RFiD Discovery transforms management of fish boxes in French harbours in Brittany
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Cornouaille is the largest fresh fishing area in France, representing one fifth of the national fishing industry. Fish markets in six of the seven harbours in the area are managed by the Metropolitan Brittany Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIMBO). This organisation is responsible for providing, sorting, cleaning, storaging and transporting fish boxes.
In 2020, CCIMBO started the search for an RFID-based solution to improve the flow of fish transport containers with the following main aims:
- Reducing the loss of boxes (typically one third of the total number each year) and therefore minimising the costs of replacing them
- Ensuring there are always sufficient boxes in the right place at the right time for fishermen and buyers
After assessing different solutions, the CCIMBO chose Paragon ID to supply their RFiD Discovery RTI tracking system. This was developed and implemented during 2021 in partnership of Paragon ID with its French subsidiary Apitrak in co-operation with the harbour management.
The integrated solution includes a range of fixed and mobile RFID readers as well as the RFiD Discovery asset tracking software which is made up off mobile and web applications. This enables CCIMBO to track and monitor the flow of reusable fish trays and to access additional information within the supply chain to improve traceability of the fish itself.
Now fully working in the six markets in Cornouaille, the system is delivering measurable results, and data shows that the two main objectives of this project have already been achieved.
Arron Duddin, Smart Solutions Director, RFiD Discovery, says:
"We are absolutely delighted that our RFiD Discovery system is delivering such powerful solution for the CCIMBO and the auction teams. This successful implementation highlights how our asset tracking system combines our industrial and technological expertise to provide complete traceability solutions which bring tangible value and deliver a great return on investment."
Christophe HAMEL, Director of the Cornouaille auctions adds:
"Paragon ID's expertise in RFID technology and its agility in adapting its solutions to achieve optimal readings in a hostile environment containing a lot of seawater and metal have made it possible to carry out this project. This offers an undeniable technological, logistical and environmental breakthrough in the process of managing reusable boxes in the fresh fish industry.
After the initial four months of use, results are very promising: Boxes are returned, and the usage cycles are shortened. The middleware solution developed allows data to be processed and made available in real time, as expected by professionals.
The standardised solution deployed by Paragon ID in our 6 auctions opens the door to potential management on a wider perimeter, particularly on a regional basis.”