RFID

Company Background
San Daniele Prosciutto, a renowned Italian cured ham producer, is located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy. The company is known for producing PDO-certified (Protected Designation of Origin) prosciutto, which must follow strict guidelines including specific livestock breeding standards, slaughtering procedures, and a minimum natural curing period of 13 months.

Challenges and Needs
Key Problems:
1. Widespread counterfeit products in the market make it difficult for consumers to identify authentic hams.
2. Traditional labels are easily duplicated or swapped, lacking reliable traceability.
3. Information gaps in the production chain, such as breeding records or transport details.
4. Lack of easy and reliable verification methods for both regulators and consumers.

Goals:
* Strengthen product anti-counterfeiting capabilities.
* Ensure transparent tracking throughout the production chain.
* Enhance consumer trust and brand reputation.
* Provide accurate traceability data to regulators.

RFID-Based Solution Overview
Deployment Details:
1. Unique RFID Tag for Each Ham:
* Passive UHF RFID tags are applied to the product packaging or sealing.
* Each tag contains a unique ID linked to a backend database that includes:

* Pig's birthplace and farm origin
* Feeding and vaccination history
* Slaughter date and facility
* Processing records, temperature/humidity logs
* Warehouse entry and shipping data

2. RFID Readers Installed Along the Production Chain:
* Fixed or handheld readers are placed at slaughterhouses, processing plants, packaging stations, warehouses, logistics centers, and retail points.
* Enables automatic data collection with minimal manual input.

3. Consumer Authentication:

* At the point of sale, consumers can scan the RFID tag using NFC-enabled smartphones or dedicated scanners.
* Full traceability information is displayed, including visuals and origin data.

Results and Effectiveness
Problems Resolved:
* Prevents tag tampering and duplication, creating authentic product identification.
* Builds a comprehensive product lifecycle archive, supporting compliance checks.
* Provides real-time data for quality control and inventory tracking.
* Improves consumer trust and brand loyalty.
* Enhances operational efficiency by reducing paperwork and manual errors.

Solution Advantages
* Precise Traceability:Each ham has a unique ID that links back to farm and process records
* Anti-Counterfeit Security:Tamper-proof and non-cloneable tags increase authenticity
* Consumer Engagement:Visual traceability builds trust and confidence in the brand
* Efficient Automation:Data is collected automatically, minimizing labor and errors
* Enhanced Brand Value:Transparent supply chain reinforces premium brand image