The DOD looks to RFID to increase supply-chain efficiency and reduce cost.

Everyone seems to be wanting to do more with less these days, but investing in the right technology is a sure-fire way to reduce costs long term. That’s why the Department of Defense (DOD) is looking to RFID technology and ERP systems across its supply chain, ultimately creating a higher lever of efficiency and lower costs.

During a pilot test of the technology, EPC Gen 2 passive ultrahigh-frequency tags were used to track the receipt of supplies across 26 different distribution stations, which greatly increased productivity and reduced errors.

The DOD is excited to move into the next phase of RFID adoption, hoping that greater interoperability will facilitate deployments across a global supply chain. But first, information will need to be shared across the internal supply chain, integrating the RFID data with existing ERP information. The DOD will also invest time in educating technology operators, informing them how the RFID system works and all of the benefits it can provide.

As the DOD continues to advance their RFID-based processes, many of their suppliers are also being asked to tag goods before shipping them. On Nov. 17 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA, the RFID Journal will be hosting, “RFID in Defense and Security 2011” in order to explain the benefits of RFID and the impact to DOD suppliers. Register for the event, or learn more about the promise of RFID.

The Intermec Technology Conference is just around the corner and will focus on educating Intermec PartnerNet and ISV Partners, End Users and Sales Engineers on developing, integrating and implementing supply chain solutions. Ideas, training and solutions for the future of rugged business will be the theme of the event, with a strong focus on how using Intermec computers, printers, scanners and RFID devices, paired with leading software tools, can transform efficiency.

There’s still time to register—the conference takes place on Sept. 13-15 in New Orleans, and those who register prior to Aug. 15 will save on the cost.

This year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a lot of cool gadgets were featured, but I wanted to highlight some of the most innovative devices that also promote mobility:

Toyota Entune
Uses the consumer’s existing cell phone to create an amazing in-vehicle experience, including entertainment, navigation and information services.

Samsung Infuse 4G
This 4.5” screen, 1.2GHz processor device will definitely make you rethink your Blackberry.

Spot Connect
Turns smartphones into a satellite communicator, allowing users to tweet, facebook, e-mail and SMS from any location, regardless of cell service.

Phone Guard
Software that eliminates texting while driving by using GPS to track speed and coordinates, automatically turning off a mobile phone’s capabilities.

Motorola Atrix
Yet another reason you’ll want to ditch your BlackBerry. This smartphone features Android 2.2, HTML5 support and docs into a laptop.

If you made it to CES, let us know what product you think was most innovative by commenting here, or on our Facebook or Twitter pages. Also, be sure to say hi to Barcoding’s CEO, Jay Steinmetz.

The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) will be having its 2010 Distribution Solutions Conference from October 25-27 at the Tampa Convention Center. During the conference, Barcoding Inc.’s very own Todd Carey, Director of Sales, West Region will serve as a panelist during a session entitled, “ROI on Proof of Delivery (POD) Systems.” The session will take place on Monday, October 25, at 3 pm.

With over 13 years of experience in the IT and supply chain fields, Carey will discuss the benefits of implementing automated POD solutions in the foodservice industry. In addition, he will go into lessons learned from companies already using POD solutions, and future trends of the technology. He will also be able to offer advice for making the switch from paper-based delivery to full automation.

In addition to our speaker, Barcoding Inc. will be exhibiting our advanced data capture and mobile computing solutions for track and trace in foodservice distribution, which will be held throughout the conference at Booth no. 226.

For more information about IFDA and the 2010 Distribution Solutions Conference, learn more here.

Want to learn more about the AIDC industry? The month of March brings about a variety of different tradeshows and webinars.

Snaxpo 2010
When:Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – Saturday, March 6, 2010
Where:Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Description:Intermec and DAO Group have teamed together to present route accounting solutions for the snack food industry. These solutions help companies to gain greater, real-time visibility to routes and inventories.
Target Industries:Consumer Goods, Logistics
Learn more here.

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