The Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project, a joint effort between Savi Networks and the Metro Group, a global retailer operating in 22 countries, will monitor in real-time the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe.
The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong, will utilize SaviTrak, a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC)-compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain.
Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany. Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information.
The SaviTrak information service is built upon an open, international standards-based network platform, including compatibility with ISO standard 18000-7 for active RFID devices and draft ISO standard 18185 for electronic container security devices, both operating at the 433.92 MHz radio frequency. The global Network accommodates multiple and interoperable Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies -- such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive and active RFID technologies, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) -- used to manage inventory in the supply chain
The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance.
"Ultimately, we want a completely transparent supply chain from smart factory floor to smart store shelf, and solutions around both passive and active RFID are playing an increasingly important role in reaching that vision," said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, managing director, METRO Group Information Technology.
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