InSync’s Edgeware™ platform allows for the development and deployment of applications that leverage RFID and other sensors across networks and use real-time data gathered to instruct complex business processes. Edgeware™ provides an unprecedenteld level of visibility of assets and events. Included in the Edgeware™ platform are three pre-built utilities:.

Process Control Zone – Used to configure sensor "zones" i.e receiving dock door entrance

SensorNet Manager – Manage a site within the sensory network

Tracking Manager – Business process orchestration and materials tracking

Using dashboard -style user interfaces, operators can configure RFID controllers and set command parameters.  Real-time data received from sensory devices is logically filtered against predefined business rules.  Logic can be defined at the local level using state-based machines or at the multi-enterprise level with workflow.  Tight coupling of systems is provided through an integration engine and data mapper.  Loose coupling of systems through messaging is managed by the B2B engine, preconfigured for multiple messaging standards. 

Process ControlZone

InSync’s Process ControlZone manages RFID and other sensors (GPS, temperature, barcode, etc.) to define a physical state of an item.  Beyond the EPC code or item details that an RFID solution manages, an array of sensors may be used to generate a greater systemic understanding of conditions related to the item such as direction, location, temperature, environment, etc.  A zone of control is defined by an array of sensors logically associated to understand a specific condition.  The state as it relates to materials can be defined in a variety of ways based on the needs of the business.  The condition may be as simple as noting material information as it leaves the premises, or as complex as noting a bill of lading, temperature, and direction of movement.  InSync Process ControlZone and SensorNet Manager work in unison to manage the complexities of sensor configurations and make business sense of the information.

Enterprises can deploy InSync SensorNet Managers and Process ControlZones wherever there is a need to obtain dynamic product status within the enterprise or anywhere in the value chain, and track products at the item level to answer key questions about individual assets at any time.  

SensorNet Manager

The SensorNet Manager plays the crucial part of controlling, managing, and monitoring multiple RFID devices at a local site. Each SensorNet Manager is capable of managing multiple ControlZones locally. For example, a single SensorNet Manager in a given facility can be used to control and monitor RFID sensors in the shipping/receiving area as well as a network of barcode printers and scanners on the production floor.

The SensorNet Manager interface lets users configure and monitor devices at each ControlZone, on-site or remotely.  Access to the SensorNet Manager through the Internet is a key feature that gives users increased visibility to the movements of assets and ongoing processes of disparate partners. If a manufacturer needs parts desperately, the SensorNet Manager can be used to optimize the picking process by referencing the movement and event histories between all facilities involved to find the optimal location and determine the correct route.

Tracking Manager

InSync’s Tracking Manager provides a sophisticated means to manage and leverage RFID tag and sensor read data from local and external partner sites. In addition to managing communications with InSync's SensorNet Manager, it maintains an RFID tracking database that enables other InSync applications, and supports direct messaging to back-end enterprise systems in custom mapped data formats.  Configuration functions enable input of physical material routes and process models.  Through the use of rules and alerts, the enterprise becomes aware of materials and their condition globally.  The user dashboard can be configured to provide end-users a view into the process displaying reports, alerts and notifications based the expected process.

The Tracking Manager features an RFID tracking database that is used to drive applications, alerts, inquiries, and more.  A main feature of the Tracking Manager is the ability to associate business document context and physical condition with product and serial number information.  Assets can be associated with a specific storage location for example, or groups of assets moving together can be defined by the Tracking Manager as a set.

The Tracking Manager receives RFID data via InSync’s SensorNet Manager application. RFID data is compiled by the Tracking Manager, creating detailed item/set-level event histories.  The Tracking Manager then filters the data through the defined business rules and models, and communicates directly to the Enterprise System with the instructions for B2B messaging.  Additionally the Tracking Manager can communicate message instructions and application information directly to InSync’s eBusiness Server, driving edge applications between disparate partners.