Pulling RFID out of the Freezer

January 11, 2006 (PRLEAP.COM) Technology News
Montreal, Quebec

Ship2Save has provided Atlas Cold Storage with a RFID system specifically developed to enable this premier Cold Storage Third Party Logistics’ provider to offer RFID services to its customers across North America.

Hugh Cope, Chief Information Officer at Atlas Cold Storage: “Atlas recognizes that this is an important emerging technology that many of our customers are going to need to supply products to many of the largest retailers in North America. Applying RFID technology in a harsh environment such as our frozen warehouses has its challenges and we are pleased that we can now offer this critical value added service to our customers.”

Sam Falsafi, Director of RFID Business Development & RFID Strategy at Ship2Save adds: “Bringing RFID into the cold storage environment was a challenging task. Extreme temperature variations, humidity, condensation, and an abundance of other factors provided for daunting tasks. But we’re pleased to say that the cooperative work between the team at Atlas [Cold Storage] and our engineers has lead to an extremely successful RFID project.”

The first implementation at Atlas’ Sikeston, Missouri facility was driven by a request from one of Atlas’ largest ice cream customers to service Wal-Mart’s Texas D.C.’s. Atlas is currently working with another customer on a second RFID implementation in the Midwest and has more planned for the future as demand develops.

“It is interesting to see the ripple effect of the mass-merchandiser mandates and how it has enabled innovative companies such as Atlas to provide RFID services. It is also interesting to see how this ripple is enabling more and more manufacturers to adopt RFID.” says Falsafi.

The continued implementation of RFID Systems across the supply-chain is facilitating the use of more open-looped systems. These systems allow cooperation and data sharing amongst trading partners providing supply-chain visibility and improvements in supply-chain processes. The commitment to this technology by 3PL companies such as Atlas Cold Storage will encourage further RFID adoption amongst their customer base, and in turn pave the way for more open-looped RFID systems.

About Ship2Save
Ship2Save is one of the industry leaders in cost effective RFID Solutions and is a founding member of the Canadian Microsoft RFID Council, a member of the Microsoft Global RFID Council, and a member of Texas Instruments Tag-It Team. Ship2Save's unique product lines, flexible and proficient software, business development models, and distinctive deployment services, offer customers cost effective and high quality solutions for their logistic needs. www.ship2save.com

About Atlas Cold Storage
Atlas Cold Storage is an integral part of the North American frozen and chilled food industry’s supply chain, providing warehousing, distribution and logistics services. Through an integrated network of 55 facilities, Atlas Cold Storage provides a broad range of temperature-controlled storage, transportation and third party logistics management services.

Atlas Cold Storage is a publicly traded income trust that operates one of the largest public temperature controlled warehouse networks in North America and the largest network in Canada. Atlas Cold Storage Income Trust units are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under FZR.UN. Atlas’ web site is www.atlascold.com.

For additional information please contact John LeNeveu, Sr. Vice President, Sales and Marketing at jleneveu@atlascold.com or visit the Atlas website at www.atlascold.com.