iGPS RFID Global Asset Tracking Codes

01/10/07

Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world's first 100 percent RFID-tagged all-plastic pallet pool, announced that it is the first pallet pooling company to incorporate the EPC Global Reusable Asset Identifier (GRAI) on all of its pallets. The GRAI codes provide unique identification for each of iGPS's plastic pallets when read by RFID readers, allowing transparent, real-time tracking of every pallet through the supply chain.

iGPS made this announcement at the ProMat trade show, McCormick Center, Chicago (booth #5141).

With multiple imbedded RFID tags and visible barcodes in each unit, iGPS pallets are carefully engineered to ensure 100 percent readability, even when stored near concrete or carrying liquids, which can disrupt some RFID readers.

By using iGPS's proprietary iSUM (Intelligent Stock Use and Movements) software as its transaction management system, iGPS customers can coordinate information from RFID tags directly with their own supply chain systems, making iGPS the first pallet-pooling company to provide combined tracking and reporting in a single operation.

"User information for each transaction is stored automatically in the system for easy recall based on the GRAI number, eliminating disputes and misunderstandings over when product is shipped and received," said Bob Moore, CEO of iGPS, "It also streamlines the process for recalls, when they are necessary."

Xterprise Incorporated of Dallas, Texas, is supplying iGPS with the (EPC) RFID tags, using the recently released EPC Reusable Transport Item (RTI) standard tag data format, a 24-digit, 96-bit hexadecimal code. iSUM is constructed on the Xterprise TraX Asset Management (XAM) product. Xterprise is the RFID-solution provider to many of the world's most respected supply chains.

"iSUM is the first comprehensive software solution that enables manufacturers and shippers to visualize RFID read information and convert directly into pallet pool stock management and invoicing," said Dean Frew, Xterprise's president and CEO. "The largest global retailers require that each case of product carry an RFID tag. This software allows shippers to automatically generate notification of shipment and invoicing on arrival at the distribution center."

"When you rent a pallet from iGPS, iSUM technology keeps track of it," Moore added. "In other pallet rental pools, the pool operator makes the renter responsible for keeping track of each pallet and can even bill for lost inventory based only on their own records. Our pool is self-reconciling. RFID technology tracks each asset transparently in real time, so there will be no disputes or surprises at the end of the year."

iGPS is the only large-scale pallet supply service to provide RFID in every pallet to track shipments in real time, which reduces the logistical cost of shipping and allows companies to verify food and drug safety, as well as to address security issues. iGPS offers the ability to rent plastic pallets at competitive rates and avoid the ongoing expense of owning and maintaining traditional wood pallets.

About iGPS

Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., with operations in Dallas, Texas, iGPS (www.igps.net) is the first company to provide manufacturers and retailers with an RFID-tagged all-plastic pallet pool. Launched in March 2006, the company includes several pallet and supply-chain industry veterans led by Bob Moore, chief executive officer, and Rex Lowe, president.

About Xterprise

Xterprise Incorporated is a global provider of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled supply chain solutions for many of the world's most respected Fortune 500 supply chains. These include L'Oreal, Dial, ExxonMobil, TNT Express, Dairy Fresh, Toyota, iGPS, Dell, and others. Xterprise solutions bring together the best in process practices, enterprise supply chain systems integration and RFID technology to create value for its customers and stakeholders. Xterprise has pioneered RFID Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) applications and RFID data analytics. Founded in 2002 by CEO Dean Frew, Xterprise has deployments throughout North America, Asia and Europe, with global headquarters in Dallas, TX.