The Problem: "Blind Spots" in the Supply Chain

Supply chains have become increasingly complex with globalization, outsourcing, and multi-partner collaborations. The days are gone when products traveled a straight path from supplier to end user. As a result, today’s supply chain managers are faced with limited visibility and insufficient control over their products as they traverse increasingly complex supply chains.

Both passive RFID as well as a variety of proprietary asset tracking systems have arisen to meet these challenges, but they require users to install expensive new hardware and deal with backend software integration at multiple locations. Further, supply chain visibility is still limited unless users can persuade all of their partners and customers to invest in the same system.

The Solution: G2 Wi-Fi Asset Tracking System

The G2 Wi-Fi Asset Tracking System eliminates "blind spots" by providing location information as well as asset condition information like temperature, tamper, tilt, shock and light exposure. The system leverages the Cisco Systems’ Unified Wireless Network and Wi-Fi Asset Tags to provide asset status and condition data at key distribution points throughout the supply chain. When exceptions are detected against business rules, events are generated in SAP® Event Management, which will automatically trigger alerts and change workflows.

• Eliminates supply chain blind spots
• Delivers product location and condition information via global Wi-Fi
• Coordinates with SAP Event Management
• Creates actionable alerts
• Leverages existing infrastructure, no back-end software integration
• Saves money and time
• Maintains quality and brand integrity

How it Works:

	The G2 ultra-low power Wi-Fi Asset Tag captures asset conditions such as location, temperature and shock throughout the supply chain.
	The information is securely transported via Cisco Systems’ Unified Wireless Network consisting of access points, network controllers and RADIUS servers.
	Asset location and condition from G2’s tag are logged in SAP’s Event Management. Any violations or defined exceptions orchestrate a response by issuing alerts, triggering escalation workflows, and semi-automatic process adjustments.

Why Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi has emerged as the worldwide standard for wireless Internet access in the enterprise. The IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) standard eliminates the expense and complexity of RFID-based or proprietary systems, enabling a supply chain solution that leverages existing technologies and infrastructure. Wi-Fi is installed in warehouses, distribution centers, loading docks, delivery trucks and even airport tarmacs. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency band has been approved around the world, and the standard has evolved to provide easy access, high performance and reliable security.