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NOL Group and Sun Microsystems Launch RFID Test Centre in Singapore Advanced technology facility a first for Southeast AsiaSingapore, July 22, 2005: – Leading global transportation and logistics company, NOL, today launched an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) test centre in Singapore focused on helping companies drive the benefits of this revolutionary technology in their supply chains. Developed in partnership with Sun Microsystems, with support from Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), the S$2.7 million NOL-Sun Advanced Technology Centre features the latest testing facilities for evaluating RFID technologies and applications in a ‘live’ supply-chain environment. The Centre was officially launched by Singapore’s Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, Dr. Lee Boon Yang. It is the first RFID facility of its type in Southeast Asia – providing a full range of packaging and tag testing, compliance and integration services, along with training and entry-level ‘tag and ship’ solutions for customers wanting an immediate RFID solution. NOL Group CEO, David Lim, said the Centre would add new capability to the group’s core portfolio of logistics and container transportation services, providing immediate value for customers implementing RFID in their businesses. “The potential for RFID to fundamentally change the way we manage supply chains is now beginning to be realised,” he said. “More and more of the world’s largest shippers and retailers require their suppliers to be RFID compliant. As a result, we’re seeing an increasing interest in this technology. “The focus has moved from the costs and technical challenges to the value of RFID, and how companies can implement this technology to enhance their corporate earnings. This is at the heart of our partnership with Sun – working alongside our customers to help them drive the benefits of RFID in their supply chains,” David Lim said. NOL Group CIO Cindy Stoddard said the Centre provided a cost-effective and vendor-neutral platform for companies wanting to test different technologies and pilot solutions without having to invest in high-cost infrastructure. Speaking at the launch, Ms Stoddard said there had already been strong interest and commitments to using the Centre from companies in Asia wanting to explore RFID solutions with a minimum of investment risk. “The RFID world is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one product in one set-up may not work for another. This is the place where we can eliminate the wrong answers and develop and prove the right ones,” she said Ms Stoddard said the realistic warehouse environment at the Centre could simulate the key segments in the logistics process, and test information capture and supply-chain visibility at each stage using the latest RFID hardware and software. She said NOL chose to partner with Sun Microsystems in this Test Centre in Singapore because of their domain expertise in RFID and IT systems. Sun Microsystems, President Asia South, Lionel Lim, said, “Sun is a partnership-driven company. We believe in innovating with industry leaders to produce best-of-breed solutions that address practical business issues. “Our partnership with NOL creates a perfect showcase for customers to learn from a global transportation company and a world leader in network computing. Customers will understand how to converge operational efficiencies and IT advancements to effectively implement RFID technologies. This will help drive their businesses to greater success.” Sun Microsystems, Senior Vice President, Client Solutions Delivery, Alan Wilson, said, “RFID is viewed by Sun as a ‘disruptive’ technology – that revolutionises the network and the way companies do business.” Mr Wilson said Sun was a sponsor and active contributor to the industry standards organisation, EPCglobal, helping chair various working groups. “Sun has already gained a leadership role in the RFID space through our innovative RFID Test Centre in Dallas, Texas. By sharing our thoughts, experience and expertise in RFID, we strive to enable industry growth while learning and leveraging on one another’s expertise,” he said. Commenting on the development and the importance of RFID to Singapore, Chan Yeng Kit, Chief Executive Officer, Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) said, "RFID is an important engine of growth for our infocomm industry, and IDA works with the various industry partners to promote the success of RFID development and implementation in Singapore. “Since last year, more than S$30million has been committed by companies for RFID development. The NOL-SUN Advanced Technology Centre is a significant milestone in Singapore’s development to become a world-class RFID hub. “Besides helping to position Singapore as a leading RFID infrastructure provider, it also enhances our competitiveness as a global integrated logistics hub through its value added RFID testing and compliance services," Mr Chan said. The services provided by the NOL-Sun Advanced Technology Centre include: item/carton/pallet tag selection; tag/antenna placement and orientation testing; read/write reliability and interoperability testing; EPC/customer compliance testing; ERP/WMS integration testing; solution prototyping; site surveys; tagging services; and hands-on RFID training. About NOL About Sun Microsystems Media Enquiries Kelly Long |
