RFID Printers offer EPC compliance.
Press Release Summary:
Models CL408e and CL412e UHF RFID Printers utilize multi-protocol RFID read/write technology, which supports EPC Class 1, ISO18000, and EM Marin protocols. They can be upgraded as new standards and protocols are established for RFID tags such as EPC Class 1 Generation 2. Using ultra-high frequency chips embedded in labels, SAMSys module enables RFID printers to print label and program chip inside label simultaneously.
Original Press Release:
SATO America Announces the Industry's First, Complete Multi-protocol EPC-Compliant UHF RFID Solutions
CHARLOTTE, NC - March 1, 2004 - SATO America, Inc., a leader in barcode printing since introducing the first thermal transfer barcode printer in 1979, announced today the introduction of the industry's first, complete multi-protocol EPC-compliant RFID solutions service offerings for customer pilots and beta tests. SATO now delivers not just RFID printing solutions, but complete EPC-compliant RFID solutions including pre-planning consultation, on-site survey, pilot planning and implementation, and post-pilot consultation and customer service.
SATO also fully supports the Uniform Code Council's (UCC) Electronic Product Code (EPC) initiatives and the recent Wal-Mart mandate, requiring their Top 100 suppliers to embed RFID tags at the case and pallet level by 2005. The SATO EPC Class 1-compliant RFID printing solution is now running in the Wal-Mart RFID testing and development lab located in Bentonville, Arkansas.
The complete SATO RFID solutions include the new CL408e and CL412e UHF RFID printers, utilizing multi-protocol RFID read/write technology, which supports EPC Class 1, ISO18000, and EM Marin protocols, (more popular in Europe). Also, the CL408e and CL412e RFID printers can be easily upgraded as new standards and protocols are established for new generations of RFID tags such as EPC Class 1 Generation 2. Utilizing multi-frequency technology compliant with FCC (902-928 MHz), ETSI - Europe (868 MHz), SATO's CL408e and CL412e RFID printers are designed to ensure compatibility today, and as new RFID tags and protocols evolve tomorrow.
To support SATO's complete solution offerings, it has established an alliance with SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), an international provider of RFID hardware solutions, to manufacture RFID readers for SATO's RFID printers. With SAMSys, SATO will provide users a convenient way to produce RFID labels and tags.
Mike Fowler, President of SATO America states, "We believe that Solutions and Agility are the main focus of the RFID business. RFID demands a comprehensive offering of media, hardware, software, and technical expertise to bring it all together, as a solution. With evolving standards and protocols on a global scale, RFID solutions need to have a future upgrade path at a minimal cost with no disruption to business. Our SATO RFID Solutions are designed to evolve with new technology."
Using ultra-high frequency (UHF) chips embedded in the labels, the custom SAMSys module enables SATO RFID printers to print the label and program the chip inside the label simultaneously. These RFID enabled "smart labels" can be read even if the label is not in the line of sight of the reader, allowing reading operations to be done automatically, reducing labor costs and improving accuracy.
Additionally, the information encoded onto many smart labels can be changed during their lifetime, eliminating the need to remove and re-label items. The SATO printers with RFID capability are designed for many applications, including anti-theft, asset tracking, supply chain logistics, baggage tags, and factory automation.
Since 1979, SATO America has been leading the way in barcode printing solutions and now, in complete, UHF RFID system solutions...from printing a product smart label to tracking product at the dock door and conveyor systems.
About SATO America
SATO America offers innovative printing products that are convenient, reliable, cost-effective and easy to use, which enable users to recognize new ways to track their products and assets. SATO America, Inc. has been manufacturing industrial barcode printers for over two decades, delivering rugged dependability and reliable performance. The complete SATO product line includes direct thermal and thermal transfer printers, OEM print engines, printer accessories, label design software, labels and thermal transfer ribbons. SATO is a public listed company in Japan and has worldwide offices in United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. SATO reported revenues of US$445 million in 2002. SATO stock is traded on first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange. More information can be found at www.satoamerica.com.
About SAMSys Technologies Inc.
SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services designed to evaluate and recommend optimal RFID solutions to enhance existing business process. SAMSys offers a family of products to simplify the installation and ensure the ongoing performance of the overall RFID hardware infrastructure. SAMSys is a public company whose shares are listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol: "SMY". The Company has a total of 44.3 million shares outstanding. Visit SAMSys at: samsys.com and www.investorfile.com.
