Ryder Opens RFID Test Lab
MIAMI, Apr. 12 /PRNewswire/ --

MIAMI, April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ryder System, Inc. , a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today announced the opening of a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology test lab in its 192,000 square-foot, multi-client facility in Dallas/Fort Worth.

The lab is located in a warehouse/distribution center where products are received, stored, inventoried, picked and shipped to meet the operational requirements of a diverse group of customers. Ryder will utilize the lab to test RFID vendor hardware and software, tag placement configuration on products, package design and the integration of RFID to Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to determine gained supply chain efficiencies for customers.

"We realize the potential impact RFID will have on supply chain management, and this lab provides the right environment to design, develop, test and implement customer solutions for the emerging RFID marketplace," said Tony Tegnelia, Executive Vice President of U.S. Supply Chain Solutions for Ryder. "Ryder's commitment to RFID technology and information distinguishes us as an innovator and continues to enable us to deliver cost-effective solutions to meet the needs of our customers, as well as the demands being placed on them by their customers."

RFID is a wireless data collection technology that uses electronic tags to store product identification data and a wireless transmitter to capture the data on the tag. The technology works in conjunction with an organization's IT infrastructure and provides suppliers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors with real-time product visibility, enhanced demand planning, reduced inventory and improved fill rates to create additional cost-savings and increased service levels.

Ryder's test lab includes equipment used in testing aspects of RFID implementation, including:

Conveyor System -- high-speed racetrack loop conveyer that can reach variable speeds up to 600 feet per minute

Printer Write Station -- electronically writes to an RFID tag and prints a readable number on the tag and can accommodate multiple vendor equipment

Write Station -- writes to the tag after it is applied to the case

Read Station -- a movable station located in close proximity to the high- speed conveyer

Pallet Shrink Wrap Station -- with RFID Read capability Label Printer -- printing of various RFID label sizes and designs