Honda RFID Assemply Line: Critical Component Traceability

Honda Italia partners with IBM to implement RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and infrastructure in production processes at its plant located in Atessa, Italy. The solution will enable Honda Italy to increase efficiency and accuracy in managing its motorcycle production in Italy. ...

... "IBM Global Business Services will support Honda Italia in the design and development of the RFID implementation, which will enable the real time, automatic identification of each vehicle along the entire production chain. The RFID tags will also be used on micro-lots of critical components, such as engines. IBM business and technology consultants have been collaborating for a long time with Honda Italia engineers in the design of the new processes and in the identification of the best solution. The RFID technology will be then completely integrated with Honda's existing IT systems through an open standards-based, Linux and Java (J2EE) application built on the IBM WebSphere Application Server to track inventory and to monitor ways to improve efficiency.



The first phase of the project, completed earlier this year, simultaneously with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Honda Italia, calls for the transformation of Honda's large-displacement bikes (Hornet 600, CBF1000/600/500) assembly line. The RFID tags were used to monitor the traceability of critical components, WIP (Work In Progress) management and inventory replenishment. In the future, RFID tags will also be applied to Honda's scooter production line, starting with the European best seller SH150i/125i and the bigger SH300i. " ...

Via IBM: Honda Italia and IBM Revolutionize Motorbike Production With RFID: Innovation Project at Honda's Plant in Italy Expected to Improve Efficiency and Accuracy ...

Secure RFID through Partnership

SkyeTek and Atmel will partner to create secure HF reader and tag platforms for the RFID market. ...

... "The partnership between Atmel and SkyeTek will provide customers with an ultra-secure option for embedded RFID applications. Resulting solutions leverage CryptoRF's security features and the enterprise-class reliability and price-performance of the SkyeTek ReaderDNA and ReaderWare technology. This combination will provide customers with the ability to adapt RFID technology into existing applications and is well positioned to provide valuable solutions addressing ePedigree, patient safety, consumables authentication, item-level inventory management, and ticketing. SkyeTek's ReaderWare also provides the capability to upgrade the reader to support future tags, protocols, and cryptography via a firmware upgrade. " ...

Via SkyeTek: SkyeTek and Atmel Partner to Offer Industry Leading Secure RFID Technology ...

RFID Metal Packaging Works as Antenna

QinetiQ and Crown collaborate to develop adaptation of QinetiQ's Omni-ID Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for use on metal packaging. The improvements will enable RFID tags at the unit-level on metal items. Technology advancement is expected to integrate the metal substrate as part of the RFID tag's antenna. ...

... "This will enable brand owners to integrate ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tags into metal packaging for a wide variety of applications at the single item level. Designed to mitigate issues such as signal reflection, detuning and grounding which reduce or negate RFID's effectiveness on metal packaging or with aqueous-based products, the unique technology leverages several of metal's inherent properties and shifts the format into an advantageous position.

QinetiQ's standalone Omni-ID tags and integrated Omni-ID packaging technology allows a UHF tag to be mounted directly onto the metal substrate. Measuring substantially less than 1mm in thickness, the unique Omni-ID structure collects and focuses RF energy and enables highly efficient coupling to the chip. Another advantage of the system is that RFID chips require only a short coupling antenna rather than the large dipole usually incorporated in UHF tags, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Crown and QinetiQ are continuing development of the technology for metal packaging to further optimize design. In the near future, it is expected that the metal substrate itself will have an integral role in the way the technology functions. Using a beverage or food can as an example, the can itself would serve as the antenna, simplifying production of the RFID tag and further reducing costs. " ...

Via Qinetiq: Crown teams up with QinetiQ to resolve challenges of RFID on metal packaging ...

RFID Nano-Battery Technology

mPhase Technologies plans to reinvent the design of batteries, that power portable electronic devices, freeing us from the fire-hazards of lithium ion batteries, ie. the ones that catch fire in laptop computers. mPhase is creating the Smart Nanobattery, which is a radical approach to energy storage using nanograss.

... "The company is developing a battery for potential use in consumer commerce and security applications like active RFID Radio Frequency ID tags; " ...

Via mPhase Tech: mPhase Technologies To Continue Its Development Of A Radical Improvement In Battery Technology Superior To Current Designs ...

Sirit RFID: Revenue Increasing

Sirit sees RFID revenue increasing and it is positioned to capitalize on future RFID market growth. ...

... "Radio Frequency Solutions (RFS) related revenue represents 27% or $1.4 million of total revenue, a 180% increase over prior year reported revenue of $0.5 million. Sirit remains one of the few companies with significant, real world RFID experience with over 330,000 RFID readers deployed around the world. As supply chain adoption hovers on the horizon, our solid and profitable AVI business becomes an important differentiator among our peers, noted Anastasia Chodarcewicz, Chief Financial Officer, Sirit Inc. With continued focus on top line growth and bottom line cost controls, we believe that we should achieve a cash flow neutral position by the end of next year. " ...

Via Sirit: Sirit Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter ...

RFID Smart Logistics

The future of logistics involves RFID smart cargo ...

... "First, it will be intelligent, or smart, meaning that it can provide detailed information about its location and the condition of its cargo at all times, through the use of RFID. " ...

Via ITPBusiness: Link

RFID Future: Syscan Invests ...

Syscan announces full-year financial results which are disappointing. Yet, the company is optimistic about its future as it invests in RFID agricultural applications. ...

... "Research and Development expenses grew to $765,415 from $308,797, an increase of 148% as RFID based application development was accelerated in preparation for commercialization. At the end of the year, working capital stood at $906,578 and there was no bank debt. Mr. Axel Striefler, President and CEO of Syscan said: Fiscal 2006 was a difficult year for the Company as demand for our rugged mobile printers declined significantly due to competition from smaller, less expensive thermal printers. Nevertheless we have made tremendous strides with our RFID applications which represent the future of the Company. We are looking forward to strong growth in 2007 as we commercialize our solutions in the food, pharmaceutical and military sectors. We are particularly excited about the forthcoming implementation of our RFID based solutions in conjunction with Quebec's mandated agricultural traceability programs across the province. " ...

Via MarketWire: Syscan Releases 2006 Results

Printed RFID Tags: Near Future?

Printed RFID tags to enable low-cost item level tagging may be within reach. ...

... "While a printed RFID tag will never be as inexpensive as a bar code - since bar codes require only one color of a conventional ink that may already be used to produce product packaging - printed RFID tags would bring item-level tagging to a wide range of products that, today, are economically out of reach. " ...

Via AIM: RFID: Objects in the Future May Be Closer Than They Appear ...

RFID Seamless Mobility: Moto Acquires Mobile Technology Leader, Symbol ...

Motorola makes strategic acquisition of wounded-prey Symbol Technologies with an eye towards the convergence of digital and mobility as an engine for future growth. ...

... "Symbol is a leader in designing, developing, manufacturing and servicing products and systems used in end-to-end enterprise mobility solutions featuring rugged mobile computing, advanced data capture, radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless infrastructure and mobility management. The company's products and services help customers increase workforce productivity, improve customer service and enhance operational efficiencies by delivering information in real-time, as people, information and assets are on-the-move. " ...

Via Moto: Motorola to Expand Enterprise Capabilities Through Acquisition of Symbol Technologies ...

RFID Research: Sensor Networks: IBM Consortium ...

IBM consortium wins contract to support the research and development of RFID wireless sensor networks to enable military operations. ...

... "The United States Army Research Laboratory and United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have selected an IBM-led consortium, the newly formed International Technology Alliance (ITA) in Network and Information Sciences, to undertake a research program exploring advanced technology for secure wireless and sensor networks to support future coalition operations, over a potential 10 year period, with a value of up to $135.8 million. Successful future military operations will depend on the capability of coalition forces to quickly gather, interpret and share battlefield information to coordinate actions, so the research will enable interoperability and communications across disparate military units, allowing them to operate more effectively. This Alliance represents a new way of conducting collaborative research by fostering close partnerships among government, academic, and industry researchers in both countries. The ITA creates a critical mass of private sector and government researchers focused on solving military technology challenges central to future coalition military operations; enabling staff rotations among all organizations in the Alliance; and facilitating rapid and affordable transition of technologies with an innovative transition model. " ...

Via IBM: IBM-Led Consortium Wins Ground-Breaking Transatlantic Defense Research Agreement ...

RFID Security: NSF Funds Smart Tag Research ...

National Science Foundation, NSF, provides funding to increase the privacy and security of RFID smart tags, through better cryptographics.

... "Strengthened security for smart tags - the wireless devices that allow drivers to zip through automatic tollbooths or pass a security desk with the flash of a card - is the aim of a new initiative that has received $1.1 million from the National Science Foundation. Led by Kevin Fu of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the researchers are developing much-needed cryptographic protocols, hardware and applications for the increasingly common devices. Millions of consumers already use smart tags—wireless devices that use radio waves to identify and authenticate people and things - and they will become more numerous, says Fu.



Smart tags - which include Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags—are already used to track items from library books to merchandise to cattle. Increasingly, they are replacing the magnetic stripe cards used in security badges and mass transit cards, sometimes also serving as electronic cash. The tags will soon be incorporated into documents such as passports; their use is being explored for tracking medical records and prison inmates. But the tags, which also include contactless smart cards and low-resource sensors, are a technology that has crept in from the edge of the Internet and they present new challenges in terms of security and privacy issues, says Fu.

The unique environment presented by smart tags - they can operate without human intervention and without a physically connected power source - presents unique security concerns, says Fu. Smart tags automatically respond to the device that reads them, so human users don't have the traditional means of giving or denying consent to the reader. This infrastructure of untrusted readers and tags requires an approach that preserves privacy while maintaining the flexibility and convenience that the tags offer.

The new consortium, dubbed the RFID ConsortiUm for Security and Privacy (RFID-CUSP), takes these operating conditions into account and is designing new cryptographic definitions, algorithms and models that will lay the solid foundation on which secure applications can be built. As part of their project, the researchers are working with the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The project will result in the first completely open, publicly available software for experimenting with RFID security and privacy. " ...

