An innovative pilot
system for pallet identification and verification using RFID
technology has been in use at the newly opened METRO
Innovation Center in Neuss-Norf, Germany, since July 7,
2004.
Visitors to the technological testing facility of
Germany’s giant METRO AG retail group can see one of the
first RFID systems for automatic pallet labeling compliant
to the EPC Global Standard.
The application is a joint
project of three German companies: Waldemar Winckel GmbH
& Co. KG, SRD Maschinenbau GmbH and PAXAR Deutschland
GmbH, a branch of the US-based Paxar Corporation.
No technological innovation in product labeling has had
such a major impact in recent years as the introduction of
miniature radio transmitters and receivers to identify and
track merchandise and parts in production. Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) will supplement conventional barcode
technology, if not even replace it.
METRO AG Corporation as
one of Germany’s leading retail groups defines RFID
specifications and demand profiles for their suppliers and
has been planning the implementation of the new technology
with the METRO Group RFID Innovation Center.
It was against
this background that the group invited leading companies in
RFID technology to set up implementation solutions suitable
for practical application in the order processing division
of their testing technological facility METRO Innovation
Center located in the city of Neuss-Norf.
Waldemar Winckel GmbH & Co. KG, SRD Maschinenbau GmbH
and PAXAR Deutschland GmbH presented an EPC Global
Standard-compliant system developed in a joint program for
innovative automatic pallet labeling and verification.
Software from Winckel controls a 9855 RFID label printer
from Paxar.
The printer writes and prints conventional
visible data – human readable markings and barcodes – on
the label. What makes the application innovative is the
simultaneous "writing" of information onto a RFID
chip integrated in the label, the "tag" via radio
transmission by the printer. An automated labeling system
from SRD controlled by a microcontroller directs a pneumatic
dispenser arm to apply the finished label to the pallet.
By way of a conveyor, the pallet then passes through a
RFID gate contributed by Winckel. There the RFID tag is read
and processed. Powered by another Winckel software product,
a monitor displays the data.
In a minimum amount of space, the system demonstrates the
feasibility of what is so imperative in large-scale
industrial goods flow control: All elements of the RFID
application work together smoothly. And, just as important:
The tag survives the mechanical application of the label
undamaged and is always and absolutely readable.
The pilot system meets requirements demanded by METRO AG
of their suppliers in the first stage of the introduction of
RFID. In accordance with the specifications, this type of a
system can be integrated in the suppliers’ existing IT
platforms. The smooth integration of pallet labeling and
goods flow control with RFID Gate paves the way for further
introduction of the RFID technology to the retail supply
chain.
The three companies involved in the pilot system are
capable of installing the fully automatic or semi-automatic
labeling of pallets and cartons with RFID labels not only in
display setups, but on an industrial scale. Beyond the
limited demand profile as defined by METRO, the companies
have far-reaching and advanced expertise in RFID technology
in particular and in product labeling in general.
 Waldemar Winckel GmbH & Co. KG in the German town of
Bad Berleburg provides solutions for production monitoring,
materials management, distribution, and EAS as well as brand
protection and much more from a single source. Founded in
1861, the company supplies hardware, peripherals, and
labels. Experienced specialists analyze application
environments and develop practical solutions, including
software integrations, preparation of performance
specifications and system requirements, as well as
specialized data processing concepts. Several major
corporations in Germany and abroad rely on Winckel products
and expertise. Winckel produces RFID labels and tabs in top
quality on state-of-the-art machines.
SRD Maschinenbau GmbH in Enger has been a reliable and
innovative partner for labeling and identification machines
for over 20 years. The product range includes among other
things semi-automatic and fully-automatic labeling machines
for self-adhesive labels, labeling machines with integrated
printer systems, conveying technology, facilities for
product handling in in-feed and out-feed, sorters, as well
as automation technology applying robotic systems. SRD also
offers customized software for integrating and connecting
their systems to existing data processing systems. In
addition to their extensive standard program, SRD provides
made-to-order solutions. SRD supplies numerous renowned
corporations in Germany and abroad.
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