METRO GROUP rolls out largest RFID project in the European retail sector
Operational rollout of this innovative technology to 180 locations in Germany
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 all interested parties. Three tailor-made "starter kits" facilitate the start into the future of retailing for suppliers. Also at the international level, METRO GROUP is extending the deployment of the radio frequency technology. Starting from late 2007, around 100 suppliers from China and Vietnam will participate in the RFID pilot project "Tag it Easy" and tag their export packages with RFID transponders. This way, distinct efficiency gains can also be achieved in the supply chain between Asia and Europe.
Better customer service thanks to RFID
In addition to the benefits in logistics, RFID also brings appreciable benefits for the customers. At the Galeria Kaufhof department store in Essen, METRO GROUP is testing which RFID-supported applications the customers actually use. Here, "Smart Dressing Rooms" offer additional product information and "Mobile Assistants" help the employees fulfill the customer requests faster, for example.
Close cooperation with partners of the Future Store Initiative
METRO GROUP cooperates with its partners under the METRO GROUP Future Store Initiative to create the infrastructure required for the practical application of this technology in Germany. IBM supplies the software for the RFID rollout. IBM and Checkpoint take on the system integration of the portals with readers from Intermec Technologies or Sirit. "For us it was important to be able to rely on competent general contractors for the realization of our concept" summarized Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Managing Director of MGI METRO GROUP Information Technology, "The service offered by IBM and Checkpoint was one of the key factors for the smooth operational rollout of the system".
Contact
Martin Brüning
METRO GROUP
Spokesperson
Telephone: +49 (211) 6886-2947
Fax: +49 (211) 969-490-6048
E-mail: martin.bruening@metro.de
METRO GROUP
Spokesperson
Telephone: +49 (211) 6886-2947
Fax: +49 (211) 969-490-6048
E-mail: martin.bruening@metro.de
METRO GROUP is one of the most important international retailing companies. In 2006 the group reached sales of about € 60 billion. The company has a headcount of some 270,000 employees and operates about 2,400 outlets in 31 countries. The operating business is performed by the sales brands which operate independently in the market: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry – world market leader in cash & carry wholesale, Real hypermarkets and Extra supermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – market leader in consumer electronics centers in Europe, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores. More information at: www.metrogroup.de.
