Scantec, exclusive distributors of Telxon technology and leading data automation solution providers in southern Africa, is supplying Woolworths with Telxon 960SL hand-held computers.
Utilizing a 2,4GHz direct sequence spread spectrum radio for data transmission with VT-100 emulation software (OpenAirgate), the Telxon 960SL acts as a front-end to the in-store IBM servers and will be used to RP-enable a number of existing as well as new applications.
The mobile computers communicate in real-time to the existing back-office UNIX/INFORMIX system running IBM`S AIX operating system.
An integrated direct sequence spread spectrum radio provides robust RF networking and supports client/server or terminal emulation applications. A built-in RS-232 port enables direct connection to portable barcode label printers and other peripheral devices.
Telxon's wireless solution provides Woolworths with real-time data collection, leading to higher quality management, improved accuracy and speed in data processing and cost savings.
After a stringent selection process, and pilot test of different technologies, Woolworths selected to partner Scantec.
Richard Inskip, Head of Information Technology at Woolworths comments, "Our project team extensively researched best-of-breed technologies both locally, and internationally and implemented comparative pilot tests of these technologies.
Scantec's Telxon equipment fulfilled our set of criteria, which include government, industry standard and Year 2000 compliance, as well as compatibility with our existing infrastructure. We required resilient equipment to cover all store areas and scalability with respect to concurrent usage and throughput, and the capability to upgrade to fulfil future requirements."
Woolworths has a successful Scantec installation running at its V&A Waterfront store in Cape Town and intends to roll it out to all stores.
Inskip says, "The radio frequency installation project, which is part of our program to upgrade the in-store infrastructure, provides us with numerous benefits and opportunities, which include instant system and data access anywhere in the store, store process efficiencies and increased accuracy due to data capture at source.
"Other benefits include the elimination of wiring constraints by wireless communication between electronic devices. We now have the infrastructure in place to support other mobile applications."
Gordon Edwards, Managing Director of Scantec comments, "We are proud that Woolworths has joined the growing number of major retailers around the world who have chosen Telxon's proven wireless and mobile computing technology.
"Our wireless mobile information systems will enable a leading retailer like Woolworths to improve the efficiency of their operations and deliver convenience to their customers."
Scantec, a Datatec company, offers turnkey data automation and integration solutions to vertical target markets throughout southern Africa.
Datatec, a JSE listed company, with market capitalization exceeding R 7 billion, is a major Internet orientated technology group, focused on networking and software and associated services and products. In addition, the group is developing an international base, with subsidiary companies in the USA and UK.
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