OATSystems’ Customer Hewlett-Packard Named to InfoWorld 100 for RFID-enabled Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management

HP Uses RFID to Reduce Printer Inventory by 17 Percent

WALTHAM, Mass. – Nov. 14, 2007 – OATSystems today announced that its customer Hewlett-Packard (HP) has been named to the InfoWorld 100, an annual award that honors IT projects that demonstrate the most creative use of cutting-edge technologies to further business goals. HP was recognized for its innovative use of RFID to track individual printers through the manufacturing process.

HP tracks its printers using OATSystems’ Asset Tracking Solution integrated with existing SAP and Baan ERP systems as well as HP’s proprietary manufacturing execution system. The system tracks each printer from its origin on the assembly line through critical transition points to its eventual outbound shipment. HP also uses the system to create product “DNA,” storing unique information on the RFID tag for each printer. By saving information such as install-by dates and testing results, HP tracks and identifies printers returned for repairs under warranty. Having a full record of the printer’s history has enabled HP to improve its repair service and allowed it to return printers to customers much more efficiently.

HP estimates that RFID-enabling its printer manufacturing operations has reduced the company’s printer inventory by 17 percent by increasing visibility into the location of its products. The company has also been able to detect potential shipment and delivery errors, leading to a near-perfect order rate. This was accomplished through the integration of OAT’s solution with several of HP’s existing systems, with little or no disruption to HP’s manufacturing and distribution operations.

“We are pleased that HP is being recognized by InfoWorld for its success with our RFID solutions,” said Michael George, CEO of OATSystems. “HP is one of a growing number of OAT customers that have integrated asset tracking solutions with their legacy systems to deliver a high level of precision into their manufacturing operations. As a result, they are seeing significant improvements in operating efficiency, accuracy, and bottom-line performance.”

To be considered for the InfoWorld 100, projects must stretch beyond the typical, off-the-shelf solution, and must use multiple technologies in innovative ways to serve well-defined business goals. “Whether ushering legacy systems into the agile era or revolutionizing how their companies leverage technology to meaningful ends, this year's winners are both inspiration and proof that striking a new path in IT can reap deep organizational rewards,” said InfoWorld Senior Editor Jason Snyder.

About InfoWorld Media Group
InfoWorld Media Group helps IT solutions management choose the right technology, within the context of a cohesive strategy, for business impact at their organizations. Rather than merely covering the enterprise technology market, InfoWorld identifies and promotes emerging technology segments that add unique value for the organizations that implement them, as well as the vendors that provide those solutions. Using an integrated communications approach including online, events, research, and a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide both hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products. Visit InfoWorld at www.infoworld.com.

About OATSystems, Inc.
OATSystems, Inc. is the recognized RFID solution leader with software that empowers businesses to achieve competitive advantage and ROI from radio-frequency identification (RFID) enabled applications. As a pioneer in developing RFID technology, OAT has been setting the standards in RFID for over half a decade and is responsible for industry firsts that include the largest scale and largest scope of deployments, as well as the most innovative approaches to providing enterprise-wide RFID solutions. OAT’s multinational client base consists of nearly 100 customers in retail, CPG, consumer electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense. OAT is headquartered in Waltham, MA, and has a development office in Bangalore and various direct sales offices and resellers around the globe. To learn more about the company’s latest developments, visit the website at www.oatsystems.com.

CONTACT:                         
George Cohen (for OATSystems)            
George Cohen Communications       
(617) 325-0011                           
[email protected]