HID Global acquires mobile RFID readers developer Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd

Posted to Access Control on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 by Publication Editor Share:

HID GLOBAL, the trusted identity solutions specialist, has just acquired Technology Solutions (TSL) UK Ltd, the global provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) handheld readers. The latter designs, develops and manufactures ruggedised mobile RFID readers and other multi-technology mobile device peripherals used to identify and track products and assets.

TSL works with a worldwide network of distributors, OEMs and system integrators to offer innovative mobile data capture solutions for a variety of applications, among them supply chain management, stock inventory control and ticketing. The TSL handheld readers are industry-agnostic and can be used for applications in the retail, hospitality, waste management and logistics sectors. Indeed, they’re suited to any vertical market or application where RFID tags are used.

The reader portfolio is focused on RAIN RFID ultra-high frequency and also supports high frequency, low frequency, barcodes and QR codes for the broadest range of use cases.

“The acquisition of TSL is a strategic fit for HID, building upon our leadership in identification technologies by adding proven handheld RFID readers to our robust portfolio of tags and Internet of Things enablement solutions,” explained Björn Lidefelt, CEO of HID Global. “Expanding our RFID components business with TSL readers affords our customers a one-stop-shop for a complete RFID offering of hardware and integration tools all delivered through a shared distribution channel.”

Mobile device of choice

With a core competency in designing reader units that are independent from display units, TSL’s products make it possible for customers to select their mobile device of choice for display and data processing, as well as easily upgrade to new phones and tablets for display devices over time.

In addition, models in the range of handheld readers are operating system independent. They work with iOS, Android and Windows phones and tablets, as well as other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

TSL also provides its own mobile apps and a proven, stable, easy-to-use developer platform with SDKs and APIs that make it easy for third parties to develop across all major mobile operating systems. To date, this has resulted in hundreds of apps supporting the readers.

Based in Loughborough, TSL was founded in 1994 with a focus on engineering and operations excellence, subsequently going on to serve Fortune 500 companies around the world. As a result of the acquisition deal, TSL is now a business unit within HID’s identification technologies business area. The latter is headed up by Marc Bielmann, senior vice-president and head of identification technologies.