32 Years in IT Solutions for Manufacturing
Our Specialty
As a software developer and systems integrator, we specialize in complete wireless solutions for real-time inventory labeling, control and traceability - and automating shop floor operations.
Using RF and RFID technologies, our solutions enable companies to reduce costs, increase efficiency and compete more profitabl by streamlining and error-proofing processes from Receiving through Shipping.
Our History
1980 - Software for "Micro Computers"
Using our backgrounds in IBM mainframes, banking and accounting, we founded "Computer Software Corporation" (CSC) in 1980 to develop a suite of accounting and inventory software for use on the new "micro computers". We installed integrated systems in manfuacturing and industrial companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Our first products ran under the CP/M (!) , DOS and O/S2 operating systems.
1985 - Barcode Solutions for Shop Floor Control
We integrated barcode scanning into our Inventory and Job Management System, creating one of the first barcode-based shop floor solutions to automate WIP Tracking and Labor Data Collection.
1989 - 2004 - Doing Business as "Barcode Data Systems"
By 1989, we were implementing barcode-based inventory control systems for medium to Fortune 500 automotive suppliers and manufacturers. To reflect our business focus, we adopted the new trade name of "Barcode Data Systems".
1993 - The "SPEDE System" Launched for Automotive Suppliers
We developed the SPEDE System initially for automotive suppliers to comply with OEM mandates to print barcoded shipping labels. We soon enhanced it to include real-time inventory and shop floor control. Our first customer was - and still is - a Tier 1 automotive supplier with 28 plants in the U.S. and Mexico. SPEDE is now used by numerous large multi-plant manufacturing companies in a variety of industries to label, track and trace inventory, and automate plant and warehouse operations.
2002 - Expanded into Pet Food Manufacturing
A large private-label pet food manufacturer with 24 facilities needed real-time production reporting, Finished Goods labeling, inventory traceability, and automated processes in Warehousing, Picking and Shipping. We configured the SPEDE System to fit their business requirements, and entered a new sector of the manufacturing industry.
2004 - Launched "Push-button Labeling"
We invented the SPEDE RF Push-button, a wireless device that can be installed at the production line and configured to print the correct label for the Part being made at that line. The solution eliminates errors in labeling Finished Product and enables compliance with Honda's "line-side labeling" mandate.
Push-button Labeling is now installed in facilities throughout the U.S. One customer location uses 60 Push-buttons, and prints 350,000 labels a year - without a single error.
2005 - Launched RFID Trailer Loading System
A Tier 1 automotive supplier needed a simple solution to eliminate errors in trailer loading and ASNs. We developed the first RFID-based Trailer Loading system for automotive suppliers. RFID is now supported by all SPEDE modules from Receiving to Shipping.
2006 - "SPEDE Technologies"
Capitializing on the benefits of the latest wireless technologies, our solutions supported the use of RFID, RF scanning, and RF-enabled weigh scales, PLCs and push-buttons.
We adopted the trade name of "SPEDE Technologies" to reflect our expertise beyond barcoding.
2008 - Launched RFID Locator System for Overhead Cranes
For Steel Processing companies, the challenge of locating specific coils among many hundreds in a warehouse often requires labor-intensive floor searches, and radio communications with a crane operator. We pioneered the use of RFID readers and RF lasers mounted to the overhead crane to automatically identify the coils and pinpoint their precise location as the coils are moved and putaway.
2010 - Launched "PLC-Triggered Labeling" Solution
Our customers that use PLCs at their production lines presented us with another opportunity to error-proof the process of labeling Finished Product at line-side.
We developed a modified version of the patented SPEDE RF Push-button that can interface to a PLC, and trigger a label to print automatically when a pack count of "good" parts is made.
2011 - Food Traceability - Assisting the Institute of Food Technologies (IFT)
Since 1993, the SPEDE System has included the functionality to create detailed electronic Lot / Serial traceability records automatically, as a by-product of scanning inventory transactions from Receiving through Shipping.
In January, 2011 Congress passed the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) in response to a series of major recalls and tainted food incidents, primarily in the produce industry. The FDA then contracted with the IFT, a non-profit organization, to conduct 2 pilot traceability solutions, that the FDA will report on to Congress in 2012, and use as a guideline when writing its new regulations.
SPEDE Technologies was invited by the IFT to assist in evaluating the pilot project results.
2012 - Celebrating our 32nd Year in Business
The RF and RFID solutions we offer today were un-imaginable in 1980. But our focus has never changed:
By enhancing our software solutions to capitalize on the latest real-time wireless technologies, we can help manufacturing companies streamline operations, and increase their efficiency, profitability and competitive edge.
Today, the original CSC partners still lead the company. As a privately-held Ohio Corporation, we've financed our R&D through revenue, not venture capital.
In 1997, we purchased our current buiilding and 5 acres of real estate in Westlake, Ohio, located just 10 miles west of Cleveland on the country's North shore.
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