Learning about The Real World of Enterprise Mobility in Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

It is valuable for me to leave the office and spend time with different IT teams wrestling with real world enterprise mobility challenges from time to time.  This week I had the privilege of working with a team in Scotland.  We explored the use of MEAPs (mobile enterprise application platforms), the role of HTML5, MDM (mobile device management), IDEs (integrated development environments), mobile business strategies, and how to create RFIs for mobile solutions.  This was the general overview, after those sessions, we jumped into how each of those components work in the real world - where nearly every company has a challenging mixture of back office applications and legacy systems.

In the real world there are many bespoke/custom software applications.  There are good software applications and bad.  There are software vendors that don't want to expose their data to other vendors or mobile apps.  There is corrupt and incomplete data. There are mobile applications that don't work well.  There are old, expensive handheld computers with out-dated mobile operating systems.  There are old mobile apps that only run on old handhelds.

Let me digress for a minute and just say - Microsoft has purposefully destroyed the ruggedized handheld industry.  They stopped developing upgrades to Windows Mobile 6.x and left the entire industry of handheld manufacturers desperate for something new to sell.  They chose to not provide an upgrade path, nor a replacement.  This is like laptop manufacturers trying to sell MS-DOS based laptops today.  It is bad for both the customer and for all the ruggedized handheld manufacturers.  Shame on you Microsoft.

Back to the subject of real world enterprise mobility.  In the real world - there will need to be multiple platforms that support mobile solutions in many companies.  They may need a campaign based mobile marketing platform.  They may want an HTML5 environment for online only mobile apps that is separate from their MEAP environment that supports field services with online/offline mobile app capabilities.  There may also be a B2C environment that is unique and focused on providing multimedia experiences, or mobile banking.

All of these real world discussions, with a Scottish accent, make for a great experience.

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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile Industry Analyst, Consultant and SAP Mentor Alumnus

Visit MobileEnterpriseStrategies.com

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the SAP Enterprise Mobility and Sybase Unwired Platform Groups

Read The Mobility News Weekly

Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Mobile Expert Video Series: PSION's Gregg Anderson

As much as we like to talk about smartphones and tablets on this site, there remains a huge market for ruggedized and industrial grade mobile handheld computers.  Gregg Anderson, with PSION, shares some of the latest developments in this area in an interview that I recorded with him last week at the SAPinsider Mobile2012 conference.

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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile Industry Analyst, Consultant and SAP Mentor Volunteer

Visit MobileEnterpriseStrategies.com

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the SAP Enterprise Mobility and Sybase Unwired Platform Groups

Read The Mobility News Weekly

Read The M2M News Monthly

Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Best Channel Products 2011 - Handheld Computers

Remember handheld computers?  They are ruggedized, often black, and sometimes come with a pistol grip that people can use for specialized tasks.  Often they are used in situations where bar code scanning, RFID reading and other specialized tasks are needed in high volume.  Today it is easy to forget about this category of mobile devices because there are so many new and spectacular smartphones available.  However, smartphones cannot replace ruggedized handhelds in many different roles. 

I stopped a Home Depot employee in an orange apron last week and asked him about the handheld computer he was carrying.  My wife just kept right on walking for some reason.  He said they could nearly run the entire store from the handheld.  He showed me how he could check products in his store inventory and all the other Home Depot stores in the area from the device.

I read an article today in Business Solutions magazine called Best Channel Products 2011.  Business Solutions magazine surveyed VARs (value added resellers) to learn what they thought were the best channel products of 2011.  In the handheld computer category the VARs chose the Omnii XT10, ultra-rugged, modular handheld computer from Psion.  I looked up the Omnii to learn more and here is how they describe it, "It is targeted at demanding users, such as ports, airports, supply chain and logistics operations. It is designed to be almost completely re-configurable in the field.  It can be adapted for new technologies or even be re-purposed as customer needs change. The upgradeable and interchangeable modules are not only developed by Psion, but also by an expanding network of more than 200 developer partners around the world.

Let me highlight some differences between smartphones and ruggedized industrial grade handhelds.  Handheld computers like the Omnii XT10 can be taken apart and adapted for different purposes.  You can replace the bar code scanner, insert an RFID reader, change the keypad, etc.  If one component is broken, it can be repaired or replaced.  If your needs change, you can re-configure the handheld to meet your new requirements.  None of those features are available on today's popular smartphones.  If you break it, you just buy a new one.

I am a big fan of smartphones, however, it is still important for all of us in the enterprise mobility space to remember there are times when a specialized and ruggedized handheld computer may be the better fit for the job.

***Remember the Build vs. Buy: Mobile App Development - Webinar coming up next Wednesday, August 24th at 1:00 ON EDT,  Read more here...

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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst, SAP Mentor Volunteer

Visit MobileEnterpriseStrategies.com

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the SAP Enterprise Mobility Group

Read The Mobility News Weekly

Read The M2M News Monthly

Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Mobile Expert Interview Series: ClickSoftware's Gil Bouhnick

I had the opportunity to spend time on the phone this morning with Gil Bouhnick who was calling from warm and beautiful Tel Aviv.  He is the Director of Mobile Solutions for ClickSoftware and a big fan of mobility, so much in fact, that he has four mobile smartphones and rarely leaves home or the office without two or more in his pockets.  Although his office is in Tel Aviv, most of ClickSoftware's customers are in North American and in Europe.

Gil's role is in the product management group at ClickSoftware.  He has spent years at ClickSoftware and has been a part of the evolution of their mobile solutions.  Early on, ClickSoftware, a company focused on field service automation and service scheduling optimization, integrated with mobile solutions from companies like Antenna, Dexterra (now part of Antenna) and Syclo.  However, over time they began to recognize that they needed their own mobile software and framework to support the requirements of their field services customers.

I have to think that ClickSoftware felt it would be better to provide their own mobile software rather than refer business to their largest strategic competitors. 

When ClickSoftware determined they needed their own mobile solution and framework, they began working with Microsoft's mobility team and developed their mobile solution around Microsoft environments.  Nearly all of their customers were using ruggedized laptops and rugged handheld devices from vendors like Panasonic, Psion Teklogix, Motorola/Symbol and Intermec, which were all using Windows Mobile operating systems.  Even today, in the rough and tumble world of field services where ruggedized laptops and handheld computers are required, Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating systems dominate.

ClickSoftware did take a good look at Sybase's mobile middleware before deciding on Microsoft's middleware. They believe Sybase was a good option, but they chose Microsoft and continue to be big fans of Windows Mobile due to Microsoft's dominance in the rugged industrial grade handheld computer markets.

I asked Gil about their plans to support iPhones and Android devices, and he shared that they are preparing to release light weight browser-based applications for Blackberrys, iPhones, and Android devices. 

From our discussion, it appears that ClickSoftware is a strong believer in thick mobile clients that can work in connected or disconnected locations.  He used the example of service technicians working in elevator shafts that do not have connectivity, but must access and record information on their handheld computer.  He also described an increasing need for field services applications to support on-device barcode scanners and integrated GPS functionality.

ClickSoftware's customers (there were twenty new mobility customers in 2009) have large numbers of mobile users.  One of their recent customers deployed over 5,000 mobile applications to ruggedized devices.  He said all of their large customers to date are using the Windows Mobile operating systems.

Gil shared an interesting trend among their customers.  He says he is actually seeing an increase in field service workers caring two mobile devices.  The ruggedized industrial grade laptop or handheld computer and a Blackberry, iPhone or Android device.  Why?  Because often the ruggedized work-oriented computer is focused specifically on the field service application and process, and the field service technicians wants a smartphone for work communications and personal use.

Gil explained a unique phenomena they regularly experience with their customers.  He said once a company starts working with a mobile application they nearly always start expanding into all kinds of new and interesting directions.  It is very hard for a mobile user to stop at one mobile application.  He said mobile applications are hard to limit.  Their boundaries are hard to establish.  Field services applications can quickly grow to include inventory management, scheduling, asset tracking, dispatch, CRM, inspection, etc.

I have also experienced this phenomena.  Once the field service team becomes accustomed to working with mobile applications, they can recognize the need for many additional mobile applications that would benefit them.  This was one of the key reasons ClickSoftware decided to jump into the mobile application space with both feet.  They recognized that eventually customers would want mobile extensions to all of their software applications, and they were in the best position to support these requirements.

Field service technicians are no longer as easily impressed with mobile applications as they were a few years ago when all things mobile were magical.  Today, they are downloading all kinds of powerful mobile applications to their personal smartphones in the evenings and weekends.  Today, they expect to see that same level of sophistication from their field services applications.

In late 2009 ClickSoftware released their first standalone mobile solution, called ClickSoftware Mobile. Prior mobile solutions from ClickSoftware were mobile extensions to their enterprise field services applications.  ClickSoftware Mobile contains many templates, forms builders and workflow processes that are useful for the field service industry.  As it evolves, it will become a useful MEAP for many other processes and workflows as well.

Gil says he believes SAP has the right strategy towards mobility today.  He described SAP's mobility strategy as the "App Store" approach to letting nearly everyone offer mobile applications that integrate with SAP.  He said this strategy was necessary due to the challenges SAP had in the past with their internal mobility efforts.

What is SAP doing wrong?  Gil said one of the challenges he sees is that SAP does not know what to recommend when customers ask.  He said all of the mobility vendors continually update SAP on new developments, but he doubts that information is effectively distributed to the field.  There are just too many developments happening too fast.  He said think of the confusion when a SAP customer needs mobility in 3 or 4 different areas that are covered by different SAP mobility partners.  How is the customer going to make a good decision?

What can we expect to see from ClickSoftware in 2010?  Gil says that ClickSoftware has deep expertise in field services automation, which will be shown in many new features in their mobile applications including integrated SMS that is contextually aware.  Customers can be notified of arrival times automatically based on the current location and schedule of the field service technician.  He said their applications are increasingly location sensitive and many new features are being integrated that use GPS coordinates as important data inputs.  He gave examples that included location of other service technicians, the inventories of other nearby service vehicles, and web services that include traffic information and alternative routes to help field service technicians be as efficient as possible.

Another feature that Gil's customers have been requesting is a light weight browser based-mobile application for contractors and sub-contractors.  These workers are often only involved in a project for a limited period of time and come with many different kinds of mobile devices.  As a result, a browser-based approach that enables any contractors with internet connection and permission to access project and scheduling information is best.

When asked about ClickSoftware competitors, Gil said Syclo is likely their biggest strategic competitor.  It is my impression that ClickSoftware is committed to the field service industry and complimentary business processes for most of their business now and in the near future.  He added that he does not compete much with Sky Technologies but finds their SAP "innerware" approach to mobility interesting.

Gil believes that Apple's iPhones and App Store changed the world.  Apple revolutionized how all other mobile applications are developed and deployed.  Apple opened up the world in new and different ways and inspired both developers and users to see smartphones and mobile applications differently.  He believes the new Apple iPad has the potential to make a similar market impact.

I said to Gil, "Tablets have been around for a decade.  Why do you think that the iPad has the ability to revolutionize the world?"  Gil answered, "Apple has the ability to do even the simplest things amazingly!"  It is the ability to produce amazing experiences that can inspire the world.

Additional interviews in this series:

• Mobile Expert Interview Series: Vivido Labs' Greg Tomb
• Mobile Expert Interview Series: Sky Technologies' Troy O'Connor
• Mobile Expert Interview Series: EntryPoint’s Pete Martin
• Mobile Expert Interview Series: PriceWaterhouseCoopers' Ahmed El Adl, PhD
• Mobile Expert Interview Series: Nokia's John Choate
• Mobile Expert Interview Series: HotButtons' Jane and Keelin Glendon

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Kevin Benedict
Author of the report Enterprise Mobile Data Solutions, 2009
Mobile Strategy Consultant, Mobile Industry Analyst and Web 2.0 Marketing Expert
http://www.netcentric-strategies.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbenedict
twitter: http://twitter.com/krbenedict
http://kevinbenedict.ulitzer.com/
http://mobileenterprisestrategies.blogspot.com/
***Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility consultant and Web 2.0 marketing expert. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles. ***************************************************

Geospatially Aware Mobile Inspection Applications for Military and Commercial Use

I have spent many years working with mobile application development tools. Each of the vendors I have known speak about the simplicity and speed of using their tools to develop and implement mobile applications. It is, for the most part, marketing speak.

