RFID Reusable Container Tracking

Rush Tracking Systems sees RFID technology as a best-in-class enabler of reusable container tracking, increasing the probability that they make it back to their source for reuse. ...

... "Fortunately, there is a straightforward solution: Tracking with RFID. Reusable container tracking is a logical response to your investment and the daily effort to determine where reusable containers are when you need them. Many companies understand the value of container tracking and have been tracking them for years. The problem is that in the U.S. containers are almost tracked by barcode scans. This human-dependent process is tedious and expensive because of the labor required to scan each empty or full container. Those who do it often subcontract the tracking to Third Party Logistics (3PL) firms, and even that is problematic.

The value proposition is quite simple; equip lift trucks in your supply chain with RFID readers. As RFID-tagged reusable containers transition from one area to another, the movement is automatically read (while performing regular material movements) and recorded in a database. RFID tracking can define the facility or even more discrete locations within a building. Additionally, operators can be directed by the system what and where to pick, pack and ship loads. This is similar to pick-to-light but with a twist: The RFID system does all the validation automatically without any human intervention." ...

Via Rush Tracking Systems: Reusable Containers

RFID Warehouse Forklift System

Intermec introduces forklift RFID system that integrates automated data collection to drive efficiency in warehouse business processes. ...

... "This ground-breaking RFID (radio frequency identification) forklift installation system allows forklift drivers to use RFID and other data collection technologies to gather complete real-time inventory data efficiently and safely without leaving their vehicle. Intermec partnered with Cascade Corporation, the world leader in the design and manufacture of lift truck attachments, to create an RFID-enabled forklift system that integrates durable, rugged inventory and data collection technology with existing forklift equipment. The system improves performance and safety while significantly reducing the cost of RFID forklift deployments in warehouse applications. The Intermec Adaptable Load Backrest and Antenna Cell system can be made to accommodate almost all forklifts on the market, providing customers a factory-certified product designed specifically for their lift trucks that meets OSHA and industry safety requirements. Flexible and configurable, the Adaptable Load Backrest switches easily from one application to another, allowing the driver to accomplish pallet-, case- and even shelf-level readings without the costly and intensive labor associated with retrofit systems. " ...

Via Intermec: Intermec and Cascade Introduce Mobile RFID Forklift Adaptable Load Backrest for Rugged, Industrial Warehouse Use

RFID Reader Korean Market ...

WJ Communications certifies its RFID reader module for the Korean market. The reader supports a number of mobile form factors. ...

... "WJ Communications, Inc., a leading designer and supplier of RF products and solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID reader markets, announced that it has successfully achieved certification from the South Korean government Ministry of Information Communication (MIC), for its RFID UHF WJR7090 reader module and is now approved for sale in Korea. The recently developed WJR7090, is a highly scalable, high-performance, and easy to integrate Gen2 UHF RFID reader module ideally suited for the Korean handheld and mobile market. Packaged in a PCMCIA Type II PC card format, the WJR7090 is compact in size and is ISO18000-6B, ISO18000-6C (Gen2) and Class 1 compliant. The WJR7090, is designed to offer maximum RFID read-range in applications such as handhelds, printers, forklift readers, portal readers, and other mobile devices enabled for RFID functionality. " ...

Via WJ Communications: South Korea Certifies WJ Communications RFID UHF Reader Module ...

Walmart RFID: Vehicle Mounted Reader ...

Vehicle-mounted RFID reader will be presented at Walmart Supplier Forum. ...

... "LXE Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged wireless computers that improve the performance of supply-chain execution applications, announced that it will be unveiling its ultra-rugged RX2 lift truck mounted RFID reader at WalMart Supplier On-Boarding Forum and EPCglobal US Tech Expo, April 25 and 26 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The RX2 is the second lift truck mounted RFID reader being developed by LXE, the first one being the RX1 announced last September. The RX2 addresses a need for a simple, easy-to-install, vehicle mounted RFID reader that can be used for standard RFID based forklift pallet move applications such as shipping, receiving, picking and put-aways where EPC RFID based identification of pallet loads and locations are used. The RX2's mounting solution requires no permanent lift modifications or lift truck downtime for installation. The unit is ultra-rugged and has been designed to operate in the extreme environment found on the business end of a lift truck. " ...

