Frontline Today

Weider Nutrition International selects Demantra to increase collaboration across the supply chain

ricky — Tue, 07 Oct 2003 02:36:18 +0000

Demantra, a provider of collaborative supply chain solutions that create, manage and fulfill demand, has been selected by Weider Nutrition International, a provider of nutritional supplements and sports nutrition products, to improve collaborative planning processes and more accurately forecast demand for production planning purposes. Weider will use Demantra Spectrum to enhance collaboration between its national sales and marketing and supply chain divisions.

During the first phase of the implementation, Weider will use Demantra Spectrum’s demand management capabilities to produce more accurate demand plans, improving consensus forecasting for production planning purposes. With better visibility into sales and promotional plans, supply chain managers will be able to avoid costly stock outs and ensure that the right amount of products is available on store shelves at all times.

“As branded and private label competition continues to build in the consumer products industry, it is vital for us to have a collaborative solution that provides better visibility into the supply chain,” says David Crowther, director of business applications at Weider Nutrition. “We chose Demantra Spectrum for the solution’s ease-of-use, robust functionality, flexibility and its ability to perform tasks critical to solving current issues and problems in a timely manner.”

www.demantra.com

Universal Scientific Industrial Company deploys RiverOne supply chain solution

ricky — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 02:50:22 +0000

Universal Scientific Industrial Company Ltd. (USI), a Taiwan-headquartered leader in the design and manufacturing services industry has selected the INTERACTIVE software suite from RiverOne Inc., Irvine, Calif., to manage its global supply chain programs. USI offers end-to-end service from product plan to after sale service, and uses the INTERACTIVE solutions to power global inventory hubs, including vendor managed inventory (VMI) programs, for the USI customer base.

RiverOne’s INTERACTIVE software suite will provide all USI customers, third-party logistics providers and employees a single, private view into products at rest and in motion. Real-time alerts will notify users of critical supply chain events, which can be acted upon through the user interface, or their existing enterprise resource planning or supply chain management software. Companies will be able to connect and exchange information through different electronic standards such as EDI, XML and RosettaNet, as well as through a multi-language, Web-based user interface.

“We work closely with our customers to ensure that our services consistently exceed expectations,” says Luke Chu, CIO of USI. “We recognize the need for a single environment to communicate, view and manage supply chain information across multiple tiers and diverse geographic locations. After evaluating many technology providers, we have determined that RiverOne will provide the most value to USI and its customers.”

USI has experienced positive results associated with its deployment of RiverOne INTERACTIVE. Employee productivity gains have been reported due to the automation of supply chain processes, proactive notification of exception events and the ability to quickly respond to supply chain issues. In addition, USI has been able to reduce finished goods inventory and improve days-to-cash.

www.riverone.com

Symbol releases new rugged mobile computer

ricky — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 02:46:01 +0000

Symbol Technologies Inc. has unveiled its latest rugged mobile computer and bar code scanner. The MC9000-G is designed for inventory management, price checking, shipping/receiving, warehouse management and baggage reconciliation.

The unit will be available with both Windows CE or Windows Mobile (Pocket PC 2003) operating systems, and is based on the XScale embedded processor. It can survive multiple six-foot drops and thousands of three-foot drops, and is rated IP64.

The MC9000-G is available with both color and monochrome displays, as well as laser and image-based scanner options and several different keypads.

The Pico imager option provides 2D bar code reading and image capture. The Lorax laser scanner option can scan from 4 inches on a 7.5-mil code up to 40 feet on a 100-mil reflective code.

Symbol displayed the device with a prototype RFID reader at the Frontline Solutions International Supply Chain Week conference in September.

It has peer-to-peer walkie talkie functionality, as well as optional voice over IP, and Bluetooth wireless data connectivity.

According to John Gibson, Symbol’s director of product marketing, the new terminal will co-exist with its popular PDT6800 line. Symbol is developing an end-of-life plan for its 7200 and Telxon 960SL devices.

Symbol will simultaneously launch a line of peripherals and software for the new device, a departure from their typically staggered product launches in the past. “This is a big departure from how we’ve handled product development and launch in the past,” says Gibson. “Everything’s going to be available on day one.”

The MC9000-G will be available in November.

www.symbol.com

Global RFID market to hit $3 billion by 2007, says Wireless Data Research Group

ricky — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 02:40:47 +0000

The Wireless Data Research Group (WDRG) says the market for radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware, software and services will increase at a 23% compound average growth rate (CAGR) from more than $1 billion in 2003 to $3 billion in 2007. According to the research, the adoption of RFID for inventory and supply chain management applications, coupled with the finalization of a global air interface standard and architectural framework, will add significantly to the already growing base of RFID applications.

