announced that Omnitrol has embedded IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center software into the OMNITROL Work-In-Process (WIP) appliance to create an EPC-based traceability and tracking solution for the manufacturing and logistics industries.

The OMNITROL WIP Appliance integrates all the data from the sensors, RFID readers, mobile handheld devices, and other shop floor equipment to improve monitoring of the supply-chain, inventory, manufacturing, shipping and delivery of products. The appliance helps manufacturers reduce costs and time to market by identifying production issues internally and throughout their supply chain.

IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center enhances the OMNITROL WIP appliance by allowing customers to share product movement information with trading partners using solutions that comply with GS1 EPCglobal's EPC Information Services (EPCIS) standard. EPCIS provides a data model for events including shipping and receiving of uniquely identified objects such as units, cases, and pallets. It also defines interfaces for capturing product movement data and for securely sharing that information with customers and suppliers. The IBM software includes an optional ePedigree feature that gives trading partners secure access to historical data on individual items across complex supply chains.

"Our relationship with IBM allows us to offer an EPC compliant solution that enables real-time collaboration across a manufacturer's global supply chain," said Ravi Rishy-Maharaj, vice president of business development for Omnitrol Networks. "IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center software, combined with our OMNITROL WIP appliance, substantially reduces the cost and complexity of the deployment of global track and trace solutions."

"IBM is expanding the solutions marketplace by signing OEM agreements that allow our partners to embed IBM software into their own solutions," said Daren Hanson, director of IBM OEM software sales. "Through this OEM agreement, Omnitrol has incorporated IBM software into its own product in order to rapidly deliver a solution that is targeted to its customers' needs. By teaming with IBM as a source of innovation, the company can bring its solution to market more quickly than if they were to develop a new solution from the ground up."