Woolworth’s UK is implementing an automated information system for real-time management and security of shipments between its distribution and retail outlets. Savi Technology, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Microlise, a UK-based systems integrator for the logistics industry, are installing the system for Woolworth’s, which has 800 stores and 2.3 billion pounds in annual sales.
The real-time information network will help improve management of dollies, roll cages and totes for Woolworth’s. Through the deployment of Savi's Web-based Smart Chain software platform, which is linked with wireless tracking systems, the information network can help reduce inventory shrinkage while improving operational efficiency, inventory management and customer service.
Rollout of the project, which initially involves distribution between Woolworth’s' national distribution center and some of its retail outlets, has begun and will extend into early next year, when results will be assessed for further system-wide implementations.
Woolworth’s will deploy a number of Savi's products and services, including the Savi Asset Management System software application for reusable transportation containers, and the Savi Smart Chain platform, which transforms raw data into actionable information and drives automated alerts. In addition, Woolworth’s will use EchoPoint Series 600 RFID tag and reader hardware components that automatically collect and transmit data and the Universal Data Appliance Protocol, Savi's openly licensable protocol linking data from different wireless tracking systems to the Savi Smart Chain software platform.
The project involves the installation of the Smart Chain software platform at Woolworth's key distribution center in Swindon and a number of its stores. Some 16,500 EchoPoint Series 600 active tags will be affixed to Woolworth’s conveyances moving between distribution facilities and retail stores. These smart tags are affixed to assets and tracked by the RFID system in real time, while automatically transmitting event-related alerts and other data to Savi's Smart Chain software platform, from which the assets can be managed via a computer screen.
Real-time visibility and management of Woolworth’s conveyances is achieved through the interoperability of two technologies. First, RFID smart tags affixed to supply chain assets assign each dolly, roll cage and tote a unique identification code. Savi's EchoPoint Reader and SignPost system captures the conveyance's identification, location, status and other stored information whenever they pass by, and then transmits the data to the Savi Smart Chain platform, which reports on the status of the system and assets. From there, users get instant alerts and other key data on a computer screen through the Savi Asset Management software, which provides features to manage the full life cycle of an asset, including acquisition, finance, security, maintenance, management and disposal.
Savi's solution also will be integrated with Woolworth’s existing DPS data base system for booking, tracking and sequencing of its supply chain assets.
