Symbol is initially focussing on strategic applications within the retail supply chain, where RFID is harnessed as a core component to allow retailers to more efficiently track consignments and items from manufacturers, through distribution channels to the retail store. Other opportunities that Symbol and its partners are already pursuing include military logistics, parcel and postal service logistics, transportation fleet management and corporate asset control. During the past 12 months Symbol has performed detailed technical appraisals of RFID technologies and products, including Gemplus, Philips and Texas Instruments, which have all recently brought new products to market operating in the 13.56MHz ISM band.
Symbol is a leading participant in international standardization activities.
Symbol is also establishing key supplier relationships to address logistics and other applications requiring performance beyond the capabilities of 13.56MHz technology. Symbol and Zebra will cooperate to deliver complementary products. The potential power of RFID is only maximized when the technology is combined with 1D and 2D bar codes, hand-held computers and wireless networks to form integrated platforms and application solutions. Other companies are developing narrowly focused technology solutions or backing single technology providers. Symbol is uniquely positioned to offer complete technology solutions based on our core competencies of 1D and 2D laser bar code scanning, mobile computing and wireless local area networking and our global network of business partners and services professionals.