EPC global has finalised the completion of the first phase of their transportation and logistics industry action group Radio Frequency Interchange Data (RFID) pilot programme. GS1 Bahrain announced that the pilot tracked in real time the location of cargo containers shipped from Hong Kong to Japan.
Phase One of the pilot, which was extensively supported by The Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (METI) in Japan, assessed the use of both passive and active EPC tags for sea-shipment of cartons and containers. The pilot addressed specific business needs of the partners, such as matching tagged products with purchase orders.
This multi-industry, multi-stakeholder initiative extensively tested EPCglobal standards developed in response to specific user requirements. Through the use of the EPC Information Services (EPCIS) standard in particular, true visibility at critical junctions throughout the global supply chain was achieved.
"Phase One of the pilot has demonstrated the value of the EPCIS standard which was used to track the progress of cartons and containers across the supply chain between multiple trading partners," said Raed Al-Samahiji, President and CEO GS1 Bahrain the sole representative of EPCglobal Inc. in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
"We strongly recommend EPCglobal as a reliable RFID standard to secure and facilitate global trade," said Al-Samahiji. Based on this phase of the pilot, ran in collaboration with the consignee, a footwear manufacturer, we can already anticipate that EPCglobal standards users will gain advanced cargo visibility, enabling them to control lead time, inventory and cash flow.
A second phase, scheduled for completion in February 2008, is set to reinforce the EPCIS dimension. Information will be exchanged between potential end users, such as customs administrations for automatic customs clearance.
© Bahrain Tribune 2007