The study found:

Transponder revenues will grow at an 18% CAGR and reach nearly $1 billion by 2006.
Professional services for engineering, implementation and system integration will grow to $986 million in annual revenues during the next five years.
Although open standards and advanced production processes will cause steep price declines for RFID tags, worldwide revenues from UHF transponders will increase by 23% through 2007.
The Americas will continue as the leading region for RFID sales, comprising more than 40% of the total world market.

Despite the optimistic outlook, there are some outstanding issues that need to be addressed as the market continues to mature, including:

Scalable system operation with heterogeneous vendor environments.
Steep costs for custom application development and legacy system integration.
Consumer privacy concerns with regard to retail and consumer packaged goods tracking applications.
Competing standard development efforts between EPCglobal Inc. and the ISO.

“As the RFID industry moves from a silent revolution to a very public evolution, recognition of the importance of automated identification and data capture will reshape the way enterprises manage their supply chain as well as their vendor relationships,” says WDRG’s Principal Analyst Ian McPherson. “Trials with open platforms like the EPC network have proven that the technology works. Now the vendors must prove that the information infrastructure scales to support this new interconnected enterprise without breaking the users’ budget.”

www.wdrg.com

eSP expands platform support for wireless terminal emulation platform

ricky — Fri, 03 Oct 2003 03:01:25 +0000

eBusiness Solution Pros Inc. (eSP) has added support for additional computing platforms and wireless terminal emulation types to its Stay-Linked product, which extends IBM AS/400-iSeries supply chain applications to mobile and wireless computers.

Stay-Linked now supports IBM mainframe-zSeries servers running the z/OS and OS/390 operating systems (3270 emulation); IBM RS/6000-pSeries servers running the AIX operating system (VT emulation); and Hewlett-Packard HP9000 servers running on the HP-UX operating system (VT emulation). The original product supported 5250 emulation.

Tustin, Calif.-based eSP has also expanded Stay-Linked support for Symbol, Intermec and PSC hand-held wireless devices that run on Pocket PC, Windows CE, CE.NET and Mobile 2003 operating systems.

“Stay-Linked has proven its value as a host-based wireless terminal emulation solution through significant productivity gains for our AS/400-iSeries customers”, says Patricia Converse, eSP’s vice president, sales and marketing. “The expanded support enables both us and our channel partners to take the Stay-Linked value proposition to a much broader market. Stay-Linked now runs on virtually all of the popular supply chain application computing platforms and supports the most popular wireless devices.”

Because the terminal emulation software and client device/session control runs as a managed process on the host platform, Stay-Linked eliminates the problems and costs associated with dropped wireless user sessions. When disruptions in wireless access occur, the system keeps sessions alive on the host. As soon as wireless access is restored, users are automatically returned to their original session, exactly where they were immediately prior to the disruption.

www.stay-linked.com

Intermec hand-held approved for AT&T Wireless Next Generation Network, integrates GPS and QuickBooks

ricky — Fri, 03 Oct 2003 02:54:51 +0000

Intermec Technologies Corp., Everett, Wash. has announced that its 700 and 700 Color Series of mobile computers have been approved for operation on the AT&T Wireless’ GSM/GPRS network. The company also announced the addition of LinksPoint’s GlobalPoint GPSTM 12-channel Global Positioning System receiver for the 700 Series mobile computer.

The computers support Global Packet Ready Service (GPRS) wireless data technology and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), world standards for digital wireless transmissions. They allow users to transmit and receive data messages wherever AT&T Wireless’ GSM/GPRS service is available.

Designed to withstand daily use in harsh environments, the 700 Series provides AT&T Wireless subscribers with the option to buy a rugged mobile computing platform powered by the Microsoft Windows Pocket PC operating system. The devices feature a range of communications options, including GPRS, and the durability to handle the challenges of real-time daily work, whether on the road, in the field or on the factory floor.

The GlobalPoint GPS receiver from LinksPoint, Norwalk, Conn., attaches to the bottom of the 700 Series and provides GPS location data to software running on the device. GlobalPoint GPS receivers allow existing hand-held computers to be used for location-oriented applications including field data collection, vehicle, personnel and asset tracking, navigation, field service management, proof of delivery and numerous other applications.