Developing a mobile application is as simple as the database schema of the business application in which it will be integrated. If it is a simple data collection form that can be integrated with a simple spreadsheet or database, then it is fairly easy and will usually take days or a few weeks to develop. However, if the user wants a mobile version of their ERP, then I hope they have a few months and a significant budget. The point is, most mobile applications that synchronize with back-office enterprise database applications are not easy and simple and this is a problem for companies that need to inspect a wide variety of things.

I have witnessed over and over the challenges an inspection company has with mobile applications that run on handheld computers. The applications take longer to develop and cost more than the inspection task or project justifies. As a result, the inspection company continues to do it by hand. In another scenario, one inspection project may justify the time and expense of developing a mobile inspection application, but the next project does not. As a result, the inspection services company continues to use paper inspection forms on the majority of their projects. That is the economic reality, at least until now.

Recently I read an article called "Kenaz and Touch Inspect: Must-Have Products for the Warfighter" written by Don Jewell. Jewel writes articles for GPS World focused on Defense and the military. He has spent more than thirty years in the Unites States Air Force, where he was involved with GPS systems from their inception, either as a test system evaluator or user. He served as a Commander at Schriever AFB, the home of GPS, and retired as the deputy chief scientist at Air Force Space Command.

In Jewell's article he speaks of a mobile solution called Touch Inspect by Mobile Epiphany. It is essentially a computerized, geospatially aware, data-collection application with an amazing user interface. "The user interface matters to our warfighters!" Jewells writes, "because one of the biggest complaints from our warfighters concerning military user equipment (MUE) such as the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) and the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) is the user interface."

Mobile applications for the military need to be geospatially aware. I wrote an article called Network-Centric Mobile Field Force Automation that explores this requirement in detail from both a military and commercial perspective.

Touch Inspect is unique. It focuses on geospatially-aware inspections and provides a powerful pre-built platform in which custom mobile inspection applications can be developed in just hours. It is unique in that no coding or programming is required and the solution is designed by a company that has a deep history in the electronic games industry. This is quickly apparent when you see the intense graphics and sophisticated features that I have never seen before in a Windows Mobile application.

Jewell writes, "Touch Inspect allows you to build databases on the fly for inspecting things, and I do mean just about anything. But more than that, it is a flexible, user configurable database system that can be adapted for so many uses that are critical to our warfighters and first responders."

Jewell sees applications for this software in almost every aspect of a warfighter’s day, starting with running the various checklists they need to run for weapons, radios, vehicles, and GPS devices. With GPS devices and GIS mapping information right on the device (in other words, you don’t need an Internet connection to see your geospatial maps like you would using something like Google Maps), this new software really shines because it incorporates the warfighter’s current GPS position and time — or the asset’s GPS position — into every database entry, with photos if necessary. And this system uses the topographical maps or aerial images you want it to use, not just simple street maps. Plus, when the computer is once again in Internet, LAN, or WLAN range, it automatically updates the server at HQ and downloads new information automatically without any user interaction.

I recently wrote an article about the use of rugged handheld computers and mobile inspection applications following the devastating fires that killed 173 people last year in Australia. In this case the police and emergency responders had an immediate need for a mobile inspection application that was geospatically aware. This immediate need for a custom mobile inspection application could not be solved by taking weeks and months to develop a mobile application. They needed it now! Touch Inspect has all the appearances of solving requirements for near-real-time dynamic and custom mobile inspection applications.

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Author Kevin Benedict
Independent Mobility Consultant, Wireless Industry Analyst and Marketing Consultant
www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbenedict
www.twitter.com/krbenedict
http://kevinbenedict.ulitzer.com/
http://mobileenterprisestrategies.blogspot.com/
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Asset Tracking, Asset Management and Mobile Handheld Applications

In this article Trimble's joint venture with CREEC is discussed. CREEC is the China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd. This joint venture is to help deliver solutions to effectively manage the construction and maintenance of rail roads and their assets.

How many of you have ever lost your keys around the house, or misplaced tools in your garage or shop? Image having billions of dollars worth of assets that you must locate, manage and maintain over thousands of miles and hundreds of properties. You can easily see how important it is to effectively track these assets, maintain and manage them in a powerful database system designed for asset management.

