martes, 16 de septiembre de 2008

New tagging system could enhance supply chain monitoring

StePac said the system has been developed to provide information about the quality of products pre-shipment, in-transit and post-arrival.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of food quality, safety, origin and traceability and this is exerting greater pressure on processors to keep track of every component in the manufacturing process (temperature and relative humidity).

The company said that during land transport, data is transmitted in real time via proprietary technology to StePac’s server centre, while during sea freight, the information is logged and then downloaded upon arrival at the harbour.

“If there are any problems, the system immediately notifies all those concerned via email and/or text message. If the products are in transit, their exact location can be given using GPS data. Users can also obtain updates at any time by accessing the Xsense system via the Internet,” added the firm.

Meanwhile, Matiq, the information technology subsidiary of Nortura, Norway's largest food supplier, recently announced it has joined with IBM to develop radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track and trace products from the farm, through the supply chain, to supermarket shelves.

Matiq said that it will work with IBM experts on sensors and RFID to develop chips for meat and poultry product packaging initially.

“Traceability in the food chain is complex – the tracking system we are developing will generate information such as where the animal has been and the food it has eaten. The tag can be moulded into a crate or the product packaging depending on the meat product involved”.

"We anticipate the technology being market ready in nine to twelve months. In the meantime, it has to be tested with a dedicated customer base to evaluate its effectiveness at every stage of the supply chain and with the whole range of meat products from pork chops to meat balls”
Aporte: Mauricio Cruz

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