RFID software is 'ready-to-go'
retailer mandates to identify and track their products with radio
frequency identification (RFID).
RFID has long been touted as the future of logistics for all companies by allowing retailers and suppliers to track goods throughout the supply chain. However high prices for tags and systems has held enthusiasm at bay. Privacy concerns have also limited its use at the consumer level.
RFID systems are made up of hardware, such as tags that can be read electronically, and the software required to track products throught out the supply chain.
Ross Systems claims its RFID-to-Go system is cost effective and easy to deploy, giving companies the ability to rapidly meet RFID compliance requirements with major retailers. The system will also improve product traceability, real-time inventory visibility and order performance.
The software can be scaled to suit the size of process manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical and other consumer products industries. The Electronic Product Code (EPC)-compliant software forms an addition to Ross' enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) product suite.
According to a December 2005 AMR Research report "a broad RFID infrastructure that provides inventory visibility from supplier to shelf is the true Holy Grail" of supply chain management.
Ross has formed an alliance with GlobeRanger, a leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based software solutions, so that the software can be marketed worldwide. Ross stated it will leverage GlobeRanger's iMotion Edgeware platform to deliver its RFID-to-Go solution to process manufacturers.
"With RFID-to-Go, we're providing the marketplace with a practical RFID solution that extends the benefits of the Ross ERP and SCM offerings," stated Eric Musser, chief technology officer of Ross Systems. "Not only does RFID-to-Go make it easy for process manufacturers to comply with RFID compliance requirements, it improves supply chain visibility by leveraging EPC data to improve inventory management and increase sales. The results have been significant and evident upon implementation."
More and more retailers are pushing their suppliers to use RFID as a means of tracking products more efficiently through the supply chain. Last year Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, announced it would require its top suppliers to implement RFID. In Germany, Metro has an ambitious programme to use RFID for all products to the point of sale.
RFID uses a wireless system that helps enterprises track products, parts, expensive items and temperature-and time-sensitive goods. Transponders, or RFID tags, are attached to objects. The tag will identify itself when it detects a signal from a reader that emits a radio frequency transmission.
Each RFID tag carries information on it such as a serial number, model number, colour, place of assembly or other types of data. When these tags pass through a field generated by a compatible reader, they transmit this information back to the reader, thereby identifying the object.
