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Savi Technology Introduces New RFID-Enabled Software with Expanded Tool Set to Manage, Diagnose and Optimize Supply Chain Asset Utilization
[June 29, 2004]

Savi Technology Introduces New RFID-Enabled Software with Expanded Tool Set to Manage, Diagnose and Optimize Supply Chain Asset Utilization

SUNNYVALE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- June 29, 2004 -- Asset Management System 4.3 Enhances Performance of Cargo Containers and Real-Time Visibility of Items in-Transit or On-Site

Leveraging more than a decade of real-time, real-world supply chain technology expertise, Savi Technology today introduced Savi Asset Management System 4.3 (Savi AMS 4.3) -- the most complete software tool for optimizing management of the full asset lifecycle, in-transit visibility and security of assets such as rail cars, truck trailers, ocean containers, air cargo unit load devices, and pallets as well as valuable and highly mobile equipment. Savi AMS 4.3 applies to the management of assets whether in a yard setting or throughout the global supply chain, such as air and port facilities or truck and rail checkpoints.

Improved software tools, diagnostics and analytics for managing these conveyances -- the workhorses that move goods worldwide -- provide better supply chain service, operational efficiency, asset utilization and recovery of lost assets, while reducing costs, stock on hand and inventory, for asset owners, shippers, retailers and suppliers.

Savi Technology, founded in 1989 and builder of the world's largest RFID wireless cargo tracking system, is a leading provider of RFID networks for real-time supply chain visibility, asset management and security.


When uniquely linked via the Savi SmartChain(TM) Supply Network Operating System to all types of Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) devices, including active, passive and EPC-compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, the upgraded Savi AMS 4.3 also improves item-level visibility of the conveyance's contents as they're transported throughout the global supply chain. More software features also enable users to better manage assets throughout their entire lifecycle, from acquisition and maintenance scheduling to disposition.

"The real value of RFID is in the software that can truly transform real-time accurate raw data into operational information and process actions that generate business value," said Ravi Rajapakse, Savi's Chief Technology Officer. "This is easier said than done and requires software with the appropriate model of the objects and process in the operation being modeled and the right architecture, components and performance. Our latest generation of AMS provides new levels of investment returns for companies that have implemented asset optimization and tracking systems, including retailers and their suppliers needing distribution system visibility, remanufacturing and repair for automating Work-in-Progress, as well as asset management for cargo shipments across all links and utilizing all modes in the supply chain."

"For the past year, Envirotainer has used and integrated Savi Asset Management software into our own Operations System, which has enabled us to gain a competitive advantage in our marketplace," said Magnus Welander, CEO of Envirotainer AB, the world leader in providing temperature controlled air cargo solutions for sensitive products. "Savi AMS is a robust, feature-rich software that in combination with our own in-house developed order management system helps us to optimize the management of our assets, provide greater visibility of time-critical products, and enables us to give better service to our customers. We look forward to seeing even more upgrades and further integration of the Savi AMS software in our business processes, which already have improved the efficient utilization of our assets (air cargo Unit Load Devices), while achieving a greater return on assets and providing value-added information for our customers." Envirotainer's temperature-controlled ULDs are used worldwide to transport highly sensitive and valuable perishable goods such as pharmaceuticals, seafood, meat, produce, and semiconductors.

Focusing on performance improvements, Savi AMS 4.3, which is highly extensible, configurable and scalable, has a number of major new features, including:

-- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). New and enhanced KPIs provide perspectives on how the enterprise is responding to customer demand; asset utilization summaries; information on the time it takes from order to shipment and delivery, and, reports on cycle times, user activity, asset turns and asset utilization.

-- Forecasting. Integration of inventory optimization algorithms from GAINSystems supports real-time forecasting of inbound and outbound demand, enabling users to better plan and schedule based on historical trends, as well as optimally preposition asset inventory to meet expected demand.

-- The Management Console. This is a new system-wide tool with powerful utilities for system configuration and testing. The utilities include extensive logging control, activity testing, and performance monitoring.

-- General Trend Reports. These enable users to view trends such as user activities and processes from numerous perspectives, including by checkpoints, routes, zones, asset inventory, cycle times, turns and demand.

-- Low Battery Status Report. Self-detection capabilities within the SaviTags (600 series built on EchoPoint technology), alert users to times when the battery-powered devices are running low.

Upgrades to existing features improve management of assets, networks, processes, and customers, as well as inventory optimization.

In addition to Savi AMS 4.3, similarly significant upgrades continue to be made in Savi's Transportation Security System (TSS) software application, which provides real-time information on the location as well as security status of international shipments. When integrated with Savi's powerful SmartChain(TM) network platform, both AMS and TSS provide real-time visibility of RFID-tagged shipments most anywhere in the world.

Product enhancement drew from results in real-world operations the past two years from commercial customers such as Envirotainer AB, Woolworths UK, and a number of world-scale initiatives, including Smart and Secure Tradelanes, a global RFID-enabled security and information network at nearly 20 major sea ports, including in Singapore, Hong Kong and Yantian; and the STAR-Best project, involving government contributions from the United States and Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC), on an RFID-enabled secure trade lane between ports in Bangkok and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Many hundreds of cargo containers affixed with RFID sensor seals are managed by the SmartChain platform and associated AMS-TSS software worldwide.

About Savi Technology

With over 15 years of global logistics infrastructure experience, Savi is the proven leader in real-time supply chain asset management and security. The company's broad customer service base includes the U.S. Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, U.S. Postal Service, major shippers, manufacturers, and retailers, as well as numerous international ports, terminal operators, carriers, asset owners and third party logistics providers. Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., and offices in Washington D.C., London, Brussels, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and South Africa. For additional information, visit Savi on the web at www.savi.com. (TM) - Savi, and Savi SmartChain are registered trademarks of Savi Technology, Inc. The Savi logo, EchoPoint, Savi SmartSeal and UDAP are trademarks of Savi Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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