Walmart RFID: Vehicle Mounted Reader: Via LXE: LXE Inc. To Unveil RX2 Vehicle Mounted RFID Reader At Wal-Mart Supplier On-Boarding Forum And EPCglobal US Tech Expo ...

RFID Forklift of the Future ...

Intermec and Cascade collaborate to develop an RFID technology-enabled forklift ...

... "There's more to a forklift than first meets the eye. In the emerging world of RFID-enabled inventory tracking, the forklift can become a powerful supply-chain information tool. Intermec Inc., an RFID pioneer and leading supplier of Gen 2 RFID technology and equipment, and Cascade Corp., the world's largest manufacturer of forklift attachments, are teaming to develop a forklift system that incorporates RFID technology into a forklift's very infrastructure, replacing today's cumbersome and inefficient bolt-on approach to data collection.

Forklifts envisioned by Cascade and Intermec incorporate powerful dashboard computers positioned for maximum safety and efficiency, easy-to-reach RFID controls assimilated into the lift's control mechanisms, wireless real-time location tracking and navigational LEDs for optimal routing, and easy-to-adjust RFID readers designed into the frame of forklift attachments for flexible and accurate use with a wide range of goods and supplies. The system, designed specifically for the rugged environment of daily warehouse use, also engineers in a sophisticated cable management system, state-of-the-art wireless scanning capabilities and a built-in camera for cargo documentation. Cascade and Intermec unveiled a prototype future forklift today at Intermec's 2006 Global Partner Conference in Dallas. " ...

RFID Forklift of the Future: Via Intermec: Intermec and Cascade Collaborate to Create RFID Forklift of the Future to Enhance Warehouse Worker Productivity and Efficiency ...

RFID Revenue Growth: New Products: Forklift Readers

RFID Revenue Growth: New Products: Forklift Readers: Via EMS Tech: EMS TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES RECORD QUARTERLY SALES AND STRONG EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ...

... "LXE has now reported quarter-over-comparable-quarter growth for twelve consecutive periods. Newer products, especially our latest vehicle-mount computers, helped lead the growth in the third quarter of 2005. To maintain this sales momentum, we continue to expand our product line, including preparations for the full market roll-out of our new MX7 handheld computer, which has Bluetooth wireless technology and voice recognition capabilities. We are also pleased with the success of ongoing customer trials and the market potential of our new family of forklift-mounted RFID readers. " ...

Forklift RFID Reader: Next Generation ...

RFID Forklift RFID Reader: Next Generation: LXE to Unveil Ground-Breaking RX1 Rugged Forklift-Mounted RFID Reader at EPCglobal U.S. Conference in Atlanta ...

LXE unveils its next-generation RFID reader for forklifts to enable automated shipping and receiving in the warehouse ...

... "LXE Inc., a leading developer of rugged mobile computing solutions, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its ground-breaking RX1 rugged mobile, forklift-mounted, RFID reader at EPCglobal U.S. Conference, booth 422, in Atlanta, September 13 - 14. The RX1 is the result of a collaboration, being led by LXE, that includes Sirit Technologies and its RFID reader module components, and Intel and its IXP4XX line of network processors. The objective of the collaboration is to design and build a forklift mounted RFID reader that is tough enough to survive the continuous shocks and jolts of the forklift yet versatile enough to provide the benefits of RFID to customers beyond shipping and receiving, by RFID-enabling processes deep within the warehouse such as picks, put-aways, and other material moves. " ...

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 35 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support – LXE’s easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them. Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELMG), and has offices worldwide.

Vehicle-Based RFID Computing ...

Vehicle-Based RFID Computing: LXE Continues to Roll With the Industry’s Most Robust Line of Vehicle-Mounted Computers ...

LXE collaborating with partners to strengthen its product line for vehicle-based computers that leverage RFID technology and other means of automated identification ...

... "LXE recently announced an important additional step to further strengthen its line of vehicle-mounted terminals -- it is working with Intel and Sirit to produce robust, forklift-mounted RFID data collection solutions for use in warehousing and distribution. The prospects for our vehicle-mounted RFID reader are significant, says Peter Fausel, LXE’s senior VP of Sales & Marketing. " ...

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 35 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support – LXE’s easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them. Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), and has offices worldwide.

RFID Company Success: Key Accomplishments ...