“The Intermec 700 Series mobile computers offer a powerful level of performance and reliability,” says Scott Potter, LinksPoint’s CTO. “LinksPoint’s new GlobalPoint GPS receiver for the Intermec 700 lives up to these high standards, delivering highly accurate GPS location data, ruggedness and low power consumption in the field for a wide range of mobile applications.”

In addition to advanced GPS technology integration, Intermec’s 700 Color Series integrates up to three radio communication options in a single device, including an 802.11b radio, a GPRS or CDMA wide area network radio, plus a Bluetooth radio.

In related news, Intermec and Aereon Solutions have announced the availability of Aereon’s FieldMaster Pro product for Intermec 700 Series mobile computers.

FieldMaster Pro is an Internet-based service dispatch and management system designed to integrate with all versions of QuickBooks 2003. FieldMaster Pro automates tasks such as work order dispatch, job status notification, work order submission, job cost reporting, inventory and invoicing. It helps field service companies reduce or eliminate both paperwork and the costs and labor associated with manually processing data. Service technicians now can access job data any time, anywhere, freeing up time and resources that can help them spend more time in the field with customers.

“Aereon and Intermec are able to bring small and mid-sized service companies that have relied on QuickBooks the ability to better manage their service operations. They now will be able to increase revenue and cut costs by automating the manual paper-based processes currently required to run it,” says Jason Bleistein of Aereon Solutions. “Technicians can resolve service calls much more effectively, and office staff efficiency is drastically improved by removing the paperwork factor.”

www.intermec.com www.linkspoint.com www.aereonsolutions.com

Psion Teklogix releases new notebook computer for sales, service applications

ricky — Thu, 02 Oct 2003 03:35:53 +0000

Psion Teklogix Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has released a new clamshell computer for mobile customer relationship management (CRM) applications. The Windows CE.Net-based NETBOOK Pro offers a compromise between the functionality of a laptop and the convenience of a hand-held form factor, according to the company.

“There is a gap in the market for a product that meets the needs of mobile CRM workforces,” says Norbert Dawalibi, president and CEO at Psion Teklogix. “Presently, field workers have to make do with consumer-oriented PDAs or bulky, expensive laptops.”

The unit includes a full-color SVGA touchscreen, a full keyboard, and has an instant-on capability. It has USB, Compact Flash, SDIO, RS-232, IrDA and PC Card connectivity ports. The computer can handle voice calls via a headset, and can connect to slide viewers for presentations. It weighs less than three pounds.

Although there is no wireless technology integrated into the device, it can support communication via wireless LAN, Bluetooth, GSM/GPRS and DMA/1xRTT.

The device is targeted at “gray collar” sales and service markets that don’t require full ruggedization. Dawalibi mentioned applications such as copier repair, on-site mortgage processing and pharmaceutical sales.

The NETBOOK Pro will be available in North America and Europe at the end of the month.

www.psionteklogix.com

Voxware and Intek team to maximize PETCO warehouse

ricky — Thu, 02 Oct 2003 03:12:12 +0000

Intek Integration Technologies Inc. and Voxware Inc. have announced that PETCO Animal Supplies Inc. is enhancing productivity and accuracy from its distribution center management solution that integrates Voxware’s VoiceLogistics technology with Intek’s Warehouse Librarian Warehouse Management and Control System.

The real-time integration at PETCO’s Mira Loma, Calif., facility allows VoiceLogistics to provide a hands-free/eyes-free means for workers to pick products for shipment while Warehouse Librarian directs warehouse operations and gives management decision-making power.

“Our management team is extremely pleased with the integration. We were already achieving a high level of performance, but the Intek/Voxware solution boosted our performance further,” says Andrew Ross, IS project manager at PETCO.

“Our Peer System Interface integrates Warehouse Librarian with VoiceLogistics in real-time,” said Stan McLean, Intek’s president/COO. “This allows Warehouse Librarian to communicate directly with workers on the floor using voice technology. PETCO’s selectors are now able to ‘hands-free’ verify locations while picking large or non-standard size/shape items. The integration of VoiceLogistics with Warehouse Librarian produces superior productivity improvements over other types of picking automation in this environment.”

www.intek.com www.voxware.com

Checkpoint to release integrated RFID/EPC system for retail supply chain

ricky — Thu, 02 Oct 2003 03:05:57 +0000

Checkpoint Systems Inc. has developed an integrated RFID retail solution to support shipping, transportation, receiving, merchandising and in-store applications based on the Electronic Product Code (EPC) initiative.