Geotagging (geotagging is discussed in more detail here) the assets enable you to know where they are located. Inspecting and completing regularly scheduled "conditional assessment" reports using mobile handheld computers that are synchronized with the asset management system in the office, enables you to know their condition and to schedule maintenance on them. Since most of these assets are located outside of the office, they need to be inspected remotely. This is the role for mobile handheld computers and mobile software applications. Work orders, or scheduled maintenance services can be dispatched from the office to the mobile handheld computer used by the service technicians. All of this information is sent back to the office wirelessly so the records can be maintained and the assets effectively managed.

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Author Kevin Benedict
Independent Mobile Strategist, Sales, Marketing and Business Consultant
www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbenedict
http://kevinbenedict.ulitzer.com/
http://mobileenterprisestrategies.blogspot.com/
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Broncos vs Vandals and Using Mobile Handheld PDAs

Our office in Boise, Idaho is nicely decorated today in two different color sets. One is black and gold - representing the University of Idaho Vandals football team, and the other color scheme is blue and orange for the Boise State University Broncos football team. This week the two interstate rivals will be playing each other.

Nick Martin, a Boise State University graduate and technical support guru, arrived at his office to an unpleasant surprise this morning. His desk was fully decorated in his rival's colors. I am sure revenge and conspiracy course through the halls.

How does this relate to mobile handheld computers? I took this picture with my Palm Treo 750 PDA phone running on Windows Mobile 6.0. I synced the image back to my desktop where I am writing this blog. Using the software solution PointSync Mobility Platform I can do the exact same thing with any business application - work orders, inspections, asset tracking, proof-of-delivery and more. The world is now ready for mobilized business applications of all kinds. If you would like to discuss your thoughts on mobilizing business applications please contact us.

Inspection Data Requires Visibility and Handheld PDAs Can Help

I was in the Benelux working with a large Fortune 1000 company on a global inspection project involving over 500 inspectors. One of the motivations for the project was to ensure that the inspection data that was collected was synchronized from the mobile handheld computers directly to a database that could be viewed and analyzed by management in near real time. Previously, when inspections were completed on paper forms - the paper forms were simply filed in a cabinet. The only forms reviewed by management were those with a very, very bad scores. That meant nearly all the collected data was trapped on a paper form and stuffed in a dark file cabinet unavailable for easy viewing, distribution and analysis. The problem with not viewing the data that is collected is that trends and patterns can not be recognized and corrected in advance. There was a lot of money spent collecting inspection data that could not be acted upon in a preventative manner.

This week's bridge collapse in Minneapolis brought the Benelux example to mind. Seems there had been many inspections, but obviously the data was not being viewed by the right parties in a manner that would motivate preventative action.

Handheld Computer Considerations

There are a lot of good handheld computers available and some bad ones. I will leave the bad ones for a future discussion and focus on some of the points to consider when selecting good handheld hardware.

