The UHF Gen 2 inlays used in the pilot are provided by UPM Rafsec. Following RFID mandates from major global retailers, REWE Group has itself decided to begin implementing RFID and is the first to use the latest Gen 2 technology.
Through RFID implementation REWE aims to strengthen its competitive advantage and market position by optimizing the joint supply chain with its suppliers. There will be up to 30 suppliers involved in the pilot's first phase. In order to help them access quality RFID labels at a competitive pricing of 23 euro cents each, REWE decided to bundle the projected need to one supplier.
REWE's partners will have easy access to a label pool via the REWE RFID Intranet where they can order the labels. The offer will be valid for five months starting from 15 December and ending 15 May 2006. There will be two different label types available, a standard 4x6" label and the UPM Rafsec FlagTagTM.
In comprehensive RFID labeling tests at REWE distribution center, UPM Rafsec FlagTagTM UHF tags demonstrated excellent readability to guarantee outstandingly reliable pallet labeling throughout the entire supply chain. The UPM Rafsec FlagTagTM, developed together with SATO, provides a solution for tagging pallets with problematic content (fluids, metal, glass, etc.). The part of the label that contains the UHF tag is folded so that it sticks out vertically from the pallet surface to create free-air performance from the tag perspective.
The REWE Group is one of the biggest European retailers with more than 11귔 shops and 195ꯠ full-time employees.
