Savi Technology

Savi Technology is a US-based company that provides real-time RFID solutions for managing and securing global supply chain assets. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, Savi has offices in London, Lexington, KY, Singapore, Washington, D.C. and Melbourne, Australia. Savi was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, managed by Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems & Solutions in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Savi focuses on building and installing wireless networks across the globe that offer companies a "window" into the location and condition of goods and other assets that are otherwise difficult to track or monitor. Savi has been the primary provider of active RFID for the U.S. Department of Defense for more than 12 years, and helped build the DoD's In-Transit Visibility network. The company is also the primary technology provider for cargo-monitoring networks used by NATO and Dow Chemical.

Lockheed Martin Corporation acquired Savi Technology on June 8, 2006. "Savi's talented team of employees has successfully developed a complete line of active RFID solutions. The acquisition of this innovative company is consistent with our strategy of making investments that significantly enhance the capabilities we can offer our customers," said Robert J. Stevens, Lockheed Martin's Chairman, President, and CEO. In 2006, Lockheed Martin had 140,000 employees and revenues of about $40 billion.

Products

Savi is increasingly seen as a provider of wireless networking software and services, but is best known for its active RFID hardware products. The company's active RFID tags, for example, are secured on the doors of cargo containers. Specialized software services allow users to "dial in" and monitor in real-time the containers' location, movements, contents and interior temperature, and know whether the containers have been opened. Other software provides automated alerts and analytics on shipments. The ability to closely monitor security and environmental conditions is a feature valued by ports and international shippers.

Savi's product-tracking and asset management systems utilize active and passive RFID, barcode, GPS, cellular and satellite communications.

RFID Industry Standards

Savi is known for its leadership in creating a single, global standard for active RFID. Until recently, customers had to choose between many non-interoperable and proprietary active RFID technologies. Now, customers can insist on a standards-based architecture which will make investing in active RFID applications easier and less expensive.

The ISO 18000-7 RFID protocol standard is highly significant to all RFID companies because it is central to the growth of RFID's benefits in supply chain asset tracking and other applications.

Another global standard relative to RFID companies is ISO 18185, which covers electronic cargo seals (e-Seals). E-Seals are an emerging class of active RFID devices with built-in security and tracking features that enhance visibility, security and efficiency of in-transit cargo containers.

Savi is an active proponent of both standards and offers licensing programs for both ISO 18000-7 and ISO 18185 in an effort to drive international adoption of the standards.

References

Gillies, Andrew T. “Savvy Savi Thrives Within Lockheed.” Forbes.com. June 13, 2007. [http://www.forbes.com/businessinthebeltway/2007/06/13/lockheed-savi-rfid-biz-beltway-cx_ag_0613beltway.html]

External links

* [http://www.savi.com Savi Technology]