METRO Group Goes Live with Intermec Gen 2 RFID Technology.EVERETT, Wash. -- METRO Group, one of the world's largest retailers, has gone live with Intermec Inc. Gen 2 RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) A data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data. The tag, also known as an "electronic label," "transponder" or "code plate," is made up of an RFID chip attached to an antenna. (radio frequency identification See RFID. ) technology in its Cash & Carry wholesale stores throughout Germany. As of the first of April, METRO suppliers have been able to ship tagged pallets with Gen 2 RFID technology. Metro Cash & Carry, the market leader in self-service wholesale, is using a new Gen 2 RFID infrastructure that includes Intermec's Gen 2 IF5 UHF (Ultra High Frequency) The range of electromagnetic frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. In the U.S., analog television has used UHF channels 52 to 69 in the 700 MHz band. RFID reader A transmitter/receiver that reads the contents of RFID tags in the vicinity. Also called an "RFID interrogator." The maximum distance between the reader's antenna and the tag vary, depending on application. coupled with IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) middleware. The Intermec RFID Gen 2 technology deployed in METRO Group's Cash & Carry stores creates a platform on which to build interoperable RFID products and systems that will effectively track and trace pallets to ultimately improve inventory management. The Gen 2 RFID partnership builds on Intermec's existing relationship with METRO Group, including Intermec's successful participation in the company's Future Store Initiative and the Intermec UHF RFID inventory tracking systems deployed for the METRO Group RFID Innovation Centre. In an update of the existing Gen 1 RFID infrastructure at Metro Cash & Carry, Intermec's IF5 RFID reader/writer was chosen not only for its capacity to successfully track and trace pallets, but also for its ability to read mixed-mode tags. The IF5 RFID reader is able to collect information from both Gen 1 and Gen 2 RFID tags and as such is ideally suited for applications in environments where there may be mixed tags. The ability of Intermec's Gen 2 RFID technology to track and trace pallets at Metro Cash & Carry is only the first step in the rollout of Gen 2 capabilities at METRO Group. Intermec and METRO Group are looking at building on their joint success to introduce case-level track and trace capabilities in the summer of 2006. "Generation 2 RFID is here now," said Dr. Gerd Wolfram wolfram: see tungsten. , managing director of MGI MGI Mouse Genome Informatics MGI Modular Gateway Interface MGI McKinsey Global Institute MGI Military Geographic Information MGI Marine Geological Institute MGI Policy on the Management of Government Information (Canada) METRO Group Information Technology GmbH. "Intermec has been a strategic partner in our roll out of RFID technology. The partnership with Intermec in creating a live Gen 2 RFID infrastructure at Metro Cash & Carry confirms both companies' commitment to pioneering usage of this new technology." About Intermec Intermec Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :IN) develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems, bar code printers and label media. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations. For more information about Intermec, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636. Contact Intermec Investor Relations Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. Director Kevin McCarty at kevin.mccarty@intermec.com, 425-265-2472. About METRO Group METRO Group is one of the most important international retailing companies. In 2005 the group reached sales of EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 55.7 billion according to preliminary figures. The company has a headcount of about 250,000 employees and operates more than 2,100 outlets in 30 countries. The operating business is performed by the sales brands, which operate independently in the market: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry -- world market leader in cash & carry wholesale, Real hypermarkets and Extra supermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn -- market leader in consumer electronics centers in Europe, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores. More information at: www.metrogroup.de. |
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