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Read the article in the RFID Journal
The dynamics of convenience goods logistics was changed in 2006 with the establishment of Norsk Lastbærer Pool AS (NLP), which is owned by suppliers and wholesalers in the Norwegian convenience goods sector (DLF and DMF). NLP organises and manages the recycling of wooden pallets, plastic pallets and plastic bags between parties in the convenience goods sector.
The industry is replacing wooden pallets with more robust plastic pallets with electronic RFID tags. Four electronic tags with unique identifiers are built in to each pallet. Added to this, it is also possible to enter the pallet contents details and recipient’s address and order number in each tag.
NLP will use this unique pallet identifier to monitor the movement of pallets throughout its supply chain. It will also enable their customers to utilise the information network to improve their internal supply chains in a secure and effective manner. The networking effect of such an implementation will be of significant benefit to all parties in the food industry.
From vision to implementation. Food industry players are well aware of the potential of exposure throughout the supply chain in improving quality and reducing spill. Pilot studies have been conducted in various parts of the supply chain, but there has been a lack of infrastructure for extensive tracing across the companies.
Electronic pallet labelling will provide simple identifiers that all parties can use to register incoming and outgoing goods. The identifier (EPC) can be stored in a distributor or centralised database to ensure future traceability. The information quality will improve as more locations are equipped with scanners.
The information network that NLP is building up will also facilitate the sector’s aims of improving national traceability in the food industry. The national E-Tracing project is a collaboration between the Norwegian public sector and food industry players. The aim of the project is to develop and implement a national electronic tracing infrastructure throughout the food chain by the second quarter of 2011.
To get the solution up and running, NLP has selected a group made up of equipment and professional services supplier Lexit Group Norge AS, service provider Telenor Objects AS, and Hrafn AS, electronic communication specialists.
The Lexit Group is NLP’s main contractor. Telenor Objects will deliver the services for data acquisition, queues, storage, forwarding and operation. Hrafn will lead the project and be responsible for knowledge transfer and ensuring that the project is implemented in compliance with GS1's EPC Global EPCIS standard.
Liaisons:
NLP – Tom Romanich, Manager Business Development tom.romanich@nlpool.no
Lexit Group – Thomas Skjøldt, Sales Manager RFID thomas.skjoldt@lexit.no
Telenor Objects – Edvin Holsæter, Account Manager edvin.holsater@telenor.com
Hrafn – Geir Vevle, CTO geir.vevle@hrafn.com
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