News Flash

METRO deploys RFID technology in European retail sector

06 Nov '07

3 min read

METRO Group in late October completed a major step in the nation-wide operational deployment of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in Germany.

At 180 locations operated by the sales brands Metro Cash & Carry and Real as well as the central warehouses of MGL METRO Group Logistics, deliveries can now be recorded automatically.

The remaining locations are scheduled for conversion next year. This is the largest operational rollout of this technology in the European retail sector.

Use of RFID technology raises efficiency in logistics
With RFID tags on each shipping pallet, deliveries can be checked for completeness within seconds. RFID readers at the goods-in gates can automatically recognize and identify incoming pallets.

With a software, the system checks whether the deliveries match the order prior to registering them in the inventory management system. Also deliveries from the warehouses to the stores of the METRO Group are monitored with RFID.

The improved processes help prevent incorrect deliveries and increase the accuracy of the inventory information.
RFID also benefits the suppliers, for example in the goods issuing control. Furthermore, the exchange of data with the vendor is facilitated.

More than 180 suppliers are already participating in the project and discussions are under way with all other suppliers. METRO Group and its partners under the Future Store Initiative offer support to allinterested parties. Three tailor-made “starter kits“ facilitate the start into the future of retailing for suppliers.

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