Data capture solution offers RFID alternative

An instantly-applicable and cost-effective alternative to RFID technology will be unveiled at the RetailSystems 2005 Expo next week. ImageID, the company behind the Visidot system, argues that manufacturers and suppliers need a cost-effective data capture solution that works now.

An instantly-applicable and cost-effective alternative to RFID technology will be unveiled at the RetailSystems 2005 Expo next week. ImageID, the company behind the Visidot system, argues that manufacturers and suppliers need a cost-effective data capture solution that works now. Current difficulties in deploying RFID (radio frequency identification) technology mean that some suppliers are experiencing a visibility gap within their supply chain. Indeed, although RFID technology, which hooks miniature antennas up to tiny computer chips smaller than a grain of sand to track items at a distance, is being seen as the best means of ensuring traceability of goods throughout the supply chain, affordability has become a key concern. Many suppliers, obliged to install RFID technology because of regulatory pressure and retail mandates, are worried that the cost the technology is still prohibitive. At a recent Softworld Supply Chain event, experts argued that worries over cost implications are still hindering the adoption of RFID technology amongst many organisations. ImageID is therefore using RetailSystems 2005 to launch its newest version of the Visidot multiple-asset data capture solution.