PeopleVox, the UK developer and implementer of asset visibility and control solutions, has announced its new range of RFID-enabled handheld wireless readers dedicated to the fashion retail industry.
The PVX-Series range delivers previously unattainable levels of combined read rate and accuracy plus the option of 'all-in-one' compatibility with RFID, barcode and voice on a single handheld device.
With the PVX-Series, PeopleVox brings the full potential of RFID-enabled data capture within easy reach of retail businesses wanting to perform item level counting accurately, quickly and regularly, while also increasing staff productivity and improving customer service.
The PeopleVox PVX-50 integrates with mobile handheld devices such as the Motorola CA50 wireless barcode scanner, adding RFID functionality to its voice and data capabilities, while the PVX-100 is a dedicated standalone RFID-only unit incorporating its own screen, LED indicators and input buttons. In pre-launch tests carried out by RFID tag manufacturer Avery Dennison, the PVX-100 was evaluated against the current market-leading RFID readers and consistently scanned rails of tightly-packed garments faster than its competitors, with a read accuracy of greater than 99.99%. The PVX-100 took less than 40 seconds to read the full complement of 350 items, while its nearest competitor picked up an average of 325 of the tags, an error rate of more than seven per cent.
This development from PeopleVox creates exciting opportunities for fashion retailers that have previously tested RFID solutions and found them overpriced and lacking in performance. "Industry demand is typically for 99.96 per cent or better read accuracy, which until now was an unattainable goal in a standalone handheld device," explained Jonathan Bellwood, PeopleVox managing director. "Following extensive discussions with top retailers, we set out to provide the market with a lightweight, responsive and affordable reader that's fit for purpose in the retail environment and designed without compromise to function. As a result we can exceed that read rate target with ease."
Rather than adapt an existing commercial product, PeopleVox chose to design the electronics content of the PVX-100 from the ground up and develop the operating system and application software to suit. A hybrid design of antenna is used - compared to the industry norm it is smaller and operates at approximately one quarter of the power level, offering a combination of weight- and energy-saving that allows more comfortable scanning and boosts typical battery life to a minimum of three hours, while still outperforming any other handheld RFID reader read rate.
A joint project with Motorola, development of the PVX-Series was led by PeopleVox chief engineer Dr Andrew Dean, who in a previous role designed and implemented the world's largest commercial RFID retail solution for Marks & Spencer. "The exceptional read abilities of the PVX series are a result of pooling our combined knowledge and experience of RFID technology to boost accuracy and avoid cloaking, and taking into account the effects of aspects such as tag design and client processes," said Dean, who holds the world's first doctorate in RFID tag construction and application.
"We are very excited to be in partnership with PeopleVox," commented Marco Landi, EMEA VP and general manager at Motorola. "The innovative PVX-series scanner range is the only RFID solution that brings accurate item level scanning to retailers. PeopleVox has developed a range of products that truly addresses the needs of fashion retailers and has strong potential for expansion into territories including Europe."
The PVX-series readers are initially available directly from PeopleVox and are currently going to trial at several major high street retailers.
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