Sudden Impact
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will dramatically impact the role of hardware manufacturers during the next two to five years. Consumer goods companies will upgrade, replace or otherwise enhance their logistics systems to meet increasing RFID requirements. As CG companies migrate more volume to RFID, they must also invest in hardware. The hardware vendor that benefits most from RFID depends upon how quickly RFID ramps up how fast CG companies implement RFID capabilities.
"In other words, what will the migration management strategy look like for major customers of CG companies such as Wal-Mart, Target and others," asks Mike Dominy, analyst, The Yankee Group. "Will CG companies install the minimal amount of RFID technology to support RFID requirements or will they spend heavily on RFID to support any RFID migration growth rate?" Only time will tell.
Symbol of Support
Symbol Technologies and IBM are developing a new generation of advanced hand-held wireless and scanning solutions customized for specific industries to help customers improve operational efficiency.
Under the global alliance agreement, the companies will jointly develop, market and sell solutions that integrate technologies from Symbol with IBM software, hardware and services. The companies will provide a new generation of mobile workers rapid access to key business information, such as helping retailers track inventory and customer orders from the factory to the cash register more efficiently.
More Than Mobile
In October, Symbol unveiled the MC9000-G, a computer designed around an innovative standards-based modular platform that allows customers to select industry leading feature sets for their specific tactical and strategic supply chain application needs.
Far more than a new mobile computer, the Symbol MC9000-G provides a platform for a full systems-level solution based on Symbol's core competencies of advanced data capture, mobile computing and wireless networking. It incorporates peripherals, accessories, software tools and services that can be tailored to a wide range of vertical market needs ---everything from manufacturing and retail to wholesale distribution and third-party logistics.
Intermec Enhances Mobility
In August, Intermec Technologies Corp. enhanced its 700 Series mobile computers in order for users to stay connected to applications as they move between wide area and local area wireless networks.
IBM's WebSphere Everyplace Connection Manager (WECM) software supports Intermec's dual-radio computers to provide seamless roaming that does not require users to log on each time they re-enter network coverage. The Intermec-IBM system continually monitors the airwaves to determine what coverage is available and automatically routes wireless traffic through the lowest-cost network.
In September, Intermec introduced Intellitag Ready-To-Go RFID professional kits, integrated packages of hardware, software and professional services. Each Intellitag RFID kit includes Intellitag RFID tags and readers, software and a full day of professional services. The kits follow introduction this summer of the Intermec Ready-To-Go Retail RFID package designed specifically for retail suppliers.
Direct Hit
Schwan's Consumer Brands North America, a division of The Schwan Food Company, will use Intermec handheld computers to automate pre-sales and direct store delivery (DSD) activities for 1,200 routes in North America.
Schwan pre-sales personnel will use Intermec 740 Color mobile computers to accept sales orders, review up-to-date pricing and promotions with customers, and view customer sales history. The company's DSD drivers will use 740s to view delivery instructions, exchange data with in-store DEX systems and transact settlement at the customer site.
Zebra's RFID Strategy
Zebra Technologies Corp. forged an alliance with Acsis Inc., a provider of data collection and integration solutions for companies running SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This alliance aims to help consumer goods, retail and pharmaceutical industry organizations implement practical, cost-effective RFID technology in their supply chains.
Robert B. Cornick joined Zebra as vice president and general manager of RFID solutions. Cornick takes responsibility for leading Zebra in developing and executing its business strategy in RFID technology within the Bar Code Business Unit. He will direct Zebra's efforts to develop additional RFID products and services, build relationships with current and future RFID technology adopters.
Printronix Partnerships
Printronix Inc. forged an alliance with Alien Technology Corp., a provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and hardware, to develop RFID printing solutions. Printronix's RFID smart label developer's kit uses Alien Technology's tags to give early adopters of RFID technology a complete development environment for the printing and encoding of smart labels.
One Smart Box
The company also teamed with the Manhattan Associates to develop components for Manhattan Associates' "RFID in a Box" solution. Printronix will supply RFID smart label printing solutions to Manhattan Associates as an optional component in its "RFID in a Box" solution. The bundled package will contain Printronix's T5000e thermal printer and an RFID kit for the encoding of smart labels to complement the supply-chain execution applications and professional services from Manhattan Associates and RFID tags and readers from Alien Technology.
Future Partnerships
In an effort to bolster its partnerships further, Printronix developed a "go-to-market channel strategy" for its suite of radio frequency identification (RFID) smart label solutions.
The new RFID Partner Program enables certified systems integrators to sell Printronix's RFID Pilot Printer and support end users with their RFID project planning and deployment strategies.