Feb 07, 2006This article was originally published by RFID Update.
February 7, 2006—The RFID unit of Japanese sensor manufacturer Omron this week announced the release of a "One Day" Compliance Package that the company says will allow suppliers under mandate from Wal-Mart, the US Department of Defense, and others to comply by RFID requirements quickly and affordably. RFID Update spoke with Bill Arnold, chief strategist for Omron RFID, about the new offering.
"We think companies should be aware that they can be compliant easily, quickly, and without spending a ton of money," said Arnold. The Omron package is a "one-price solution to address compliance requirements," he continued, noting that it can be deployed "out-of-the-box". Retailing for $20,000, the package includes an Omron RFID reader, an RFID printer from either Zebra or Printronix, an antenna and accompanying mounting stand, cables, tags, and indicator stack light. Packages purchased before March 31st will also include an additional 10,000 RFID labels free. The RFIDTagManager package from epcSolutions is the included software and comes pre-configured to work with hardware from a range of companies. In partnership with RFID4U and CompTIA, Omron will also offer RFID compliance and certification training starting in April.
Omron is a $5.5 billion corporation that in November announced its intention to capture North American RFID marketshare, committing $20 million through 2006 "as a first step". Omron CEO Hisao Sakuta appointed himself project leader, saying "RFID is an important, global initiative which requires a large investment. I believe RFID could be a major growth engine for the company." The company's focus will be inlays, readers, and antennas. Omron's background in sensors and control systems makes it particularly well-suited to offer superior technological product in those categories, according to Arnold.
Arnold characterized the one-day compliance package, which represents the first major product Omron RFID has released since the November investment announcement, as a "shot across the bow" of the industry. "This is to say, 'We are in this business, and we understand the pain some of the companies [under mandate] are in out there.'"
