrete and thus works flawlessly in the field areas, on-the-road and other tough environments.
While using the RW 420 Print Station, the mobile computer and the printer can be simultaneously charged from a single source. This helps to save both time and money, and does not require additional space in the office or on the vehicle. Thus it is perfectly suited for retail, direct store delivery, field service, government, logistics and transportation applications to print invoices and receipts, tickets and estimates, work orders and other vouchers.
The new RW 420 Print Station from Zebra technologies comes with the latest printing technology to deliver flawless results. This single, compact and lightweight print station includes an integrated printer, and can house a Motorola MC70 or MC75 handheld device. Its ergonomic design with very little weight makes it convenient to use for long periods of time. The streamlined RW 420 Print Station is ideally suited for the mobile worker, who can carry this light device on their shoulder or on a hand strap for customer visits, using it to enter data, complete all transactions with the aid of the magnetic stripe card reader and finally print out the receipts and documents that have to be handed over.
The RW 420 Print Station incorporates all the user friendly features of the Zebra RW printer series. Easy media loading, LCD screen displaying printer status, wireless connectivity and long lasting battery, all combine to ensure that the mobile worker can complete all his tasks while out in the field. These features make it the most convenient, easy to use and efficiency driven device.
Meant for the outdoors, the RW 420 is a rugged device with an IP 54 rating for resistance to dust and moisture. It can withstand multiple 1.8 meter drops to concrete and thus works flawlessly in the field areas, on-the-road and other tough environments.
While using the RW 420 Print Station, the mobile computer and the printer can be simultaneously charged from a single source. This helps to save both time and money, and does not require additional space in the office or on the vehicle. Thus it is perfectly suited for retail, direct store delivery, field service, government, logistics and transportation applications to print invoices and receipts, tickets and estimates, work orders and other vouchers.
The possibility of encoding multiple types of data on a single RFID tag is becoming a reality. A recent study conducted by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) that involved General Motors and Grupo Antolin reveals its feasibility, and this will enable the use of RFID for tracking reusable containers. The multiple data types include user information and a unique item identifier (UII). Both these will help multiple players in the automotive supply chain in encoding and using the tags for their own specific requirements.
The study will help the entire auto industry since automakers, suppliers of parts and logistics firms would all be able to benefit from a common set of tags, instead of having to invest in tags of their own for data catering to their needs. This was highlighted by a staff researcher of the General Motors Research and Development Division, Fangming Gu. He stated that all the information required like the UII, sequence numbers of containers, container ID etc could be stored on an EPC Gen 2 tag that has a user memory between 512 bits and 2 kilobits. This will also resolve the auto industry’s problem with the high cost of RFID tags, which has been a major impediment in the implementation of RFID technology in the industry. While there is a distinct preference for customized tags holding information meant exclusively for their requirements, the concept of having a tag containing information relevant for all users, could transform the way these businesses work.
In 2005 a presentation was made at the AIAG AutoTech Conference about how $750 million was lost every year since barrels, boxes, pallets and reusable containers were lost or misplaced. This presentation inspired the research study according to Bill Hoffman, the leader of the project and the founder, managing director of Hoffman Systems, an RFID and barcode software integration company. One way this loss could be minimized
is to somehow increase supply chain visibility by using identification labels on reusable containers that are read when they change hands. The labels cannot be barcodes because the information stored on barcodes cannot be changed once they are printed. RFID technology would be the ideal solution but the high tag cost was a major deterrent. This led to the investigation of finding ways to use the same tag to supply all the requirements of all the supply chain participants. This would minimize the number of tags used by every container.
The tag had to be able to hold two different types of data and to check whether a single physical tag would be able to do so, the first attempt was at programming an EPCglobal serialized Global Returnable Asset Identifier(GRAI) into the distinctive item identifier memory bank of the tag. This was followed by the encoding of the ISO-based data identifier information into the tag’s user memory bank.
The study was aimed at proving that data from the RFID tags could be used by multiple users from suppliers, companies and transporters. For instance, an end user could enter an ID number found in the software, find its link to the container ID and get details about how the container was transported or where it was last used. They would also be able to get details about the containers in transit, any delays in the shipments and so on.
Based on these findings of the study, the automotive industry are contemplating the use of RFID for tracking reusable containers, but have yet to take the first step. A recommendation for a B-11 automotive item level RFID standard is being formulated by AIAG’s Pallet and Lid Committee.
