When crates learn to speak
RFID is revolutionising the beverage industry
Together with Siemens, we turn empties into valuable data sources
The beverage sector runs on cycles: crates, bottles and kegs move millions of times each day from producer to retailer to consumer and back again. But beneath this seemingly well-rehearsed routine lies a major challenge. Deposit losses add up to millions of euros for breweries and manufacturers every year.
If you don’t know where your crates are, you lose money. “Many companies have long since optimised their production processes – yet when it comes to managing empties, they are still in the dark,” explains our colleague Florian Kringe, Project Manager Auto ID Systems at SCHULZ Systemtechnik. “This is exactly where our RFID solutions come in.”
RFID labels like these are at the heart of our solutions: they reliably store data and turn ordinary returnables into smart, identifiable objects.
Transparency in the returnable cycle
We have been a partner to the beverage industry for many years. Our approach: we turn an anonymous beverage crate into a smart, identifiable object. With RFID, every crate, every keg and every pallet gets a digital identity. Customers can document the entire lifecycle of their returnables — from age and condition to circulation and current deposit value.
As a member of the Logistics Committee of the Research and Teaching Institute for Brewing (VLB) in Berlin, we are closely connected with the brewing industry and understand its challenges first-hand.
“We make visible what was previously invisible. This opens up countless possibilities — from quality assurance and process optimisation to a transparent and efficient deposit system,” says Florian Kringe.
Technology partnership with Siemens
The reliability of these solutions also stems from our close partnership with Siemens. The RFID hardware — specifically systems from the SIMATIC RF600 series — comes from Siemens. This includes robust UHF readers, antennas and transponders that operate reliably even in demanding industrial environments. We integrate these components into tailor-made systems that are precisely adapted to the needs of the beverage industry.
“Siemens provides the proven hardware, and we develop practical solutions for the industry,” Florian Kringe explains. “Our customers benefit from cutting-edge technology integrated into their processes — whether at gates in goods receipt, on forklifts in logistics, or directly at sorting stations.”
Even from Siemens’ side, the close cooperation is emphasised: Markus Sonnenschein, expert in industrial identification systems at Siemens, adds: “With SIMATIC RF600 we use a scalable UHF system. State-of-the-art reading performance and easy integration ensure clear and reliable identification.”
This makes it clear: Siemens provides the robust base technology, and we translate it into concrete applications for the beverage industry — from reducing losses to faster, more accurate picking.
Concrete results in practice
Our customers benefit directly in their daily operations: crate and bottle returns are documented seamlessly, kegs are tracked throughout their entire lifecycle, and even event equipment such as dispensing systems or coolers can be clearly traced.
“With RFID we not only reduce losses. We also lay the foundation for quality assurance and process optimisation,” emphasises Florian Kringe. Cleaning cycles, maintenance intervals or sorting operations can be recorded and documented automatically. At the same time, manual effort in goods receipt and returns is reduced, saving time and increasing productivity.
Our customers report measurable effects: less shrinkage, better data quality and significant time savings. “In practice, RFID can deliver time savings of up to 30 % in the empties process — while also increasing data quality,” our colleague explains.
Automatic, reliable identification: With SIMATIC RF600 readers and antennas, we automatically capture objects directly on conveyor routes and at logistics stations.
No data, no efficiency
We also demonstrate live at trade fairs how RFID-tagged kegs are identified without gaps and how this makes processes more transparent.
The strength of our RFID solutions lies not only in the mere identification of objects. Crucial is the analysis of collected data. By linking to existing ERP systems, a continuous information flow is created. Manufacturers can see at any time where their returnables are, how long they have been in circulation and which stocks are missing.
Looking to the future, SCHULZ is committed to intelligent data analysis. Smart systems can detect irregularities early in circulation and forecast potential bottlenecks.
“We are convinced that the combination of RFID and intelligent data processing will be a game-changer for the entire industry,” says the Project Manager. “Our customers gain transparency, efficiency and planning certainty in an area that was previously full of uncertainties.”
Conclusion: A gain for the whole industry — and far beyond
The returnable system is an ecological success model, but economically often a challenge. With our RFID solutions based on the SIMATIC RF600 series, we make empties management transparent, efficient and controllable.
And the potential goes far beyond the beverage industry: wherever material flows need to be transparent, secure and traceable — from mechanical engineering and food production to event logistics — we create solutions that have a future.
Together with Siemens, we offer our customers solutions that deliver measurable added value — from reduced shrinkage to greater planning certainty.
Florian Kringe, Project Manager Auto ID Systems, SCHULZ Systemtechnik
What does RFID deliver for the beverage industry?
- Highly efficient:
RFID provides full transparency across the entire returnable cycle. Automated data capture reduces errors, increases throughput and lowers costs. Continuous identification improves quality assurance and overall productivity. - Flexible and scalable:
SIMATIC RF600 technology adapts to a wide range of environments – from breweries to event logistics. The system is robust, reliable and optimised for demanding industrial conditions. - Easy to integrate:
Thanks to standardised interfaces (e.g. OPC UA) and user-friendly tools, RFID solutions can be integrated quickly and smoothly into existing IT and automation environments. - Secure from the outset:
Encrypted communication, regular updates and secure cloud connectivity ensure a high level of data security – a critical factor in connected and automated processes. - Direct added value:
Reduced shrinkage, measurable time savings in the empties process (up to 30 %), higher data quality and a more efficient deposit system make RFID a real asset for manufacturers and retailers alike.
