Zetes Biometric Solution Optimizes Logistics Processes for European Lingerie Supplier

Editor / Provider: Zetes | Updated: 11/11/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Zetes, a pan-European supplier of solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and people, has implemented its voice solution at Vanity Fair Brands (VFB) Lingerie Europe, for the automation and optimization of its logistics processes.

VFB Lingerie Europe, a company that manufactures lingerie and swimwear and has been part of the North American Fruit of the Loom Group since 2007, owns some of the famous brands on the market, such as Belcor, Intima Cherry, Gemma, Lou Paris, Variance, Bestform and Vanity Fair.

One of the reasons for the success of VFB Lingerie Europe is its consistent use of traditional business methods, such as a distribution system. The company contacted Zetes because it wanted to optimize distribution and provide a faster, more efficient service for its various distribution channels.

Zetes's voice solution is used for automating the picking and cross-docking processes at VFB Lingerie Europe's main warehouse in Igualada, Spain, which has an area of 8,000 square meters. All the company's multinational brands are distributed from there. The Igualada facility can send out anything from 15,000 items a day to 25,000 at its busiest times.

The voice solution was integrated into the warehouse management system used by VFB Lingerie Europe, and did not require any middleware. Zetes also adapted its voice solution to meet the company's needs. Since the company has a wide range of products and a high volume of information, Zetes customized the voice system so that the company could conduct picking and cross-docking tasks using voice technology. The system performs various tasks simultaneously and manages all shipments, taking into account styles, sizes, colors, etc. and obtaining real-time information whenever required.

After designing and implementing the solution, Zetes was also involved in change management and staff training.

“In just six months, our initial expectations have been fulfilled. Zetes and its voice solution have enabled us to increase productivity by around 20 percent,” said Toni Solé, IT Manager of VFB Lingerie Europe.” We can offer a faster, more efficient service to various companies without any errors, unlike the previous paper-based system where errors were inevitable due to the wide variety of products we handle."

Belgium Reinforces Children's Protection with Gemalto's Solution

Editor / Provider: Source: Gemalto | Updated: 3/25/2009 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Gemalto, a provider in digital security, announced it is rolling out its eID solution as part of the Belgian government program to expand its national eID initiative. The program consists of a dedicated eID card for children aged under 12 with specific features intended to increase their security in emergency situations. In particular, a special hotline number is printed on the card body of the child's ID card so that his parents can be alerted as soon as possible. Gemalto will deliver the highly secure microprocessor cards to Zetes, the European Auto-ID solutions provider. Fedict (FPS Information and Communication Technology), the Federal Public Service of Belgium in charge of developing e-Government projects, has just started deploying the Kids-ID program. This roll-out follows a decision from the Belgian government dated Dec. 19, 2008.


The size of a credit card, the new Kids-ID card features three main functionalities. Firstly, it acts as an electronic national ID credential for Belgian children and also serves as an official travel document in most European countries. It contains all necessary ID information as well as the child's photograph. This data is printed on the card body and also securely stored in the microprocessor.


The second capability is protecting the child in emergency situations. In case he/she gets lost, or is the victim of an accident, the hotline number printed on the card body enables to notify the next of kin or friend. The caller dials the hotline number and enters the child's 11-digit National Registry number. The call is immediately transferred to the first number on a list of up to seven contact phone numbers that the parents have selected upon card issuance. If this person is not available, the caller is immediately connected to the second number on the list, and so on until somebody is available. If no one is, the call is routed to the Belgian Child Focus hotline, operational 24 hours a day.


Lastly, the Kids-ID card can be used on the Internet for safer access to online chat and for use of services that require identification. A built-in PIN code enables to automatically authenticate the child and to grant him access to Web services he is allowed to use. Other potential uses include accessing library books, sport club membership or health care access.


"Enhancing children's protection both in the real world and the digital world is a universal concern,” said Jacques Seneca, Executive VP of the Security Business Unit at Gemalto. “We are proud to bring our digital security expertise to this highly innovative project initiated by Belgium.”


Kids-ID is part of Belgium's nationwide electronic ID program, launched in 2003. In January 2009, the number of e-ID in use exceeds 8 million, representing more than 90 percent of the targeted population (source Fedict). The cards are being produced by the Auto-ID specialist Zetes and integrating Gemalto technologies, such as Sealys MultiApp ID and Sealys Laser-Secured Card. In addition to the usual national ID document functionality, Belgian citizens use their e-ID card to prove their identity on the internet, request official documents, fill in forms and sign documents electronically.