UMass Amherst: UMass Amherst-Led Research Will Protect Consumers by Ramping Up Security for Smart Tags

Kevin Fu: "Open cryptanalysis of existing RFID protocols will give assurance in the soundness of reliable RFID technology. At UMass, we are investigating how to build secure RFID-based systems. "

The Sensor Revolution: Industry & Commerce: "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stands among the fastest-proliferating sensor technologies. RFID systems combine electromagnetic sensing with radio communications. RFID tags and interrogators can be used to track inventory in a warehouse or collect tolls from moving cars. "

Understanding Contactless Smart Card Technologies and Some of the Leading Reader/Card Product Providers (PDF): "That transmission could then be replayed to a reader to gain access illicitly at some time in the future. In contrast, today’s secure contactless cards and readers (such as XceedID ISO-X and HID iCLASS) employ a myriad of cryptographic techniques. These techniques encrypt data in ways that render it useless to an illicit user. Thus, traditional proximity cards and readers provide inferior communication security when compared to secure contactless smart cards and readers. "

RFID Oracle EdgeServer Success ...

Noel SA, South American CPG company, successfully uses Oracle RFID edge services to understand the application of RFID to logistics business processes. ...

... "Noel SA used RFID-enabled Oracle Warehouse Management (WMS), part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, as the logistics platform for the pilot, which included tagging 2,000 pallets of Ducales cookies that were sent to the distribution center in Medell? Colombia. Noel SA used Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, to connect and manage all the devices on the RFID system, including tag printers and readers. Data captured from the system was processed by Oracle WMS and synchronized with the Oracle enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. Each pallet received a passive RFID tag, which included important order information such as the lot number and product expiration date.



The RFID-tagged pallets were read throughout the supply chain from the production floor to the final distribution center to ensure proper delivery of orders. Once the pallet arrived at the distribution center of Medell? it was read again to reconcile the sales order and fulfillment information held in the Oracle order management system. At the conclusion of the pilot, Noel SA uncovered that the bar code process prior to the RFID pilot was being executed incorrectly, rendering inventory and shipment data inaccurate. Noel SA gained valuable visibility into its operations such as inventory management and order fulfillment using RFID. The company plans to begin the roll out of a full-scale RFID system in the future. " ...

Via Oracle: Noel SA Successfully Completes RFID Pilot Based on Oracle Solutions

Hospital RFID Applications Discussed ...

MIT Forum will discuss RFID applications in the hospital. ...

... "RFID in the Hospital
Monday June 12, 2006
6:30 - 6:45 Networking & Light Snack
6:45 - 7:45 Panel Presentation
7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Q & A
Location:
Stata Center (Bldg. 32)
Room 124, 1st floor
32 Vassar Street
Cambridge, MA 02139 MAP

In addition to manufacturing and retail marketing, healthcare is considered the next home for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although in its early stages, RFID technology has great potential in the hospitals to significantly reduce cost, improve patient safety and deliver medical services. Imagine the hospital of the future where unnecessary expenses will be cut and more patient lives will be saved. " ...

Via MIT EF: RFID SIG ...

RFID: Internet of Things Workshop ...

Interesting RFID workshop looks to expand the potential of RFID application through consideration of future possibilities when things are connected to the internet. ...

... "RFID will play a pivotal role in fusing the physical world with the digital. RFID allows for the unique identification of objects, and any kind of online data can be linked to these unique ID's. Here is where the real world and the internet become two faces of the same reality. Things go online.

The participants of this workshop will develop scenarios for an internet of things. Ideas can range from scripts for small new rituals to outlines of societal changes of epic scale. The critical, utopian or nightmarish scenarios will be informed by lectures with concrete knowledge about currently available technology; by handy workshop tools that give hands-on experience in developing RFID applications, and by insightful presentations by cutting-edge makers and thinkers.

The workshop takes 3 days. The morning sessions are dedicated to lectures and presentations on technology, theory and interesting implementations of RFID. The afternoons are dedicated to development of participants projects. The workshop will take place in the seminar room of Mediamatic, at the 5th floor of the PostCS building. " ...

RFID: Internet of Things Workshop: Via Mediamatic.net: RFID & the Internet of Things ...

RFID Hospital: Blood Tracking ...

IBM collaborates with Japan hospital to track blood samples using RFID technology. ...

... "At the Kyoto Medical Center, under the new project, RFID tags were attached to dummy samples of plasma derivatives (about 50 units) and successfully traced. Using these RFID tags, information on the distribution and use history of the products - from the pharmaceutical manufacturer via the wholesalers to the medical institutions through to use - can be shared (federated), and the basis for a tracking mechanism can be established. In the future, multiple users, beyond the boundaries of individual industries, can make use of this kind of historical information to provide a system for enabling safe medical care. IBM Japan has built a distributed information system for seamless operation of RFID tags, while protecting a variety of highly classified medical information, such as personal information. Moreover, from the point of view of privacy, it has become possible to provide access control technology, which strictly limits access to the database and displays only the information necessary for the business at hand in systems used by multiple businesses or departments. " ...

RFID Hospital: Blood Tracking: Via IBM: Japan's first RFID tag drug-shipment-to-in-hospital medication traceability successfully demonstrated ...

RFID Supply Chain Future ...

RFID has future in the secure global supply chain ...

... "Assuring that your suppliers are handling your cargo in a secure way will require greater visibility into the supply chain. Someday, this will be done through RFID, smart containers and other emerging technologies. " ...

Peering Into Your Supply Chain: Via CSOonline ...

RFID Lab Smart Tag Life-Cycle ...

RFID lab receives RFID reader gift to enable full life-cycle tests of smart tags. ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification technology, silicon-embedded smart tags, is generally expected to be used right alongside Universal Product Codes as an enhancement to product tracking capabilities for the foreseeable future. Indiana University's Kelley School of Business was the first U.S. business school to create a working RFID educational model or lab two years ago. The recent gift of an RFID printer from Zebra Technologies will allow the Kelley School's undergraduate and graduate students to model the complete life cycle of a tag. " ...

RFID Lab Smart Tag Life-Cycle: Via IU: IU's Kelley School receives gift from Zebra Technologies for RFID lab

RFID Company For Sale: SAMSys Considers Strategic Alternatives ...

SAMSys consider strategic alternatives for future of the company ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc., an international provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced that it has formed a special committee of independent directors to review and consider strategic options available to the Company for enhancing shareholder value including, but not limited to, business combinations and strategic partnerships. " ...

RFID Company For Sale: Via CNW Group: SAMSys Reviewing Strategic Options ...

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets ...

Partners collaborate on RFID technology solutions for commercial vehicle applications, such as data collection devices. ...

... "AXCESS International Inc. and STEMCO LP announced a recently-signed business agreement between their companies to work together in the development of RFID based solutions for heavy-duty commercial vehicle fleets. These solutions will utilize semi-active tag technology and hardware from AXCESS that will be seamlessly integrated with STEMCO's BAT RF active RFID mileage and tire pressure data collection sensors. Future products utilizing these combined capabilities are in development and planned for release in 2007. AXCESS' patented ActiveTag RFID systems use small, battery powered tags (generically called semi-active tags) that when automatically activated, transmit a wireless message typically 30 to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via standard network simultaneously to the enterprise system software, the existing security alarm equipment, and standalone management software. Optionally, the tag system can be used to trigger security video recording and live remote video transmission. The tags are used for a variety of enterprise productivity applications including automatic personnel access control and tracking, automatic vehicle access control and payload management, automatic asset management and protection, as well as special purpose sensing. " ...

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets: Via Axcess: STEMCO LP and AXCESS Sign Business Agreement ...

RFID Hospital Blood Supply Management ...

Siemens supports RFID technology implementation for management of hospital blood supply ...

... "Back in 2005, Siemens Business Services chose Saarbruecken as the first hospital in Germany to try out an RFID project for patient identification by fitting all patients admitted to the clinic with a bracelet containing an RFID chip. In the future, this system will be extended to blood bank supplies for around 1,000 patients. When the blood bags reach the hospital, they are each equipped with an RFID chip on which a unique number has been stored. This number corresponds to an entry in a protected database containing information on the origin, designated purpose and recipient of the blood. When a nurse fetches a blood bag for a patient, she uses a PDA to read in both the chip on the packaging and the data on the patient's RFID bracelet. Only if the data matches will the blood actually be used for this patient. This ensures patients always receive the right transfusion in the right quantity. The data involved is immediately added to the clinic's process workflow and the patient's data records. Siemens Business Services acts as prime contractor. The technological equipment involved in the RFID solution includes notebooks from Fujitsu Siemens Computers with access to the clinic's patient system, as well as Pocket Loox PDAs and Stylistic tablet PCs with Intel mobile technology. RpDoc Solutions is in charge of the software for medication plans and storage, as well as for checking the dosages involved in various treatments, including blood transfusions. " ...

RFID Hospital Blood Supply Management: Via Siemens Business Services: Saarbruecken Clinic adds stocks of stored blood to its RFID pilot project

RFID Forklift of the Future ...

Intermec and Cascade collaborate to develop an RFID technology-enabled forklift ...

... "There's more to a forklift than first meets the eye. In the emerging world of RFID-enabled inventory tracking, the forklift can become a powerful supply-chain information tool. Intermec Inc., an RFID pioneer and leading supplier of Gen 2 RFID technology and equipment, and Cascade Corp., the world's largest manufacturer of forklift attachments, are teaming to develop a forklift system that incorporates RFID technology into a forklift's very infrastructure, replacing today's cumbersome and inefficient bolt-on approach to data collection.

Forklifts envisioned by Cascade and Intermec incorporate powerful dashboard computers positioned for maximum safety and efficiency, easy-to-reach RFID controls assimilated into the lift's control mechanisms, wireless real-time location tracking and navigational LEDs for optimal routing, and easy-to-adjust RFID readers designed into the frame of forklift attachments for flexible and accurate use with a wide range of goods and supplies. The system, designed specifically for the rugged environment of daily warehouse use, also engineers in a sophisticated cable management system, state-of-the-art wireless scanning capabilities and a built-in camera for cargo documentation. Cascade and Intermec unveiled a prototype future forklift today at Intermec's 2006 Global Partner Conference in Dallas. " ...

RFID Forklift of the Future: Via Intermec: Intermec and Cascade Collaborate to Create RFID Forklift of the Future to Enhance Warehouse Worker Productivity and Efficiency ...

RFID Jewelry Inventory Management ...

De Grisogno implements Tagsys RFID for inventory management in its extended supply chain ...

... "TAGSYS, the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure, announced that Geneva-based watchmaking and jewelry company de GRISOGONO has adopted the company’s RFID track and trace solution for inventory management across its stores worldwide. Under the terms of the rollout, the luxury retailer will utilize TAGSYS' Reliable, Accurate and Secure (R.A.S.) High-Frequency RFID readers and tags in its efforts to reduce theft and minimize loss of its valuable jewels and watches. The project begins immediately in the company's Paris and Geneva branches, with future deployments in the company's European, Asia-Pacific and North American outposts, expected at the rate of one store every two months. De GRISOGONO initially considered the use of traditional bar codes as a means to track individual items, such as gems, from its distribution center through the shipment process to the retail shop. However, the threat of theft or loss of assets required the deployment of a near errorless tracking technology. By leveraging the tagging capabilities of TAGSYS' RFID jewelry application, developed in conjunction with system integrator SOLID, the accessories company has enabled a real-time RFID-based detection system that monitors stock location at any point in the supply chain. " ...

RFID Jewelry Inventory Management: Via TAGSYS RFID: De GRISOGONO Finds a Gem of an Inventory Management Solution With SOLID and TAGSYS Item-Level RFID Jewelry Application: Item level track and trace technology minimizes threat of theft, loss and counterfeiting of luxury accessories ...

RFID: Volvo Asset Tracking ...

Volvo continues to embrace RFID technology and drive its adoption in various opportunity areas. ...

... "Truck and bus manufacturer Volvo is considering using radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging to track equipment in its warehouses. " ...

RFID: Volvo Asset Tracking: Via IT Week: Volvo studies RFID for tracking assets ...

Additional references on Volvo and RFID ...

Via Volvo: Mats Boll to speak at the RFID Europe conference: "Mats Boll, Business Develop Project Manager at Volvo Logistics, will speak at the RFID Europe conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 21. Mats Boll will discuss some of Volvo's case studies involving containers and packaging, security, distribution of finished vehicles and distribution of hazardous material. He will also review a solution introduced within manufacturing facilities of Commercial Vehicles. "

Via RFID Journal LIVE! Europe: Agenda 11 October: "Volvo has been using RFID in production and logistics for a long time and continues to launch new pilot tests on a regular basis. This session will communicate how RFID has improved Volvo's visibility, traceability and lead-time reduction. Besides demonstrating where Volvo is today, the leaders of the company's RFID projects also will look into Volvo's future, where RFID seems destined to enhance its entire supply chain. Speaker: Stina Apel, RFID Project Manager, Volvo; Annika Johansson, RFID Project Manager, Volvo "

Via IT-universitetet i Goteborg | Nyheter: Students in successful pilot project for Volvo logistics: "They carried out an RFID - Radio Frequency Identification pilot project at the cross-docking terminal at Arendal. Volvo Logistics were very pleased with the result of the project and all three of these students are today employed at Volvo Logistics. "

RFID Grocery Application ...

RFID is being applied in grocery industry ...

... "Grocery stores are also experimenting with new forms of radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology, a tagging system that sends product information via radio waves. " ...

Via OrlandoSentinel: Grocers get taste of future ...

Read Any RFID Tag: ThingMagic Reader ...

ThingMagic and Fujitsu partner to deliver RFID reader solutions in the marketplace. ...

... "Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. and ThingMagic, Inc., a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing and embedded computing technologies, announced a reseller and support agreement for RFID technology. The Fujitsu and ThingMagic contract outlines Fujitsu's agreement to resell, deploy and support ThingMagic's Mercury4 RFID readers.

Fujitsu and ThingMagic will continue to evolve their offerings to include the most innovative and cost effective RFID solutions available. Today, many companies are piloting RFID technology on a case and pallet level to improve the efficiency of receiving cases and pallets of merchandise and tracking the flow of goods from the loading dock to sales floor. With RFID readers that automatically identify product movement in real-time, stores improve the accuracy of data and the speed-to-shelf. The improved efficiency and reduced labor cost help stores relentlessly reduce costs.

ThingMagic's Mercury4 RFID reader platform, the only reader available that can read any RFID tag, is designed with a unique Software Defined Radio architecture. Mercury4 is certified by EPCglobal and MET Labs for all three Generation 2 RFID modes, including the complex Dense Reader mode. As a result, Mercury4 readers are easily and remotely updated for any future Generation 2 variants and other new RFID standards, ensuring that customers will always have the latest RFID technology available. " ...

Via ThingMagic: Fujitsu / ThingMagic RFID Alliance

RFID 3PL Walmart Cold Chain Solution ...

Ship2Save implements RFID in the third-party logistics (3PL) cold chain for Walmart. ...

... "Ship2Save has provided Atlas Cold Storage with a RFID system specifically developed to enable this premier Cold Storage Third Party Logistics’ provider to offer RFID services to its customers across North America. The first implementation at Atlas Sikeston, Missouri facility was driven by a request from one of Atlas largest ice cream customers to service WalMart's Texas D.C.'s. Atlas is currently working with another customer on a second RFID implementation in the Midwest and has more planned for the future as demand develops. The continued implementation of RFID Systems across the supply-chain is facilitating the use of more open-looped systems. These systems allow cooperation and data sharing amongst trading partners providing supply-chain visibility and improvements in supply-chain processes. The commitment to this technology by 3PL companies such as Atlas Cold Storage will encourage further RFID adoption amongst their customer base, and in turn pave the way for more open-looped RFID systems. " ...

RFID 3PL Walmart Cold Chain Solution: Via Ship2Save: Cost Effective & Innovative RFID Business Solutions: Pulling RFID out of the Freezer: Ship2save deploys RFID solution for Atlas Cold Storage ...

WalMart Dillman RFID Push ...

Walmart continues to grow and expand. Expect it to push further in the adoption of RFID technology. Linda Dillman keeps the pressure on. ...

... "Another 200 suppliers were to come on board the RFID train this month. As if to show how important the technology is to WalMart, Dillman recently said that the company won't invest any more time in those suppliers who drag their feet in complying with the RFID program. " ...

WalMart Dillman RFID Push: Via The Morning News :: Business Page: Expansion Always In WalMart's Future ...

RFID Cargo Tracking System ...

... "The Cargo Tracking System will use a Citadel Vista-10XL mobile computer with an IDENTEC SOLUTIONS Active RFID reader module. As the cargo is loaded, antennas mounted outside the truck will read active RFID tags attached to cargo containers. The cargo contents will automatically be recorded and reported, and actions will be launched, all without human intervention. Commanders will immediately know the location of all cargo containers in the supply chain. This is a future-proof RFID system that can easily support multiple tag technologies and future technologies via plug-in modules. " ...

RFID Cargo Tracking System: Via Identec Solutions: IDENTEC SOLUTIONS Selected to Supply RFID Cargo Tracking System for US Army Maneuver Sustainment Vehicle ...

RFID SpyChips in Presents ...

... "But that's all about to change. What if nearly everything for sale had an RFID chip of some sort? " ...

Via media girl: How many spychips are in your presents? In your future? ...

RFID Gaming Tables Expected in Future ...

John Brokopp explores the use of RFID in the casino gaming industry, which is expected to become a reality in the near future. ...

... "International Game Technology (IGT), a world-wide leader in gaming research and development, is on the verge of unveiling its patented Intelligent Table System which in its second tier of implementation will include RFID bet recognition. By some estimates, there will be 10,000 RFID gaming tables, each with over 4,000 chips, at casinos across the country over the next five years. " ...

RFID Gaming Tables Expected in Future: Via QCTimes.com - The Quad-City Times Newspaper: THE THRIFTY GAMBLER: Even casino chips go high-tech ...

Zebra RFID Gen2 Printer Firmware Upgrade ...

Zebra upgrades its RFID printer firmware to support Gen2 capability. ...

... "Zebra customers can download and install the firmware to conveniently expand RFID support to include Gen 2 smart label printing/encoding. No hardware replacement or service call is required. Zebra is the first company to provide publicly downloadable firmware to support Gen 2 RFID, while still supporting previous protocols. The free firmware upgrade is available for Zebra’s RXi series printer/encoders, RPAX4 series print engines and European R4Mplus printer/encoders. These models are configured to update RFID protocols via firmware, not hardware, so there is no need to replace the reader module to add support for new protocols. Because Gen 2 functionality can be added to Zebra printer/encoders without sacrificing the use of other UHF technologies, including EPC Class 1 and Class 0, companies who utilize Zebra RFID printer/encoders can be assured that the product will support their current and future business needs. " ...

Zebra RFID Gen2 Printer Firmware Upgrade: ZEBRA DELIVERS EPC GEN 2 RFID PRINTING/ENCODING WITH INDUSTRY’S FIRST FREE, DOWNLOADABLE FIRMWARE UPGRADE: Companies can add Gen 2 support on existing Zebra RFID printer/encoders while continuing to use Gen 1 and other protocols: no new hardware required ...

RFID Intelligence: Cisco Webcast ...

Cisco hosts webcast on the future of RFID technology and intelligent networks. ...

... "Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO) will host another session of its Tech Talk for Investors webcasts, with corresponding slide presentation, on Friday, December 16th, at 12:00 Noon ET. Please join Mohsen Moazami, Vice President, as he discusses how networks and Cisco Systems will increasingly play a key role in RFID implementations. Following a brief presentation, a question & answer session will be held with Reik Reid and Ken Muth of Robert W. Baird & Co. Date: Friday, December 16th, 2005; Time: 12:00 Noon ET; 9:00 AM (PT) " ...

RFID Intelligence: Cisco Webcast: Via Cisco: Cisco Systems Hosts Tech Talk for Investors Educational Webcast -- Cisco RFID Solutions: Delivering Intelligence to RFID ...

Additional resources on RFID network intelligence:

Building Business Intelligence: RFID: An Opportunity for Business Intelligence, Part 1: "A computer is a device that can input, process and output information. RFID tags potentially have these capabilities, as well as the ability to communicate wirelessly within networks."

