International Paper Develops Fully Functional RFID Enabled Warehouse

Aug. 1, 2003
Stamford, Conn., International Paper has developed the first-of-its-kind Warehouse Tracking System using radio frequency identification (RFID) to manage

Stamford, Conn., – International Paper has developed the first-of-its-kind Warehouse Tracking System using radio frequency identification (RFID) to manage inventory at its Texarkana, Texas Mill and warehouse.

The Warehouse Tracking System is a fully functional warehouse solution that covers all stocking, storage, movement, and shipping within the facility. Developed and operating at the Texarkana, Texas, bleached board mill, the Warehouse Tracking System, provides inventory certainty to eliminate lost product, reduce operating costs and decrease inventory. The system provides real-time inventory routing instructions and movement confirmation to forklift operators without the need for manual compliance.

The Warehouse Tracking System utilizes the MIT Auto-ID Center’s Electronic Product Code (EPC™) standards, ensuring compatibility throughout the supply chain. Tag and reader technology from Matrics (www.matrics.com), a leading provider of RFID technology, has been incorporated into the Warehouse Tracking System and provides the newest technology available for inventory visibility. “International Paper has developed a third generation warehouse tracking system, truly the most robust and fully functional RFID solution available today, and one that will revolutionize the way companies benchmark operational efficiencies. Matrics is proud to be an integral part of this solution,” said Piyush Sodha, chairman and chief executive officer of Matrics.

Through the use of forklift mounted RFID readers and proprietary tracking technology, inventory is tracked to within six inches and the information is relayed to the forklift operators in less than one second. A principal feature of the Warehouse Tracking System is the elimination of RFID portals in tracking inventory movement, including shipping and receiving locations such as rail and dock doors.

The Warehouse Tracking System can be integrated to roll stock and pallet/case applications and is configurable to a broad range of internal and external warehouse operations. The system is designed to withstand the harsh industrial environments associated with a 24-hour mill operation and includes a self-diagnostic application.

“The Warehouse Tracking System is a testament to International Paper’s customer focus and the ingenuity of our employees. We overcame considerable challenges in moving concepts from a design and pilot phase to a fully functional and scaled warehouse solution that delivers value to our operations. The emerging EPC™-based supply chain presents great challenges and opportunities to International Paper and its customers. This is a giant stride in EPC™ warehouse management with unique benefits within the four walls and flexibility for upstream compatibility that would pave the way for IP to offer this solution to our customers,” said Tom Gestrich, senior vice president of International Paper’s Consumer Packaging Business. International Paper (http://www.internationalpaper.com) is the world's largest paper and forest products company. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has operations in over 40 countries and sells its products in more than 120 nations.