SOFTWARE

TrueDemand Suite Aids in Forecasting

TrueDemand (www.tdemand.com) announces the release of TrueDemand 2.0—a suite of execution-based forecasting and replenishment solutions. It is the first solution that enables consumer goods companies to utilize all downstream data to manage the entire supply chain, from the consumer facing shelf back to the retail supplier. Its exception-driven workflows allow the customer account team to predict and prevent store level product availability issues and provide actionable tasks to improve shelf availability and increase revenues at retail locations.

It uses demand signal and inventory movement information, including point-of-sale, RFID, and retailer collaboration data. Its out-of-stock analysis and actionable tasks offerings give retail suppliers the ability to increase shelf availability. It enables customers to manage the introduction of new products and transition old products from the retail channel.

"TrueDemand 2.0 leverages the industry's most sophisticated analysis of real time sales and product movement information, including EPC and RFID data, helping retail suppliers improves revenues," says Eric Peters, CEO of TrueDemand. "As a result, our application enables retail suppliers to increase market share and become better trading partners to the world's largest retailers. Often, consumer loyalty goes only as far as what's on the store shelf, and if an item is not there when the customers wants it, both the manufacturer and retailer lose." Peters refers to 2.0 as a "business process platform that provides 'predict and prevent technology.'"

Integral RFID's Tag Testing Software

Instant EPC Hotspot v2.5 is the latest version of Integral RFID's tag testing and analysis software designed to increase RFID readability in closed-loop applications. It works with all of the industry standard RFID readers and with Class 0, Class 1, and Gen 2 tags. It operates on a PC or laptop and does not require Internet access, so it can be used in field applications.

The software uses commercial RFID tags and readers to measure RFID performance at the item, case, and pallet level in real-world conditions. It creates a scientific visualization system, displaying measurements using interactive 3D models color-coded to show RF properties. These tests help to discover optimal tag placement and improve readability. Instant EPC Hotspot v2.5 can be downloaded at www.instantepc.com, either as a complimentary trial or fully licensed commercial version.

"The weakest point of the RFID supply chain today is tag placement," says Dr. Chris Parkinson, CEO of Integral RFID. "Tags placed in a sub-optimal location will lead to poor RFID results, which for many mean a failure to meet mandate compliance." Visit www.integralrfid.com.

Loftware Print Server 9.0

Loftware, Inc. (www.loftware.com) announces a new barcode and RFID software release of its enterprise suite offering called the Loftware Print Server (LPS) 9.0. It features enhances capabilities including an updated user interface, an easily automated back-up and restore tool (which synchronizes data from development servers to backup serves), and augmented security for Web customers by means of a standard secure socket layer (SSL) for users printing from a remote location across the Internet.

"The key to this advanced solution is to offer our customers a single multi-use software stack with one single instance of the Loftware Print Server," says Chief Technology Officer Dana Anderson. "This allows Loftware customers standardization across all their applications and enterprises rather than purchasing multiple disparate systems that were never designed to work together. Offering one integrated platform to meet all barcode and smart label requirements as well as other RFID use cases like verification, pallet building, and pallet receiving is very attractive and cost effective."

Avery Dennison Helps Companies Meet Retailer and DoD Requirements

A new labeling solution that helps companies meet major retailer and Department of Defense (DoD) RFID and barcode identification requirements is now available from Avery Dennison Printer Systems (www.ris.averydennison.com). The solution consists of new scalable ItemSight® software bundled with a scanner, plus optional label production systems. The label production options include Avery Dennison's AP5.4 and 64xx series printers, and ALX print/apply systems.

The software and scanner, along with optional printers, enable users to convert existing barcode container labels into labels that meet retailers' and DoD barcode and/or RFID product identification requirements.

In operation, a user simply scans the barcode that currently exists on a container. The ItemSight® software then converts the barcode's data to EPC- and DoD-compliant 96-bit formats, such as SGTIN, SSCC96, and DoD96. The converted files can then be electronically transmitted to customers and vendors. With an optional printer, users can produce Gen 2 RFID-enabled labels and barcoded labels for application beneath the existing container label.

For DoD applications, Avery Dennison Printer Systems provides and records pre-encoded labels. The scanner reads the RFID label and logs the carton content. The system then logs the cartons to the pallet. Data is uploaded quickly and accurately for DoD RFID compliance.

The solution enables small and mid-size manufacturers and suppliers, especially those with limited IT resources in-house, to comply with today's stringent labeling requirements. The program updates existing carton and labeling information, including manufacturing codes, date codes, and SKU numbers, and ensures compliance with 96-bit, Gen 2 standards. Plus, the solution is reasonably priced.

Its scalable program with database capabilities means that Itemsight® can be integrated into a company's existing IT environment. It comes with on-site installation support. The program is scalable to fit user requirements. Companies can start with the basic program and then scale up as production levels increase. In addition, the program features excellent data-logging and integration capabilities. Users are able to create and save databases that contain the original scanned data and the converted files.

BlueBean Announces Middleware for Intermec IP4 Mobile Computer

Intermec IP4 handheld mobile RFID reader users can now retrieve RFID tag information quickly and easily with BlueBean's new RFIDSimplewareIP4 mobile RFID middleware solution. "This software allows for rapid prototyping and development of mobile RFID solutions," says Gregg Maggioli, BlueBean President. RFIDSimplewareIP4 ships with a free sample application in addition to the communication component.

BlueBean's RFIDSimplewareIP4 is a Microsoft .NET communication module that provides the ability to retrieve RFID tag information from an Intermec IP4 portable (handheld) RFID reader. RFIDSimplewareIP4 eliminates the brunt of the learning curve for developing portable RFID applications. It only takes four easy steps to load the software, literally minutes, and you can start reading RFID tags and labels. If you require a mobile RFID application, BlueBean provides custom application development services.

"BlueBean's RFIDSimplewareIP4 can be licensed per reader or per site," adds Maggioli. "Essentially, this allows users within any budget range to be able to use and benefit from this software."

Intermec IP4 handheld reader users who are looking for more information about BlueBean's RFIDSimplewareIP4 or would like to purchase it, should go to the Featured Products section of BlueBean's online RFID Solutions Super Store at www.rfidsupplychain.com. Visit BlueBean at www.bluebeanrfid.com.