Via TechWeb: RFID Network Set To Launch In 2006: "EPCglobal Inc. is looking for big changes to radio frequency identification technology adoption in 2006, and expects to launch its RFID network that will enable businesses to collaborate and share data electronically early next year."

ProdexNet - Business Intelligence for the IT Infrastructure: "Network management software provider ProdexNet has developed an RFID version of its core NetGather application to provide a real-time management and reporting system for enterprise RFID networks. The new productdubbed NetGather for RFID - delivers a centralized management console that provides full control and visibility of all readers in an RFID network. In 2001, ProdexNet debuted its first integrated IT reporting solution, NetGather, which was designed to draw operational data from a company's IT infrastructure to provide reports and alerts so that a company could better understand and interpret how that infrastructure was impacting its core business. Developing a version for RFID implementations required ProdexNet to add a new central console as well as ensure that the new software could pull data from a range of applications and hardware in real-time. "

RFID Identification in China ...

RFID technology can be used to track objects - people, goods, and other materials. Zhu Shenshen explores the use of RFID in China to track goods. ...

RFID Identification in China: Via Shanghai Daily: Wave of the future: IDs by radio

... "RFID provides an effective security check by transmitting a unique serial number via radio waves to identify an object or person. It is grouped under the broad category of automatic identification technologies. " ...

RFID in Innovation Strategy

Innovative uses of RFID are still in the future. Lucy Sherriff explores the multi-generational Science and Innovation Strategy developed through Home Office Minister Andy Burnham. ...

RFID in Innovation Strategy: Via The Register: Home Office plans for science to tackle terror ...

... "His wish list includes RFID tracking, new scanning technologies, the development of a so-called drugalyser for roadside drug testing and a wider use of biometric identifiers. " ...

Goodyear RFID Technology Success ...

Goodyear describes its future and success through RFID technology. ...

Goodyear RFID Technology Success: Via Goodyear Tire: Goodyear’s RFID Technology Has High-Profile Success ...

... "The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the first to implement Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on a production scale, says RFID is the future for tire identification in manufacturing, supply chain management and tire/vehicle integration. This weekend, Goodyear's RFID technology passed its first major real-life test when NASCAR used it for Saturday's Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead Miami Speedway in Florida. Goodyear began exploring RFID technology in 1984 and in 1993 began the first field trial with more than 3,000 tires. " ...

RFID Hospital Door Reader: Parco

Parco issues new hospital RFID solution that includes a door reader, RFID tags, and visual alarms to demonstrate the effectiveness of RFID-enabled tracking of mobile assets. ...

RFID Hospital Door Reader: Parco: Via Parco Merged Media Inc.: Healthcare RFID Leader Announces Special 5th Anniversary Package: Management of Parco Announce the new Shepherd Door Alert Package ...

... "Parco Wireless announced the release of Shepherd a new package designed to enable biomedical and material management staff to quickly, easily and cost effectively determine whether RFID tracking is appropriate for their institution. This package will be specially priced to help celebrate Parco's 5th Anniversary which begins in 2006. The Parco Shepherd system consists of 20 Parco RFID tags and 1 Door Reader (Parco Part Number HWFBR-SYS.) The tags have a 4+ year battery life and can easily be attached to mobile assets such as wheelchairs, litters, infusion pumps, patient worn cardiac monitors and other high value mobile devices. The tags signal between 1 and 8 times per second (factory programmed) and are permanently sealed to provide better protection from moisture. The tags are compatible with all existing and future Parco RFID Tracking Systems. " ...

Anti-RFID Solutions Cost More ...

RFID privacy can be had for a price. Andrew Donoghue explores the RFID policies at BT in dealing with naysayers, such as anti-RFID organizations. ...

Anti-RFID Solutions Cost More: BT: Don't worry about RFID Luddites: Via ZDNet UK News ...

... "BT has met with some anti-RFID organisations to discuss privacy concerns, according to Neild. One solution offered by the telco was that some items would be available without RFID tags in the future but consumers would have to pay extra for such goods. " ...

IBM RFID MidMarket Solutions ...

IBM scales its RFID solutions to the mid-market in a business firndly way. Bob Tarzey explores IBM's express managed services for businesses in the mid-market, where solutions such as RFID technology, can be sourced with a favorable payment plan. ...

IBM RFID MidMarket Solutions: Via IT Week: Managed services key for IBM future ...

... "The third IEMS announced this month is called radio frequency identification (RFID) Solution for Mid-Market, allowing small suppliers to more easily meet the demands on their large customers to interface to supply chain management systems based on RFID-ing of goods. " ...

RFID in China Future ...

China 5-year technology plan, includes RFID. ...

RFID in China Future: Via ChinaTechNews: Eleventh Five-Year Plan Promotes New Technologies ...

... "China's Ministry of Information Industry (MII) has decided to promote six major information technology projects during the Eleventh Five-year Plan. The projects, which include RFID and a Digital Home Plan, were announced at the National Information Technology Application Work Conference 2005 held in Chongqing. " ...

SAS RFID: Retail Data Management Opportunity ...

SAS RFID: Retail Data Management Opportunity: Via SAS: SAS open for RFID business in retail

... "SAS, the leader in business intelligence, highlighted its radio frequency identification (RFID) offerings for the retail industry at BetterManagement LIVE. SAS also gathered a group of major retail customers and industry thought leaders to explore current and future RFID deployment efforts and adoption strategies. With its strengths in data integration, business intelligence and analytics, SAS is uniquely equipped to help companies deliver on the promise of RFID today. RFID data is another source of operational data to be integrated for merchandise and customer lifecycle visibility. SAS specializes in delivering business insight out of vast volumes of internal and external data. The adoption of RFID technology in retail will place unprecedented demand on the management and use of data. Results of early RFID pilots point to reduced operating costs and improved operational efficiencies and accuracy. This, along with decreasing costs for tags and readers, will drive widespread adoption and expansion of RFID technology. The need to organize, harness, analyze and interpret RFID data will continue to grow in importance as critical components of any RFID technology infrastructure. " ...

RFID Position Statement: AIM

RFID Position Statement: AIM: Via AIM GLOBAL: AIM Global RFID Position Statements ...

... "As part of its commitment to address the issues pertaining to RFID implementation, AIM Global, in conjunction with its RFID Experts Group (REG), has composed a series of RFID Policy/Position statements on topics including its future uses, place in recycling, appropriate privacy safeguards, security, and intellectual property. (PDF format) " ...

RFID Printed Electronics Technology: BASF

Industry collaboration, BASF and printed system, drives creation of printed electronics technology, which enables RFID with unique characteristics ...

RFID Printed Electronics Technology: BASF: Via BASF Group: BASF Future Business develops new printed electronics technology with partners

... "The second project, which involves only BASF and printed systems, will now look to tap into new markets and applications in which the printed electronics technology can be used. Examples of possible applications are RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, flexible displays (e.g. e-paper) or lighting devices, electronic labels and large-area sensors. We estimate that markets for printed electronics technology may reach a potential of more than 20bn in the next 7 to 10 years, with more to come, said Dr. Peter Eckerle, project manager at BASF Future Business. " ...

BASF Future Business GmbH, a 100 percent subsidiary of BASF Aktiengesellschaft, was founded in April 2001. It aims to open up business areas with above-average growth rates that lie outside BASF’s current activities. The company focuses on chemistry-based new materials, technologies and system solutions. BASF Future Business GmbH commissions research from BASF’s R&D units on the one hand, and, on the other hand, cooperates with startup companies, industrial partners, universities and potential customers. Further tools include acquisition of a direct stake, joint ventures, with partner companies or provision of venture capital via the subsidiary BASF Venture Capital GmbH.

printed systems GmbH is a private start-up company, established in 2003 in Chemnitz, Germany. One of its owners is Prof. Dr. Arved C. Hübler, who is also director of the Institute for Print and Media Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology. In a close relationship to the Institute, printed systems develops printing technologies for the production of electronics. printed systems' aim is to create new products and applications for which they expect huge mass markets. Therefore, the company's focus is on mass printing technologies, which offer a new dimension of cost-efficient electronic applications in printed matter.

RFID Industry Consolidation: BEA Acquisition

RFID middleware and service oriented architectures SOA are an enabling infrastructure for the RFID future. Consolidation in the RFID industry continues, as BEA Systems acquires ConnecTerra, a leading RFID middleware technology provider, to drive their SOA vision to the edge ...

RFID Industry Consolidation: BEA Acquisition: Via BEA Systems: BEA Acquires Pioneering Provider of RFID Infrastructure Software; Extends Infrastructure Offering to the Edge: ConnecTerra Adds World-Class RFID Expertise and Products to the BEA Infrastructure Portfolio; Can Help Companies Integrate Growing Volumes of Supply Chain Data Using SOA ...

... "BEA Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAS), today announced the acquisition of ConnecTerra, a privately-held pioneer in RFID middleware technology based in Cambridge, Mass. The acquisition is designed to immediately extend the range of the BEA infrastructure portfolio to easily integrate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other device data as liquid assets available across a company's business units, applications and processes. The acquisition can help customers address the growing amount of RFID data captured across supply chains. ... ConnecTerra's RFID infrastructure software is designed to provide the core communications, security, policy and device management services which can be used to integrate devices into a wide range of applications. This includes software at the edge for filtering and device management at the local store, manufacturing plant or distribution center level; enterprise level software for centralized RFID data management; and compliance software to address RFID retail and defense mandates. BEA can augment ConnecTerra’s RFID software with its industry-leading infrastructure components to help provide a complete solution for customers looking to build new RFID enabled business processes. ConnecTerra and BEA have already worked together successfully over the past year with key customers to create market-specific solution bundles for pallet and case tracking applications in retail as well as mobile asset tracking in transportation. " ...

RFID Virtual Manufacturing ...

RFID Virtual Manufacturing: Via Globetechnology: Where the future lies

John Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems, explores the future, in areas such as virtual manufacturing enabled by RFID technology ...

... "Virtual manufacturing is about to go to another level with the adoption of RFID technology. RFID stands for radio frequency identification, and it ultimately will replace bar codes on many products. This will enable retailers and manufacturers to virtually track products through the supply chain ... " ...

