Automatic end-to-end tracking and analysis of product movements In time for Cebit 2003, T-Systems presents a solution enabling companies to track and evaluate the movement of products. Logistics Consulting and Solutions (LoCaS) combines Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with cash register system, and supports seamless integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) environments. RFID permits automatic wireless identification of goods. When integrated into ERP environments, this technology allows businesses to monitor and analyze the entire flow of goods.
LoCaS tracks the movement of goods from the moment they are produced to the moment they are sold to consumers. The solution gives a detailed picture of how long goods spend where, including storage periods in warehouses, as well as transportation routes.
The RFID system consists of a read/write device and an electronic marker - known as a transponder tag. Via an antenna, the reader transmits electromagnetic signals to the transponder, generating a response carrying information about the product. This is then forwarded to the corresponding ERP system. In contrast to scanner-based methods, such as barcodes, the reader does not require optical contact (line of sight) with the transponder, allowing it to be fully integrated into the product. T-Systems is currently implementing interfaces for SAP R/3 and MBS Navision.
The information on the transponder tag consists of an explicit, inalterable manufacturer and serial number. It also has an alphanumeric string that can be changed or deleted as often as needed. Companies use this string to gather detailed information about product movements, providing valuable insight into what are often highly complex relationships with suppliers, retailers and customers.
Automatic data capture during loading and unloading
RFID technology also simplifies tracking of goods in warehouses and at the point of sale. For example, LoCaS registers the entire cargo of a truck as it passes a defined monitoring point, such as the gate of a distribution center. This eliminates the need to unload the pallets. The system automatically adds the number of products to the current inventory level, or deducts them when issued for delivery. Companies use this data to accurately track product movements and to analyze them. The process does not "forget" pallets, because transponders are, unlike barcodes, always readable. Manufacturers can also attach transponder tags to individual components, allowing them to check the status of products on the assembly line.
T-Systems assumes responsibility for all stages of RFID system implementation. The first step is the analysis of business processes. The systems house, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, then integrates the solution into the existing ERP environment or combines it with the introduction of new ERP technology.
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