RFID in the Supply Chain - Guide to Sele - Size

Supply Chain Overview � 23
Lesson learned: Solve logistics problems by applying “lessons learned”
from this and prior operations, including asset visibility, spare and repair
parts availability, and physical security.
1.3.9.2 Wal-Mart: Implementation Training
In late Spring 2004, Wal-Mart appeared to be cutting back on the mandate
that all its suppliers comply with RFID tracking of cases and pallets by the
beginning of 2005. Few suppliers had the experience in implementing RFID
technology. Many had just the basic understanding of this technology and
had been working on the issues. The rest were just starting out and needed
time to learn technologies. Prior to its mandate, Wal-Mart apparently did
not send out a survey to its suppliers to determine its readiness for RFID
implementation, and appropriateness of its testing facility and provide
or recommend RFID implementation training for those who needed it.
Wal-Mart just gave the mandate without ever providing RFID technologies
to the suppliers to help them get started.
Lesson learned: Consider supplier’s readiness for RFID implementation.
1.3.9.3 International Paper: Business Processes
In September 2004, International Paper (www.internationalpaper.com)
signed an agreement with Globe Ranger’s iMotion Edgeware platform for
RFID supply chain solutions. The company has recognized the importance
of optimizing business processes using process and workflow management
to deliver user-defined business rules for immediate visibility and
exception alerts. International Paper is number one in its industry for the
second year.
Lesson learned: Consider business processes in selecting and implementing
RFID technologies.
1.3.9.4 Procter & Gamble: Docking Loading Throughput
In 2001, Procter & Gamble (P&G, www.pg.com) in Spain experienced
bottlenecks at the loading dock where forklift drivers would run out of
room on the dock for stacking pallets to be shipped. To make room, pallets
were moved twice or production stopped for the loading dock to be cleared.
To save time, the company moved the pallets to the trucks from the dock.
However, these pallets were sometimes sent to the customers by mistake
when they were supposed to reload back to the dock from the trucks.
To increase throughput and eliminate costly mistakes, P&G developed
an RFID-based system to identify the pallets. This has allowed the plant to
shift to direct loading, increase the speed of loading, and reduce the number
of forklift truck drivers needed.