RFID Company Success: LXE Inc. Reports Record Revenue for First Quarter of 2005

... "Key announcements in the first quarter include collaboration with Intel and Sirit to produce robust, forklift-mounted RFID data-collection solutions for use in warehousing and distribution. This effort will produce solutions that will enable customers to garner the benefits of RFID throughout their warehouses, beyond simple compliance with industry mandates. Also, LXE recently announced several significant software upgrades to its EPC-compliant, RFID-enabled rugged handheld computer, the MX3-RFID. Upgrades include a firmware enhancement that enables customers to meet retailer requests for 96-bit tag support. " ...

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 35 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and wireless network infrastructure, to its award-winning customer support – LXE’s easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them. Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), and has offices worldwide.

RFID Readers Forklift Applications ...

RFID Readers for Forklift Applications: LXE, Intel and Sirit to Collaborate on Forklift-Mounted RFID Data ...

LXE is collaborating with partners on RFID applications for forklifts ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Development effort to include antennae and RFID readers for forklift applications ATLANTA, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- LXE is pleased to announce it is working ...

... LXE is pleased to announce it is working with Intel and Sirit to produce the first robust, forklift-mounted RFID data collection solutions for use in warehousing and distribution. This effort will produce solutions that will enable customers to garner the benefits of RFID throughout their warehouse, beyond simple compliance. As the lead in this development, LXE will bring 35+ years of experience in developing wireless products and solutions, extensive antenna engineering talent through its sister divisions in EMS Technologies, and a customer base including most the top companies implementing RFID in their Supply Chain operations today. ...

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 35 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support - LXE's easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them. Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELMG), and has offices worldwide.

Founded in 1993, Sirit Inc. (TSX: SI) is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") solutions to customers worldwide. The company designs, manufactures, integrates and sells RFID solutions with an emphasis in several vertical markets including Supply Chain Management, Product Authentication, Asset Tracking, Security and Access Control and Automatic Vehicle Identification. Building upon years of success deploying traditional RFID products, Sirit continues to capitalize on the growing demand for next generation RFID solutions.

RFID Business Processes: OAT Launches Industry's First RFID Framework Solution and ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... OATSystems, Inc., the recognized RFID framework leader, recently announced the OAT Foundation Suite 4.0, the industry's first RFID framework solution ...

... OATSystems, Inc., the recognized RFID framework leader, today announced the OAT Foundation Suite 4.0, the industry's first RFID framework solution for managing multi-site, multi-mandate RFID initiatives. The OAT Foundation Suite includes industrial-strength RFID data and systems management, best practices, and a walk-up interface to enable businesses to deploy and manage RFID across multiple sites with speed and confidence. The pre-integrated suite of products provides a foundation for building competitive advantage with RFID-centric business processes and applications. ...

RFID-enabled business processes may need people to power the movement of material, however people will not be necessary to enter transactions into business systems to keep inventory accurate. Real-time material movements will be transacted in a hands-free manner using RFID technology to enable key business processes, such as manufacturing, warehouse management, and logitstics, to name a few...

OATSystems, Inc. is the recognized RFID framework leader, with software that empowers businesses to achieve competitive advantage from radio-frequency identification (RFID). As pioneers in the development of RFID technology, OAT has been setting the standard in RFID for over half a decade and is responsible for industry firsts that include the largest scale and largest scope of deployments, as well as the most innovative approaches to providing enterprise-wide RFID solutions. OAT's multinational client base, which includes companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Gillette, consists of over 30 customers in retail, CPG, consumer electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, OAT has offices in Chicago, London and Bangalore.

RFID Sensors: GlobeRanger and ESYNC Partner for RFID Application Integration ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... 8, 2004--GlobeRanger, the leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based software solutions, and ESYNC, a leading supply chain consulting, facilities ...

... GlobeRanger, the leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based software solutions, and ESYNC, a leading supply chain consulting, facilities engineering and systems integration firm, today announced a partnership to deploy GlobeRanger's iMotion(TM) Edgeware(TM) platform at International Paper's Customer Solutions Center. ESYNC developed multiple edge workflows representative of typical supply chain processes including RFID receiving, picking with an intelligent forklift, picking to a high-speed conveyor belt and shipping. The edge applications enable users to easily interact with RFID systems through graphical interfaces. ...

