The information trail

At next month's Frontline Solutions event, attendees will hear how the latest in automatic data capture maximizes the flow of information across the supply chain.

By -- Modern Materials Handling, 9/1/2000

It all has to start somewhere. Without collected data, there are no databases. And without databases, it's tough to show much in the way of supply chain efficiencies. Enter automatic data capture (ADC) and Frontline Solutions Expo 2000.

Formerly known as Scantech, the event is the world's largest for the latest in data capture technology from mobile computing and wireless communication to radio frequency identification and application software. These and other tools that make supply chain databases possible will be on display at the Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago, October 3-5.

Running concurrently with the show will be 65 conference sessions conducted by experts in ADC who can explain how these technologies improve information systems that support manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and field service operations.

The conference program, 30% larger than last year's, is an important educational forum where operation managers and engineers and information technology management can learn how to effectively integrate technologies into their businesses.

"The conferences don't pinhole a person in a specific track. They customize a person's own curriculum to what they need," says conference director Nancy Kelly.

Three interactive, all-day sessions are set for Oct. 2, the day before the show floor opens. They are focused on some of the most important topics to users of ADC today: "The bar code learning system," "Mobil momentum," and "Warehousing & logistics in a .com world."

ADC technologies, data management practices, and case histories will be covered throughout the week. Speakers include consultants, analysts, and industry experts. End users from companies as diverse as Borders.com, Petco, and Systemax will also be featured.

According to Kelly, several new sessions will focus on e-business strategies, logistics and warehouse management systems, enterprise resource planning, and supply chain management.

Meanwhile, sessions that have been in strong demand in the past will be offered twice this year. These include: "2D codes deliver the goods! Should you be using them?" "Ten commandments of bar coding," and "The battle for your hand-held: Palm vs. Windows CE vs. EPOC." See next page for a full rundown of conference sessions.

For more information on Frontline Solutions Expo 2000 or to register for the show and conference sessions, call 800-331-5706 or visit www.scantechus.com .

Monday, Oct. 2

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• The bar code learning system! Data capture know-how for a real-time world

• Mobile momentum: The ABCs of integrating wireless solutions

• Warehousing & logisticsin a .com world:Back end strategies for fulfillment success

Tuesday, Oct. 3

8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

• Data capture for dummies: Which technology is right for you?

• E-business strategy:The backbone of effective field service

• RF/DC basics - part 1: For operations & project managers

• Boosting road & yard productivity with wireless solutions

• RFID fundamentals: Strategies for success

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

• Bar codes are not created equal: Which one should you choose?

• The battle for your hand-held: Palm vs. Windows CE vs. Epoc

• RF/DC basics-part 2: For MIS & technical managers

• 2D codes deliver the goods!Should you be using them?

• Exxonmobile revs up tracking & field data capture with RFID

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• 10 commandments of bar coding

• Computer simulation modeling - key to creating better warehouses

• International e-parcels: Opportunities & challenges

• Pratt & Whitney unlocks the power of ERP with bar codes & RF/DC

• Update: Electronic & RF security tags

2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

• Selecting the right scanner: 12 strategies for success

• Industrial handhelds: Trends & vision from Gartner Group

• Whats, whys & hows of creating successful logistics systems - part 1

• When out-of-stock is out-of-business -e-biz lessons from Borders.com

• Ford turbo - charges tracking with RFID & real-time technology

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Systems integration: Seven secrets for sure-fire success

• The postal service offers a lesson from the field

• Whats, whys & hows of creating successful logistics systems - part 2

• A bar code in any language: How one firm is meeting global labeling mandates

• An end to the RFID frequency wars!

Wednesday, Oct. 4

8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

• Data capture for dummies: Which technology is right for you?

• Lose the wire, lower costs & productivity - no bull!

• Field service automation: Increase your profits & enhance customer service

• 2D codes deliver the goods! Should you be using them?

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

• Today's warehouse agenda: Achieving performance excellence

• 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

• Bar code short course for the projectteam

• Leveraging data capture systems for "off-the-chart" results

• Warehouse management systems: Lessons learned!

• Ford shifts plant floor into high gear with 2D codes

• Why "intelligent" labels are so smart!

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• 10 commandments of bar coding

• How to double or even triple order pick rates!

• Warehouse management: From paper to paperless without pain

• Migration from DOS to Windows - how Banta book group did it!

• Thomson multimedia conquers tracking challenges with RFID 2:00 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.

• Getting good label results in bad bar code situations

• The battle for your hand-held: Palm vs. Windows CE vs. Epoc

• GM gears up for e-biz with 2D codes

• Petco's WMS success story: Affordable, off-the-shelf, & real time!

• RFID fundamentals: Strategies for success

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Systems integration: Seven secrets for sure-fire success

• Frontline editors pick hot products & important trends

• Making the journey from "bricks" to "clicks"

• Autozone shares top 10 steps for achieving WMS success

• Maximizing supply chain efficiency with radio frequency ID

Thursday, Oct. 5

8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

• Building profits with bar code tracking: Two perspectives

• Patagonia cuts fulfillment time & boosts warehouse payback

• Turn your fleet into a cost efficient solution with mobile communications!

• Taking the mystery out of RFID: Real-world solutions & ROI

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

• Portable printers & data terminals: Gadgets or tools?

• Improve pricking accuracy with hands-free, voice-directed systems

• Logistics best practices: How do you measure up?

• Industrial strength RFID: What can it do for you?

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Uncovering solutions to unusual applications

• Systemax delivers on time, every time with "e-business"

• Four cornerstones of RF/DC

• Using RFID labels to "intelligently" track high-value or hazardous products