Registration RTI's and logistical process steering

Efficient Logistics and Sustainability in the Fresh Produce Chain: The Depot of the Future

In the European fresh produce chain, efficient logistics play a crucial role. A new depot, designed for the future, serves as an excellent example of how technology and automation can optimize logistical processes.

This depot, situated on a 30,000 m² site, is a collaboration between a major retailer and a logistics service provider. The goal was to enhance the flow of logistical processes while promoting sustainability.

Here are some key points about the depot:

1. Automatic Registration and Control: Over 2 million reusable transport items (RTIs) were tagged with RFID technology. This enabled tracking and tracing of RTIs within and around the depot. Software automated the registration and control of logistical processes, including:
2. Yard Management: Real-time control of incoming and outgoing trucks.
3. Inbound Management: Transparency to stores through proof of delivery using RFID, barcodes, and vision technology.
4. Processing Management: Automated scanning and identification throughout the logistics process.
5. Outbound Management: Data exchange between partners based on GS1 standards.
6. People Steering: Employees were assigned tasks based on parameters such as skills, location, and availability. Wearable devices recorded their activities, including unloading trucks and counting/sorting load carriers.
7. Hardware and Middleware: In addition to the software,There is an impressive array of hardware, including RFID readers, kiosks, registration gates, and scanning stations. This hardware optimized the counting, sorting, and routing of RTIs.
8. Sustainability: Reusable plastic crates have an average lifespan of over seven years. This reduces the need for single-use packaging and contributes to a sustainable fresh produce chain.

The depot of the future serves as an inspiring example of how technology, automation, and collaboration can lead to more efficient logistics and a more sustainable future for the European fresh produce industry .

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