International Paper ASURYS Stays Ahead Of RFID Technology With Gen 2 Testing
As many companies await the complete rollout of Generation 2 (Gen 2) hardware before implementing RFID solutions in their supply chains, International Paper ASURYS, a leading RFID systems integrator is performing Gen 2 technology assessments in its Customer Solution Center (CSC). This RFID center is a fully integrated engineering development, testing and training facility in Memphis, Tenn.
In this non-temperature controlled environment – complete with concrete floors and walls, metal racking and a host of industrial equipment customers are exposed to the latest Gen 2 compliant tag and reader hardware that follows the EPC Global specification for this new standard. "This ensures our ability to offer our customers the best RFID solutions and most successful implementations," said Gary Lofrese, director of Information Technology for ASURYS. "Testing hardware against the Gen 2 standards has prepared us to educate our customers on this new generation of RFID and on how to upgrade their current hardware."
The benefits of the new Gen 2 tags and readers are improved functionality and increased level of tag-reader communication. Moreover, Gen 2 tags and readers are more accurate, working at distances 30 percent further than Gen 1.
Texas Instrument (TI) was interested in testing the functionality and robustness of its new Gen 2 tags as it prepared to send tagged product to Wal-Mart in mid 2005. TI's Educational & Productivity Solutions business division was the first Wal-Mart supplier to send the retailer shipments with Gen 2 tags. To ensure a successful transition to Gen 2 tags, TI tested its tags at ASURYS' CSC.
"International Paper has a great facility and was one of the first to have Gen2 capability," said Chris Cook from Texas Instruments. "I have tested Gen2 several times at their facility and the testing has always gone well. Their people are always knowledgeable, flexible, and willing to work with me on anything that I come up with for testing."
ASURYS is one of only a handful of companies with the capability to demonstrate and test a wide variety of Gen 2 and Gen 1 technology. "When customers visit the CSC, we start by conducting distance and static environment testing with 10 to 15 tags and determine the three or four tags that are most effective with our customers product," said David Williams, RFID technical specialist. "Then we move the testing to our high-speed conveyor and determine the best tag placement and the tag with the most accurate read rate. Next we determine the readability of tags at the case and pallet level using portals and material handling equipment."
Not only is ASURYS using its RFID-enabled material handling equipment – RFID Inventory Movement Solutions – to test tag readability with customers' products and packaging, but the company has also upgraded their solutions to be Gen 2 compliant. So, all tests are conducted using the very latest in RFID technology.
Additional testing conducted at the CSC is complete handling, distribution and environmental condition testing – including impact, vibration, compression, temperature and humidity – because ensuring tag readability at customers' dock doors is not enough. Successful RFID implementation means that the tag on your product case and pallet can be read from the manufacturer's dock door to the retailer's dock door and eventually at all points in between.
The CSC, established in June of 2004, is evidence of ASURYS' commitment to the practical application of RFID to deliver results and in the investment of new ideas for discovery and innovation. For more information on the CSC or RFID solutions and services, visit http://www.asurys.com.
About ASURYS
ASURYS is a business of International Paper. Established in 1999 under the name Smart Packaging, the business is a leader in providing customers with RFID consulting and professional services that integrate the supply chain to improve visibility, security and information management. ASURYS' extensive experience with systems integration enables the business to deliver proven results through turnkey RFID/EPC-enabled solutions ranging from compliance solutions to warehouse inventory location and tracking systems, to item-level inventory management for the retail shelf. ASURYS – inspired vision, real-world experience and proven results in one trusted RFID partner.
About International Paper
Headquartered in the United States, International Paper (http://www.internationalpaper.com) is the world's largest paper and forest products company. Businesses include paper, packaging, and forest products. As one of the largest private forest landowners in the world, the company manages its forests under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program, a system that ensures the continual planting, growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality.