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Client
Description: ORBIS Container Services, headquartered in Fresno,
CA, is a leading supplier of containers for the food services
industry. They are a leading provider of RPC containers for produce. The
containers are used to distribute produce across the states, and offer
produce companies innovations such as better ventilation and
cleaning.
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Challenge:
ORBIS is the number two provider of RPC containers. RPC's are utilized to
ship strawberries, fruit, vegetables, and other produce. The quality of
shipping containers and speed to market is vital with much of the produce
shipped. ORBIS Container Services' CEO did not yet know much about RFID,
an emerging technology in 2003, and had a critical demand as Wal-Mart, a
significant customer, requested that all suppliers become RFID compliant
by 2005. ORBIS
contacted AspireNow to identify the opportunity, evaluate the feasibility
of meeting the implementation timeline, and provide a plan for
implementation. The
challenge represented a way for ORBIS to remain innovative and capture
market share from their largest competitor through better logistics
handling systems.
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Solution:
AspireNow
Business Consulting helped ORBIS Container Services determine the best
strategy and plan to implement an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification
Tag) System for their containers, distribution, and supply-chain system.
Scott
Andrews, a Primary Consultant at AspireNow,
provided an evaluation of the RFID opportunity and recommended a four-step process
for successful RFID implementation. The feasibility survey included: (a)
analysis of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, (b)
recommendations for technology selection, (c) a
"proof-of-concept" plan for evaluation, and (d) a methodology
for implementation. He also recommended additional procedures that
result in a targeted,
proactive approach to meet the Wal-Mart-driven, RFID Supply Chain Initiative.
ORBIS
now manages the complete cycle via information technology. ORBIS can
identify and monitor the cycle to ensure the right containers are in the
right place at the right time. Orbis customers can use an internet browser
to make inquiries, generate reports, develop forecasts, and order products.
As
a result of implementing Mr. Andrews' recommendations, ORBIS Container
Services now boasts the most efficient logistics handling system in their
industry.
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The
diagram (right) represents the ORBIS service cycle (courtesy of ORBIS
Container Services).
Through a successful RFID Implementation,
ORBIS can now reap advantages in time, tracking, and accuracy with their
logistics management system. In addition, the customer can expect to
benefit through significant cost reduction resulting from lower produce
damage during shipping.
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