RFID Chip
Two shrimp exporters based in Thailand are using radio frequency identification (RFID) to improve their business operation. Chanthaburi Frozen Food and Charoen Pokphand Foods say the technology will enhance their ability to monitor their stocks of shrimp. In particular, they expect RFID to improve the way they track the origin, processing and expiry dates of their product. A bonus for both companies is that the technology makes manual, paper-based tracking systems obsolete, which is why it has already been implemented by a number of companies already. The use of RFID may help firms to reduce staff numbers due to automated systems assuming more responsibility. RFID was introduced to the companies in 2005 on a trial basis and was rolled out across the whole of their operations in March of this year. The Charoen Pokphand plant processes an average of 30 tons of shrimp per day, while Chanthaburi processes around 40 tons daily. According to government figures, Thailand is the world’s leading producer and exporter of shrimp and shrimp products, with a combined export value of over £750 million per year. TUV Product Service, part of the TÜV SÜD Group of companies with 1bn Euros turnover, in excess of 9,500 employees and 500 locations worldwide, is a leading producer of Compliance and Assurance Solutions for the RFID sector.