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The athletic and sporting goods company Russell Activewear is to deploy an RFID mandate compliance solution provided by The Danby Group (a supply chain systems integrator) with partner Franwell (an RFID software solutions provider).

Provided by The Danby Group, Russell will be using Franwell's RFID-Genesis solution which was developed on GlobeRanger's iMotion Edgeware platform. The Danby Group had been working with Russell, a Wal-Mart Top 100 supplier, to upgrade existing barcode technology within its distribution centres when the retail mandates for RFID from Wal-Mart were announced. Russell decided to deploy RFID technology in conjunction with its barcode project in order to meet the mandate, as well as to build an integrated barcode and RFID technology foundation for future deployment.

The initial phase of implementation includes setting up compliance stations where RFID labels with specific SKUs are printed and applied to the cases and pallets going to designated Wal-Mart distribution centres. The RFID-Genesis solution will be integrated with hardware provided by The Danby Group, including Printronix SL5204e printer/encoders, stationary and mobile RFID readers, and tags.

After the initial retail compliance requirements have been met, Russell also plans to evaluate other areas of its business for process improvements, such as deploying RFID technology within its international operations.

"Deploying Franwell's software gives us the ability to print and validate both RFID and barcode information on one label, saving time and money while meeting mandate requirements," said Russ Brown, IS director for Russell Activewear. "RFID-Genesis is integrated completely with our backend warehouse management system, making the whole process seamless."

For additional information:
·  Visit The Danby Group at http://www.danbygroup.com
·  Visit Franwell at http://www.franwell.com
·  Visit GlobeRanger at http://www.globeranger.com
·  Visit Russell Corp. at http://www.russellcorp.com

Sources: GlobeRanger; The Danby Group; Franwell