Improved Version

The technology changeover task, which has come as a blessing in disguise for LXE, as its leadership (in Bar Code) has been put under test, ever since RFID exploded into the logistics and supply chain industry. However, a top official of the LXE claims that Bar Code outperforms RFID on one single factor - “cost”.

LNNnews.com has recently caught up with Mr. Frans Kok, General Manager, who leads LXE in Asia, Middle East and Africa markets from his Singapore office, spoke on various issues like RFID Vs Bar Code and his company’s own growth opportunities and LXE’s technological innovations.

According to Mr. Frans, LXE is replacing Bar Code functionalities for PWC Logistics with a better one, Voice Code. The Dubai-based logistics company will use this application at all its distribution centres in Middle East. LXE is supplying hardware while SPAN is developing software for it.

Voice Code is unique of its kind, and can be used by anyone who speaks. The person, who handles a cargo with a Voice Code handset, can document his distribution to the central accounting system thro verbal communication. LXE sees huge market for its Voice Code system in coming years.

Middle East Market

While commenting on the size of the Middle East logistics automation market, Mr. Frans said, “It is anything in the region of $30-40-million,” and added that the industry is expected to grow much more this year than last year’s 30-40 percent growth rate.

While replying to a query on which ME country does he think emerging fast? Mr. Frans said: “Turkey is progressing fast and it is a potential market for us.”

When asked, did LXE faces tough competition from Symbol in Middle East? Mr. Kok categorically said that LXE is targeting very limited industrial sectors, but Symbol is catering to all sectors, including healthcare.

The company has a long list of clients in the ME, including Al Sharaya, PWC Kuwait, etc.

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