2006-10-17 Intermec and Informs Deliver Affordable, Streamlined RFID Compliance Kit

EVERETT, Wash. & HOLLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to increasing mandates for RFID-compliant shipments to retailers and the U.S. Department of Defense, Intermec Inc. and Informs today introduced the Informs RFID Experience in a Box Kit. The joint effort brings affordable RFID compliance to small and medium-sized businesses and includes everything required to meet RFID compliance mandates, apply RFID tags and verify tag information. Within minutes of unpacking the kit, users can generate and read RFID Gen2 labels.

A streamlined alternative to more complicated and expensive RFID systems designed specifically for companies who require basic RFID compliance capabilities, the Informs kit includes an Intermec 751 mobile computer loaded with Tag Manager software from EPC Solutions that integrates with any ERP system, an Intermec IP4 handheld portable RFID reader and IF5 fixed tag reader for scanning and verifying tags, and a PM4i printer to print RFID-readable and bar coded tags. The kit also includes RFID Gen2 labels from Intermec, a laptop computer and a Cisco wireless switch.

To generate a label, customer order information and the customer-stipulated label format is transmitted by the Intermec portable terminal to the PM4i printer’s on-board encoder, which translates the information and prints it into an RFID-readable tag, barcode or human readable label. The printer’s embedded reader then scans and verifies the tag’s information before it is placed on a carton or pallet. The Intermec 751, operating with an attached IP4 portable reader, or the IF5 fixed RFID reader then re-verifies the order information and confirms shipment.

The Informs kit comes with stand-alone PC-based compliance software that includes all standard retail and DOD-compliant label formats, so users have easy and immediate access to compliant label formats. The software can act as a stand-alone shipping application and interoperates with all ERP software for complete system integration.

A key component of the system, EPC Solutions’ Tag Manager software contains GTIN and SSCC smart labels information and allows users to immediately begin shipping cases and pallets with standards-compliant, up-to-date labeling.

“The Informs RFID Experience in a Box Kit brings a robust, dynamic and completely scalable RFID labeling system to companies that previously would not have the bandwidth or the budget to comply with the labeling stipulations of heavy hitters such as Wal-Mart or the Department of Defense,” said Informs President Dan Cheresh. “With this partnership, Intermec and Informs are making it possible for small and medium-sized businesses to compete effectively and meet the compliance requirements of their customers.”

About Intermec

Intermec Inc. (NYSE:IN) develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems, bar code printers and label media. The company’s products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations. For more information about Intermec, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636. Contact Intermec Investor Relations Director Kevin McCarty at kevin.mccarty@intermec.com, 425-265-2472.

About Informs

Informs, Inc. provides many services for its customers including supply chain management, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution, forms management, and barcode and RFID solutions. A valued Intermec Honours Partner, Informs' excellent product knowledge, innovation, and deep concern for the needs of the customer have propelled its growth. Informs’ strength is its ability to listen to the customers, develop a strategy and implement a solution. Informs serves North America, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador with regional offices in Holland, MI, Cleveland, OH, Detroit, MI, Scottsdale, AZ, Huntsville, AL and Eugene, OR. Contact Informs, Inc. at, 13055 Riley Street, Holland, MI 49424 USA; telephone 616-399-7010; or visit Informs' web site at www.informsinc.com.