 Micronetics RFID solution |
A major retailer has ordered 200 forklift-mounted radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna sensor systems from Micronetics Inc. for more than USD750,000. About 7% of the unidentified retailer's total locations will get the systems, part of a purchase agreement with an option for an eventual roll-out across the entire chain.
The same customer has used 20 earlier models in trials and now will get the latest version as Micronetics moves toward initial low-rate production of the sensor systems.
The RFID antenna sensor system interfaces with the retailer's warehouse management system, streamlines material movement and increases throughput.
"Our system is designed to be compatible with some (Crown or Raymond) models," says Kevin Beals, president of Hudson-based Micronetics.
"We worked with those (forklift) OEMs to customise the load back rest from mechanical and electrical perspectives."
Development of sensor systems for other forklift models and including other manufacturer brands is contemplated and "will come as needed," Beals reports.
"We believe that receiving this (retailer) order validates to us the robustness of our forklift antenna sensor system," notes Dave Robbins, Micronetics chief executive officer.
Micronetics acquired the pedestal- and forklift-mounted RFID product line on 18 March from M/A-COM RFID Inc of Lowell, Massachusetts, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Cobham plc of Winborne Minster, England, for USD400,000, according to the purchase agreement.
Development of the forklift-mounted system began in early 2008 under the previous ownership and included applications such as slotting pallets in a rack-configured warehouse, receiving, shipping and cross-docking. At that time, pursuit of a pick-use application was held back
(Forkliftaction.com News #385).
Improvements were made. "We had to do more work and refine it slightly to make it ready for prime time," Beals says. Now, "this system is a notch up." First-article testing occurred in early 2009.
The RFID Solutions Laboratory of Micronetics in Hudson manages production of the sensor systems using a variety of suppliers for components.
Micronetics makes microwave and radio frequency components and integrated subassemblies for defense, aerospace and commercial applications and also manufactures and designs test equipment and components for use with communications systems. Product lines include noise sources, noise generators, test equipment, attenuators, phase shifters, high power switches, high power limiters and subassemblies.
Publicly traded Micronetics employs 202 and reported a loss of USD9.6 million on sales of USD30.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31. A non-cash write-down of inventory primarily related to the uncertainty in today's commercial markets and a mix of revenue related to development contracts impacted Micronetics' fourth quarter results.