UHF RFID Printer/Encoder meets European specifications.
Press Release Summary:
Model R4Mplus features integrated support for ISO 18000-6B and Philips U-Code 1.19 transponders. It is configured to support European specifications and regulatory requirements and can operate at 100% duty cycle relative to encoding tags. Unit supports emerging protocols via firmware upgrades, and by offering XML-enabled printing, it can integrate with ERP applications. Native support for UNICODE enables printer/encoder to output most leading languages.Original Press Release:
Zebra First to Ship RFID Printer/Encoders for Overseas Compliance
Zebra Technologies Now Shipping First High Performance UHF RFID Printer/Encoders Specifically Designed for European RFID Specifications and Frequencies
R4Mplus printer/encoder uniquely designed to provide European major retailer suppliers with RFID tag encoding and printing capabilities that meet case and pallet tagging requirements now and into the future.
Vernon Hills, Ill., May 18, 2005-Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, and a pioneer in the targeted adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) for global business, today announced it has begun shipping its R4Mplus UHF RFID printer/encoder with fully integrated support for ISO 18000-6B and Philips U-Code 1.19 transponders. Built upon Zebra's proven Z4Mplus platform, the R4Mplus has been uniquely configured to support European specifications and regulatory requirements and can operate at 100 percent duty cycle relative to encoding tags, unlike many other RFID offerings on the market today. The R4Mplus can also support new, emerging protocols via firmware upgrades, including the forthcoming EPC Gen 2 protocols, offering investment protection as RFID standards evolve.
In addition, by offering XML-enabled printing, the R4Mplus supports easier integration with ERP applications, such as SAP and Oracle. "The R4Mplus offers an immediate, low-risk and cost-effective solution for suppliers racing to conduct RFID pilot tests and for meeting RFID compliance mandates issued by the major retailers in Europe, such as Metro," said Bob Cornick, Zebra's vice president and general manager of RFID.
With a wide range of connectivity options and robust printer-management software, the R4Mplus is designed to run smoothly from day-one of implementation. And, native support for UNICODE enables the R4Mplus to output most of the world's leading languages without modifications - an important advantage for organizations with global supply chains. The R4Mplus is also upgradeable to support future Gen 2 RFID protocols as new and updated standards evolve, offering investment protection as needs change.
As a member of Metro's Store of the Future Initiative, Zebra is staying at the forefront of developments in RFID "smart label" technology, standards and applications for supply chain and business improvement programs designed to help suppliers meet the RFID compliance labeling requirements as they take effect throughout 2005 and the coming years. The R4Mplus was featured recently at ECR Retail Show in Paris and at SAP's Sapphire event in Copenhagen.
"The top suppliers to the big European retailers will need to comply with the new RFID initiatives that these organizations have set forth for case and pallet labeling," said Bernard Williams, European business development manager for RFID at Zebra. "Zebra's objective is to provide a printer/encoder that provides the features to best enable them to meet this goal." As a pioneer and leader in RFID printing/encoding technologies, Zebra has been researching and developing RFID technologies for more than eight years and was the first company to produce an integrated, on-demand RFID printer/encoder nearly four years ago.
Zebra's R4Mplus is ideal for use in a wide range of manufacturing and supply chain applications, including logistics, shipping and receiving, and distribution. The R4Mplus is the latest in a wide range of RFID printer/encoders to support applications not only in supply chain management but also in health care and life sciences, express parcel, entertainment and asset management. The R4Mplus is available - along with smart media tailored for specific applications - from a network of suppliers across Europe that can provide both products and services to assist companies in their RFID implementations. Interested European companies can call +44 (0)1494 472872.
For more information on RFID and Zebra's high performance solutions, please visit Zebra's website at www.rfid.zebra.com.
About Zebra Technologies
Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The Company has sold over four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies. Information about Zebra bar code and RFID products can be found at www.zebra.com.
