Zetes Launches A Cost-Efficient Epod Solution To Achieve Error-Free Traceability
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Optimal tracking and tracing, reduces costly returns, claims and shrinkage
- Updates stakeholders in real-time about deliveries of goods and promotions
- Combines advantages of smartcard technology, RFID and barcode scanning
- User-friendly software based on touch screen interface
- Supports hands-free working, allows multiple workers to unload/move stock
- Easy to install - no integration with existing warehouse IT systems required
Zetes, the leading pan-European provider of solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and people, announces it has launched a new, flexible, and affordable ePOD solution to optimise traceability across the supply chain by providing electronic proof of delivery (POD) of goods.
Based on a robust terminal that integrates RFID, wireless communication, smart card and barcoding technology, Zetes ePOD is an ideal solution for retailers or manufacturers with high value goods or who outsource their transportation requirements to a number of different third parties. It can be installed either in a vehicle or wall-mounted for additional user flexibility. The system can also complement existing proof of delivery systems based on hand held terminals, providing an additional layer of security in a cost efficient manner and so reduces shrinkage levels.
To develop the solution, Zetes applied People ID techniques to a Goods ID situation, thereby giving the goods originator far greater security that goods have been physically delivered and received at their final destination. Zetes ePOD ensures error-free traceability between production centres and warehouses, warehouses and retail outlets as well as during the movement of goods between locations such as retail-outlets, pharmacies or hospitals.
Specific User Benefits
The benefits to users are significant: real time correction during the barcode/RFID scanning stage reduces mistakes, accurate delivery reduces returns and physical proof of delivery avoids costly claims.
As a stand-alone solution, Zetes ePOD requires no integration with existing warehouse IT systems and is ideally suited to companies with either a limited supply chain capability or who use third party carriers for a variety of delivery processes. It is also beneficial for small, speciality suppliers such as organic food producers who do not currently use EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and are required to make frequent deliveries to retail outlets or distribution hubs.
How it Works
The process is simple: During shipping, information of what needs to be delivered and where is stored on a smart card. At delivery, containers labelled with RFID tags or barcodes are passed in front of the RFID reader or scanner of the ePOD terminal and checked. Physical proof of delivery is stored on the smart card and sent via SMS to relevant stakeholders. Information is also uploaded to a repository, enabling data verification, image verification and reporting.
Says Alain Wirtz, CEO of Zetes: "As a company we are committed to offering pragmatic traceability and data capture solutions for every possible customer need. Zetes ePOD will complement our existing range of POD solutions and has been designed by specialists within our 3i Competence Centre to offer a cost-efficient answer to validating and tracing goods across an extended supply chain. By creatively combining proven goods and people ID technologies, it presents a very simply to install and low cost of ownership option for customers."
About Zetes
ZETES INDUSTRIES a leading pan-European company in the value-added solutions and services industry for Automatic Identification of Goods and People (Goods ID and People ID). Zetes uses both emerging and mature technologies (barcode, voice recognition, RFID, smartcards, biometrics), and develops Solution Architecture Frameworks to optimize the business performance of many customers in many market segments: manufacturing, transportation, logistics, retail, healthcare, finance, telecommunication, government and public services. The Zetes group has its headquarters in Brussels, with subsidiaries in Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK . Zetes currently employs more than 800 employees (in FTEs) and generated consolidated revenues of €178 million in 2008. For more information,visit www.zetes.com
SOURCE: Zetes