December 19, 2013
RFID technology delivers ABB substantial accuracy and efficiency advantages in the management of outbound goods streams.
Background
ABB is a leading power electronics and automation technology group whose products, systems and services improve the competitive strength of its industrial and energy-company customers in an environmentally friendly way. ABB employs more than 115,000 people in around 100 countries.
Challenge
The company wanted to improve the management of its outbound goods streams.
Solution
All transport units belonging to a consignment are marked with Smartrac tags at parcel level.
The trailer loading docks are equipped with RFID readers, which scan all loaded parcels.
RFID software has been integrated with ABB’s own SAP system. The registration number of the vehicle arriving for loading is recorded in the SAP system and the progress of the delivery is automatically controlled.
Success
An RFID solution records movements of goods automatically in the stock control system and prevents loading errors of consignments. Moreover, the RFID solution offers ABB significant savings in floor space used.
In many brand, retail, supply chain, RTI (Returnable Transport Items) and industrial applications, RFID products face environmental stresses that challenge conventional inlays and tags but don’t justify the use of industrial-grade hard tags. Now, Smartrac has the answer: its new Dura range, and Dogbone® Dura in particular.
Beverage kegs, gas cylinders and other curved metal returnable transport items (RTI) place high and quite particular demands on RFID tags. Together with our market partner Wilms Supply Chain Technologies, Smartrac provides a solution – and proves its ability to listen to customers’ needs and provide technology innovations.
As our Digital Age gathers pace and new game changing disruptors each, in their turn, emerge upon the stage, we explore the likely role that the Internet of Things (IoT) will play in global supply chain operations and consumer experiences.