DHL and METRO Group Start National RFID Rollout in France

Logistics Insight Asia - Industry News, 1/9/2008

DHL and METRO Group are starting the first national rollout of radio frequency identification (RFID) in France.

Beginning in the fall of 2008, DHL will equip all shipments to the 89 Metro Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in France with RFID transponders and read them out along the entire supply chain. Some 1.3 million pallets per year will be fitted with the RFID tags to facilitate contactless and automated monitoring of the supply chain. In taking this step, DHL and METRO Group are initiating the largest RFID rollout in French retail logistics.

METRO Group is also the first retail company to join the DHL Innovation Initiative, whose members as yet are primarily technology companies.

In this RFID project, five DHL food logistics centers will equip all shipments to the self-service wholesale stores with RFID tags. These RFID transponders are read out during the loading process, and the data are electronically transmitted to the individual stores. When the shipments arrive at the recipient's facilities, the tags are read out again and the data are automatically checked against the order.

In comparison to conventional controls using barcodes and barcode scanners, the contactless RFID process speeds up loading and unloading operations. In addition, the automated reading technology increases the precision of logistics processes, while visibility and manageability grow as a result of the improved pool of data. Disruptions can be recognized faster.

DHL, www.dhl.com