DALLAS, Tex. (April 26, 2005) — Ryder System Inc. has opened a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology test lab in its 192,000 square-foot, multi-client facility in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

Ryder will use the lab to test RFID vendor hardware and software, tag placement configuration on products, package design and the integration of RFID to warehouse management systems and transportation management systems. Initially Ryder is collaborating with Symbol Technologies, CMAC, Shipcom Wireless and Zebra to provide RFID testing.

RFID is a wireless data collection technology. It uses electronic tags to store product identification data and a wireless transmitter to capture the data on the tag. The technology works in conjunction with an organization’s IT infrastructure and provides suppliers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors with real-time product visibility, enhanced demand planning, reduced inventory and improved fill rates for cost savings and better service.

Ryder’s lab includes a high-speed racetrack loop conveyer that can reach variable speeds up to 600 feet per minute, a printer write station which creates an RFID tag, a write station which writes to the tag after it is applied to the case and a movable read station near the high-speed conveyer. Other equipment includes a pallet shrink wrap station with RFID read capability and a label printer capable of producing various sizes and designs.