UNILEVER Italy Invests In 2.4 Ghz RF Technology From LXE, To Automate Traceability of Goods Into Cold Storage Warehouse

LXE, a division of EMS Technologies (Nasdaq, ELMG), and a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and secure wireless networks that improve the performance of supply-chain execution applications, today announces that UNILEVER Italy, Ice Cream & Frozen Food division, has chosen LXE to implement a 2.4 GHz radio frequency system that will integrate with SAP R/3 to manage logistics processes in its cold storage warehouses.

This traceability project has been implemented in the Italian supply chain warehouses of Alanno (PE), Latina (RM), Trezzano S/N (MI), Vitulazio (CE), Venice, and Caivano (NA).

The wireless system to be implemented by LXE in the cold storage warehouses (- 30o C) of Unilever is based on Cisco 1200 access points (2.4 GHz, 802.11b). It will initially support around 70 LXE rugged mobile computers, with the highest level of roaming and security capabilities.

Unilever has selected the new LXE VX6 (left) and VX7 (below right) vehicle-mount computers. These units are based on Windows CE .NET and the Intel XScale 400MHz processor. Thanks to the computers special heated display and a heated boot for the barcode scanners, these mobile computers can operate non-stop at temperatures down to -30oC, without any condensation problem.

The integration of LXEs rugged mobile computers with SAP R/3 has been accomplished using CITRIX and its versatile ICA Client.

With LXEs rugged mobile computers, we implemented the tracking systems connected with SAP R/3 with no integration problem, says Alberto Mondoni, IT Director, Unilever Italy. The ruggedness of the VX6 and VX7 and the excellent support offered by LXEs ServicePASS programme enable us to cope with the typical problems encountered in cold storage warehouse.

The use of the VX6 in Unilevers cold stores validates the leadership position LXE has gained over the years thanks to a range of products specifically designed to satisfy the needs of clients with complex and challenging supply chains around the world, says Daniele Moroni, Country Manager, LXE Italy. Our rugged mobile computers, based on industry standards, integrate directly with the client infrastructure, enabling a reduction in integration costs and assuring a high return on investment.