Port Logistics Group, a provider of gateway logistics services, and TAGSYS RFID, a global provider of item-level inventory management systems that streamline the supply chain, have announced a strategic partnership to enable RFID solutions for PLG customers at their U.S. gateway facilities.

The companies will partner on development and deployment of TAGSYS RFID solutions, integrated to PLG proprietary EventTracker WMS, to support the increasing demands from retailers and manufacturers for RFID capabilities throughout the supply chain. In particular, the companies will focus on RFID applications for shippers with high value apparel and consumer goods.

"Our clients include major U.S. retailers and the companies that supply them," said Bob Stull, CEO of PLG. "RFID compliance is becoming a critical part of doing business in the retail supply chain, and we want to ensure that Port Logistics Group is a step ahead in providing distribution solutions that are RFID ready."

The companies will jointly deploy TAGSYS RFID solutions to support item-level receipt of goods and outbound order verification, as well as inventory management and cycle-counting.

"Our partnership with Port Logistics Group offers a unique opportunity to bring the benefits of our RFID solutions to multiple customers at a strategic point in the supply chain," said Alain Fanet, CEO of TAGSYS. "We hope to demonstrate the benefits of RFID in the distribution center – inventory visibility and accuracy and reductions in processing costs – and be in a position to offer expanded solutions both upstream and downstream, from point of manufacturing to point of sale."

The companies are running two pilot programs for customers at PLG's LA / Long Beach and New York / New Jersey gateways in the first quarter of 2013.