Fast Tag In-Motion automated RFID and bar code system has been implemented at Schering Plough Corp''s distribution center in Memphis, TN. The global health care company is using the system to help it meet RFID compliance standards outlined by Wal-Mart® and other retailers. The center handles consumer products including Coppertone® suntan lotions and Dr. Scholl''s® foot care products, and a variety of OTC medications including Claritin®, Drixoral®, and Afrin®.
Fast Tag In-Motion automates the process of applying and verifying RFID tags on cartons. At the Memphis facility, pallets are broken down into individual cartons and placed on one side of a U-shaped conveyor. A label applicator/printer places tags on boxes that require RFID tags. An outbound verification system screens for inaccurate tags and sends those boxes to a subsystem for verification and relabeling. On the other side of the line, the cartons are loaded on pallets for shipment.
Accu-Sort''s Fast™ Suite software controls the process and provides data aggregation, filtering, and seamless reporting to the Schering Plough WMS system.
"To date, we have installed more than 400 Fast systems that provide customers with a high level of confidence in managing their RFID data transfers to their WMS system," said Frank LaBarbera, director of RFID product management for Accu-Sort.
Another key feature is Fast Tag''s ability to provide optimal tag placement. "RFID reading performance is influenced by the product in the cartons," LaBarbera said. "The Accu-Sort system allows the RFID tag to be placed in the best location for the best reading performance, which can be different than the location of the bar code tag. This is particularly important for certain consumer products, which may not be RFID friendly."
Fast Tag In-Motion integrates RFID and bar code readers, label printers, tag applicators, in-line verification systems, controls, and data management software into a product that plugs seamlessly into MW, WMS, or ERP systems. It is part of Accu-Sort''s Fast Suite, a collection of flexible, configurable applications that can be used as standalone products or combined to provide systems solutions to satisfy a company''s automation needs.