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DNA Sensormatic announces the release of the Symbol Specific Scan Link II Interface

DNA Sensormatic has announced the introduction of the new Symbol Specific Scan Link 2 Interface for retailers' use at point of sale. The Scan Link 2 interface seamlessly integrates the automatic deactivation of Sensormatic electronic security tags with the laser scanning of barcodes. The result is a smoother, more efficient process at point of sale, as well as the promise of tighter security and reduced shrinkage for the increasingly hard-hit retailer.

Joint venture initiative

This South African initiative is the first joint venture between these two world giants. Both companies celebrated worldwide sales passing the US$1 billion mark for the first time over their most recent financial years, Symbol as leader in mobile data transaction systems, and Sensormatic as the leading supplier of electronic security systems to the retail, commercial and industrial marketplaces.

The introduction of Scan Link 2 is the culmination of an extensive development and testing process, driven by Alfie Martin, National Technical and Products Manager of DNA Sensormatic in South Africa. "The first stage was the development of a scanner audio interface, which we introduced in 1998," explained Martin. "With this model, the tag deactivation reacted to an audio signal identifying a successful scan read. As a tighter security measure to reduce collusion between staff at point of sale and customers, this product proved to be extremely popular with a wide variety of retailers."

Immediate national roll out

"The next logical step was to integrate the whole process more seamlessly, and to help us achieve this, we found our ideal partner in Symbol Technologies. Through close co-operation, we have been able to develop a product that we have already subjected to extensive trials within the Jet and Sales House group. The success of the testing stage has prompted us to immediately roll out nationally, with the first major installations planned across the Shoprite Checkers and Hyperama chain".

Increasing productivity, improving competitiveness

John Dover, Managing Director of Symbol Technologies Africa, is continually looking for ways to help his customers increase their productivity and improve their competitiveness. "Since Symbol's beginnings 25 years ago, we have come a long way from our origins in barcode laser scanning, although this is the area for which we are arguably still best known. Our success has been due largely to our commitment to apply technology innovation to meet real world customer needs. This, we believe, is well demonstrated in the increased efficiencies that the Scan Link 2 Interface will undoubtedly bring to bear."

Securing, tracking and tracing inventories

With technological developments also revolutionising how shrinkage may be controlled, many retailers are looking for greater support to apply and manage technology to get the maximum return. "In response to this, our company has undergone a dramatic shift in focus," comments Richard Pople, Managing Director of DNA Sensormatic.

"In December we became part of a new listed group, DNA Supply Chains, a group supplying comprehensive logistics management services. We have now broadened our service from purely reducing retailers' waste through securing inventories, to one of securing, tracking and tracing inventories throughout the supply chain. Along with the greater support and expertise we now offer our clients, this newly found alliance with Symbol Technologies should provide us with many more synergies in the future."

For details contact DNA Sensormatic on telephone (011) 466 0444 or visit www.dnasupplychains.co.za, www.sensormatic.com; contact Symbol Technologies on telephone (011) 4405668 or visit www.symbol.com/africa

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