This is the first time in the Netherlands to integrate SAP AII 2.1, Zebra and Symbol RFID devices.
Sony, Mieloo & Alexander, SAP, Zebra, and Symbol have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of process and RFID technology integration on the organization and technology of logistics operations, and have mastered relevant expertise.
The technology adopted by the project:
Zebra R4Mplus Printer/Encoder
Alien Lepton 96-bit electronic tag
Symbol AR-400 RFID reader and ANT-400 antenna
SAP Netweaver and Business Warehouse
Zebra, Symbol, Mieloo & Alexander and SAP successfully implemented RFID solutions
Sony Logistics Europe B.V. (SLE), located in Tilburg, the Netherlands, is the European distribution center for Sony Europe. The center houses all of Sony Electronics' products, which are shipped by road, sea and air by Sony Electronics in Europe, Japan and Asia. SLE has a storage area of approximately 80,000 square meters that can be distributed directly to dealers throughout the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region and to local Sony warehouses.
RFID technology helps Sony deliver products
The consumer electronics industry is a highly competitive industry, and in order to make Sony a “preferred supplier” strategy for all distributors, Sony's supply chain management is always looking for ways to improve operational efficiency and take the lead in market competition. . RFID technology is considered to be the most promising means of enhancing operations, reducing costs, improving quality and reducing risk. Of course, this technology is also compatible with the development of Sony's major customers in Europe, such as the Metro Group.
With the support of integrator Mieloo & Alexander and SAP, Zebra Technologies and Symbol, SLE conducted an RFID test in 2004 and proposed a commissioning plan. After a thorough readability test, Sony and Mieloo & Alexander began preparing for the RFID/EPCTM UHF 868 “slap-and-ship” shipment in January 2005. It runs between the distribution centre in Tilburg and Birkart Logistics in Cologne. Birkart is a third-party logistics provider responsible for all Sony shipments to distribution centers and stores in Germany to meet the needs of major customers.
RFID project goals and scope
The objectives of the RFID project include:
Clarify the impact of RFID technology on the shipping process and the impact on SLE downstream processes;
Understand data volume and data processing issues;
Develop practical knowledge and expertise on RFID hardware and software integration;
Identify the possibility of implementing RFID upstream of the supply chain.
The scope of the commissioning was to send the box-level labels for Sony and CRT TVs from SLE to Birkart. The process includes:
RFID electronic label trial run
Box-level scanning of pallets at the door of the shipping stack
Scanning trailer
ASN (Advance Shipment Notice)
Checking the goods when the goods are stacked
Reporting and analysis
The range of RFID systems includes:
Alien Lepton 96-bit electronic tag;
Zebra RM4plus electronic label commissioning printer;
Symbol AR-400 RFID reader and ANT-400 antenna;
SAP Auto AII version 2.1 Middleware / RFID application software (SLE runs SAP R/3 and SAP WMS 4.7);
SAP Netweaver and Business Warehouse
RFID technology helps Sony deliver products
Challenge
This is the first time in the Netherlands to integrate SAP AII 2.1, Zebra and Symbol RFID devices. This complex, integrated RFID system is based on advanced, newly released components that require close collaboration between partners.
Result
The project team of experts from Mieloo & Alexander, SAP, Symbol and Zebra implemented this fruitful, directly integrated RFID UHF 868 project for the first time in the Netherlands. Currently, SLE operators can attach RFID tags to the box of 10 to 20 pallets per day. These RFID tags can be read by RFID systems at the door of SLE and Birkart's warehouse. SAP's Business Warehouse report analyzes the results of the readings on a daily basis. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously enhance the functions of the RFID system. This drives SAP, Zebra and Symbol to continuously improve the performance of new products to ensure that new users can benefit from new technologies more quickly. Sony, Mieloo & Alexander, SAP, Zebra, and Symbol have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of process and RFID technology integration on the organization and technology of logistics operations, and have mastered relevant expertise. The 2006 RFID trial run will include second-generation RFID tags and readers, deeper in-house trials, and the ability to extend trial runs upstream and downstream of the supply chain.