May/June 2004

Logistics giant Exel has put new weight behind the RFID (radio frequency identification) movement by opening an "RFID centre of excellence" in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

It is basically an 11,000 sq m warehouse where the organisation can explore issues raised during RFID implementation such as chip positioning, pallet configuration, materials handling processes and distribution centre layout.

The centre will also study issues such as the accuracy, reliability and security of RFID in delivering supply-chain visibility at an affordable price.

Exel already has pilot RFID programmes in progress at individual customer locations in America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

 

The organisation says the results of tests at Harrisburg will eventually be published in a best-practices portfolio - but it's not clear whether rivals will be able to get hold of this.