OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work package is to identify constraints and benefits coming up with RFID implementation within processing (eg.e.g. SME Factory). The outcome will be validation of data description, transmission and exploitation throughout the complete food chain product, whether it happens only in one plant or within a complex chain of following partners. RFID label or barcode attached to raw material as well as finished food product will have to comply with SMEs constraints such as legacy IT system, weakness or lack of availability to set up, or unbearable exploitation fees. Each of these issues will be addressed thanks to industrial food production pilot RFID covering the widest part in the supply chain.
Today large demands are placed on manufacturers, distributors and retailers along the chain to maximise efficiency, minimise cost and provide the best value to the end consumer. These suppliers are all learning how to apply new technologies within their sectors to improve business earnings. Thus, one such technology is RFID.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Task 5.1 Identification of role within business process
Throughout a global food process, first step to address is to get information:
Step 1 : linked to each raw material batch number, or semi-finished product, or ingredient delivered at the factory gate, including analysis & controls, audit and third part control bodies, from each order number, despatch advice number, invoice number, shipping number, pallet ID, etc. coming from each factory suppliers
Step 2 : from each batch or process order inside factory IT, and/or paper based processing management system, including process order, storage number, packaging batch number, by product number, waste management, internal analysis & controls, audit and third part control bodies
Step 3 : linked to each finished product, pallet, shipping, despatch advice, order, invoice, etc. coming from factory consumers The aim of this task is to define data and process global mapping, based on 3 different food production chains. For example: cheese, wine, and chocolate.

Task 5.2 Identification of technology: duration
Different technologies are already at factory disposal in order to fill in the business process roles. Identification and analysis of:

• mobile phone able to read barcode
• the potential emergence of mobile phone with RFID/NFC reader
• specific devices (RFID systems, ... ) connected to the internet
• What other technology may be used in the pilot
• the access options (security, privacy) to the database and to legacy IT system
• IT tools to exchange data between suppliers, factories, consumers and partners such as middleware standards and/or open source, Internet portal standards and/or open source, database standards and/or open source, data exchange standards, etc.
• Enumeration of suitable technologies, standards and frequency bands
• Enumeration of available chips, chipsets, development kits & other hardware requirements: reader speed, RF link range, reader portability
• Analysis of possible accomplishment to EU directives on RF power emissions
• Ensuring readability of tags during the processing/manufacturing processes and under unusual conditions (dust, water, humidity)
• Installing reader infrastructure and warehouse/building systems to use the data
• Analysis of materials to implement tags according to the destination (metal, plastic, food)

Task 5.3 Identification of pilot sites
At least four sites will be identified. The aim is to identify sites which participate in the processing part of the value chain of the products to be used in the pilots, for instance wine, chocolate etc.

Task 5.4 Privacy Impact assessment
A Privacy Impact assessment will be made with respect to the pilots to identify whether the planned activity impacts privacy concerns.

Task 5.5 Deployment This task will undertake instalment of equipment and software in the pilot sites, training of personnel from the sites and testing of the systems prior to the pilot going live.

Task 5.6 Evaluation This task will monitor the operation of the pilots, assess the effectiveness of the equipment and systems and evaluate the impact on the business process of the processor.