Global leader in kids apparel equips supply chain with .net based RFID solution from INFOSYS

Mumbai: Infosys Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: INFY) today announced that Kids Headquarters (Kids HQ), the world's largest children's apparel company, has turned to Infosys to help comply with existing mandates from major retailers.

Infosys' RFID solution, based on Microsoft .NET, provides Kids HQ the flexibility and scalability required to quickly adapt to compliance initiatives. The apparel manufacturer will benefit from a new scalable foundation upon which intelligent supply chain strategies can be developed.

According to Kevin Downs, chief technology officer, Kids Headquarters, "When considering RFID solutions, Infosys' approach is a great match. The Infosys RFID solution helps us look beyond the current mandate for compliance and creates a roadmap for the company." This customised solution will not only help us to comply with Wal-Mart's directive, but it will also help us transform a cost driven initiative into a competitive differentiator."

The Infosys RFID solution for compliance and beyond addresses key issues facing suppliers and provides strategic direction on the use of RFID. The solution combines strategy, business process, technical consulting and implementation services, leading organisations to comply without compromising their future potential. The solution is based on Microsoft .NET and is scalable across multiple mandates and mandate expansions with minimal initial exposure. It provides customers an opportunity to transform a cost driven initiative into a competitive differentiator.

Says Gopal Devanahalli, associate vice president, head of sales, retail and CPG practice at Infosys Technologies, "Infosys RFID solution for compliance and beyond allows enterprises impacted by retailer mandates to look beyond mere compliance to derive business value from RFID in the long term."

"It is a great opportunity to work with Kids HQ. They are a prime example of how RFID solutions can provide apparel manufacturers with alternative avenues to improve collaboration with supply chain partners and gain competitive differentiation," adds Devanahalli.

Microsoft has created an 'RFID partner council' to identify and address key technology challenges with partners of which Infosys is member and is engaged with Microsoft on RFID initiatives. Infosys.

Microsoft's Balasubramaniam Sriram, RFID product unit manager, says, "Kids HQ's adoption of the Microsoft .NET based Infosys solution demonstrates how an RFID solution built on Microsoft .NET enables companies to gain efficiencies through integration earlier in the supply chain."