Chipotle Prepares for Nationwide Rollout of RFID Technology
Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding its use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track ingredients from suppliers to restaurants in real time. The fast-casual chain plans to roll out RFID tagging on a national scale in the coming months. RFID, which uses smart barcodes, allows for automatic identification and tracking of inventory. Chipotle has been testing the technology in a regional pilot, starting with around 200 restaurants in the Chicago area.
The use of RFID is part of the company's efforts to improve ingredient traceability following a food safety crisis in 2015. The technology provides real-time inventory visibility and benefits suppliers by improving their own inventory management processes. Chipotle hopes its experience will encourage other restaurants to adopt similar tracing initiatives to ensure better supply chain visibility and address any issues promptly.
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