Symbol Technologies Introduces the Spectrum24® Real-Time Location System to Improve Inventory Management and Increase Asset Visibility

Product Collaboration Between Symbol and WhereNet Combines IEEE 802.11b and Differential Time of Arrival Technologies

Symbol Technologies, Inc. , a global leader in enterprise mobility solutions, today announced the availability of the , a wireless networking solution for integrated communications and asset location management.

The Symbol Spectrum24 RTL System, developed though a collaboration of Symbol with WhereNet Corp., combines proven and differential time of arrival (DTOA) technology to track assets within 10 feet. This capability enables improved asset management and customer service as items move more efficiently through the supply chain.

By applying the Symbol Spectrum24 RTL System in high-asset velocity operations such as , , , the costs associated with lost, over-utilized or misappropriated assets can be reduced, thereby leading to improved profitability.

"With this system a supermarket wholesale distributor, for example, can save hundreds of thousands of dollars associated with product spoilage and inefficient asset use at distribution facilities," said Ray Martino, general manager, network products, Symbol Technologies.

"As objects large and small move around distribution facilities, this new solution offers additional value to existing wireless network deployments because customers can use a single wireless network infrastructure for both traditional bar code-labeled tracking and emerging location applications," Martino added.

The Symbol Spectrum24 RTL System offers several measurable benefits for enterprise operations in manufacturing and transportation and logistics market segments. In manufacturing, this system can reduce inaccurate floor inventories, order-time-to-delivery and prevent costly assembly line stoppages due to unavailable inventories. In transportation and logistics, the system can help better track the movement of trucks and products at distribution warehouses, reducing late departures, lost trailers and/or cargo and spoiled goods.

The Symbol Spectrum24 RTL System combines DTOA location technology and IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) for real-time material tracking. When an asset is affixed with Spectrum24 RTL Tags, the system triggers an alert that the item has passed through a critical transition area, like a shipping dock door or storage facility. The information is then stored in the system for instant visibility to the precise whereabouts and the timing log of trailers, containers and other high-value assets.

When using the Spectrum24 call button, the Symbol Spectrum24 RTL System can serve as an inexpensive alternative to legacy-wired KANBAN systems for part replacement in manufacturing operations. The call button placed at a specific location on the assembly line can timely initiate a call for parts to prevent line shut down.

This new product and other Symbol mobility solutions are being demonstrated at the under way this week in Dallas.