Food-Industry Clients Encouraged to implement RFID Temperature Tags

Hartford Financial Services Group is recommending that its customers implement Intellefex’s RFID system. The Intellefex’s RFID system gives the client the ability to track the conditions under which fresh produce is transported throughout the supply chain. The purpose of this technology is to monitor temperature conditions at the pallet level. Ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) battery-assisted passive (BAP) tags with built-in temperature sensors are placed within each container, or on each pallet, allowing Intelleflex readers to capture all of the data.

Due to this new partnership, Harford will now have the ability to request information from clients so that they may gain a better understanding of supply chain conditions. In addition, it will provide the Insurance provider with better visibility into the supply chain, giving better data on product spoilage, as well as temperature fluctuations. What’s more, by using Intellefex’s XC3 RFID technology, existing Hartford clients may qualify for a reduction in their insurance premiums.

Harford’s underwriting officer, Alexander McGinley said, "If a covered cause of loss were to have occurred to covered property—spoilage, in this instance—we would ask the insured to furnish us with the temperature records of the [relevant] transit venture," McGinley explains. With the RFID data, he says, "we would have a better understanding of when the product spoiled, in whose care, custody or control, etc."

According to a 2011 study commissioned by the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization, It is estimated that as much as one-third of all vegetables and fresh fruits are discarded worldwide. It was noted that most waste was the result of food being exposed to excessive temperatures, as well as extended periods of time spent traveling the supply chain or sitting in a warehouse before reaching consumers.

Currently, Intelleflex is working with several software providers whose software systems will store information regarding temperatures, as well as read data and send alerts to the supply chain participants. Initially Hartford recommended this technology to its customers in North and South America. However, both companies hope to expand their partnership to the rest of the world.

Referenced:
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/8688/3