Ocean Spray Implements RFID Tagging for Wal-Mart DC Deliveries

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. (Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass.), a producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, is using an automated RFID labeling system at its Sulphur Springs, Texas facility to meet retailer compliance requirements.

The company uses the system in a post-manufacturing set-up, tagging cases of juice products. Labels are affixed to cases running on a conveyor retrofitted with a Weber Print Applicator. The cases are then palletized and shipped to several Texas-based Wal-Mart distribution centers.

RedPrairie Corp. (Milwaukee) installed the RFID system in three days and integrated it with Ocean Spray’s warehouse management system.

Ocean Spray took an exploratory approach in the implementation of this initial system, noting read-rate percentages, tag application speeds, implementation time, and how the system worked in a production line. The company plans to use the data for improved deduction management to verify, manage and improve production; and for promotion management to determine effectiveness of promotional campaigns and develop guidelines for volume production for campaigns through sales history analysis.

Source: RedPrairie Corp.