The system helps a brewery to improve its distribution logistics and asset control. RFID makes it possible to build a complete database on a brewery’s kegs -- including contents, date and time of fills and refills, distribution and spare part replacement. Each RFID tag, or transponder, assigns a unique number to a keg and communicates to the central database via wireless signal.

“When we deliver new  extractor valves to a brewery, we supply a CD Rom that includes all the RFID tag numbers,” says Ken Riis, Product Development Manager, Micro Matic A/S. The customer simply uploads the numbers into its system, allowing a tracking of the valves or kegs for the rest of their lives.

Previously, stainless steel blocked the signals from RFID microchips, so they had to be fastened to the outside of kegs. This made them vulnerable. Micro Matic has earned a worldwide patent on its device with the chip inside the extractor valve. “We found a way to make it work,” says Ken Riis.

For more information, contact your local Micro Matic sales representative.