Intermec Technologies Corp. today introduced the Intermec Intellitag® IP3, a new radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured as an accessory handle for the company’s popular 700 Series Pocket PC mobile computer. The Intellitag IP3 adds the ability to read and write to Intellitag RFID tags to all Intermec 700 Series Color mobile computers.
The Intermec 700 Series is the only family of mobile computers in the marketplace to combine three radio communication capabilities – including a wireless local area (802.11b) radio, a GPRS/CDMA wide area network radio and a fully integrated power-managed Bluetooth ™ radio – with bar code scanning and an RFID reader in a single device. “It gives our customers the clear advantage of having a comprehensive communication device without having to buy separate units for each task,” said Jim Evans, Intermec vice president of Intellitag Business Development.
Intermec’s expertise in real-world RFID implementations and its knowledge about building rugged information devices are reflected in the IP3’s core design. Like all Intermec products, the durability and ergonomics required for rugged mobile computing are designed into every aspect of the IP3. The snap-on, high-impact plastic and magnesium trigger handle reader comes packaged with its own rechargeable battery pack for a full shift’s worth of work.
“Our customers’ advantage is that we just don’t make tags,” Evans said. “Intermec is the one company to offer a truly integrated approach. From our RFID readers to the expertise of our professional services organization, Intermec’s strength is the ability to offer one, integrated system. We call it ‘RFID that works.’”
RFID, a complement to industry’s current bar code-based tracking systems, allows companies to automatically track inventory throughout an entire supply chain. RFID automatic data collection does not require line of sight or manual scanning as do bar code-based systems. For example, information from RFID-tagged cases on a pallet can be read automatically as the entire load passes through a doorway, rather than requiring individual case bar code scanning. Intermec’s Intellitag RFID technology adds the capability to change and update the information on each tag as it proceeds, providing new levels of up-to-date information for better decision making.
Intellitag RFID already is at work throughout the world in wide-ranging applications, from providing inventory and pallet tracking in Metro AG’s Future Store in Germany to increasing levels of access control at U.S. border crossings.
In fact, it was Intermec’s own experience with RFID implementations that led to development of the IP3. Although one of the benefits of RFID is automatic inventory tracking, there occasionally is the need to find a particular tagged case or pallet.
“Sometimes it is just more practical to bring read/write capabilities to the tagged object rather than moving tagged objects past a fixed reader,” said Charles McLean, Intermec principal product manager. “Suppose you have a room of equipment cases and need to find the one that was sent from your Ohio distribution centre yesterday at 12:15 p.m. Would you rather grab your IP3-equipped handheld computer, walk through the room until it beeps and flashes ‘Found it!’ – or pick up all those cases with a forklift and drive them through the fixed reader portal?”
The IP3 will be available in December.
About Intermec
Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, is a leader in global supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection, Intellitag® RFID (radio frequency identification) and mobile computing systems. The company’s products and services are used by customers in many industries to improve productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations, from supply chain management and enterprise resource planning to field sales and service.
To learn more about how companies can benefit from Intermec’s technologies and services, contact Intermec Technologies Corp., 6001 36th Ave. West, Everett, WA 98203 USA; telephone 800-347-2636; or visit Intermec's web site at http://www.unova.com.