Search Internet of Things: RFID-enabled ...

Search Internet of Things: RFID-enabled: Via San Francisco Chronicle: Search engines for the forgetful / New firms zero in on tracking items that get mislaid

Carrie Kirby, SF Chronicle, writes about the future of search: searching the internet of things that will be enabled by RFID technology ...

... "But more high-tech solutions could be on the way. Researchers are looking at using RFID and GPS technology that would make real-world objects as easy to locate as a casserole recipe on Google... " ...

RFID Future Shopping Experience ...

RFID Future Shopping Experience: Via NBC5.com: RFID Technology: Futuristic Shopping In The Works At Chicago Lab

Article about the Accenture RFID technology laboratory in Chicago ...

... "Suppose I went to store in a couple of years and bought this jacket. This jacket will probably have an RFID tag, which is a Radio Frequency Identification Tag, in the label, said lab tech Anatole Gershman. Now, I can ask the store to zap it, just destroy it. ... " ...

RFID Transportation Security Next

RFID Transportation Security Next: Ship2Save deploys a Unit in Transit tracking service for Integris Metals Corp ...

Ship2Save enables metals company to take future step in RFID transportation security ...

... "Ship2Save believes that given sufficient time, the next logical step in further securing many of the transportation activities for Integris Metals is RFID. Mr. Singh adds: In the end, the ultimate goal for us at Ship2Save is to build upon the now existing Unit in Transit service Integris has, in order to provide a full fledged RFID infrastructure. " ...

Ship2Save is one of the industry leaders in cost effective RFID Solutions and is a founding member of the Canadian Microsoft RFID Council, a member of the Microsoft Global RFID Council, and a member of Texas Instruments Tag-It Team. Ship2Save's unique product lines, flexible and proficient software, business development models, and distinctive deployment services, offer customers cost effective and high quality solutions for their logistic needs.

Integris Metals is positioned as one of the largest, most diverse metal service center organizations in North America. Integris Metals operates three dedicated processing centers and 59 branch locations across the U.S. and Canada, with the heart of company operations being the marketing of a complete line of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and processing services.

Tag: RFID

RFID Interest ...

RFID Interest: Via Yorkshire Post Today: High-tech company set for big buy: Belgravium chairman confident of success ...

Ros Snowdon writes about future of Belgravium in markets such as RFID ...

... "Prospects, both at home and abroad, look very encouraging and in the longer term there is a great deal of interest in Radio Frequency Identification, said Mr Kembery. Radio Frequency Identification, which is known as RFID in the trade, is a new system which is being tipped to replace bar codes in retailing. " ...

RFID Experience Center Demonstration ...

RFID Experience Center Demonstration: i-Emanate and Lenx will build RFID South China Experience Center together ...

Partners will collaborate to demonstrate RFID in a future experience center in China ...

... "i-Emanate System Consulting and the biggest barcode device supplier Lenx (Guangzhou) sign a cooperation agreement to build RFID South China experience Center, this RFID experience center mainly show the demonstration of supply chain, manufacture, medicine, tobacco, exhibitions, ticket management RFID application, and also service for the customers in great China. i-Emanate System Consulting as the senior consulting expert and middleware supplier in RFID application area, always supply global customers which professional consulting service and mature middleware product. " ...

i-Emanate System Consulting (Group) Co., Ltd. is a famous ERP ( ORACLE , SAP ) and RFID system integration and consulting service company face to global and great china marketing. The company specializes in providing advanced IT system to reduce operation and management cost for factories and service providers. i-Emanate System Consulting (Group) Co., Ltd, is a new milestone in RFID area. Through the alliance with world leading RFID providers, i-Emanate provides high value system and services for enterprise customers.

Lenx was founded in 1999, Its headquarter locate in Guangzhou Tianhe District, Lenx keep ahead in barcode application area, like integrated barcode application, enterprise mobility, RFID, seamless integration for customers. Lenx's aim is intergrated innovative service & solution, creating efficient enterprise mobility work module, and becoming top solution suppliers in automatic identification area.

RFID InterModal Asset Movement ...

RFID InterModal Asset Movement: ITS Road Trip is the Theme for Intelligent Transportation Society of Georgia 2005 Annual Meeting ...

ITS annual meeting will cover topics such as intermodal asset management using RFID technology ...

... "Advances in ITS for Freight, Ports and Transit. The use of RFID for tracking inter-model asset movement, best practices for secure movement of freight and the future of ITS for bus rapid transit (BRT). " ...

ITS Georgia is a group of organizations that support ITS technology as a way to significantly reduce congestion and improve the performance, safety and efficiency of our transportation system. ITS Georgia provides a forum for advocacy, facilitation, integration, and for learning more about Intelligent Transportation Systems. ITS Georgia members include federal, state and local transportation agencies, ITS technology and service providers, large private and commercial transportation system users, universities, and other interested parties with missions that involve, or are affected by, the transportation system. ITS Georgia is the state Chapter of ITS America. ITS America is the organization that provides technical advice and assistance to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

RFID Electronic Pedigree BioPharmaceuticals ...

RFID Electronic Pedigree BioPharmaceuticals: FFF Enterprises and SupplyScape Partner to Launch Nation's First Electronic Pedigree for Biopharmaceuticals: Largest U.S. biopharmaceuticals distributor and pedigree technology leader collaborate to provide first drug tracking system from manufacturer to distributor to healthcare providers nationwide ...

FFF and SupplyScape collaborate to develop RFID-enabled electronic pedigree process for the biopharmaceutical space ...

... "Over the last two years, SupplyScape has provided the industry leadership to define an open, universal pedigree solution that works for all drugs today and RFID tagged drugs that may be available in the future. Our partnership with FFF Enterprises is a natural one, said Shabbir Dahod, president and CEO of SupplyScape Corporation. We provide the most mature solution leading to rapid deployment of a safe and secure supply chain, and FFF Enterprises differentiates itself with its unique business approach of providing distribution with the highest integrity. We believe our combined efforts are improving the quality of healthcare for millions of Americans by keeping their drugs safer. " ...

FFF Enterprises was founded in 1988 and has since grown into a multidimensional healthcare company, delivering innovative solutions in biopharmaceutical management and distribution, health information management and consumer healthcare services. FFF is now the nation's largest supplier of human plasma products and vaccines, and also distributes other biopharmaceuticals and clinical trial drugs. Customers of FFF's four divisions include members of the leading U.S. acute care and non-acute care group purchasing organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech companies, contract research organizations, managed healthcare and consumers. FFF's unique distribution business model has institutionalized Guaranteed Channel Integrity™, which reflects the company's commitment to purchase only from manufacturers and ship only to healthcare providers - one clear line with no gray in between. This protects products from secondary and gray markets, and improves patient safety.

SupplyScape provides electronic pedigree software and expertise to safeguard and secure the pharmaceutical supply chain. A leader in defining an open universal standards-based electronic pedigree solution for the pharmaceutical industry, the company's executives enable manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and pharmacies to derive sustainable business value from their investments in electronic pedigree and supply chain security.

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES FIRST COMPANY TO SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS’ GEN 2 TECHNOLOGY: Zebra, Texas Instruments and ThingMagic demonstrate Gen 2 technology, proving Zebra’s flexibility to handle RFID tags from multiple sources, to help accelerate the adoption of Gen 2 ...

RFID leaders collaborate to demonstrate RFID Gen2 performance ...

... "Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, recently collaborated with Texas Instruments and ThingMagic to demonstrate EPC Gen 2 tags from Texas Instruments in a Zebra printer/encoder during the EPCglobal Fast Moving Consumer Goods Business Action Group meeting in Houston, Texas. Zebra is the only company to successfully demonstrate printer/encoder communication with Gen 2 inlays from several leading suppliers. Highlighting the meeting’s Gen 2 Live theme, the demonstration featured Zebra’s R110Xi printer/encoder, embedded with ThingMagic’s RFID reader module and Texas Instruments’ EPC Gen 2 inlays incorporated into label rolls. " ...

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold more than four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

Founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, MA, ThingMagic is a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedding computing technologies. Mercury4, ThingMagic’s fourth generation agile RFID reader, builds on and substantially enhances the company’s original platform created for early field tests of the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Designed to meet the business needs of a future where networked objects are pervasive, the Mercury4 line of RFID readers also includes an embedded reader, Mercury4e, and a handheld reader, Mercury4h. Mercury4 RFID readers are the only intelligent, network-ready RFID readers, and the only devices that can read any RFID tag.

RFID Virtual Technology: Future Economic Growth ...

RFID Virtual Technology: Future Economic Growth: Via MercuryNews.com: Economic growth hinges on support for virtual technology

John Chambers, Cisco CEO, for The Mercury News, writes that virtual technology is the key to competitive advantage for the US in the future ...

... "And while virtuality has already had a profound impact on our lives from how we work to the games we play, we have really only scratched the surface. Virtual manufacturing is about to go to another level with the adoption of RFID technology. " ...

Innovation RFID Cutting-Edge Technologies ...

Innovation RFID Cutting-Edge Technologies: Innovation Most Critical Factor to Success Say U.S. Business Leaders: Cisco Innovation 2005 Study Finds Strong Support for Modernizing Health-Care ...

Cutting-edge technologies, such as RFID, are key to innovation ...

... "Cutting-edge technologies are clearly on the radar screen of business and technology leaders. While adding communications capability to a product or service was the most likely desired innovation at 32 percent, it was closely followed by location technology (24 percent) and data storage (22 percent). This indicates the emerging realization of what radio frequency identification (RFID) and global positioning satellite (GPS) technology will have on the future competitiveness of businesses. " ...

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, celebrates 20 years of commitment to technology innovation, industry leadership, and corporate social responsibility.

RFID Innovation Leadership Event ...

RFID Innovation Leadership Event: iNEMI Innovation Leadership Forum, September 15-16, 2005, iNEMI Headquarters, Herndon, Virginia ...

... "Product/market strategy setters for innovative electronic firms: Key current markets: mobility, consumer, communications, computing, automotive; Key emerging markets: medical devices, sensors, RFID, system in package (SiP); Key future markets: nanotechnology, MEMS, energy and disruptive technology " ...

