At the same as logistics flow grows, grows the need to save more information about the product’s production and transport chain. The current bar code reader will most certainly be replaced in the near future with other systems such as RFID-tecnology. RFID (Radio frequency identification) is an off-line method for wireless data collection.

Rocla has developed a truck that utilizes RFID-technology. The development work was done together with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The pilot truck is in use in Ekokem Oy’s factory in Riihimäki, Finland and experiences have been positive. The data of loads handled by the RFID-truck is automatically transferred to ERP and WMS systems and no manual interference is needed. It minimizes process mistakes in the goods collection thanks to automatic control enabled by radio frequency identification.

The work becomes more flexible as there is less need to get on and off the truck, and there are less ergonomically challenging work phases.

-Even today some big international mercantile chains required RFID- preparedness from their suppliers. We now possess know-how about how trucks can be involved into the system and we are prepared to offer that know-how to our customers, says Kyösti Sarkkinen, Vice President of Rocla.