by Andy Kowl, Sales Net editor
We are going to use this space more and more to highlight companies that are taking technology and creating practical, easy-to-understand solutions of value. There is no better place to start than with ITM based in Taichung City, Taiwan
Hedy Chen, the CEO, is a diminutive but high-energy woman who has found a way to attract partners for whom creative solutions are far more than lip service. After talking with her at the Taiwan RFID show, somehow I think it is more than coincidence that some ITM partners have packaged innovative and comprehensive RFID products.
For the cynics reading this saying, "we can do that" – let me point out that "can" and "are doing" represent two entirely different realities. If you are helping create such slick solutions, let us know so other Sales Net readers can learn about yours.
Restaurants
For a Japanese partner with restaurant customers, ITM created a long, thin RFID-based circuit board which the VAR developed into a stylus, covering it so it looks like a ballpoint pen. For their clients, including one 12-unit restaurant chain, they have concocted an ordering system which reduces the number of personnel needed to operate each store while adding a unique, fun aspect for customers.
By creating menus with RFID tags places by each food choice, the patrons use the stylus to order on a system tied directly to the kitchen for preparation. The customers enjoy with this unique ordering process and the restaurant streamlines its operations.
Secure in a flash
For another VAR partner, their clients wanted an extra layer of security for people who download data into flash drives, which are now ubiquitous and often treated casually because of how common they are. ITM added a layer of RFID security so that the flash will simply not operate unless the user has a matching ID with the right level of permission.
Jewelry
I've seen various jewelry tracking systems and read about more. What we like about the one ITM and their partners developed is the functionality besides the mere tacking of jewels. Their elegant, felt-covered jewelry display tray (which, of course, can be customized any way desired) comes with a display screen where customers can learn every about the item.
Buyers can get information on weight of gems, characteristics of the precious metals and any of the complete background available, from mine source to designer. An additional benefit retailers are finding is during each shift change. The inventory when one salesperson locks her case and another takes over the station is absolute and beyond argument, which saves many problems.
