Coles launches first Aussie RFID retail trial
Coles launches first Aussie RFID retail trial
Sun Microsystems has announced that it has implemented Australia's first Radio Frequency Identification tagging system for Coles Myer to track the movement of roll-cages along its supply chain, from distribution to retail.
Sun developed servers and software as part of the solution and used J2EE based on Sun's SolarWind middleware and SolarView management tools.
The technology has been integrated at the dispatch door of Coles Myer distribution centre and a supermarket receiving dock so that roll-cages can be immediately identified accurately when they arrive. This real-time process saves on manual and bar code work, which they found to be cumbersome previously.
Jim Hassell, managing director of Sun Microsystems said. "The use of RFID technology is seen as the technology that is going to revolutionise the supply chain. By automatically tracking the movement of stock and assets, this technology will enable organisations to increase efficiency, reduce cost and complexity not only for the supply chain but all company assets.
"Although it has long been refuted, the retail sector is more than ready for RFID technology. On a global scale, there is currently major interest and funding being poured into RFID. We are going to see a radical uptake of RFID solutions worldwide over the next 12 months."
Peter Mathler, chief information officer of Coles Myer, added. "RFID devices themselves are very much at the cutting edge of technology today. What we are testing through this trial is the idea that they can deliver a better, simpler, cheaper service in our busy supply chain.
"Coles Myer's IT strategy is built around the idea of using the best available technology for a given task. Accordingly, for this RFID trial, we have teamed up with leading technology provider Sun Microsystems who has significant experience with this technology overseas."
Intel Australia is also working with Coles Myer on this trial. Philip Cronin, general manager of Intel Australia and New Zealand said. "While Intel does not manufacture RFID 'tags', servers and mobile client devices built around Intel architecture play an integral part in tracking and recording RFID movements through supply chains. Intel has applied its learning from similar global projects to assist Coles Myer to develop this trial."
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