Smart.NRW—RFID as Enabler for an Intelligent FMCG Supply Chain

Abstract

RFID is a key technology for an increase of transparency in logistic networks and can serve as a solution for unsolved problems in FMCG industry like excessive inventory levels, inefficient capacity utilization and poor service levels. The research project Smart.NRW studies the application of RFID on case level as well as the interorganizational demand planning. The project goal is to integrate high resolution information into the planning and control processes to maximize the on-shelf availability of consumer goods in the wholesale market. The research project includes three major work packages. The first one aims at the definition of the suitable product-specific RFID transponder and its position. The objective of the second work package is to develop a manufacturing process providing cardboard packaging of FMCG articles with RFID transponders. In the third work package real-time data driven methods for adaptive planning and control in the supply chain are developed. To validate the project results two field trials have been carried out, for which an RFID infrastructure consisting of reader gates and handheld devices has been installed at several points along the supply chain. This contribution reports in detail about the results of Smart.NRW, by describing the process of RFID application in an FMCG supply chain.