Arysta LifeScience Tracks Containers with RFID and GPS

Arysta LifeScience North America, an agroscience and life science product provider, has developed and deployed a returnable/reusable container tracking application in support of its new MIDAS soil fumigant product launch. The system leverages both RFID and GPS technologies to track and control returnable tanks as Arysta LifeScience mixes, fills and ships them to customers around the U.S., and will provide Arysta LifeScience with real-time visibility of finished product inventories, raw material inventories and the location of the tanks.

The system, based on the iApp Builder from InSync, has streamlined order fulfillment, product mixing and filling, storage, shipping and returns processing by allowing users to control the process and update an SAP enterprise application via handheld devices used in the filling/distribution center. The GPS used to track the tanks has been optimized for long battery life and is used to maintain a record of the location of the tanks.

For Arysta LifeScience, the production of agricultural products, from raw materials, order-based filling of tanks and management of on-site and returning inventory creates a logistical and systemic challenge. The company produces over 150 products for agroscience.

InSync's returnable container tracking software application leverages GPS and RFID technologies to provide the location and identification of the tanks within the Arysta LifeScience facility as they are filled, stored and shipped to end users. As the tanks are reusable, the application also provides visibility and identification of empty or partially empty tanks Arysta LifeScience receives from customers and to process a return credit for each customer based on the condition of the tank and the weight of the returned product. The system also maintains maintenance information for the tanks including condition and testing/maintenance dates.

InSync partnered with FreightWatch Security Net (FSN) for GPS location tracking technology. The FreightWatch Geo F1 tracker with 4.0 AHr extended battery is configured for low power consumption and to function in harsh, outdoor conditions. The tracker provides tank location and can be field deployed a year or longer on a single charge.

"This solution will enable us to maximize the value of our investment in tanks by giving us visibility needed to effectively manage the pool of tanks and avoid situations where a tank is 'lost' after use for weeks or months at a time," says Kevin Kroll, inventory analyst for Arysta LifeScience.

Source: http://logisticstoday.com/