Profile
As one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, this multi-national corporation manufactures,
distributes and markets global brands in 200 countries.
Situation
With the Wal-Mart January 2005 RFID compliance deadline looming, the company needed replace its non-RFID
distribution processes with an RFID-enabled solution that would not only meet the compliance mandates, but
also improve operational efficiencies by supporting the documentation and tracking of products from the
manufacturer’s warehouse to the retailer’s distribution centers, and throughout the supply chain. In order to find
an RFID distribution solution, the company first identified key software and hardware manufactures with proven
expertise in the deployment of flexible, integrated RFID solutions.
Goals
- To build an RFID solution that could be scaled to support future system expansion, address ROI process
optimization, and prevent system down-time through incremental deployment
- To develop a system that would adapt to various existing manufacturing and distribution practices,
accommodate future changes in supply chain management, and enable the company to implement a
standardized RFID solution across all business units
- To offer multi-protocol EPC Class 0, 0+, and 1 support, as well as enable the company’s divisions to select
protocols that are suitable for their unique requirements, for optimal RFID tagging
Results
To meet these goals, the company tapped a global leader in supply chain warehouse management systems
(WMS); a local integrator known for providing complete RFID hardware, software and services; and Printronix for the flexibility and adaptability offered by its SLPA7000e™ smart label RFID printer applicator, and SL5000e RFID-enabled high-frequency, multi-protocol thermal transfer printer. An RFID pilot was implemented at three
different distribution warehouse locations for two different product lines – convenience food and beverage. With
the help of its three enterprise alliance partners, including Printronix, the company met Wal-Mart’s RFID
mandate, and also experienced the benefits associated with system scalability – products are now always bar
coded and RFID enabled for EPC-compliant customers; flexibility – leveraging both existing and emerging Auto-
ID infrastructure by simultaneously generating bar codes and an EPC, the solution can adapt to different product
groups and accommodate supply chain modifications; and adaptability – the software and hardware
infrastructure provides asset protection that enables the company to use the protocols its applications require.