ESYNC specializes in providing operations consulting, facilities engineering, AIDC and RFID deployment and systems integration services for the supply chain. ESYNC's staff offers a unique blend of operations knowledge, engineering discipline and information technology expertise not found in traditional consulting firms. ESYNC has the resources and expertise to deliver on small, focused projects as well as larger scale, complex implementations.

GlobeRanger is the leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based software solutions. Its innovative Edgeware(TM) platform, iMotion(TM), provides the critical infrastructure layer for managing devices, networks, data and processes at the edge of the enterprise, enabling real-time response. iMotion serves as the foundation for GlobeRanger and its partners to rapidly develop, deploy and manage RFID and mobile solutions. Founded in 1999, GlobeRanger is headquartered in Richardson, Texas.

Retail RFID: METRO Group Selects Intermec to Provide RFID Systems for New RFID ...

From SourceWire (press release), United Kingdom ... UK, August 20, 2004 - METRO Group, one of the world’s largest retail groups, has selected Intermec Technologies to provide a range of RFID (radio frequency ...

... METRO Group, one of the world’s largest retail groups, has selected Intermec Technologies to provide a range of RFID (radio frequency identification) inventory tracking systems for its METRO Group Innovation Centre, which has opened in Neuss, Germany. The Innovation Centre is designed to give METRO Group’s suppliers access to live RFID demonstrations, systems and products. Intermec is supplying RFID forklift, conveyor and dock door readers for the centre, as well as RFID-enabled mobile computers and printers. The partnership builds on Intermec’ RFID participation in METRO Group’s Future Store in Rheinberg, Germany, which demonstrates how emerging technologies can benefit retailing operations from inventory to point of sale. Intermec provides RFID case and pallet-level tracking capabilities to the Future Store. ...

Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, is a leader in global supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection, RFID (radio frequency identification) and mobile computing systems. The company’s products and services are used by customers in many industries to improve productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations, from supply chain management and enterprise resource planning to field sales and service.

The METRO Group is the world’s fourth-largest trading and retailing group. With its powerful brands, the METRO Group operates successfully in 28 different countries around the world - at almost 2,400 locations with more than 240,000 employees. The METRO Group’s six sales divisions operate independently on the market with their own specific sales concepts: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry - the world’s market leader in self-service wholesaling, Real hypermarkets, Extra supermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn - the leading consumer electronics centers in Europe, Praktiker home improvement and DIY centers, and the department stores of Galeria Kaufhof. The Future Store in Rheinberg is a project of the METRO Group Future Store Initiative. In the Future Store, METRO Group together with some 45 renowned partners from the IT, the consumer goods and the service industry tests the application and interaction of various new technologies for retailing under real conditions. The objective is the development of benefit-focused solutions which lead to advantages for the consumer and the retail and consumer goods industries alike. So far, the retailing sector has only implemented individual applications of innovative technologies or individual systems – in the Future Store, trailblazing technologies are linked for the first time in a complex form.

RFID Benchmarks: New RFID reader benchmark report published

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... Odin Technologies has published its first benchmark study of four main EPC-compliant RFID readers, providing an independent assessment of how the devices ...

For the past year, Odin Technologies has been addressing the biggest obstacles enterprises face as they roll out an EPC system. The ODIN technologies EPC Suite, due for completion late ’04 will have every component to make setting up and managing an RFID/EPC system easy. ODIN technologies was formed in August of 2002 as an LLC in Delaware and in July of 2003 converted to Delaware C-Corporation. The principle offices are in Reston, Virginia, with a simulated warehouse lab in Dulles, VA and European office in Dublin, IRL. ODIN technologies is unique in having one of the most extensive RFID laboratories in the world. In early 2003, ODIN labs was set-up using MIT’s Auto-ID Center as a guiding standard. In early 2004, ODIN added a 3,000 square foot warehouse space complete with conveyor belt, dock door, and forklift; specifically for Wal-Mart compliance testing. ODIN’s laboratory has been used by outside firms, from the US Federal Government to Wal-Mart suppliers to perform cost-effective, guaranteed accurate analysis. ODIN technologies has its primary lab at corporate headquarters in Reston, Virginia and secondary “distribution facility” in Dulles, Virginia for testing full pallets and conveyor compliance. Either facility can be used to create specific compliance strategy, saving weeks of time, and reducing overall RFID costs significantly.

