Press Release
Cisco-Eagle Joins
University of Arkansas RFID Research Center
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DALLAS, TX –
May 5, 2005 – Cisco-Eagle, Inc.: According to company president Steven
W. Strifler, Dallas-based Cisco-Eagle, Inc. has joined the University of
Arkansas' new RFID Research as a sponsoring member.
“The RFID center is a perfect fit for Cisco-Eagle,” said Strifler. “Since we
specialize in helping companies improve their order fulfillment and distribution
performance, it was a natural for us to get involved. It ties closely to our
customer’s needs. RFID is going to have a major impact on the supply chain.”
The University has created the first multidisciplinary, “supply chain in a box”
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) research center devoted to examining the
technology as used in retail settings, wireless, sensing contexts and beyond.
Cisco-Eagle, a leading national material handling systems integrator, designed
and implemented an RFID testing conveyor loop for the research center.
“Cisco-Eagle has been instrumental in helping us create an RFID testing and
research facility that is unsurpassed among universities,” said Dr. Bill
Hardgrave, Executive Director of the Information Technology Research Institute
at The Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas.
“Specifically, Cisco-Eagle provided the engineering expertise necessary to
establish a world-class conveyor system capable of replicating in a 90’ x 30’
space what one would normally find throughout a major distribution center,” said
Hardgrave. “We look forward to working closely with Cisco-Eagle in developing
RFID solutions for manufacturing and distribution environments.”
RFID research has intensified since Wal-Mart stores mandated that suppliers
implement the technology. The not-for-profit RFID center is designed to help
Wal-Mart suppliers select RFID equipment and systems. The center offers product
testing for a substantially lower cost than a for-profit laboratory.
The 7,800 square foot center has two dock doors, pallet rack, a forklift, a
Cisco-Eagle dual conveyor testing loop and swinging doors identical to those
installed between the back room and the sales floor at a Wal-Mart store. The
center contains the latest RFID technology, including tags, antennas, and
readers.
The RFID Research Center has attracted the support of 17 Sponsoring Members—a
group of retail, market and industry leaders, including Cisco-Eagle, Wal-Mart
Stores, Deloitte Consulting, Hytrol Conveyors, and others—to participate in the
research.
"We will be able to provide an independent service able to say what works and
what doesn't," said Dr. Hardgrave.
The center examines RFID technical issues and questions of public policy. It
provides testing and research services. It uses the testing environment to
further research RFID applications and to train students at the baccalaureate
and graduate levels.
The laboratory officially opens on June 10, 2005 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony
event and RFID forum.
For clarifications, questions, or
interview requests, contact
Scott Stone, (918)
622-9010.
