ChemSW Integrates IDBlue Into CISProMobile For Rapid, Mobile RFID Inventory Management
ChemSW, Inc., a partner of Cathexis Innovations Inc., has launched CISProMobile™, a new RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) solution that integrates with the CISPro® Chemical Inventory System. CISProMobile™ enables labs to utilize RFID technology to reduce the time and effort required to perform inventory processes.
Unlike bar coding, which uses optical systems to transfer information from the printed coded label to the bar code scanner, RFID reading can be done remotely and does not require direct contact or line of sight between the item and the reader. "The great advantage that RFID systems offer is the non-contact, non-line of sight nature of the technology," explains David Hessler, Vice President Software Research and Development for ChemSW. "You don't need to re-orient containers to read the tag. In addition, tags can be read through a variety of substances, such as paint, where bar codes just won't work. And, RFID tags can be read at very high speeds. As a result, RFID increases the rate at which the reader can read inventory tags, thereby enabling simpler, faster acquisition of container IDs."
RFID systems consist of three components: an antenna, a transceiver (with decoder), and a transponder (RF tag) that is electronically programmed with unique information. With CISProMobile™, the antenna, the transceiver and the decoder are incorporated into an integrated handheld all-in-one RFID reader, called IDBlue™. When the reader detects the RFID tag, it decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit and the data is passed to the PDA for processing, via Bluetooth®.
"CISProMobile utilizes state-of-the-art Bluetooth technology to deliver a single highly flexible platform that functions equally well for both RFID and more traditional bar code handheld readers," states Hessler.
"RFID is particularly suited for inventory applications where a label-based bar code may be contaminated or concealed by environmental or testing conditions," he adds.
Steve Taylor, CEO of Cathexis Innovations notes, "Our Bluetooth RFID pen, IDBlue is ideal for this type of solution, giving field workers a cost-effective means of utilizing ChemSW Integrates IDBlue™ into CISProMobile™ 2 RFID technology for mobile applications. ChemSW has a great product and it is made even stronger by the addition of Cathexis' RFID technology."
Another benefit that CISProMobile™ offers is the use of a handheld PDA for inventory activities. The PDA screen has much more flexibility than existing bar code solutions, going from a 16 character two line display to full-fledged menus. PDAs allow full screen viewing, greater configurability, and the option to set up data acquisition and receiving, results entry, even sample collection activities from the palm of your hand. This increase in functionality means that users can perform activities such as container disposal, container movement, and transfer of ownership, faster and easier than ever.
CISProMobile™ is offered as a complete package that includes the printer, the pre-programmed handheld PDA, and a Bluetooth®-enabled wireless RFID reader. (Bar code readers are also available as an option). CISProLive™ users need only purchase the package, while CISProGlobal™ users will also need to have Web Services installed on their Web Server. In both cases, RFID can be installed in just a couple of hours.
"By offering this solution in a pre-packaged kit, we've eliminated the problems associated with testing and selecting hardware," explains Hessler. "We've done all the legwork to ensure that you can start using RFID labels immediately, and know that they are working correctly."
"Finally, there's no need to worry about validation," he points out, "because information acquired by CISProMobile goes through the existing Quality Assurance system the same as any other remote data collection activity. This is really just another user interface on the inventory application; as such it complies with all of the GxPs."
About CISPro Chemical Inventory System®
ChemSW's CISPro Chemical Inventory System® solution is a high-performance, relational database system that delivers all the necessary tools to accurately track chemicals and supplies and meet safety and regulatory requirements, including bar code labeling, remote inventory control, document linking and links to MSDSs. An unlimited number of material classes can be tracked, including reference standards, with multiple security layers. Materials can easily be designated as GMP or lab use only, and inventories for individual business units can be maintained independently, within a single global database. The system interface can be adjusted based on custom logins, allowing the customer to specify what data each individual can access.
ABOUT ChemSW
Founded over a decade ago, ChemSW is a leading provider of chemical and biochemical inventory management systems, MSDS systems and other chemistry laboratory software and services. ChemSW's wide range of products streamline laboratory processes and reduce chemical purchasing and disposal costs. ChemSW supports over 10,000 customers in more than 40 countries throughout the world. For more information, visit www.chemsw.com or call +1 707-864-0845.
ABOUT CATHEXIS
Cathexis Innovations Inc. offers innovative, wireless RFID readers, advanced integration software and RFID solution models that are powerful, cost-effective and easy to adopt. This allows system integrators, VARs and ISVs to rapidly solve real business problems with RFID, living up to the Cathexis vision of "RFID Made Easy"™. For more information please visit www.cathexis.com or call +1 709-754-RFID (7343).