London, UK, April 28, 2009 - Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS), a leading provider of application infrastructure software to develop, deploy, integrate and manage business applications, has entered into a partnership with autoID systems GmbH, a specialist in the conception and implementation of solutions, to develop and deliver a logistics and catering system for the aviation industry based on the integration of the Progress® Apama® Complex Event Processing (CEP) platform and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
The project, sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (Germany), and being run in conjunction with Airbus, EADS and the Fraunhofer Institute, will create a system that drives operational efficiency in airline catering logistics and their supporting processes. The innovative system will track individual food trolleys allocated to specific aircraft, locate misplaced trolleys, and allow airlines to offer a better service to passengers, such as offering a wider choice of menus on flights.
The project dashboard will be based on the Progress Apama CEP platform, which will monitor, control and maintain the process in real time. Apama will correlate signals received from the RFID-enabled trolleys in an application developed by autoID systems.
Dr. Michael Gross, Managing Director, autoID systems, said: "With the vast quantities of data generated from sensors, readers, and actuators, it’s important to have a platform that allows the smooth integration of information on a centralised management dashboard. The Progress Apama CEP platform allows airline operators to have a real-time view of all stages within the supply chain. This will save airlines from over-catering.”
Dr. Giles Nelson, Senior Director of Strategy, Progress Software commented: “This is a really exciting project for us to be involved in, and one that is going to have a dramatic effect on airline catering logistics. We envisage that once the system is fully operational, not only will cost savings be realized, but passengers will obtain a range of benefits, including being able to order a meal just before the flight, specifying what time during the flight it is served to them and even being able to specify how hot the meal should be. Improving the operational efficiency of the airline business model is very high on the agenda for the aviation industry. This partnership will go a long way in helping achieve this goal.”
In addition to Progress Software, other companies involved in the project are Airbus, EADS, Fraunhofer Institute and the University of Cologne.
About autoID systems GmbH
autoID systems GmbH, a company of the Georg Kohl Group, specialises in the conception and implementation of autoID solutions. The company develops and produces various transponders including metal labels, high-temperature and paper-based transponders. The basis for standard solutions is the RF-Box; software which can be used for the integration of RFID systems in existing IT applications. autoID systems also offers special solutions which are specifically developed to suit the customer. autoID systems can be reached at www.autoID-systems.com or +49-(0)-7135-991-540.
About Progress Software Corporation
Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS) provides application infrastructure software for the development, deployment, integration and management of business applications. Our goal is to maximize the benefits of information technology while minimizing its complexity and total cost of ownership. Progress can be reached at www.progress.com or +1-781-280-4000.
Progress and Apama are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation or one of its affiliates or subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks or service marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.