Intermec’s expertise in real-world RFID implementations, combined with its knowledge about building rugged handheld devices, is reflected in the Intermec IP4 RFID reader, an accessory handle for attachment to the popular Intermec 700 Series Color mobile computers. The Intermec IP4 RFID reader delivers first of its kind capability by combining the power of a handheld mobile computing device equipped with PAN, LAN and WAN radios as well as a multi-protocol RFID radio that can be used worldwide.

High performance mobile RFID solution

Users of the 700 Series Color mobile computers have posted productivity gains and enjoyed application flexibility enabled by the three radios – personal area (PAN) or Bluetooth®, local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) – as well as the area and linear imagers integrated into the handheld device. Combining those capabilities with the IP4 and the strength of the Microsoft® Pocket PC platform gives users a high performance mobile RFID solution. With an RFID radio that is software configurable, the IP4 can function in a multi-protocol environment that includes current ISO 18000-6b, EPC UHF Generation 2 (Gen 2) and ISO 18000-6c standards.

While unmanned RFID reader / data capture solutions are designed to eliminate human intervention and line of sight restrictions in data collection applications, there is always a need for exception-based scanning. The Intermec IP4 and 700 Series in tandem deliver a truly mobile RFID reader solution. It allows the user to take the technology to the work – whether it’s on the shop floor, the store floor or the receiving dock, whenever it’s more practical to bring the read/write device to the tagged object rather than moving tagged objects passed a fixed reader.

Update tag data on items during work-in-progress

The Intermec IP4 RFID reader allows users to take full advantage of the distributed mobile data carrier capability inherent in Gen 2 RFID and upcoming ISO 18000-6c RFID tags. With the Intermec IP4 RFID reader, data such as origin, destination, “use by” date, warranty, service or repair history can be easily updated on the tag and therefore always traveling with the tagged item. The mobility and convenient size of the Intermec IP4 RFID reader allows users to update tag data on items during work-in-process tasks without leaving their workstation.

Like all Intermec products, the durability and ergonomics required for rugged mobile computing are designed into every aspect of the Intermec IP4 RFID reader. The snap-on, high-impact plastic and magnesium trigger handle reader comes packaged with its own rechargeable battery pack for a full shift’s worth of work.

The Intermec IP4 RFID reader is ready for integration into supply chain management for retail operations, industrial manufacturing, and logistics applications.The Intermec IP4 RFID reader is available in the RFID UHF frequency band, and will not interfere with industry standard PAN, LAN or WAN transmissions occurring in the mobile data collection environment.