The company says benefits of the new solution include improved labor utilization, labor reduction, reduced safety stock, reduced shrink and real-time asset visibility.

“The new EPC modules are designed to solve today’s specific business problems, yet flexible enough to accommodate future challenges within the enterprise as more applications for EPC/RFID technology become viable,” says Dave Shoemaker, group vice president, strategic marketing at Checkpoint.

The system can also provide improved store planning and merchandising for retailers, and could be used for point of sale, returns and post-sales service applications.

Checkpoint is a member of MIT’s Auto-ID Center, which developed the EPC concept.

www.checkpointsystems.com

New product roundup

ricky — Fri, 26 Sep 2003 02:17:51 +0000

Zebra Technologies has announced three printer/encoder products for radio frequency identification smart labels that are designed to support ePC-compliant RFID initiatives. The R110Alchemy smart label print-and-apply engine creates smart labels on demand within the printer. It allows for the use of existing label stock and conventional RFID transponder inlays. The company has also introduced two new versions of its R4Mplus UHF (900MHz) smart label printer/encoders. The R4Mplus printer/encoders can be ordered to Class 0 or Class 1 ultra-high frequency ePC specifications.

www.zebra.com

PSC’s Falcon 4620 is a wireless, Windows-based vehicle-mount data collection computer that can operate in temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius. It has a 12.1-inch color touchscreen, an 800MHz processor, integrated Ethernet, and is available with leading 802.11b radios and Windows XP or 2000 pre-loaded.

www.pscnet.com

LXE’s MX6 hand-held computer runs on Windows Pocket PC 2002 and an Intel Xscale PXA255 processor. It has an 802.11b radio, VGA display, and is available with Adaptus Imaging Technology for instant point-and-shoot 1D, and 2D bar code scanning or taking photos.

www.lxe.com

The MegaLift image reader from Symagery Microsystems features megapixel resolution, USB 2.0 image transfer speeds and omnidirectional reading. It can handle optical character recognition, decode 1D and 2D bar codes and recognize symbologies via decoding software.

www.symagery.com

HHP’s Dolphin 9500 and 9550 mobile computers are powered by HHP’s Adaptus Imaging Technology, Microsoft Pocket PC and Intel Xscale processors. They feature a digital camera, integrated wireless wide area network, local area network and personal area network. The Dolphin 9550 has a pistol grip for bar code scanning intensive applications.

www.hhp.com

Savi Technologies’ upgraded versions of its Asset Management System (AMS) and Transportation Security System (TSS) software provide more features for managing and securing supply chain assets, equipment and inventory. When plugged into Savi’s SmartChain platform, the applications provide real-time nested visibility of assets and their contents.

www.savi.com

Version 2.0 of the MP 9320 ePC Reader from SAMSys Technologies supports the ePC Class 1/V1 protocol and is field-upgradeable to support ePC Version 2 protocols. It allows users to choose off-the-shelf UHF antennas by supporting four multi-plexed antennas.

www.samsys.com

The LabeLase 1000 tag printer from InfoSight is a fully automatic, continuous feed desktop laser printer for metal bar code tags. It includes LabeLase Producer tag production software and accepts standard 300-foot rolls of continuous label stock. It also prints single die-cut tags. Also from InfoSight, the X-Tag is a metal tag designed for extreme environments.

www.infosight.com

Intelligent Instrumentation’s vehicle and stationary LANpoint CE.NET data collection terminals are designed for demanding manufacturing and warehousing bar code applications. They have waterproof, dustproof cases, Intel Xscale 400MHZ RISC processors, up to 500MB of storage and 802.11b wireless support. The terminals are available with monochrome or color displays with touch screen options. Also from Intelligent Instrumentation, the EZ-ID fingerprint reader supports identification and verification of fingerprints. Verification is accomplished by matching a fingerprint with bar code, magnetic stripe, RFID or keyed-in identification. EZ-ID connects to the RS232 COM port on any computer.

www.lanpoint.com

SAM Pro Enterprise version 5.2 from Data-Basics features a document manager, “TechFinder” for certification status, a dispatcher, multiple work order entry and multinational currency support. TechFinder provides users with a selection of eligible technicians or subcontractors for a particular job.

www.databasics.com

Atmel’s fourth-generation ARM-based system-on-a-chip, the DOK T4, supports M-Systems’ DiskOnKey platform. The latest DOK features USB 2.0 drive speeds and data protection, such as DES/Triple DES, SHA-1 and RSA PKI encryption.