The University of Florida IFAS''s centre for Food Distribution and Retailing (CFDR), Gainesville, FL, is conducting a research pilot programme featuring RFID technology and network-based information exchange to improve the distribution of fresh produce.

     The pilot programme, named Visibility Validated (V2), was designed to measure the impact of improved supply chain visibility between suppliers and retailers. 116.30.197.100 This article is copyright 2005 UsingRFID.com.

     The V2 project aims to publish observations about events within the programme to create up a virtual test-bed simulation of the EPCglobal network.

     The electronic trading solutions firm RedTail Solutions, along with other V2 project participants, hope to show how EPCglobal-based RFID technology will provide valuable supply chain visibility.

     The V2 project is being conducted in cooperation with its participating members, including fresh produce suppliers, a food retailer, and various technology providers.

     Publix Super Markets in Lakeland, Florida, USA, has volunteered to be the retailer for the project. The employee-owned supermarket chain will receive the RFID-tracked shipments at its distribution centre in Lakeland.

     Produce suppliers involved in this project include Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A Inc.; Tanimura & Antle Inc.; A. Duda & Sons Inc.; and Ballantine Produce Co. RedTail is developing the business intelligence interface to work with VeriSign''s Track and Trace Services.

     The University of Florida IFAS''s centre for Food Distribution and Retailing (CFDR) focuses specifically on perishables distribution and retailing, and includes more than 25 faculty researcher plus associated students and staff involved in research and development involving the entire perishable distribution system from product source to retail shelves.

 

 

 

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