RFID Computers: InfoLogix Announces Intelligent RFID Micro Super Rugged SR(R) ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... BENSALEM, Pa., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoLogix has announced one of the first available wireless, full-function, Ruggedized RFID computers. ...

InfoLogix provides end to end product and services solutions within enterprise mobility. Enterprise mobility is defined as the mobile computing and wireless communications systems, and critical I/O technologies, that support real-time, distributed transaction processing throughout the entire enterprise. That enterprise could be a hospital, retail store, manufacturing plant, distribution facility, sports arena, warehouse or public sector installation. InfoLogix is uniquely positioned to provide all the components necessary for a complete end-to-end enterprise mobility solution.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a powerful Auto ID solution that can significantly increase efficiency and productivity. However, implementing an RFID solution requires a thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of this emerging technology. With so much on the line, trust the proven leader in Automatic Identification and Data Collection integration...InfoLogix, Inc. As industries demand increased efficiencies in logistics, distribution, asset management, and tracking, InfoLogix is your source with RFID Radio Frequency Identification solutions. With mandates from Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense (DoD) driving hundreds of product manufacturers toward the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on their shipments, 2004 has been touted as the year of RFID. InfoLogix offers RFID consulting services to enterprises looking to specify RFID system components to satisfy their system performance requirements. Intermec Technologies Corp. just introduced the RFID-ready CV60, the first rugged vehicle mount computer to integrate RFID with both Bluetooth(TM) technology and a wireless base station. This communication integration allows easy upgrading to RFID, eliminates the need for an external base station to communicate with wireless scanners, simplifies installation, reduces lifetime cost of ownership and provides a safer and less cluttered workspace for vehicle operators. The CV60 is the second generation of RFID forklift readers from Intermec. The CV60 and its predecessor, the 5055 vehicle mount terminal, are designed for data collection applications in warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, transportation and customer service.

Sun RFID Compliance Testing: Sun opens RFID test centre

From iT News, Australia ... Sun Microsystems this week opened a facility in Dallas where it will work with product vendors to test Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) compliance and ...

Sun's RFID Testing Approach:

Retailers recognize the potential for radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology to cut supply chain costs, increase operational efficiencies, speed delivery time, and minimize theft and waste. But mandates from Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense requiring major suppliers to adopt RFID by January 1, 2005, have ramped up deployment plans—and anxiety levels. Sun Microsystems will open state-of-the-art RFID Test Centers in Dallas, Texas, and Linlithgow, Scotland. At the centers, retail suppliers will be able to see that RFID can integrate smoothly into existing systems, and they can test deployments to ensure that all the pieces of the solution—from information integration in back-end systems to sharing data with supply chain partners—are configured for optimum results. The test facilities will also allow companies to evaluate various solutions before they invest in them.

The warehouse facilities provide a working environment that allows suppliers to see RFID in action, and perform a thorough analysis of their own manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution environments to ensure that their product-tagging plan is ready for implementation from conveyor and dock door stations to warehouse forklift portals. Test center users will also be able to work closely with Sun's RFID experts, who will share best practices, answer questions, and help users determine how to most effectively implement RFID in their businesses.

Sun's RFID Test Centers use a number of Sun technologies that simplify an RFID implementation. Sun's solution also facilitates secure and seamless integration with legacy systems and other standards-based enterprise applications and solutions. Sun's RFID Test Centers are just one part of Sun's overall RFID offering, which includes hardware, software, services, and partnerships. The centers will showcase RFID in action—providing working proof of the real benefits this technology can bring to the retail arena, which Sun is already exploring in its own business process.

RFID Tracking: Kabayan explores Mt. Apo slopes

From Minda News, Philippines ... Kabayan was fitted with an aluminum leg band and has a radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip implanted in its breast muscle...

Developed by International Paper, with tag and reader technology from Matrics, Inc., the WTS operates at the company's Texarkana, Texas mill and warehouse. Using proprietary technology developed by IP, the WTS is a fully functional warehouse management solution that covers all stocking, storage, movement and shipping within the facility. The system ensures inventory certainty, eliminates lost product, reduces operating costs and decreases inventory by providing real-time inventory routing instructions and movement confirmation to forklift operators without the need for manual intervention. It utilizes the EPCglobal Inc.'s Electronic Product Code (EPC(TM)) standards, ensuring compatibility throughout the supply chain.

