TIBCO offers solution that integrates RFID edge events with enterprise apps; TNT Logistics goes live with software
Palo Alto, CA July 25, 2005 TIBCO Software Inc., a provider of business integration and process management software, is now offering TIBCO RFID Interchange, which is designed to integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) edge events with enterprise applications, performing tasks such as order fulfillment and warehouse management.
According to the provider, users are expected to be able to streamline operations and create business value because of insight into orders, lead times and inventory at each stage in the supply chain process.
RFID technology connects the physical world of tags and readers with the enterprise applications that leverage the information contained in the tags, TIBCO said. To date, mandates from major retailers and the Department of Defense have driven much of the demand for RFID technology. Now companies are seeking ways to make RFID part of their IT infrastructure by incorporating the technology into supply chain management activities to improve asset management, inventory management and order reconciliation.
However, TIBCO said, realizing a return on investment requires that RFID data be aggregated from various edge devices and numerous disparate facilities and be integrated into the corporate business processes and application infrastructure.
Maximizing Value of RFID at TNT Logistics
While the focus for many has been on meeting short-term RFID compliance requirements at the lowest cost possible, some companies have sought long-term benefits from RFID, such as improved supply chain efficiencies, increased visibility into product flow in logistics operations and reduced errors.
TNT Logistics, a provider of logistics services, has implemented TIBCO RFID Interchange to meet these goals. TNT Logistics required an RFID solution that could address specific customer business processes, streamline product flow and scale to meet the future demands of an expanding product line. With TIBCO RFID Interchange, TNT Logistics used its existing businesses processes and TIBCO infrastructure to build an RFID system that is integrated into its existing supply chain execution processes.
"TIBCO RFID Interchange has enabled us to take RFID requirements, concepts and ideas and quickly integrate that information with the existing supply chain execution data stream, enhancing our ability to track product throughout the supply chain," said Terry McIntyre, RFID project leader for TNT Logistics North America. "TIBCO was the best choice for TNT Logistics because the foundation of the RFID infrastructure is built for easy integration with TIBCO BusinessWorks, making it a viable solution for us to expand globally."
TIBCO RFID Interchange incorporates RFID event data into business processes and provides business context to aid decision making across the supply chain. TIBCO RFID Interchange supports EPC Global's Application Level Event (ALE) specifications and real-time streaming of information from RFID Edge devices. TIBCO RFID Interchange's browser and GUI-based, slap-and-ship business process templates are configurable to meet the unique distribution processes and various retail compliance mandates.
For more information on trends relating to radio frequency identification, follow this link for an extensive listing of SDCExec.com articles, featuring the latest research findings on the RFID, including adoption, return on investment and barriers to implementation.
