Supply and Demand Chain Executive reported that juice maker Ocean Spray has completed a three-day implementation of an automated radio frequency identification labeling system from RedPrairie at its Sulphur Springs, Texas, facility as part of an initiative to meet retailer compliance requirements.

Ocean Spray, North America's leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, utilizes the system in a post-manufacturing setup, tagging cases of juice products. Labels are affixed to cases running on a conveyor retrofitted with a Weber Print Applicator. The cases are then palletized and shipped to several Texas-based Wal-Mart distribution centers.

"We selected RedPrairie based on the organization's service offering and their strength in the consumer packaged goods market," said Ed Mahoney, Ocean Spray project manager. "We could have selected a stand alone RFID vendor but chose RedPrairie on what may be a long-term strategy of integrating RFID with a best-of-breed warehouse management system."

Ocean Spray took an exploratory approach in the implementation of this initial system, noting read-rate percentages, tag application speeds, implementation time and how the system worked in a production line. The company plans to use the data for improved deduction management to verify, manage and improve production, and for promotion management to determine effectiveness of promotional campaigns and develop guidelines for volume production for campaigns through sales history analysis.

"Ocean Spray went above and beyond the retailer compliance requirements with the implementation of the automated RFID solution," said John Jazwiec, RedPrairie company leader. "We are impressed by Ocean Spray's long-term vision, and their understanding of how strong of an enabler this technology is for extended visibility and optimal supply chain execution."