Supply chain logistics provider Exel is trialling radio frequency identification (RFID) for retailer Selfridges from its Hams Hall national distribution centre (NDC) in the West Midlands. The trial is designed to explore future opportunities offered by RFID including product tracking to and from the stores.
RFID is being used to track inbound and outbound movements of 120 food temperature-controlled containers in 20 vehicles. Each transit media and vehicle contains an RFID tag for tracking purposes. When the containers and vehicles are close to the loading bays, RFID readers and antennae read the tags and update Exel’s in-house software automatically.
Paul Richardson, Exel’s business director, retail services – Europe, says: “RFID has generated widespread interest amongst supply chain professionals. We hope that its future application will help Selfridges to improve stock visibility, increase security and track despatch, and delivery processes.”