The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) is an industry-led consortium whose mission is to assure leadership of the global electronics manufacturing supply chain. With a membership that includes approximately 70 electronics manufacturers, suppliers, associations, government agencies and universities, iNEMI provides an environment in which partners and competitors alike can collectively anticipate future technology and business needs and effectively develop collaborative courses of action to meet those needs.

RFID Transition Works Atlanta ...

RFID Transition Works Atlanta: NCR: Expanded NCR Demonstration Center in Atlanta Will Advance Transition to New Era of RFID Solutions

... "NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) announced TransitionWorks, a newly expanded radio frequency identification (RFID) demonstration center located in Atlanta. NCR also said it plans to announce new centers in Europe and Asia in the near future. " ...

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR’s ATMs, retail systems, Teradata® data warehouses and IT services provide Relationship Technology™ solutions that maximize the value of customer interactions and help organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR employs approximately 28,300 people worldwide.

Oracle EPC RFID Metro Package: Accelerated Implementation

Oracle EPC RFID Metro Package: Accelerated Implementation: Oracle Supports EPC-Compliance-Package for METRO Group Suppliers: Oracle, Intermec, SATO, and Schreiner LogiData offer rapid and easy RFID integration using new EPC-Metro-Compliance-Package ...

... "Suppliers to METRO Group looking to expand their use of RFID technology can now take advantage of a new EPC-Metro-Compliance-Package being offered jointly by Oracle, Intermec, SATO, and Schreiner LogiData. The integrated solution - consisting of software, hardware and a service and support package - enables RFID technology to be rapidly and securely deployed in companies today and expanded in the future. Oracle and its partners can implement the entire solution in just five days. " ...

RFID SLRRP Reader Protocol

Simple Lightweight RFID Reader Protocol BOF (slrrp) ...

... "working group will specify a controller-to-reader protocol, the Simple Lightweight RFID Reader Protocol, or SLRRP (pronounced slurp) for use in an IP-based network to convey configuration, control, status, and tag information to and from readers. This will be the initial priority of the working group. In the future, the working group may specify a set of cooperating functions and possibly protocols that achieve the level of operations support and management expected of devices in today's IP network infrastructure. " ...

RFID Testing Future Business Processes ...

RFID Testing Future Business Processes: Satyam helps Businesses Create and Simulate their Future; Launches FUTURUS: A state-of-the-art Business Solutions laboratory that gives clients a peek into their future business environment and cuts risks significantly while making business or technology decisions ...

... "Emerging technologies and methodologies like RFID, SOA and Composite Applications can be combined with established enterprise class applications such as ERP, CRM and SCM to simulate future scenarios while considering business trends like mergers, acquisitions and large scale business process changes. Many technology partners such as Adobe Systems Inc., Cast Iron Systems, G-LOG, and Pegasystems Inc. have already confirmed their intent to participate in Futurus. More partners are expected to participate in the near future. " ...

Futurus is an initiative of the Enterprise Business Solutions unit of Satyam. Satyam has established itself as a leader in Enterprise Business Solutions with nearly 35% of its revenues derived from this space.

RFID Innovative Automation ...

RFID Innovative Automation: Siemens AG - Wucherer: Future-oriented production requires innovative automation ...

... "The Siemens RFID range is a particularly good example of how ground-breaking innovations can be derived from established basic technologies, according to Wucherer. We are currently launching a system in the UHF range which enables long data transmission distances to be covered. " ...

RFID Tag Ship Module ...

RFID Tag Ship Module: Provia: Sataria Distribution and Packaging Selects Provia's Supply Chain Execution Suite to Optimize Its Supply Chain

... "Sataria Distribution and Packaging, a third party logistics (3PL) provider of warehouse and distribution services, selected Provia's ViaWare Warehouse Management Solution (WMS),Yard Management Solution (YMS) and Labor Management Solution (LMS), as well as its ViaView Visibility, Alert Management and Performance Analysis software. The company also has plans to implement Provia's ViaWare RFID Tag @ Ship module in the future as well. " ...

With over 500 global installations, Provia Software delivers The Power of Delivery™ for such customers as Menlo Worldwide, Spencer Gifts, Versacold, Gillette, Total Logistic Control, TaylorMade-adidas Golf and Lanier Worldwide. Provia’s supply chain execution products include RFID-enabled warehousing, transportation, order and yard management products seamlessly integrated together with web-based visibility tools to create a real-time, end to end supply chain execution solution that creates a competitive advantage for our customers.

RFID Reader Development Kit

RFID Reader Development Kit: RFID Class 0+/1 RFID Reader Kit

... "Embedded Planet RFID Development Kit is your dream come true. It takes the pain out of creating RFID solutions. The kit comes ready to run Linux on a Freescale PowerQUICC I processor with a PCMCIA RFID Reader Engine that is firmware upgradeable to future standards. " ...

RFID Baggage Tracking eServices

RFID Baggage Tracking eServices: SKYTEAM CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY: Members Outline Goals for Remainder of 2005 and the Next Five Years

... "Even before IATA announced its Simplifying the Business proposal, SkyTeam members have been investing in e-Services to improve the passenger experience. With nearly half of the agreements between members already in place, SkyTeam will offer alliance-wide interline e-ticketing by the end of the year. The alliance is also exploring the future enhancement of individual carriers' kiosks for all alliance customers and the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in baggage tracking. " ...

SkyTeam is the global airline alliance partnering nine members, including Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. Through one of the world's most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam offers its 343.6 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 15,000 daily flights covering all major destinations.

RFID Track and Trace

RFID Track and Trace: Edge Dynamics: Join Edge Dynamics and Pembroke Consulting for a Special Webcast: Secure Commerce Practices for Today's Pharmaceutical Channel ...

... "RFID Track and Trace: Edge Dynamics and Pembroke Consulting for a Special Webcast: Secure Commerce Practices for Today's Pharmaceutical Channel, Wednesday - July 13, 2005, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time; Edge Dynamics CEO John McGrory and Pembroke Consulting President Adam J. Fein, Ph.D. will present a compelling analysis of the current U.S. drug distribution channel, discuss future trends, and supply a framework to help drug makers protect patients from counterfeits from being introduced into the legitimate supply chain through inventory diversion. " ...

RFID Privacy Commentary: Passports

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer: The Committee on Energy and Commerce: Mr. Barry Steinhardt, Director of the Technology and Liberty Program, The American Civil Liberties Union

... "Today, I will explore with you the risks to privacy of governmental uses of RFID tags in identification documents, and the risks to consumer privacy of use of RFID tags by the private sector. I will close by suggesting that Congress play an active role in deciding whether to authorize governmental use of RFID tags in U.S. passports. " ...

RFID Movie from RFID Innovation Center

RFID Movie: METRO Group Future Store Initiative: RFID Innovation Center

... "RFID - Efficient paths to the future is a movie of the METRO Group RFID Innovation Center, showing the future of the RFID technology " ...

Valuable RFID Future: Consumer, Business, Government ...

Valuable RFID Future: Consumer, Business, Government: Ship2Save Attends Prestigious Policy Primer for the U.S. Government : Ship2Save - Cost Effective & Innovative RFID Business Solutions

... "Amninder Singh, Director of IT Development at Ship2Save adds: I think there is a clear and unanimous acceptance by the government that RFID is here to stay, and is here to help. Help the consumer, help the business owner, and help the government. So there is a lot more willingness on the part of these governmental institutions to walk hand-in-hand towards a common goal. The goal of a successful and safe future for RFID. That is what has happened here today, a gathering of RFID market leaders coming together to make RFID succeed. " ...

Ship2Save is one of the industry leaders in cost effective RFID Solutions and is a founding member of the Canadian Microsoft RFID Council, a member of the Microsoft Global RFID Council, and a member of Texas Instruments Tag-It Team. Ship2Save's unique product lines, flexible and proficient software, business development models, and distinctive deployment services, offer customers cost effective and high quality solutions for their logistic needs.

RFID GPS Convergence: DHL Chiefs2

Future Networks, Future Power: DHL has always been at the forefront of technology - One of the latest technologies promising to provide our customers with a competitive advantage is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ...

DHL is in-trial with their Chiefs2 project which is a convergence of RFID and GPS technology ...

... "Nokia and DHL delivered a successful pilot in May 2002, proving the potential of an RFID tag system coupled with GPS. It moved DHL closer to providing a complete view of the end-to-end piece process in the supply chain and proof of ownership. However, cost and form factors limited wider deployment. Meanwhile, DHL has been sponsoring its own successful RFID development, including an aircraft container RFID system linked to GPS. " ...

Alliance Delivers RFID Solutions: Event-Driven ESB Enterprise Service Bus

Alliance Delivers RFID Solutions: CORDYS AND TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES ANNOUNCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCE: Collaboration Increases TCS' Focus on the Development and Implementation of Specific ESB-based Solutions ...

... "The joint laboratory is already developing a number of ESB-based solutions that will be introduced to the market in the coming months. These include vertical solutions around RFID, as well as solutions that address Compliance Lifecycle Management, Single Customer View and Flow through Provisioning. " ...

Cordys (www.cordys.com) helps companies to create more efficient and collaborative business environments by enabling IT systems to be integrated with new business processes, using Web-services. Cordys uses an event-driven ESB to simplify IT structure while providing an integrated platform within which new functionality can be readily created and deployed. This enables IT systems to rapidly respond to changes in business processes and to new business initiatives. Cordys makes existing IT systems future-proof, at acceptable costs and at a company's own pace. Cordys is a global software company headquartered in Putten, the Netherlands, which employs over 575 people in offices across the Americas, Europe, China and India.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is the world-leading information technology consulting, services, and business process outsourcing organization that envisioned and pioneered the adoption of the flexible global business practices that today enable companies to operate more efficiently and produce more value. TCS achieved this by creating and perfecting a unique method of global deployment and delivery of high quality, high value services and products in IT consulting and business process outsourcing. Known as the "Global Delivery Model," this strategic services delivery concept has reshaped the IT services industry. More than 90% of TCS customers reward the company's reliability, passion, creativity, and unique ability to handle the broadest range of their IT needs by continually extending and deepening their partnerships with TCS. With more than 43,000 of the world's best trained IT consultants located in 32 countries, TCS is uniquely positioned to deliver its flexible world class services seamlessly to any location.

