Geest is rolling out radio frequency identification tagging technology across all factories supplying Marks and Spencer as part of a radical drive to improve supply chain efficiency.

All trays heading for M&S are being equipped with tags encoding their contents and display dates ready for automated batch receipt at M&S depots, said Geest project manager Jackie Brown.

“Previously, M&S had to scan each tray individually on arrival. Soon, it will be able to identify a complete stack instantly.”

The multi-scanner system from Intellident enables multiple tags to be written at point of dispatch or read at the warehouse instantly, radically speeding up data creation and capture, said Brown.

It will also speed up the delivery process as trays won’t have to be manually scanned on to lorries. “The real benefit is complete visibility and greater control of dispatched products.”

The new kit will be rolled out at Geest arms Bourne Stir Fry, Geest QV, Caledonian Produce, Tilmanstone Salads, Geest Prepared Foods, World Wide Fruit and English Village Salads in the next two to three months.