Minera Uses RFID Tags to Automate Locating and Delivery Processes

Minera Norge, the leading slate producer in Scandinavia, is using the Hammer and UPM Raflatac ShortDipole RFID tags converted by ACT Systems’ Skandinavia’s portalRFID, AdhTech, superDAGFINN solutions for the automation of the locating and delivery procedures of its stone products.

The pallets are tracked by RFID from the loading stage to the shipment stage. Every worker in the company utilizes an ID card that embeds an RFID card for logging on to the ERP system of Minera Norge. Once the RFID card is shown to a reader, the system offers updated information on incoming orders to workers. By choosing a processing order the system calls for the particular type of stones required by workers for completing the order.

The heavy stone products are first cut into blocks and tiles and later packed and positioned on pallets that are attached with RFID tags. These loaded pallets are then moved on to a portal of an RFID reader. The portal links up information related to every pallet’s distinctive weight, product, and number with the corresponding order. Subsequently the pallets are stored in the company’s large yard by using a RFID reader and GPS equipped forklift.

Whenever a pallet is picked up by the forklift driver, the pallet data is depicted on the screen of the forklift through the superDAGFINN software so that the driver is able to confirm whether the product is the correct one. The GPS system, GPStracker locates the pallets on real time basis as they are moved along with the forklifts. The system also provides maps to drivers, with the maps depicting the precise location of every forklift and pallet, along with directions to reach the particular pallet.

The invoicing process is also automated by the RFID solution that helps forklift drivers in indicating the shipment of a product through the onboard screen. It also transmits to the customer an advanced shipping notice, besides activation of the actual invoicing process.

It took only four weeks for installing and operating the total RFID solution at Minera Norge. Ever since implementation of the RFID solution during May 2009 Minera has benefited from the accurate and accelerated location of products, resulting in correct and faster deliveries to customers.

UPM Raflatac, RFID’s Business Development Director Mikko Nikkanen informed that the Hammer UHF and tags from UPM Raflatac have again demonstrated the ability of RFID ability in delivering actual real results during a demanding supply chain management application. He added that it offers exceptional dependability even when heavy stone product pallets are attached to it under seasonal and harsh weather situations ranging from heat and rain to freezing snowstorms. He elaborates further that by virtue of its established performance passive RFID technology is adopting an ever more increasing role as indispensable component of WiFi and GPS-enabled location solutions.