Temporary RFID interrogators were installed at three different places as part of the study. The initial plan was to install two at supplier plants and one at a receiving plant. However, some damages prevented this and instead one was installed at the entry/exit gate of the Grupo Antolin’s Lake Orion Sequencing Center, in order to track the containers entering or leaving the facility for the Marlette assembly plant. The second interrogator from Motorola was also placed at the Lake Orion Sequencing Center to read tags that were attached to containers shipped from and to the GM plant and also from Grupo Marlette. The tags used were a type of Gen 2 EPC ultra high frequency with 512 bits of user memory. One tag was attached to each returnable asset.
The first step was to fit RFID tags on to Grupo Antolin’s racks and place them one on top of the other in a trailer. As they moved out of Marlette, they were read once, and a second time as they entered the Lake Orion premises. The next step was to encode the tags with the GRAI and trailer number, and link the tag ID in the software to the product part number and the quantity. Each of the tags was placed in a pouch that had a printed shipping label and attached to the container. At Grupo Antolin’s Lake Orion facility, the tags got encoded with sequence numbers and then shipped to the GM assembly plant. Here they were unloaded and the empty containers returned to the Sequencing Center where the tags were read one more time.
In real life applications the tag data stored in MB11 memory would be erased after the racks have been unloaded and be rewritten with new information.
The tags used in the study included Squiggle and TIE inlays from Alien, Portumus-I from Starport Technologies and IT 65 from Intermec. Intermec’s CN3 and IP30 RFID handheld interrogators were used to show that the tag’s MB01 and MB11 memory could be read as and when required. The handhelds were also used to change the MB11 data randomly. This was meant to show that in-service reprogramming was possible. They were able to prove that both memories MB01 and MB11 are readable at very fast speeds. The three fixed interrogators read the tags at observed rates of 100 per cent. The total number tagged and tracked included 250 racks owned by Grupo Antolin and 50 owned by GM.
The readers functioned from a 15 ft range and in the process picked up stray tags as well from other moving vehicles. This could be prevented by shielding or using the antenna by placing them in a better manner.
Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe will now be able to get assistance in comprehending and leveraging the potential benefits of RFID technology from a new EU funded project that is starting in May and will be operational from the next two years. The biggest advantage of RFID technology is that it makes real time data collection easy with no need for physical contact or line of sight alignment. The project will be managed by UEAPME, the European craft and the SME employers’ organization. It will operate across six European countries coordinating eight pilots in multiple sectors, and the sole aim of the RFID-ROI-SME project is to enhance the adoption levels of RFID technology in SMEs.
The project is aimed at helping both the manufacturers and users of RFID technology. It will promote the use of RFID technology in the SMEs so that they can benefit from all the advantages it offers, and at the same time create a demand so that manufacturers have adequate business opportunities. It will be able to show how RFID is beneficial across various business sectors and in diverse cases with the aid of case studies, blue prints and best practices.
The project has Sebastiano Toffaletti as its coordinator who feels that RFID has enormous potential which has yet not been tapped by SMEs in the EU. The goal of the project is to assist in accomplishing this at individual company level and for the EU as a whole, so that it can take the lead in the process of technological change.
The popularity of RFID is linked to price considerations. Considered an expensive technology to adopt, a major chunk of the expenditure in this field comes from large corporations. This can be attributed to the resource crunch often faced by SMEs. However, prices of RFID equipment are consistently coming down, but till they fall below a certain level there will not be sufficient demand from SMEs. Once that happens, the mass market will bring the required shift.
The project will highlight not just the benefits of RFID but also deal with the threats posed by it. Advantages include easier traceability of products and services, better document tracking, reduction of delays and losses, and optimization of logistical processes. However its threats include the theft of information stored about patients and individuals, and the potential harmful effects of radio magnetic waves when attached to human wrists.
With the intention of ensuring that SMEs in the EU remain highly competitive in the global arena, the European Commission’s Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Program has selected eight companies from six countries to run the pilot projects for introducing RFID at SMEs. The coordinator of the program is UEAPME which will manage the consortium and ensure standardization of procedures and processes adopted by the pilots. The project has adopted a horizontal approach involving sectors as varied as logistics, plastics, construction, packaging, apparel, archiving, e-ticketing and security.
Each sector has to evaluate how profitable an investment in RFID can be, and which would be the ideal technological architecture to adopt. Monthly updates about the progress of the project will be posted on a website www.rfid-roi-sme.eu, and will also carry all detailed information about the project.
