Tagsys develops item-level RFID smart shelf and smart dispenser

Tagsys, the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure, has announced that it has developed two new item-level RFID reader based devices that are targeted at improving inventory management for the pharmaceutical, retail, library and industry laundry sectors.

The Smart Shelf and Smart Dispenser provides users with an accurate reading of all tagged items and enables real-time insight into inventory at any given time. New advancements in the shelf and dispenser were developed in Tagsys’ labs and feature a high degree of reliability, accuracy, security and usability.

‘Solving the pain point of inventory management is the Holy Grail of the real-time supply chain,’ said Elie Simon, CEO of TAGSYS. ‘These latest developments out of our labs moves the RFID industry forward in its ability to deliver customer centric and usable solutions designed for the specific industry needs.’

The Smart Shelf simulates the 3D tunnel reader approach on a static standard shelf. The shelf is designed to read any tag that is placed on its surface. Previous designs of RFID shelves have required tags to be perpendicular to the antenna. The new Smart Shelf is designed to provide accurate readings regardless of the orientation of the tag. The Smart Shelf is highly sought after by libraries to help manage high volumes of books and other media, the pharmaceutical industry, where RIFD tagged bottles can be tracked and monitored, high-end jewelry stores, and retail, where inventory of items like DVDs and CDs can be monitored to ensure availability during peak seasons of demand.

The Smart Dispenser provides a volume based approach to reading the items in the dispenser. A typical dispenser could be a drawer or cabinet used to dispense items to authorized individuals. The items can be placed in any order or orientation in the dispenser. The new design reads the items in the dispenser when the drawer is opened and again when it is closed. The items that are removed are identified through the difference between reads.

One user example of the Smart Dispenser is the management of hospital garments used by medical staff. To help hospitals manage hygiene and sterilization requirements, the Smart Dispenser can dispense the appropriate attire to the staff, (e.g. size, number of previous washes, etc.), and also monitor inventory and how that inventory is being managed.

The Smart Shelf and Smart Dispenser technology and prototypes are available for evaluation with deployment expected in Q3 and Q4 of 2006.