RFID Hospital Logistics Process

RFID Hospital Logistics Process: Cactus Commerce Partners with Allstream to provide RFID solution: Cactus Technology Integral to Improvement of Supply Chain Management Infrastructure for Leading Healthcare Supplier ...

Cactus partners to deliver efficient hospital logistics process through RFID technology ...

... "Cactus Commerce Inc., a provider of ebusiness software and services for global data synchronization and trading partner integration, today announced at the U Connect Conference that Allstream, one of Canada’s leading business communication solutions providers, is using Cactus technology to provide Hospital Logistics Inc. with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) supply chain management solution. Allstream, a Cactus Strategic Partner, announced last week an agreement with Hospital Logistics Inc., a company that provides third party logistics services including hospital supplies to hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area. This announcement marked the first phase roll-out of Allstream’s portfolio of RFID solutions. " ...

Cactus Commerce is an e-business software and services provider dedicated to helping manufacturers, distributors and retailers bring more efficiency to their complex business processes with integrated B2B solutions that lay the foundation for the move towards RFID. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Cactus works closely with partners like Allstream and Microsoft to develop and deliver rapidly deployed, cost-effective and extensible global data synchronization (GDS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions. Cactus complements its packaged software offerings with an array of professional services and unique industry expertise, enabling companies to take full advantage of their existing and future technology investments.

Metro RFID Congress: Gen2 RFID Compliance

Metro RFID Congress: Gen2 RFID Compliance: SAMSys showcasing Gen 2 RFID readers at the Metro Group RFID Congress ...

At Metro RFID Congress in Germany, SamSys demonstrates its latest Gen2-compliant RFID readers ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) hardware solutions, will be showcasing its new Gen 2 ready RFID readers at the Metro Group RFID Congress in Cologne, Germany on June 8-9. These readers are the first of its products capable of reading tags that conform to the new EPC Generation Two (Gen 2) standard. The MP9320 v2.8 reader is the latest addition to the SAMSys family of multi-protocol, multi-regional, RFID readers that, in addition to Gen 2, supports the full array of legacy UHF protocols; e.g., EPC Class 0 and 0+; EPC Class 1, ISO 18000-6A, ISO 18000-6B, Philips UCODE 1.19, EM 4222 and Intellitag. Adding support for the EPC Gen 2 tag protocol represents the next step in the migration path to the emerging global standard tag protocol; and in the ability to support this new standard alongside existing legacy installations. The MP9320 reader has already been endorsed by many current adopters of RFID technology such as the U.S. Dept. of Defense (DoD), and other major retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. " ...

SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services designed to evaluate and recommend optimal RFID solutions to enhance existing business process. SAMSys offers a family of products to simplify the installation and ensure the ongoing performance of the overall RFID hardware infrastructure. SAMSys is a public company whose shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol: “SMY”. The Company has a total of 47.8 million shares outstanding.

Upcoming RFID Conference: Wisconsin

Wisconsin RFID Conference 2005

... "Learn how radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are poised to fundamentally change the way businesses track, trace and manage the flow of products through the supply chain. This Conference is a must-attend for every person involved in developing and implementing RFID strategy. You will learn from the real experiences of companies deploying RFID and gain insight to the current state-of-the-industry for RFID and the future of RFID ... Wisconsin RFID Conference 2005: Lessons From Companies Applying RFID Today: Wednesday June 22, 2005, 830AM to 430PM Waukesha, WI. Registration. " ...

Printed Organic RFID Tags ...

Printed Organic RFID Tags: Printed and Organic Electronics’ Potential for Intelligent Sensor Networks ...

The future of RFID is in printed, organic, electronic RFID technologies ...

... "Printed and organic electronics technologies are likely to find a place at the table as RFID and other intelligent sensor networks evolve towards the end of this decade, according to analysis from ABI Research. These cutting-edge technologies are already starting to find applications in the automotive industry, and organic components are finding their way into mobile phones. " ...

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in automotive, wireless, semiconductors, broadband, and energy.

Upcoming EPC RFID Conference

Upcoming EPC RFID Conference: EPCglobal US Conference 2005 ...

EPCGlobal announces their US conference in the Fall of 2005 ...

... "EPCglobal US is proud to announce that the EPCglobal US Conference 2005 will be held September 13-15, 2005, in Atlanta, Georgia. ... The EPCglobal US Conference offers more in-depth information regarding EPC technology, the business case for adopting it, best practices to ease your implementation and insights as to the future of EPCglobal standards, products and support services. EPCglobal US Conference is positioned to provide education at all levels of understanding and experience; from those looking to learn the basics to those looking to improve the efficiency of their implementations and achieve additional ROI. " ...

Contactless RFID Payment Cards

Contactless RFID Payment Cards: VeriFone’s MX870 Brings Multi-Media to Multi-Lane Payments ...

The MX870 enables RFID smart payments ...

... "The MX870 projects a high-quality image on a ¼-VGA screen that is enhanced with available custom-branded face plates and features the smallest footprint available to conserve counter space. The MX870 enables consumers to pay their way with time-tested magnetic-stripe and touch technology as well as contactless RFID and EMV smart card payment cards, all meeting the industry’s latest security standards. With the highest read rate in the industry, wear-resistant touchscreen and modular design to accommodate future enhancements, the MX870 features the best total cost of ownership in the industry. " ...

VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (“VeriFone”) (NYSE: PAY), a global leader in secure electronic payment technologies, provides expertise, solutions and services for today with a migration strategy for tomorrow. VeriFone delivers solutions that add value to the point of sale, resulting in improved merchant retention and the generation of new sources of revenue for its partners and customers. VeriFone solutions are specifically designed to meet the needs of vertical markets including financial, retail, petroleum, government and healthcare. VeriFone has shipped over eleven million electronic payment systems since inception in 1981.

RFID Technology Future Discussion

RFID TECHNOLOGY: WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR COMMERCE, SECURITY, AND THE CONSUMER ...

... "And if technical and cost feasibility issues can be addressed, RFID readers, for example, could have the ability to read instantaneously not only pallets but also each unique individual product they contain. This could be done without having to unload any product contents, with inventory being updated in real time. Forecasting would become obsolete, shelves would always be stocked with the most popular brands, and cost savings would be passed on to the consumer. Now this is just one possibility, future possibility." ...

Innovative RFID Card System: Enhance Retail Experience

Innovative RFID Card System: Enhance Retail Experience: RadioShack Unveils Innovative Retail Experience in Fort Worth: Grand Opening Events Scheduled for 10 a.m., May 20: StoreOne to Serve as Learning Portal for Enhancing Customer Experience: Leverages RFID Technology ...

RadioShack leverages RFID card system to enhance it's innovative retail experience ...

... "Located at the southeast corner of RadioShack's new Riverfront Campus, StoreOne is a 10,000-square-foot retail store modeled after the ultimate modern home of the future. Featuring a Family Room, Home Office, Garage, Game Room, Kitchen and more, StoreOne lets customers experience a broad assortment of consumer electronics in a real life setting that is fun and interactive. Customers can try out virtually any product in the store, learn about them using the interactive, touch-screen Easy Answer Center in each room, and even have information e-mailed to them through an innovative RFID (radio frequency identification) card system. " ...

Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) is North America’s most trusted consumer electronics specialty retailer and a growing provider of business-to-business retail support services. The company operates a vast network of sales channels, including: nearly 7,000 company-owned and dealer stores; more than 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico; more than 500 SAM’S CLUB wireless kiosks; and a growing number of mall-based Sprint PCS wireless kiosks. RadioShack’s knowledgeable and helpful sales associates deliver convenient product and service solutions, which in the United States is within five minutes of where 94 percent of all Americans either live or work. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, visit www.RadioShackCorporation.com.

RFID Track and Trace Technology

RFID Track and Trace Technology: Manhattan Associates Continues to Build Momentum with Microsoft Industry Builder Initiative

... "In order to comply with electronic pedigree regulations, Harvard Drug intends to implement this solution in a phased rollout across its entire distribution network. Harvard Drug will roll out Supply Chain Execution for Microsoft Axapta at its Indianapolis distribution center first and will then extend the rollout across its two other facilities. Additionally, its future plans include implementing RFID technology to further improve its track and trace capabilities." ...

Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions. It enables operational excellence through its warehouse, transportation, distributed order management, reverse logistics and trading partner management applications, as well as its RFID, performance management and event management capabilities. These Integrated Logistics Solutions™ leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

RFID DOD Supply Chain ...

Army Logistician (RFID Vision in the DOD Supply Chain) ...

Alan F. Estevez writes ... The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration believes that the real value of RFID lies not in what it can do today but in what it will do in the future. ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an enabling technology that allows military logisticians to synthesize and integrate end-to-end information about assets. The Department of Defense (DOD) is a globally sophisticated user of active RFID, with more than a decade of experience in this technology and the most extensive RFID network in the world. Now, DOD is attempting to standardize the use of active RFID and is moving ahead with the application of passive RFID technologies. (Active RFID uses a battery within the tag to power the tag and its RF communications circuitry. Passive RFID relies on radio frequency energy transferred from the reader to the tag to power the tag.) " ...

Alan F. Estevez is the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration within the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness.

RFID Identification System Web Services ...

Ag-Id Tags Optimiser For Digital DNA Registry: Optimiser Digital Management Technology To Handle Unique Livestock RFID Identification System ...

... "Optimiser's Ozone consulting team will build and deploy Ag-Id's Web-service interfaces and data repositories, integrating them with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tagging and scanning devices, as well as the DNA analysis tools and software applications used by farmers, abattoirs, purchasers and retailers. The integrity and safety of the digital codes generated by Agri-Scan's novel DNA analysis will be secured, as will the credentials of users of the system, by Optimiser's ground-breaking Digital Management Zone. " ...

