Ocean Spray uses the system in a post manufacturing set-up, tagging cases of juice products. Labels are affixed to cases running on a conveyor retrofitted with a Weber Print Applicator. The cases are then palletised and shipped to several Texas based Wal-Mart distribution centres.

“We selected RedPrairie based on the organisation’s service offering and its strength in the consumer packaged goods market,” said Ocean Spray’s project manager, Ed Mahoney. “We could have selected a standalone RFID vendor, but chose RedPrairie on what may be a long term strategy of integrating RFID with a best-of-breed warehouse management system.”

RedPrairie company leader John Jazwiec commented that Ocean Spray went above and beyond the retailer compliance requirements with the implementation of the automated RFID solution.

Ocean Spray took an exploratory approach in the implementation of this initial system, noting read-rate percentages, tag application speeds, implementation time, and how the system worked in a production line. The company plans to use the data for improved Deduction Management to verify, manage and improve production; and for Promotion Management to determine effectiveness of promotional campaigns and develop guidelines for volume production for campaigns through sales history analysis.