RedPrairie launches RFID-enabling software
manufacturers achieve RFID compliance, from printing and reading
tag-embedded labels to filtering and aggregating data.
The new RFID 360SM suite, from IT specialist RedPrairie, combines 'bolt-on' and RFID native applications, RFID design, consulting and implementation services, and an RFID testing laboratory for product and proof of concept testing.
"Companies face totally new challenges meeting the RFID shipment requirements of major retailers while also attempting to leverage RFID investments to improve operations and generate ROI," said RedPrairie company leader John Jazwiec.
" It takes expert guidance in software integration, hardware selection, placement and tuning, and thorough testing to make sure customers can drive real value. RFID 360 covers all of these services bundled with the right choice of software for any environment."
RFID 360 includes four software options tailored to meet each company's RFID implementation environment and schedule. The first software module, which serves as the foundation for the three others, is RFID Data Manager. This application does input data filtering and aggregation.
This function, often referred to as the savant layer, then passes the filtered and aggregated data up to the middleware applications where business logic is performed. RFID 360 includes two 'bolt-on' middleware applications.
For those companies just starting the pilot phase, RedPrairie offers RFID Igniter. This middleware package provides the ability to print, read and track RFID tag-embedded labels as required for pilot testing environments. It also includes visibility software to provide a top down view of all products in testing, and performance measurement software to analyse results. The company says that RFID Igniter can be installed in any distribution environment.
The second middleware application is RFID Accelerator. This system provides everything companies need to deploy RFID processing for compliance with the mandates of Wal-Mart and other major retailers. RFID Accelerator can be integrated to any distribution environment, whether legacy host, ERP, WMS or MES based. RedPrairie claims that it contains all of the functionality of the RFID Igniter package, plus all internal processing and ASN production capabilities required for compliance.
"We knew the tight deadlines for compliance would not allow enough time for companies to upgrade their systems, or implement new ones," said Mike Dempsey, RedPrairie industry strategy leader.
"Therefore, we took as our starting point that our solution had to be easily compatible to any environment as well as provide everything companies need for compliance. RFID Accelerator does this."
"Because we have all three layers of RFID software - aggregation, middleware and native RFID applications - and a full complement of services and testing facilities, we are able to offer our customers a guarantee of compliance with the EPC standards and the shipment requirements of Wal-Mart, DOD and other major retailers. RFID 360 is another example of how RedPrairie puts its total focus on providing products and services that ensure our customers achieve success," said Jazwiec.
The RFID systems are being demonstrated this week at RedShift 2004, RedPrairie's annual User Conference and Industry Summit.
Stringent legislation, consumer concerns about food safety and growing pressure from retailers have forced food manufacturers to look at every possible means of ensuring traceability and efficiency throughout the supply chain. RFID is increasingly being seen as the most viable solution.
The importance of the concept is that it recognises the interconnectness of the food industry. It suggests that that closer collaboration between every aspect of the food supply chain is inevitable.
Legislation has been a significant driver. The recent US Bioterrorism Act and forthcoming EU legislation on traceability have added to the pressure on manufacturers to get their house in order and be able to trace products right through the chain. The problem traditionally has been a lack of investment in the food production sector.
This is now beginning to happen on the manufacturing side, through tracking and tracing and through closer collaboration with retailers. Industry experts believe that over the next few years, manufacturers will have achieved significantly tighter control over their processing and packaging operations.
Ultimately, it is in the manufacturer's long-term interest to invest in a system that can trace and organise operations from start to finish. The cost of compensation or a product recall means that the cost of installing an RFID systems is less of a factor than it ever was.
