Sokymat Supplying RFID Tags To TrenStar For Beer Keg Tracking
Sokymat, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, is supplying RFID tags to mobile asset management company TrenStar Inc. to track beer kegs for clients in the U.K. including Coors.
The percentage of kegs owned and managed by TrenStar in the U.K. is now close to 70 percent. Sokymat filled an initial order of 1,200,000 TrenStar-branded tags.
TrenStar's RFID-enabled container management system, TrenStarCM, tracks the location of each beer keg and collects information including usage data, enabling better control, visibility and asset utilization for the sake of securing the distribution channel and making it transparent to the customer.
In order for draught beer to reach retail outlets, a sophisticated logistics network must run from the breweries through the distributors and wholesalers all the way to where it is consumed. In countries where draught beer consumption is the highest, tracking the containers that are delivered to pubs, bars, restaurants, etc., involves a major effort. Only through an efficient keg management system can a brewery ensure the timely and effective delivery of its product while remaining competitive on the side of costs.
"We were presented with the challenge by our partner to develop a new product to be delivered in a very short time. We are really pleased with the result and see TrenStar as a key partner for the integration of RFID in the specific vertical market of beer kegs ID," said Thomas Hitzer, Sokymat Vice President Sales & Marketing.
"Sokymat offers a quality product for a reasonable price, along with exceptional technical support," said Stuart Facey, TrenStar senior Vice President and General Manager of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Sokymat developed a special ferrite core-based transponder for TrenStar's beer keg tracking application using Philips Hitag S 2k-bit series IC chips. The new read/write tag features an advanced anti-collision algorithm, and operates effectively even in metallic environments. Moreover, Sokymat and TrenStar developed a customized packaging solution that protects the electronic component from the massive mechanical stress to which it is subjected throughout the keg's lifecycle, in particular during washing and filling operations.
About Sokymat
Sokymat, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, is present in all major market segments that express a strong interest in the benefits of RFID technology, namely access control and security, industrial automation and supply chain management as well as animal identification. Thanks to its 15 years of experience in transponder manufacturing technology and its know-how in packaging technology, Sokymat can design and manufacture virtually any type of custom-made transponder suited to the specific operating environment and packaging material requested by the customer – including metal.
Alongside with its expertise in 125/134.2 kHz and UHF RFID technology, Sokymat boasts the most complete know-how in 13.56 MHz technology and serves fast growing industry segments such as the emerging market for government-issued electronic passports and travel documents.
The group employs more than 300 people worldwide, has both research and development centers and manufacturing plants in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia.
About TrenStar
TrenStar is the first company to offer mobile asset management. From the start in 2001, TrenStar's singular mission has been to buy, track and manage high-value containers for customers throughout asset-intensive industries. TrenStar offers one complete outsourced solution that combines asset acquisition, tracking technology and management services all for a per-use fee, so customers, and eventually entire industries, reduce operating expenses, improve customer service and manage assets and their contents effectively. TrenStar's clients include Carlsberg UK, Coors Brewers Limited, Kraft and Goodyear. Consistently ranked one of the top software developers in the Denver area and named a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Rising Star in North America in 2004, TrenStar has offices in Denver, the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. TrenStar is privately held, and the primary shareholders are Trencor Limited, The Carlyle Group and the Leede Companies. On the Net: www.trenstar.com