Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, and its Premier Solutions Partner, PEAK Technologies, were chosen by Virgin Atlantic Airways to supply RFID technology, as part of a pilot project, to track critical, high value aviation assets moving through its logistics supply chain at Heathrow International Airport. Virgin Atlantic is the first airline in the United Kingdom to use RFID technology to track parts onsite.

     Virgin Atlantic deployed Symbol''s MC9000-G RFID handheld mobile computers with RFID readers and a Symbol wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure, including a WS2000 wireless switch and AP300 access ports. The aim of the pilot is to track and trace high value repairable aircraft parts often at short notice.

     The installation is based at Virgin Atlantic''s logistics facilities at Heathrow Airport with additional facilities at Gatwick Airport. Heathrow is the central distribution hub for the Virgin Atlantic logistics network. Three AP300 access ports with external antennas support onsite data exchange at each location and the MC9000-G mobile computer enables precise real-time scanning and data entry, providing Virgin Atlantic''s staff with inventory control and instant visibility into their supply chain. The MC9000-G mobile computer is a high-performance RFID mobile reader, and supports Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system, for both RFID and bar code applications. This dual-mode operation was considered an ''essential capability'' by Virgin Atlantic, when selecting the technology for their investment.

     The project, called TRIM (Tracked by Radio Identification Method), utilizes RFID tagging and was deployed at Virgin Atlantic with the specific aim of tracking serialized aircraft parts and tools at their main supply facilities and throughout their supply chain. Airplane parts are given a full inspection upon entry to the warehouse and logged into the inventory system computer, before being associated with an RFID tag.

     Oracle is integral to the TRIM project due to its experience and proven technology, as well as its existing relationship with both Virgin Atlantic and Symbol. Oracle''s Fusion Middleware and Database 10g and other RFID-enabled applications, capture and manage Virgin Atlantic''s supply data via the MC9000-G RFID mobile computer. Additionally Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. provided consulting and system integration expertise, while PEAK Technologies was responsible for the implementation of the Symbol equipment, which included hardware commissioning, installation of the Symbol wireless network and MC9000-G mobile computers, and the associated installation project management for the hardware.

     "In such a competitive market there is a constant need to find efficiencies, control costs and expand business. As Britain''s second largest carrier, Virgin Atlantic is keen to investigate the efficiency of the RFID-enabled warehouse," said Graham Holford, Senior Systems Analyst, Virgin Atlantic. "Symbol''s RFID technology was seen as a way to improve efficiency by tracking and tracing items instantly and in real-time."

"Virgin Atlantic is doing precisely what we advise our most progressive clients to do - evaluate the application of this emerging technology in their own environment, and measure the effectiveness of the RFID solution based on the return on investment (ROI) and a clear business case," said David Picton, logistics solutions director, Symbol Technologies.

     Symbol''s RFID technology has demonstrated high-performance capabilities such as data capture and data accuracy, while also improving the accuracy and frequency of inventory management through stores and warehouses. Symbol RFID solutions have also increased the visibility of parts and materials within maintenance environments and offered more accurate inventory control at the point of entry to the aircraft stores. Consequently, Virgin Atlantic has greater ability to comply with anticipated guidelines from EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) concerning traceability and the authenticity of aircraft components. Virgin Atlantic will also be able to integrate with the RFID specifications proposed by Boeing and Airbus for use within the aircraft supply chain.

About Symbol Technologies:

     Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world''s leading companies. More information is available at www.symbol.com.

About Virgin Atlantic Airways:

     Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain''s second largest carrier serving the world''s major cities. Now based at both London''s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, it operates long haul services to twenty-five destinations world-wide as far apart as Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Sydney.

     Virgin Atlantic has enjoyed huge popularity, winning top business, consumer and trade awards from around the world. The airline has pioneered a range of innovations setting new standards of service, which its competitors have subsequently sought to follow. Despite Virgin Atlantic''s growth the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation.

Virgin Atlantic currently has a fleet of 33 aircraft which includes thirteen 747-400s and seven A340-300s and thirteen A340-600s.

 

 

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