System Solution
When producers use barcodes for their regular shipment packaging (i.e. EAN 128), they will also be able to use the same handheld terminals for the SmartSense RFID chip. The terminal’s software combines these data, while at the same time starting the temperature logging device. In this way, the solution combines existing barcode system with RFID technology, used for tracking and logging temperatures.
The SmartSense logger is a reusable unit (up to five years life time) that quickly and easily attaches to any type of shipment packaging. The fastening system is adjusted to each type of packaging unit.
The handheld terminal’s software is designed to be intuitive and easy in use, with a touch-sensitive screen and use of icons. An example: With the touch of one button, quality impact flags (green, yellow and red) and a temperature log will be graphically displayed on the handheld terminal, while data is simultaneously being synchronized to the central database.
Relevant parties (producer, merchant, transport company, etc.) will have immediate access to quality impact for each pallet, customer order etc. including temperature logs from any delivery of goods. Through the web-based service, these data are available to the various parties of the supply chain. Hence, this enables re-routing, refunding and/or rejection of goods where deviations to agreed standards of temperatures over time deviations are automatically registered.
The system also gives automatic information at screens to operators about the product quality impact due to temperature variations over time, including temperature history, time stamps and registration locations at loading/unloading docks and at fork lift trucks. This feature is made possible by permanent RFID readers and their antennas at these locations. Data will be made available through the web-based interface in the same manner as with the handheld solution.
In addition to monitoring deviations from specified temperatures, SmartSense also makes available complete traceability for a specific product down to packaging unit, all the way back to producers and other relevant parties in the supply chain. Traceability of logistics and temperature over time deviations is made possible even when boxes are unloaded from one pallet and on to another pallet, which is a typical situation at wholesalers and retailers distribution terminals in order to sort boxes according to customer orders.
SmartSense includes a chain of interacting software modules, which works seamlessly with various standardized hardware devices and the major internationally standardized communication and networking solutions, an infrastructure that increasingly is installed for other purposes than for using SmartSense.
In this way SmartSense can be applied anywhere in the world and for all levels applications: From small demonstration and test runs to major operations, including interfacing to ERP systems, and with many trading partners.
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