Reader report: Savi sets up solar-powered RFID; RF Code serves up free development kit
By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 1/9/2008 8:33:00 PM
Savi Technology is commercially deploying solar-powered RFID readers initially developed for the Department of Defense. The unique adaptation is ideal for global locations where power-generation infrastructure is lacking—especially in the developing world. Savi Networks operates a solar-powered RFID network in South America that tracks the status and security of containerized cargo shipments managed by Emprevia Ltda, a Columbia-based logistics and security services provider for importers and exporters.
“They’re very easy to set up and highly reliable,” says David Stephens, newly appointed CEO of Savi Technology. “They’re cheap to operate, easy to manage, and the power is endlessly renewable.”
Emprevia customers include Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer.
“We have solar-powered readers along routes between manufacturing facilities and major ports in Columbia,” explains Mark Nelson, senior director of corporate communications, Savi Group, adding, “We have plans to expand it where it makes sense.”
RF Code, which offers applications for IT asset tracking, depends on partners for developing applications in other industry sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and health care. The vendor received the Frost & Sullivan 2007 Product Line Leadership Aware in the active RFID sector.
Now RF Code has moved assertively away from its closed, proprietary roots by publishing a free software development kit for engineering and interfacing applications on top of its technology. Software developers and systems integrators now have direct access to RFID data collected by RF Code readers, and gain an open API to support industry-specific applications.
“Partners can develop high-end software applications on top of our technology,” says Mitch Medford, CEO, RF Code. “With the open interface and development tool kit, they can now develop new applications in less than a day. Our technology is not only open, but it has more intelligence too.”
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