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Zetes launches a cost-efficient delivery terminal to eliminate errors across high-value or third-party managed supply chains

Zetes launches a cost-efficient delivery terminal to eliminate errors across high-value or third-party managed supply chains

 

Zetes, the pan-European provider of solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and people, has launched a “ePOD” system to optimise traceability across the supply chain by providing electronic proof of delivery (PoD) of goods.

 

Based on a rugged terminal that integrates radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless communication, smartcard and barcoding technology, Zetes said its ePOD is an ideal solution for retailers or manufacturers with high-value goods or who outsource their transportation requirements to a number of different third parties.

 

It can be installed either in a vehicle or wall-mounted and can complement existing PoD systems based on handheld terminals, to provide an additional layer of security and reduces shrinkage levels.

 

To develop the solution, Zetes said it applied People ID techniques to a Goods ID situation, thereby giving the goods originator far greater security that goods have been physically delivered and received at their final destination.

 

Zetes claimed the ePOD ensures error-free traceability between production centres and warehouses, warehouses and retail outlets, as well as during the movement of goods between locations such as retail-outlets, pharmacies or hospitals.

 

Specific user benefits

 

The benefits to users include real-time correction during the barcode/RFID scanning stage that reduces mistakes, while accurate delivery reduces returns and physical PoD avoids costly claims.

 

As a standalone solution, Zetes ePOD is designed to require no integration with existing warehouse IT systems and is ideally suited to companies with either a limited supply chain capability or who use third-party carriers for a variety of delivery processes. It is also beneficial for small, speciality suppliers such as organic food producers who do not currently use electronic data interchange (EDI) and are required to make frequent deliveries to retail outlets or distribution hubs.

 

RFID or scanning functionality central

 

During shipping, information of what needs to be delivered and where is stored on a smartcard. At delivery, containers labelled with RFID tags or barcodes are passed in front of the RFID reader or scanner of the ePOD terminal and checked. Physical PoD is stored on the smartcard and sent via SMS to relevant stakeholders. Information is also uploaded to a repository, enabling data verification, image verification and reporting.

 

Alain Wirtz, Zetes chief executive said: “As a company we are committed to offering pragmatic traceability and data capture solutions for every possible customer need. Zetes ePOD will complement our existing range of PoD solutions and has been designed by specialists within our 3i Competence Centre to offer a cost-efficient answer to validating and tracing goods across an extended supply chain. By creatively combining proven goods and people ID technologies, it presents a very simply to install and low cost of ownership option for customers.”

 

Anyone interested in more information on the Zetes ePOD can visit a dedicated area on the supplier’s website.