Under the terms of the two-year contract, Matrics will supply at least 10 million passive, non-battery UHF disposable tags for International Paper's expansion of its WTS technology. International Paper plans to install the new WTS using Matrics' RFID tags at most of its U.S. mills over the next several years.

Matrics, Inc., based in Columbia, Md., is a provider of EPC(TM)-compliant RFID technology and visibility solutions for supply chain, asset management and security, a corporate sponsor of the Auto-ID Center and developer of PICA(TM), a new high-speed RFID tag assembly system. Patented wireless tracking technologies provide users with the most reliable and cost-effective solutions to provide the comprehensive visibility of assets throughout the enterprise. Matrics is presently engaged in rollout applications with several Fortune 100 companies. For more information, visit Matrics on the Web at http://www.matrics.com/.

Walmart RFID Compliance: Provia's WMS Chosen to Power Sun's RFID Test Center

Texas-Based RFID Test Center to Help Suppliers Meet RFID Compliance Requirements from Wal-Mart

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Provia Software, a leading provider of supply chain execution software solutions, announced today that the company's ViaWare warehouse management system (WMS) is the supply chain execution system being currently utilized at Sun Microsystems' new, state-of-the-art RFID Test Center in Dallas, Texas. Sun's facility brings together a complete end-to-end RFID solution designed to help quell the fears of companies looking to initiate an RFID compliance program and quickly help them achieve compliance status.

Sun's RFID Test Center, a 17,000-square-foot warehouse facility, is slated to open May 5, 2004 with a large open house celebration. The center is fully equipped to meet the EPC standards and RFID compliance requirements for tagging and testing of products at the pallet and case level.

"The idea of RFID implementation can seem insurmountable. Provia and Sun are here to demonstrate the actual tangible process to companies, and help them build a map to RFID compliance," said Paul Crist, vice president of sales and marketing for Provia. "This is truly the first RFID test center of its kind -- a working warehouse where companies can test how the entire system works before they invest in RFID technology. Companies can use the test center to evaluate how they can incorporate RFID into their manufacturing, warehouse and distribution environments, develop production of a full scale product tagging plan and come away with an end-to-end architecture for the implementation at their site."

Corporations and government agencies around the world recognize RFID's potential to cut supply chain costs, increase operational efficiencies, speed delivery time, and minimize theft and waste.

"We are excited to have Provia as an integrated partner into our Test Center offering. Together we will provide suppliers to Wal-Mart and others with a facility and the technical expertise to get their RFID implementations achieved correctly the first time," said Julie Sarbacker, director of the Auto-ID Business Unit at Sun Microsystems. "Suppliers should contact us today to get started."

In addition to showcasing a state-of-the-art warehouse environment equipped with RFID readers installed at dock doors and warehouse forklift portals, the test center contains material handling pallet conveyers and high speed conveyor station products for advanced tagging and testing of RFID tagged products. Integration with Provia's warehouse management system (WMS)
will allow for automated processing of Advance Ship Notifications (ASNs). The initial use for the test center will be for pallet acceptance into the center via dock doors, but will quickly be expanded to the tracking of products to various test stations such as pallet conveyors, high speed tracks and pallet racks.

Executives from Sun, Provia and other companies will participate in the event. The grand opening of the Test Center would be of interest to consumer product companies, manufacturers and suppliers, who are required to comply with RFID mandates from Wal-Mart, Target, Albertsons, HDMA or the US Department of Defense. To register to attend, please visit http://www.avim.com/sun/index.html . Inquiries about the Grand Opening should be sent to
rfid-testcenter@sun.com . About Provia Software - Provia Software, a viastore Company, delivers The Power of Delivery(TM) for customers like Gillette, Menlo Worldwide, Graybar Electric, US Freightways, Spencer Gifts, Lanier Worldwide, and Owens Corning and third-party logistics (3PL) customers like, Menlo Worldwide, Total Logistic Control and Conestoga Cold Storage. Provia's Supply Chain Execution solutions include RFID-enabled warehousing, transportation, order and yard management products seamlessly integrated together with web-based visibility tools to create a real-time, end-to-end supply chain execution solution. Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc., in the US and other countries.