DHL Express is the first large provider to begin

DHL Express is the first large provider to begin. It proposes a solution of logistics under temperature led based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for six months. "The"Smart Sensor"is a small ultra slim case that integrates a label radio frequency coupled with a temperature sensor. The sender introduced it into the package in the shipment and then activates it. "Upon arrival, reading distance reveals any monitoring of the temperature during the journey without having to open the package", explains Géraldine Trentesaux, market manager for DHL Express International chemical, oil and pharmaceutical industries. As early as next year, the carrier will grow even more before use. Smart Sensor will be coupled with a device capable to issue continuously on the GSM network of the information on the control of temperature, of course, but also on the geolocation of the product, the light and humidity. "It also record shocks." It is to respond to a growing concern of security and traceability. For the moment, the use of RFID is very specific products, medicine, molecular biology or clinical studies. But other markets and other modes of transport than air express can use this technology in the group.

The use of RFID by the actors of the cold chain is in fact still quite rare. "The pharmaceutical industry has been the first to focus." The French blood agency already provides in this way the traceability of blood bag. "Agri-food industry has developed many pilots, but they are slow to translate into practice, while RFID has the ability to establish the complete traceability of temperature on the entire logistics chain," said Jean-Christophe Lecosse, Director General of the national Centre of reference in RFID (CNRFID).

A guarantee of reliability

It is not the needs that are missing. "Logistics of products under temperature directed a problem of traceability in the consumer, for meat, charcuterie and cheese particularly." Processing on these products and their movements along the chain are indeed numerous and complex. "RFID intervene sooner or later for reasons of reliability and monitoring of indicators, including the temperature, but also because it removes all breaks in the cold chain by automating the process", analysis Alain Borel, Director of the Office of consulting Valorfi. It is not the technical problems which hinder the growth of the RFID in the agri-food. According to the needs and the level of sophistication of the desired solution, the "passive" bullets (which are read during each pass under a portico) or "active" chips (which emit information to hundreds of metres) are today mature. Leon de Sahb, General Manager of Agrostar, pole of information systems of the Group STEF-TFE, one of the leading European transport under temperature directed in the food industry, confirms: "We conducted several pilots with industrial or retail signs." The solution "taguer" pallets to ensure a perfect continuity of the cold chain of works perfectly. At each temperature threshold is exceeded, an alert automatically notifies the driver of the truck or the information system. RFID also provides many benefits beyond the control of temperature, in terms of productivity including. "Everyone today is aware that should move of the pilots to the daily practice. "This should not delay." It is a compelling need! "The last brake lifting is investment and sharing of value added between the actors in the supply chain of earnings", within Leon de Sahb.