Scandinavia's Leading Slate Manufacturer Minera Norge Automates Delivery Processes with Award Winning RFID Solution
(UPM Raflatac, Tampere, May 19, 2010) - Scandinavia's leading slate manufacturer, Minera Norge, uses UPM Raflatac ShortDipole and Hammer RFID tags converted by AdhTech, superDAGFINN and portalRFID solutions from ACT Systems Skandinavia to automate the locating and delivery processes of its stone products. Minera Norge's products are used for example in interiors, walkways and floors, and are exported worldwide. The premium quality slate manufacturer is located near the source of its raw materials in Norway where drastic changes in weather conditions set special requirements to RFID tags used. Minera Norge's RFID implementation was recently honoured in the RFID Journal Live 2010 annual industry event with the esteemed "Best RFID Implementation" award.
Minera Norge uses RFID to track pallets from loading to the point of shipment. Each worker uses an ID card with an embedded RFID tag to log into the company's ERP system. After showing the RFID card to a reader, the system provides workers an updated list of incoming orders. By selecting an order for processing, the system in turn requests the specific stones needed for the employee to complete the order.
The weighty stone products are cut into tiles and blocks, then packed and placed on pallets attached with UPM Raflatac RFID tags. The pallets are moved to an RFID reader portal where information on each pallet's unique ID number, product and weight are linked to the corresponding order. The pallets are then stored outdoors on Minera Norge's large yard using a forklift equipped with GPS system and an RFID reader.
When a driver picks up a pallet, the superDAGFINN software shows data of the pallet on the forklift's screen enabling the driver to quickly confirm it is the correct product. The GPS system, GPStracker, is used to locate the pallets in real time, as they are moved with the forklifts. It also provides drivers with maps showing the exact location of each pallet as well as the forklift, and directions for reaching the specific pallet.
Moreover, the RFID solution is used to automate the invoicing process as it enables forklift drivers to indicate from the onboard screen that a product has been shipped, and send an advance shipping notice to a customer, thus activating the actual invoicing process.
The complete RFID solution was installed and operational at Minera Norge in just four weeks. Since the implementation in May 2009, the company has been able to enjoy the benefits of accelerated and accurate locating of products, which in turn have resulted in faster and correct deliveries for customers.
"The ShortDipole and Hammer UHF tags from UPM Raflatac once again have proven RFID's ability to deliver real results in a challenging supply chain management application. It provides excellent reliability even when attached to massive pallets of stone products facing harsh and seasonal weather conditions from freezing snowstorms to rain and heat. Because of its proven performance, passive RFID technology is adopting an increasingly important role as essential part of GPS and WiFi based location solutions," says Mikko Nikkanen, Business Development Director, UPM Raflatac, RFID.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Mikko Nikkanen,
Business Development Director,
UPM Raflatac,
RFID,
tel: +1 828 275 5162
About UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac, part of UPM's Engineered Materials business group, is one of the world's leading suppliers of self-adhesive label materials and the world's number one producer of HF and UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and inlays. UPM Raflatac has a global service network consisting of 13 factories on five continents and a broad network of sales offices and slitting and distribution terminals worldwide. UPM Raflatac employs 2,600 people and made sales of approximately EUR 0.95 billion (USD 1.3 billion) in 2009. Further information is available at www.upmrfid.com.
About Minera Norge
With their own quarries and long term agreements, Minera has unique access to quality resources from the slate quarries in Alta, Oppdal and Otta in Norway, and Offerdal in Jämtland, Sweden. The company's headquarters are in Oppdal and the Sales/Marketing departments are in Oslo, Norway and Östersund in Sweden. Every year Minera has sales totalling over 200 million kroner, to customers in more than 25 different countries. The company has around 200 highly skilled employees within the production and marketing of slates. Further information is available at http://www.mineranorway.com/eng/.
About ACT System Skandinavia
ACT System Skandinavia is a systems provider and is part of the ACT Gruppen. The Group has a total turnover of around NOK 90 million and has operations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. You can contact ACT System by phone on +47 22 90 36 20. Since 1993, ACT System has developed middleware and logistic and traceability systems for more than 300 companies in Scandinavia. To learn more about our company, go to www.act-gruppen.no.
About AdhTech
AdhTech is a niche company offering full service from design, product refinement and prototyping to full scale production and assembly of self adhesive components. Further information is available at www.adhtech.se