Optimiser, founded in 1996, is the creator of a unique, patent-pending Web service infrastructure that provides comprehensive Digital Management capabilities to owners, publishers and vendors of digitally-stored Intellectual Property. Assessed by BT Exact as "completely unique and original", Optimiser's service platform is an open source-developed Authoritative Metadata Engine - or AME - that meets the metadata framework requirements for administrating digital assets and rights, as defined by such bodies as the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the European Commission, in its Indecs 2000 Report. Authoritative metadata frameworks are seen as the backbone of future electronic mercantile systems.

Real-Time RFID Applications ...

Persistent Systems and iSpheres Announce A Solution for Real-Time RFID Applications ...

... "Persistent Systems and iSpheres have announced today a highly scalable distributed data management framework and edge application environment for RFID and generic sensor network deployments. These will leverage Persistent Systems’ proven distributed data management skills with industry leading event server technology from iSpheres. Enterprises will now have an unprecedented ability to future proof their technology investments as RFID deployments scale up through the years. " ...

Founded in 1990, Persistent Systems has provided full-service outsourced product development services to over 130 satisfied clients as well as customizable, quick-to install, end-to-end business integration suites for enterprises. Persistent specializes in offering solutions in the technology areas of Identity Management, RFID and Data Warehousing. Persistent Systems’ solutions are widely deployed in global corporations such as Credit Suisse First Boston, AFG, Merck, Bridgestone, General Electric, and Johnson & Johnson.

Founded in 1998, iSpheres provides a high-performance event server for applications that detect and respond to real-time business opportunities and risks. iSpheres EPL Server enables real-time intelligence — the ability to analyze real-time data to detect critical scenarios, from inside and outside the organization, so decisions can be made quickly and proactively. Established industries such as Financial Services and Government as well as emerging markets like RFID, Compliance and NetCentric Warfare are embracing the strategic value of event processing.

The RFID Future Envisioned ...

RFID spells media revolution, futurist says

Jon Van, Chicago Tribune, writes article about the potential future enabled by RFID technology ...

... "Radio-frequency-identification technology may strike most people as boring or, at best, just mildly interesting. But that's because most people don't have the vision of Paul Saffo" ...

EPC RFID Lifecycle Management: Driving a Sustainable Future

EHP 111-9, 2003: Connecting to a Sustainable Future

... "Before the end of this decade, there will be an Internet of things. The Auto-ID Center, a partnership of almost 100 global companies and 5 of the world's leading research universities, is developing a global infrastructure that will allow computers to identify any object anywhere in the world instantly, through the use of radio-frequency identification tags (RFID). Every product, and even individual parts, will have its own unique identity (an electronic product code, or ePC) burned onto a tiny microchip equipped with an antenna. " ...

EPC Readers for RFID

UT Admin Code R70-960. Weights and Measures Fee Registration.

... "Check-out register means any device that is commercially used in a price verification system at a check-out register. Included are those devices that use Universal Product Code (UPC) scanners, Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID readers, manual entries, or any current or future use of any device that could be used at the final point of sale as a means for pricing for commercial sales." ...

EPC Network RFID Tags ...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer: VeriSign is the leading provider of critical infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks ...

... "An Electronic Product Code (EPC) embedded on an RFID tag provides a unique number that can be assigned to individual items in cases and pallets within the supply chain for identification and tracking. With the EPC network, computers that use RFID technology to identify objects can acquire associated information about that object, enabling manufacturers to track items and materials throughout the supply chain. This technology will revolutionize the way products are manufactured, sold and bought. VeriSign was selected to operate this network by EPCglobal, a non-profit joint venture of the Uniform Code Council (which manages the allocation of bar codes) and the EAN International (which provides similar services internationally) responsible for driving the global adoption and implementation of the EPCglobal Network across industry sectors. " ...

The EPC Global Network ...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer: How RFID and EPC Technology Work ...

... "Because of these advances, it is now possible to store on a microchip a series of zeroes and ones -- digital bits -- that can uniquely identify trillions of different objects -- the way bar codes identify many of today's products, but with potentially much more information about a particular shipment of products. This unique series of digital bits is called the Electronic Product Code, or EPC. Attach a tiny radio antenna to this microchip and you have an EPC tag, a cheaper version of a toll pass which, when asked, can signal its assigned number. The tag is not transmitting information actively. Secure devices called readers that comply with global standards developed through EPCglobal send out radio frequency waves that wake up the tag for a short period of time, enabling it to transmit information stored on the RFID tag -- namely the Electronic Product Code. The EPC can then be matched to the specific product information contained in a corresponding database, which is accessed through a secure network: the EPCglobal Network. " ...

P+G EPC Electronic Product Code Enabled by RFID Technology ...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer: Why P&G is investing in EPC ...

... "Procter & Gamble is pursuing the use of Electronic Product Code (EPC) to create efficiencies in the supply chain. As you have heard from Dr. Sarma, EPC is a way to uniquely identify a pallet, case or individual product using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. It's similar to today's bar code, but with many more potential uses and benefits. P&G is a founding sponsor of MIT's Auto-ID Center because we realized the enormous potential to improve processes in the entire supply chain from our plants to retail distribution centers to store shelves. The real time, automated, accurate information that EPC generates will benefit manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and most importantly, consumers. Today's supply chain systems are outdated and not meeting the needs of our consumers. EPC offers potential solutions for problems like out-of-stocks, theft and counterfeiting, as well as reducing inventory levels. We know that out of stock levels are higher than we, our retail partners and our consumers want. It is frustrating when you go to your local supermarket to buy your favorite flavor of Pringles and the shelf is bare. It can result in a lost sale for P&G and for the retailer. To guard against out of stocks, we keep an average of 65 days worth of product inventory, which costs us $3 billion a year. Theft and counterfeiting are growing problems as well. Worldwide theft costs retailers $50 billion a year and counterfeiting is a $500 billion problem. " ...

Tompkins RFID Test Facility: Supply Chain Technology Evaluation ...

Tompkins Announces Emerging Technology Center: Facility features RFID testing, updated warehouse control system ...

... "Adapting to meet future demands, Tompkins Associates facility in Orlando, Florida, has evolved from a material handling development lab to a full-scale supply chain technology evaluation and testing center. The new Tompkins Emerging Technology Center will focus on research, development and testing of emerging technologies such as RFID, voice-activated picking, and real-time warehouse controls." ...

Tompkins Associates is the leading operations-focused consulting and integration firm, specializing in end-to-end supply chain solutions. Customers look to Tompkins' expertise to develop and implement strategies for intelligent solutions in distribution center design, warehouse strategic planning, distribution network configuration, transportation system planning, system integration and implementation, logistics and manufacturing outsourcing, and supply chain optimization. As consultants and integrators for more than 30 years, Tompkins offers a proven track record and deep industry expertise for solutions that reduce costs and improve overall supply chain performance. The company is headquartered in Raleigh , NC.

RFID Conference in June: IDC Update ...

IDC to Unveil Alternative RFID Evaluation Model at RFID Conference in June ...

... "On June 14, the IDC RFID Update Conference will present the latest news and developments about the state of RFID, with a focus on business case studies that work, supplier mandate field reports, and the future of the technology. The conference, to be held at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, will feature market research and analysis from IDC, subject matter experts and best practice implementation examples from users across a variety of industries." ...

RFID Warehouse Robot

NEWS

... "The robot can conduct continuous surveillance along one of several pre-established paths, steer itself to stay on the path and avoid obstacles, and inventory specified items as it moves through a storage area. The robot's built-in RF interrogator scans RFID tags affixed to items in storage and sends the information to a collection point for appropriate action. The MDARS robot reduces the need for safety and inventory control personnel and can help prevent losses of high-dollar or controlled items. Other benefits anticipated with the use of the robots include improved inventory control, reduced risk to security personnel, and quick detection of intruders, fire, and toxic spills. Future plans include linking the MDARS RF-based product assessment system to other depot systems, such as the Distribution Standard System (DSS). For more information, call Jerry Edwards, Office of the Product Manager for Physical Security Equipment, Army Materiel Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, at (703) 704-2412 or DSN 654-2412, or send e-mail to jedwards @belvoir.army.mil. " ...

RFID 2005 Workshop April 6th ...

Joint C4ISR Decision Support Center

... "April 6, 2005

Technology Administration - Radio Frequency Identification: Workshop with Industry

Description: Apr 6, 2005 - Washington, DC
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20230

RFID in 2005 - Technology Administration & Industry Perspectives will engage stakeholders on the latest advances in RFID technology to include: the benefits of RFID, technology development efforts, current and future applications, and privacy and security considerations.

On April 6, 2005, the U.S. Department of Commerce will host a workshop to discuss Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This event builds on the April 2004 “From RFID to Smart Dust: The Expanding Market for Wireless Sensor Technologies” workshop, held jointly by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Technology Administration. “RFID in 2005 – Technology & Industry Perspectives” will engage stakeholders on the latest advances in RFID technology to include: the benefits of RFID, technology development efforts, current and future applications, and privacy and security considerations.

CONTACT: Dr. Sujata Millick
sujata.millick@technology.gov, 202-482-6804
or,
Andrea Da Silva
andrea.dasilva@technology.gov, 202-482-0383" ...

RFID Enabler Load Tracking ...

Army Logistician (Configured Loads: A New Look at an Old Concept )

Major K. Eric Drummond, USAR, writes ...

... "The future of distribution and accountability looks even brighter with the advent of RFID. RFID allows information on all items in a load, regardless of supply class, to be written on a tag. RFID helps make accountability and tracking easier and more accurate. Industry standards still have to be agreed upon, and a Department of Defense (DOD) infrastructure must be developed and fielded to capitalize on this enabler." ...

RFID Radio Queries ...

Embedded Chips and Radio Queries: A Look at the Future

Major Stephen M. Rutner, Ph.D., USAR, writes ...

... "It is easy to imagine a future RFID system that improves management of the transportation process, including ITV. Assume that there is a time when all major end items have embedded RFID chips containing all of the information that is currently available on barcode labels, plus a great deal more. A unit is ordered to deploy. RFID readers verify that all of the information on the chips is updated for the new mission. Deployment support teams verify the dimensions and weight of each item with a quick scan before it leaves the installation; this reduces the need for staging areas before items arrive at the port. Satellite readers track the items to the port of embarkation (whether air or sea)." ...