In an effort to deliver on demand asset management and more efficient supply chain management at remote sites, IBM is rolling out a new version of WebSphere software, using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and middleware targeting retail operations.
RFID technology enables businesses to track assets and view supply-chain information from data transmitted via radio waves from antennas on chips affixed to pallets and cartons of packaged food, pharmaceuticals or equipment. As tagged goods leaving factories or distribution centers are identified by RFID readers, data is collected wirelessly and shared with computer systems.
To advance this, three new Java-supported products are being introduced. This includes WebSphere remote server, a premises server, and an embedded-device application. Ann Breidenbach, director of strategy, IBM sensor and actuator solutions, said, "This is all about extending IT capabilities to the edge of the enterprise." Enterprises' distributed satellites now have a way to integrate with a centralized location.
The embedded RFID application will be used in "smart" readers that not only can read the information on a tag, but also can execute business processes, significantly increasing their functionality, said Breidenbach. In addition, the premises server acts as a collection point for all the data collected by the various RFID devices in use.
Breidenbach said, "These can now operate on a single platform that is integrated with the back-end system." The remote server lets businesses integrate current RFID devices, including new point-of-sale terminals and controllers with forthcoming products, such as PDA-type readers. The premises server and remote server are based on Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) and the device infrastructure is based on Java 2 Mobile (J2ME).
Yankee Group analyst Michael Dominy, said, "There is a divided opinion as to whether RFID should reside on the infrastructure layer or on the applications layer." Now IBM has a tool to bridge the gap between the technology and enterprise applications.
Recent mandates from the Department of Defense and the implementation of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act have spurred growth in the adoption of RFID systems outside of the retail industry as well.
