Want to see RFID in action? One option is to book a flight to Milwaukee and then drive 30 minutes to Sussex, Wis., for a visit to the Star Alliance Center. That center is now open to visitors interested in watching its live RFID demonstrations, which include package RFID tagging and material handling via an automated conveyor/ palletization system. The biggest draw? An exhibit that demonstrates how to obtain high read rates from labels on cased goods whizzing down conveyors at 600 feet per minute.
The Star Alliance Center, sponsored jointly by Catalyst International, Babush Material Handling Systems and The Glennon Group, was constructed to demonstrate the convergence of RFID and material handling technologies. The three companies invested nearly $400,000 in the 3,200-squarefoot simulated distribution center.
Last month, the Star Alliance Center held an open house that attracted close to 200 attendees from across the country and Mexico. Although the testing facility was designed to help companies meet RFID mandates by retailers and government agencies like the Department of Defense, Chris Shult, president of Babush Material Handling Systems, notes that it will also demonstrate how RFID technology can be used to improve internal operations.
