Freedom Shopping unveils RFID checkout solution

HICKORY, N.C. — Freedom Shopping Inc. announced the availability of an OEM offering that plugs into existing cash registers and point-of-sale terminals to enable RFID checkout, inventory tracking and security. Freedom Shopping showcased the solution at Microsoft's RFID Solution Days.

The core of the solution is a software wedge (Freedom-ID) that operates on the POS terminal. It communicates with a counter-top RFID reader pad (EasyRead Pad) and/or other readers in the checkout lane. Inventory is monitored with mobile RFID readers and security gates also are RFID-enabled. Data is passed to existing cash registers and POS infrastructure at all points in a SKU format so it can be instantly integrated. Consumer privacy is protected using a variety of technical safeguards.

"This is a real breakthrough and should enable RFID's adoption at the point-of-sale to occur rapidly. This fundamentally changes the way stores will operate — sales increase, labor costs decrease and intelligent security reduces shrinkage," said Rob Simmons, chief executive of Freedom Shopping. "We have been operating in stores for three years and know firsthand there is significant ROI for retailers. However, the biggest surprise is how much shoppers love it - it is the ideal checkout experience."

Freedom Shopping's item-level RFID stores and OEM products use UHF (Ultra High Frequency) EPC Gen 2 technology and tags.