SAP Introduces Packaged RFID Solution

Business software provider SAP AG wants to make it easier for businesses to bring radio frequency identification (RFID) to their supply-chain networks. To that end, the Walldorf, Germany-based firm has introduced a packaged RFID solution to help firms manage RFID data and automate RFID-enabled business processes. Available only to pilot customers currently, it will become more widely available in mid-2004, the company says. SAP's Java-based RFID solution packages SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure; Event Management, which is a component of mySAP Supply Chain Management; and Enterprise Portal, a component of SAP's NetWeaver integration and application platform. The RFID solution is based on SAP Web Application Server, which allows integration into both SAP and non-SAP IT environments, the software firm says. The solution can be integrated into existing IT environments via Auto-ID connectors for SAP R/3, version 4.6c or higher, and mySAP ERP. "By providing accurate, real-word, real-time data and information, the solution enables companies to close the loop between capturing data, converting it to meaningful information and automating all associated transactions and processes," says Claus Heinrich, SAP executive board member.