The Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, Michigan — Photo by InvoTech

InvoTech Systems, Inc. announced the Odawa Casino Resort (OCR) upgraded its GIMS™ Uniform System inventory software with UHF-RFID technology to automate the inventory tracking and control of thousands of valuable uniforms worn by Team Members at the property. GIMS™ was initially installed at OCR in 2007 with barcode labels attached to the uniforms which were manually scanned for real-time tracking of inventory. Uniforms now have UHF-RFID tags attached that automate the inventory process. Please click here for more information on InvoTech's hotel systems for efficient operations.

The Odawa Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, realizes the cost saving benefits provided by GIMS™ with less labor required. GIMS™ interfaces with the White Conveyors U-Pick-It System to provide 24-hour automated uniform distribution to approximately 600 Team Members.

Upgrade to RFID tracking tightens loss control; reduces costs in non-revenue producing department

"Odawa Casino Resort values the uniform product that we provide to our Team Members," said Melissa Richards, Director of Human Resources for OCR. "Since our Wardrobe Department does not generate revenue and uniforms are often lost traveling to and from the laundry, tight inventory control is essential. The new InvoTech system is one of the tools that support our hard working Team Members who proudly represent our Enterprise."

According to Richards, cost savings are important for many reasons, including the resort's commitment to contribute to the growth and development of services to both the tribal community and the surrounding Northern Michigan communities.

Richards noted that her department's loss control initiatives are a model for other property business units. InvoTech installed UHF-RFID readers near doors where uniform carts travel to and from the laundry trucks for hands-free accounting. InvoTech also placed readers over the doors of the property's automated White Conveyors U-Pick-It System that delivers uniforms to employees. The system tracks when Team Members take delivery of their garments to maintain an accurate inventory of all uniforms.

InvoTech processes make life easier for Wardrobe Team
InvoTech Vice President Jeff Welles said, "InvoTech upgraded GIMS™ with UHF-RFID and developed efficient and effective processes that protect the casino's uniform investment. The biggest benefit of the UHF-RFID upgrade is that it eliminates daily manual tasks and reduces the labor required to operate GIMS™ and realize its cost saving benefits. The UHF-RFID technology provides the ability to read entire carts of soiled uniforms and racks of clean uniforms at one time – automatically."

About Odawa Casino Resort
Owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the $140 million Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, Michigan opened in June 2007 and features 1,300 slot machines, 29 table games, a six-table Poker Room, several restaurants, gift stores, a nightclub, and a 137 room hotel.

About InvoTech Systems
InvoTech Systems, Inc. – a Microsoft Certified Partner – is a leading provider of high quality and innovative inventory control systems for hotels, casinos, resorts, theme parks, and sports arenas. The company's GIMS™ asset management solution and tracking systems manage uniforms, linens, and laundries. Its SAMS™ systems manage security and guest services operations. Both GIMS™ and SAMS™ provide ultimate control and accountability, streamline operations, improve quality and loss control, and reduce labor. The GIMS™ ultra high frequency, radio frequency identification (UHF-RFID) system in particular, fully automates uniform and linen tracking. This allows managers to eliminate labor from cost centers and instead put staff to work enhancing revenues. The worldwide roster of more than 500 customers includes MGM Resorts International, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Universal Studios, and Madison Square Garden. InvoTech Systems is rooted in a culture that emphasizes long-term client relationships, superior customer service, and on-going technology innovation and integration. For more information, please visit www.invotech.com.

Jeff Welles
Vice President
818-574-6866