Solutions Spotlight
By Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 1/1/2004 7:00:00 AM
Print smart labels on demand
The R110 Alchemy smart-label "print-and-apply" engine from Zebra Technologies allows one print station to produce RFID smart labels and conventional bar-code labels on demand, without stopping operations to change label material. Alchemy technology is said to reduce the cost of smart labels by 30 percent because it eliminates the converting step during smart-label production.
Smart labels are created within the printer only when needed. The R110 Alchemy engine is designed for high-speed print-and-apply label applicators that print and automatically apply a finished label to an item. The print engine uses existing label stock as well as conventional RFID transponder inlays.
R110 Alchemy is suitable for operations that must support both ERP-compliant smart labeling and traditional bar-code printing because Alchemy makes efficient use of label materials and eliminates the need for media changeovers. It also supports all types of 13.56 MHz and UHF RFID inlays, making it suitable for both current Electronic Product Code compliance and future RFID initiatives.
RFID "bolts on" warehouse management system
Provia Software's RFIDware is an Electronic Product Code (EPC)-compliant, bolt-on identification solution that allows suppliers with existing ERP, warehouse management, or host systems to become RFID compliant. The kit is for companies that need to ship RFID-compliant product to vendors requiring RFID tracking of inbound pallets and cases. RFIDware works by routing orders requiring RFID compliance to the RFIDware station in the distribution center. The appropriate RFID tag and label are applied, and data about the shipment—order information, carton contents—is associated to the RFID tag and the information sent to the end retailer. Once tagged, the product is shipped to the retailer with full RFID compliance.
EPC-compliant hardware for RFID/ERP integration
Supply chain execution (SCE) software provider RedPrairie Corp. will integrate and resell Electronic Product Code (EPC)-compliant RFID readers and tags from Matrics. The RFID hardware integrates with RedPrairie's RFID Accelerator middleware solution, DigitalLogistix supply chain execution suite, and other extended supply chain applications. The combined solution also can be integrated with distribution, ERP, or legacy host systems for compliance with the January 2005 mandates from Wal-Mart, other major retailers, and the Department of Defense. Integration will be facilitated through tools built into each company's products, including RedPrairie's DLX Integrator and Matrics' Visibility Manager.
Remotely generate tags, apply them to goods
RFID in a Box includes supply chain execution applications and professional services from Manhattan Associates and RFID hardware from Alien Technology. The package consists of RFID readers with two antennae per reader and a fixed number of RFID tags to label and track goods. Users receive a limited license version of Manhattan's Trading Partner Management system to enable their suppliers to remotely generate RFID tags and apply them to goods. It also includes remote Electronic Product Code printers to print RFID tags. The solution will allow suppliers to gain experience with RFID, overcome initial obstacles, and guarantee vendor compliance without having to undergo full-scale implementation.
Use a wizard for SCE configuration
Supply chain execution (SCE) software vendor HighJump Software has RFID-enabled its Supply Chain Advantage SCE system with RFID Configurator, a "wizard" for configuring RFID processes, bar codes, or both, depending on individual customer requirements. The RFID-enabled solutions are designed for warehouse management, visibility & tracking, shop-floor data collection, and RFID compliance. RFID Configurator works with Warehouse Advantage, which includes RFID compliance and workflows that support RFID; and Tracking Advantage, which tracks returnable containers and other assets in closed-loop environments and enables visibility throughout the supply chain. Deployed with Compliance Advantage, the configurator allows users to adapt to evolving RFID standards and future mandates.
Reader supports multiple EPC protocols
ThingMagic's Mercury4 platform RFID reader incorporates the Intel IXP420 Xscale network processor operating at 266 MHz and includes 16 Mb of FLASH memory and up to 64 Mb of DRAM. This increased processing power allows for simultaneous support of multiple RFID air-interface protocols including Electronic Product Code Class 0, ERP Class 1, ISO 15693, and ISO 18000-6. The reader features a Linux-based network equipped with Ethernet and WiFi networking, a real-time tag database, an SQL-like protocol to retrieve tag data and control the reader, and built-in data security capabilities. Tag reads and writes are controlled via a Web application provided by an onboard Web server. Software and protocol modules may be added, removed, or upgraded remotely. The reader also filters and analyzes tag data with general-purpose computing resources that can be customized via flexible programming interfaces.
Print labels, program chips simultaneously
Printer vendor Sato America, via a partnership with CCL Label, offers intelligent labeling products, including RFID. Sato America's RFID kit allows the specific CL408e and CL412e printers to print on the label and program the chip inside the label simultaneously. The data encoded in the label or tag can be changed during its lifetime, which avoids removing and relabeling items. The Sato RFID kit includes an interface card and transmitter module, and works with chips that operate at high frequency.
Print pages of tags; remove defects now
The PICA (Parallel Integrated Chip Assembly) RFID tag assembly system from Matrics is analogous to a printing press for RFID tags, whereby a "page" of RFID tags can be produced at once. Key innovations include a fast-curing adhesive used to attach the microchip to the antenna, and the ability to place several chips on antennae simultaneously. Antennae are printed with conductive inks on rolls of plastic or paper, which are fed in a continuous stream into the PICA machine. Several microchips can be placed on printed antennae simultaneously.
The chip is added and the "inlay"—chip and antenna on a substrate—then can be converted into a finished RFID label. Tags are then scanned and any tag that doesn't respond is marked. When sheets of antennae with chips are cut into RFID tags, those marked as defective are removed. This process is said to increase production, improve security, and reduce liability due to malfunctioning tags.
Kits include professional services
Intellitag Ready-to-go RFID kits from Intermec are integrated packages of hardware, software, and professional services. The kits include Intellitag RFID tags and readers, software, and a full day of professional services to design and install RFID technology. Kits also include an IP3 RFID-enabled handle for the company's 700 series handheld computer. IP3 offers exception-based RFID reading for those instances when it is more practical to bring a reader to a tagged object. Each system comes with a guarantee for updating to meet evolving accepted standards. Intermec RFID technologies and products are compatible with the emerging retail-based Electronic Product Code definition.
Migrate existing environment to RFID
Printronix's smart label developer kit for RFID pilots includes Printronix's T5000e Web-enabled, industrial-grade thermal bar-code printer and RFID tags from Alien Technology for printing and encoding smart labels. The solution is suitable for migrating an existing labeling environment to one enabled for RFID. The kit consists of an RFID UHF encoder, two rolls of smart labels, ribbon, application notes, reference designs, technical support, programming manuals, and software migration tools. It also includes Printronix's PrintNet Enterprise, a Web-enabled remote network print management system that offers visibility to network printers and allows users to simultaneously configure an unlimited number of Printronix printers.
