RFID-ready solutions from Printronix, Newbury Data and Trackway enable supply chain companies to realise the business benefits of RFID

Printronix Inc., the integrated supply-chain printing solutions manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with supply chain software provider, Trackway, and Newbury Data Recording, leading distributor of RFID and barcode printing and labeling solutions, to deliver two RFID proof of concept solutions -Supply Chain Track & Trace Power Pilot and RFID Air Interface Proof-of-Concept System (the air interface is the space between the RFID reader and tag) - for organisations wishing to pilot RFID technologies in their supply chain. 

Both are available to rent or buy and provide users with immediate results to illustrate the technology's return on investment (ROI) and offer seamless integration with existing business information systems (such as enterprise resource planning [ERP]) to fully leverage the amount of extra data generated by RFID technology.

"Analysts have been predicting RFID's widespread adoption for years, but different national standards and the lack of a European-wide mandate has held back local RFID uptake," said Otto Kilb, strategic business development manager, EMEA, at Printronix. "These new RFID-ready solutions will give companies the ability to 'test the waters' and understand the benefits RFID can bring, without having to invest in complex pilot projects.  Through our partnership with Trackway and Newbury Data, Printronix can now help organisations take that first step in embracing RFID."

Companies that want to gain a competitive advantage are looking for better ways to track their materials flow.  Real-time tracking of goods flow improves operational efficiency and the overall effect can amount to large savings and added profits, even for an SME.  The Supply Chain Track & Trace Power Pilot demonstrates how companies can streamline their inbound logistics process, improve exception management and reduce errors relating to supplier information, orders and inventory status.. Typically, the pilot will analyse the ability to successfully track items with an RFID tag or barcode label from the point of application to final destination, and will focus on improving efficiency and reducing costs thus providing the business case for further integration. The project is non-invasive and requires no input from the user's IT department.  Trackway's consultants manage the entire installation and a full analysis and report can be carried out in just 10 days.

The RFID Air Interface Proof of Concept System enables companies to evaluate the technology that delivers RFID applications before committing themselves to extensive analysis and costly reprogramming of software applications.  The solution gives companies the ability to understand the necessary hardware requirements for future deployments, test the 'Air Interface', and ensure that RFID can operate in the user's environment while delivering (customer) compliance and business benefits.  Central to the proof of concept solution is the single piece software solution that allows users to create, store, send and receive RFID data using Printronix Smart Label Printers, EPC GEN2 Smart Labels and Sirit GEN2 Readers.