Radio-frequency identification technology is being used more extensively by Chipotle Mexican Grill to track ingredients in real-time from suppliers to restaurants. The fast-food restaurant chain has asked all our suppliersĀ to RFID-tag their goods. Although Chipotle still wants to roll out the technology nationally in the upcoming months, it is now only being tested locally.
Smart bar codes called RFID can identify and track inventories. Chipotle has worked over the past few years to explore whether the technology could transition to the food industry. Chipotle’s RFID solution allows vendors to streamline repetitive chores and enhance their own inventory management procedures.
What is RFID technology?
For better supply chain management and traceability, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been applied in a number of industries, including the food and agriculture sectors. RFID tags can be affixed to goods or packaging, enabling effective supply chain tracking and supervision.
The entire food supply chain may be covered by combining RFID technology and the food traceability system. Every supply chain in the food and beverage business needs to be traceable.
The food supply is expected to be transparent by consumers. products recalls are also a significant business risk, putting millions of dollars’ worth of products at risk. Consumers can use this technology to track food products throughout the supply chain.
How does this technology work?
By affixing RFID tags to the items during packaging or at any other appropriate stage in the supply chain, RFID technology enables the unique identification of each food item. The RFID reader interacts with the tags to collect the data they contain, which is then sent to a computer or database system for archival and analysis.
The tag detects temperature and gradually incorporates it to calculate the product’s shelf life and convey it to a reader. Green, yellow, and red visual display indicators are optional on the tags, and they indicate if the item is fresh or harmful depending on the color. The RFID system can also be used to guarantee that foods including meat, dairy products, and fruits are transported and stored at a safe temperature.
What are the benefits?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, RFID technology has a lot to offer the food business in terms of food traceability. Implementing RFID technology for food traceability holds enormous promise for changing how we track, manage, and secure the integrity of our food supply chain as the food sector continues to prioritize transparency, safety, and efficiency.