Through aggressive investment in global research and development, SAP is tapping futuristic technologies and creating practical solutions to some of the most critical challenges facing our customers. With its partners, SAP develops new scenarios in which to profitably apply emerging technologies. Such as the RFID solution providing greater security at Frankfurt Airport, Germany.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION

SAP is a leader in the practical application of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. This technology replaces traditional barcodes with tiny radio-transmitter chips that may be read from a distance. And through SAP partnerships with hardware and software providers, it is becoming a reality for customers around the world.

In 2003, for example, SAP used RFID technology to provide an innovative solution for managing the critical safety systems within Frankfurt International Airport. According to new regulations, the airport is required to perform annual inspections of 22,000 shutters that are designed to close automatically in the event of a fire, preventing the circulation of smoke. These inspections are a daunting task for the airport’s maintenance team, since many of the shutters are located in hard-to-reach airshafts. Equally daunting is the fact that technicians needed to file a handwritten report on each shutter’s status. Then, clerical personnel entered the reports into the airport’s SAP database. Working with key hardware and software providers, SAP developed a unique solution that harnesses RFID technology in a whole new way.

An RFID device is now attached to each of the 22,000 shutters, allowing technicians to read and update inspection activity through their handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) devices. Through a specially-designed SAP interface, this information is then transmitted directly to the central database. The RFID solution saves countless hours of reporting time for the airport’s maintenance staff, while ensuring that inspection records are always accurate and up-to-date. And it serves as a valuable case study for thousands of organizations worldwide that are seeking to implement RFID-based solutions.