Optimising traceability
February 1st 2010 Zetes has launched the ePOD which
is designed to provide a flexible and
affordable solution to optimising
traceability across the supply chain.
Based on a robust wall-mounted
terminal that integrates RFID,
wireless communication, smart card
and barcoding technology, Zetes
ePOD enables electronic proof of
delivery of goods.
The solution is said to ensure errorfree
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.
Zetes CEO Alain Wirtz says: "This
solution has been designed by
specialists within our 3i Competence
Centre to offer a cost-efficient answer
to the need for optimal traceability
across the supply chain. Combining
various Auto-ID technologies, it
illustrates our continuous efforts to
find synergy between both proven
and innovative technologies."
Product benefits are said to include
on the fly correction during
barcode/RFID scanning reducing
mistakes, accurate delivery reducing
returns and physical proof of delivery
avoiding claims.
Zetes ePOD is a standalone solution
that requires no integration with
existing systems and can easily be
used by third party carriers for a
variety of delivery processes.
It works through a simple process.
During shipping, information of
what needs to be delivered and where
is stored on a smart card. 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 proof
of delivery is stored on the smart
card and sent via SMS to relevant
stakeholders. Information is also
uploaded to a repository, enabling
data verification, image verification
and reporting. More articles from Zetes Ltd: | 
