Press Release

GAINS is RFID Enabled to Support the Next Generation of Supply Chain Improvements

Melbourne, 28 January 2004

GAINSystems and Savi Technology Partner to Deliver Powerful Tools for Real-Time Inventory Optimisation.

GRA’s U.S. partner company GAINSystems and Savi Technology, a leading RFID provider, have jointly developed an application that dynamically optimises the utilisation of supply chain assets.

This is achieved through the seamless integration of advanced planning functionality and real-time data captured through RFID technologies.

“The goal is to know where everything is in the supply chain and where it will be needed, so you can manage inventory much more effectively. Through the integration of real-time data captured by RFID and other automatic-identification technologies, including bar codes, the extension dynamically optimises the inventory and utilisation of supply chain assets. In addition, analytical tools help customers optimise their asset inventory by using the forecasting capabilities in conjunction with Savi’s real-time container-tracking RFID systems”, says Savi’s Director of Business Development, David Shannon.

Savi and GAINSystems expect the greatest value of their solution will be realised by asset-intensive companies, with large and complex supply chains, in industries such as Consumer Products, Aerospace, Electronics, Healthcare, Transportation and Distribution, Service Parts, Manufacturing and MRO [Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul] Operations.

Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] has emerged as the next important technology in effective supply chain management. Since the U.S. Department of Defence – the largest supply chain in the world – decreed that all of its suppliers must incorporate the technology by 2005, RFID has become – and will continue to be – big business [see graph following].

“This partnership means that GRA can provide a proven planning and optimisation system coupled with a leading RFID platform that has been rigorously tested” says Carter McNabb, GRA General Manager. “By way of example, the U.S. Department of Defence already uses Savi’s RFID technology. So now you have a system that plans what’s required, executes the plan and tracks what’s happening in real time. When Australia begins adopting RFID, we’ll be in a unique position to provide a proven, tested solution.”

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About GRA
GRA is an expert supply chain consulting firm specialising in demand, inventory and supply chain optimisation. We combine expert knowledge with best-of-breed planning and optimisation systems to take your supply chain to the next level. Our experience is your experience, and we work side-by-side with our clients to ensure change is successful and benefits are sustainable. Guaranteed results are typically delivered within 8-12 weeks, and we aim for a minimum 3:1 ROI.

For Further Information
GRA
For further information refer to the RFID Journal article
following or contact Carter McNabb at GRA on
[03] 9421 4611 or email cmcnabb@gra.net.au.

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GRA / GAINS RFID Press Release