Academia RFID - Utilities Industry Getting the Green Treatment
June 12, 2008 — Can/U.S. Enviro-Energy, a logistics and engineering firm based in Montreal, Canada, with facilities in Champlain, NY, announces its use of RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) to manage the mandatory recycling process of stationary batteries as well as uninterruptible power supply (U.P.S.) equipment and direct current power systems for telecom applications and utilities organizations.
For over 15 years, Can/U.S. Enviro-Energy has been offering expert services in transportation, warehousing, installation, replacement and recycling of industrial batteries for telecom giants and hydro-electric utilities. The company enlisted the assistance of North America's leading academic authority, Academia RFID, to study their processes, build the business case and deliver a feasibility report for the use of RFID technology.
Since early 2008, based on the results of a 3 month pilot, the company has included RFID technology in their battery replacement and recycling process allowing their customers to be alerted as soon as their batteries have been accepted by their destined recycling stations. This real-time capability allows customers to immediately apply for return credits, receive an e-document attesting to its receipt (legally required) and assure that the battery will be properly recycled.
"There are many responsibilities inherent in being logistics coordinators of industrial batteries. We handle hazardous materials through each stage of its lifecycle and using RFID technology has allowed us to not only automate the tracking process but also to confirm that its final resting place is the recycling stations and not in a landfill where it can have an incredibly damaging effect on the environment," says Alain Perreault, General Manager at Can/U.S. Enviro-Energy. "This allows us to gain a visibility over our batteries and consciously manage their impact on the environment. Working with our staff, our customers, and innovative technologies such as RFID, we can make sure batteries are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. It's an obligation we share as an industry."
Samuel Fosso-Wamba, Founder and Academic Director at Academia RFID's Center of Excellence adds "RFID Technology is proving to be an effective way for organizations to 'think green' while benefiting from the visibility over disposal and industrial recycling processes. It's the time and cost savings with the addition of corporate responsibility that is driving the adoption of RFID as a Green Technology."
About Can/U.S. Enviro-Energy
The Enviro-Energy Division offers complete turn key solutions comprised of integrated products and services for battery projects, including: transportation, warehousing, supply, installation, disposal and maintenance of all types of stationary batteries as well as uninterruptible power supply (U.P.S.) equipment and direct current power systems for telecom applications, utilities and other domains.
About Academia RFID
Academia RFID is a world-class training, research & development and consulting center driven by a team of PhD researchers and accredited RFID instructors in the fields of industrial engineering, operations management, supply chain management, transport & logistics, e-commerce and industrial marketing. Creator of RFIDRadio.com (a bi-monthly educational podcast), Academia RFID offers RFID training and certification courses worldwide in-lab, on-site or on the web. Please visit the website for more details and schedules www.RFIDacademia.com.