By Tony Repaci
Imagine a mobile RFID system capable of providing powerful real-time location information and RFID tracking capabilities throughout the real-world environment of a warehouse. That’s the vision of Cisco Systems and RedPrairie, who have joined Intermec and Cascade, the world’s largest manufacturer of forklift attachments, to create a concept for a forklift that will build RFID and real-time location capabilities right into the equip-
ment of the future.
 In the emerging world of RFID-enabled inventory tracking, the forklift can become a powerful supply chain information tool. The prototype forklift of the future incorporates RFID technology built into the forklift’s infrastructure, replacing today’s cumbersome and inefficient bolt-on approach to data collection.
Through its use of RFID technology, the forklift of the future can identify and track products onboard the forklift from loading to unloading, and experience improvements in picking and shipping accuracy, enhanced productivity and better vehicle utilisation.
The forklift of the future features Cisco’s wireless location appliance and RedPrairie’s open mobile resource management software integrated with the forklift RFID reading system developed by Intermec and Cascade. With the complete system, drivers can conveniently read and encode RFID tags without leaving the vehicle, and managers can get real-time data on vehicle locations and activity that can be used to manage labour and assets more efficiently.
As one of the advanced service elements of the Cisco unified wireless network, the Cisco wireless location appliance provides location tracking for devices on a Cisco 802.11 wireless network. With the RedPrairie software, it can be used to provide the X, Y coordinates of an RFID-enabled forklift, report movements, monitor dwell time and collect other data useful for security, employee performance auditing, maintenance and asset management applications.
RedPrairie’s mobile resource management software complements the wireless location appliance by providing advanced data processing and interface capabilities. It can be used with legacy software systems, including leading warehouse management, yard management, labour planning and asset management applications. The software provides new layers of information about picking and put-away processes, workforce performance management, and asset utilisation that can be used to optimise processes and facilities.
 The complete system provides the ruggedness, reliability and reading performance that forklift drivers need to use RFID conveniently, and gives management the ability to deploy resources efficiently. Each part of the system was developed and integrated specifically to meet the physical and wireless challenges found in industrial environments.
Forklifts envisioned by the group incorporate powerful dashboard computers positioned for maximum safety and efficiency, easy-to-reach RFID controls assimilated into the lift’s control mechanisms, wireless real-time location tracking, navigational LEDs for optimal routing, and easy-to-adjust RFID readers designed into the frame of forklift attachments for flexible and accurate use with a wide range of goods and supplies. The concept system, designed specifically for the rugged environment of daily warehouse use, also engineers in a sophisticated cable management system, state-of-the-art wireless scanning capabilities and a built-in camera for cargo documentation.
Tony Repaci is the Australia and New Zealand managing director of Intermec Technologies, a global company that develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems.
For further information, visit www.intermec.com.au
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