Sugar manufacturer uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology integrated with SAP to control the inflow of raw materials and the outflow of finished product  

Sugar manufacturer uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology integrated with SAP to control the inflow of raw materials and the outflow of finished product

The giant Azucarera Ebro Guadalete sugar refinery in Jerez, Spain has completed the roll out of the pilot phase of a project based on RFID technology with European automatic identification, data capture and mobility solutions provider, Zetes.

The system, which is integrated with SAP, improves external product traceability by making it possible to control outgoing lorries loaded with the finished product, while simplifying processes, eliminating errors and boosting productivity.

Part of the British Sugar group since May 2009, Azucarera Ebro is Spain’s biggest sugar producer and the world’s second largest sugar group. The company has already worked with Zetes to improve warehouse management within its refineries by automating logistical processes (inflow of the raw material and outflow of the finished product) at its Guadalete refinery.

Active RFID provides future-proof tracking

Given that the project required remote identification and a design that would allow the future control of internal traffic within the refinery, Zetes’ consultants recommended deploying an automatic identification system via active RFID. Another requirement of the solution was full integration with SAP, Azucarera Ebro’s existing business management system. It was also necessary for the system to interact with existing systems, including the management of barrier and traffic light signals, industrial weighing systems and the verification of weights.

The solution was installed in just two weeks, including the on-site training of the users. The second phase of the project, which is now ready for deployment, will see the installation of the solution that controls the inflow of the raw material. RFID will make it possible, in this case, to rapidly ascertain and record the origin of raw materials and total weight at unloading. Azucarera Ebro is aiming to have an optimal traceability of its entire logistical chain when this second phase is finalised.

Staged delivery for end-to-end visibility

Ángeles Nogueras, the Azucarera Ebro project manager commented: “So far, we are very happy with the solution. The first phase of the project is fully up and running. Both the hardware and the software are user-friendly which means that the staff have been quick to adapt without much input from us”.

By entrusting this latest project to Zetes, Azucarera is extending its use of the European identification specialist’s systems. Zetes had already been awarded a contract to install automatic labelling systems for pallets of sugar sacks and bags. These systems were developed by MD, Zetes’ Print & Apply division. Zetes has also implemented radio frequency (RF) systems and handheld and forklift mounted terminals to improve warehouse management.