1. What environment will you be using the handheld computer in - is it hot, cold, wet, dusty or filled with explosive vapors? Is it a clean office environment, or a rugged out-of-doors environment?
2. Is your software application focused exclusively on bar code scanning, RFID reading, GPS, or do you need a multi-purpose device?
3. Will the hardware configuration ever need to be changed? Some handhelds can be configured at will, others are locked and can only be used with the original configuration.
4. What hardware does your selected software require?
5. Will the battery last long enough to accomplish your work? Do you need back-up batteries? Can you use batteries purchased at the local market, or are they vendor specific?
6. What is your budget? What does the value of using a handheld computer justify spending? Do you have enough budget to purchase the software and hardware you need? Does your budget only allow for low cost consumer devices? How many replacements cover the cost of a ruggedized handheld?
7. How do you replace broken devices? Can you get a replacement in 24 hours, or must you wait on the slow-boat-from-China?
8. What kind of support contracts and warranties are available?
9. How long will you new handheld computer be supported, serviced and manufactured by the vendor. Is it near end of life and being discounted for a reason?
10. Can you upgrade the operating system when Microsoft releases a new version of their mobile operating system?
11. Can you use standard laptop data cards in the handheld, or do you need to pay for high priced vendor specific cards?
12. Can you view the screen effectively in the sunlight?
13. Does the bar code scanner work effectively in real-world environment? Some scanners can not scan effectively through glass or plastic.
14. Is the size and weight of the handheld appropriate for the user and environment?
15. Can your handheld computer support all the add-ons you require at the same time? Some devices can only support a specific number of add-on components so you are forced to choose. Some can not support both a GPS and a data card at the same time. Some devices can not support both a bar code scanner and a GPS add-on. This is an important consideration.
16. Do you need only a touch screen and navigation pad, or a number pad or a full QWERTY keyboard? This is very important for user acceptance.
17. Is the handheld device also going to be used as a phone? Is a 2 pound industrial grade handheld really a usable phone?
18. Does your low cost consumer grade PDA need a rugged case like the ones Otterbox sells?
19. If you only have a budget for a low cost device, does it support the battery life and add-on components you require?
20. How will the device be transported around a job site? Will it strap to a belt, swing from a shoulder strap, sit in a holster or be mounted to the dashboard of your truck? Does your device support your chosen method?
21. Where is the closest inventory of the handheld computers? Where is the closest repair depot?
22. Will your vendor loan you a device on trial?
23. How will your handheld computer send data back to the office - cradle sync, WiFi, bluetooth, GPRS/GSM, CDMA?
24. What size screen do you need? Some devices like the Jett-Eye have a "landscape view" others a "portrait view" many have different sized screens. What do you require?
25. Do you need an integrated digital camera? Do you need a low or high resolution camera and does your device support it?
26. Does a refurbished device from Ryzex make better sense that a new device?
27. Where is your vendor's office? Are they in the neighborhood or on the other side of the planet? Does their location offer you the support and attention you deserve?
28. Does your handheld computer run on the same operating system that your software solutions require?
29. Does your handheld computer come with a pistol grip or other straps that help you avoid dropping it?
30. Can you comfortably hold the device in your handheld and complete the required job? Some devices have scanners on the side, on the end or underneath.
31. Can you effectively view the data you need? Some jobs simply require a full keyboard and a full screen for viewing large CAD files or Maps. Does your screen size match your requirements?

Ryzex Visit in Bellingham, Washington and a Look at Mobile Handheld PDAs

Last week I had the opportunity of visiting Ryzex in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Ryzex is a very interesting company that sells new, used and refurbished handheld computers and mobile handheld PDAs. Their business model supports the purchase of old and used handheld computers from their clients, and upgrading them with new hardware. They also have a rental program for companies needing short-term data collection devices.

As I walked through their facilities I saw workstations where engineers were repairing devices, disassembling devices and cleaning used devices. I saw a warehouse full of handheld computer parts and add-on components. It was a very interesting tour and I left impressed with the scope of their services and offerings. They sell and service a wide range of handheld computers including Psion Teklogix, Symbol, Intermec and others.

My interest in all of these handheld devices of course is that they require software in order to be of any use. MobileDataforce develops all kinds of applications for mobile handheld computers and it is important for us to understand all the different technologies, plug-ins and add-on components and how we can best support them.

RFID on Mobile Handheld PDAs Not Quite Ready for Vendors

We have implemented several very nice RFID projects this year using mobile handheld computers and various PDAs for tracking assets, but these customers seemed to find us, we did not find them. I have tried several times this year, with various online ad campaigns, to find a market for RFID related software products. However, when I ran my ad campaigns they seemed to generate a large numbers of PPC (pay-per-clicks), but the online visitors were only interested in reading not buying.

I found this article today that seems to support my findings:

Frost & Sullivan recently reported that the total North American RFID market for manufacturing and logistics is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20 percent over the next six years. Yet, about 75 percent of the technology companies responding to a CompTIA survey earlier this year said there are not enough people trained in the field. Eighty-percent said they believe that a lack of talent will hinder RFID adoption.

Several points to note - 1) when you are starting with nothing, 20% growth is not a lot, 2) Comptia offers training and certification classes - so to say the slow adoption of RFID is because of a lack of training is a bit self serving, 3) If you know of someone interested in RFID software solutions, please send them my way....a bit self serving I admit.