Click Reply™ Suite enhanced with the RFID Layer

04 April 2005

Click Reply™, Reply’s solution for Supply Chain Execution, has been enhanced with the addition of a new proprietary module, the RFID Layer, making it easier to integrate and control a wide range of TAG reading and writing devices based on RFID technology.

An Event Handler, Task Manager, Monitor and Field Interface make up the four main parts of the new module. The Event Handler manages the collection and dispatching of events, the Task Manager handles operations, activating and controlling the integrated transactional systems, while the Monitor manages exceptions and alarms, and the Field Interface provides an option for hooking up different TAG readers and takes care of data "cleaning".

The RFID architecture is service-oriented and based on open standards, allowing for the easy integration of ERP, SCE and MES systems.

The RFID Layer is already being used by a large international Group in the bio-medical field. The client needed to standardize, automate and centralize operations to manage the leasing of equipment to hospitals and nursing homes. Particularly, they had to ensure that the life cycle and use made of each piece of equipment was tracked, and the equipment inspections and hygiene controls were certified guaranteeing a high level of service, total safety, efficiency and speed.

Reply developed a system of value added logistics by equipping each product with a different type of TAG according to the process which it has to go through. The TAG memory includes the product code, identifying serial number and room for additional information (e.g. revision number or product version). The continual monitoring of the system reduces the risk of errors and the integration of the Customer Relationship Management application means that real-time, updated information about stock availability is also possible.

"The integration of the RFID Layer - says Domenico Piantelli, Senior Partner at Reply - is a step forwards as regards the combined employment of wireless and mobile technologies for managing and controlling supply chains, making the TAG RFID information applied to products, cases, pallets or containers available in real-time. The end result will be measurable by significant gains in overall efficiency, a reduction in costs and the ability to provide services with higher added value".