Sunday, February 18, 2007

RFID Plant Automation Network Integration

RFID is integrated into the plant automation network
Automation technology will integrate RFID readers and other intelligent devices in the plant network, enabling real-time response to production events. ...

... "The deviceWISE 2.0 framework links PLCs, RFID readers and other intelligent devices in a network to enable bidirectional data flow between systems running, IBM DB2, IBM Websphere, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Servers and other software. This connectivity provides companies with an accurate picture of the production environment, allowing companies to monitor and retrieve information faster and to respond to operational issues in real-time. " ...


Via ILSTechnology: ILS Technology Enters Joint Development Agreement With Mitsubishi Electric for deviceWISE 2.0 Framework ...

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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Honda RFID Assemply Line: Critical Component Traceability

Honda and IBM will implement RFID technology in motorcycle manufacturing processes
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.

Honda and IBM collaborate on RFID technology implementation

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 ...

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Sunday, January 07, 2007

RFID Distribution Logistics

RFID enables warehouse operations and supports improved customer service
RFID technology enables business process improvement for manufacturing and warehouse operations. The shipping process is particularly suited for RFID enablement. RFID supports real-time business process automation at the shipping dock, where paperwork and shipment picking is accelerated to speed the delivery to the customer. ...

... "Once that pallet passes through a specific point at a shipping dock, then the tag is read and the contents of the data loaded earlier gets processed into the enterprise software. This in turn will generate invoices, initiate courier tracking, adjusts inventories, initiates material purchases to name just some of the impact RFID can have for your day-to-day business. Gone too are many of the headaches associated with bottlenecks in the shipping process such as verifying shipments against the bill-of-lading while drivers queue up for their pick-ups, the potential for human error in getting the wrong product on the wrong truck. " ...


Via GAORFID: RFID Technology Simplifies Distribution

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Monday, January 01, 2007

RFID Lab Villanova University: Stimulate Region Competitiveness

Villanova University researches RFID technology at its Center for Advanced Communications. The director of the RFID lab is Dr. Yimin Zhang. The Center was created through a partnership of Villanova, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and the National Science Foundation to stimulate regional industrial competitiveness. ...

... "The Center for Advanced Communications (CAC) at Villanova University has established state-of-the-art Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) facilities on Villanova University campus. The main objective of this Lab is to become a leading provider of RFID research in the region and promote collaboration and partnership with RFID manufacturing industries. " ...


Via Villanova University College of Engineering: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Lab ...

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Saturday, December 30, 2006

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 ...

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Wednesday, December 27, 2006

RFID Korea Manufacturing

LS Industrial plans RFID technology solutions from Impinj for the Korea market
LS Industrial Systems, Korean integrator, and Impinj, RFID supplier, partner to deliver high-performance RFID solutions in the Korean manufacturing market. ...

... "Responding to significant demand from the Korean manufacturing sector for RFID-enabled logistics and distribution capability, LS Industrial Systems will build and distribute a comprehensive RFID solution incorporating Impinj's Speedway reader platform and Monza Gen 2 tag chips. Available starting in February 2007, the LS Industrial Systems RFID solution targets Korean product distributors, manufacturing companies and government entities requiring RFID technology to improve factory automation and supply chain efficiency. " ...


Via Impinj: LS Industrial Systems and Impinj Partner to Deliver High-Performance Gen 2 Radio Frequency Identification Solutions in Korea ...

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Thursday, November 30, 2006

RFID Asset Management Course

Course on RFID technology for asset management to be offered in the first quarter of 2007 at Univ of Kansas. Registration. ...

... "RFID for Intelligent Asset Management: Wednesday-Friday, February 28-March 2, 2007, Hampton Inn and Suites Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Mo. This intensive three-day course will focus on radio frequency identification closed-loop applications for managing assets and controlling processes. Participants will learn to apply RFID to drive more flexible, lean manufacturing operations and to manage their assets more efficiently. Professionals from a wide variety of businesses-from heavy industry to healthcare-will benefit from attending this seminar. " ...


Via University of Kansas Continuing Education: RFID for Intelligent Asset Management Course

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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

RFID Supports Nissan Continuous Improvement Initiative

Nissan implements a continuous improvement initiative to target vehicle labor cost reduction, increase logistics throughput accelerating customer service, and enhance vehicle quality through defect elimination early in the product lifecycle. The initiative will be enabled by a wireless architecture and active RFID technology in the Nissan Canton MS manufacturing facility, supplied by WhereNet. ...

Wherenet active RFID tags support Nissan continuous improvement

... "As part of a continuous improvement initiative at its four-million square foot assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, Nissan will leverage a single wireless architecture to run multiple WhereNet applications, including the WhereSoft Yard Management System (YMS) and Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), to improve production velocity and throughput, labor productivity, and vehicle quality. Nissan's Canton assembly plant has the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles per year, including the Altima sedan, Armada full-size sport utility vehicle, Infiniti QX56 full-size sport utility vehicle, Quest minivan, and Titan full-size pickup truck.

Deploying the WhereNet single wireless infrastructure over the entire Canton complex will take less than 90 days. The hardware consists of 1500 active RFID WhereTag transmitters, which are temporarily attached to new vehicles as they roll off the assembly line as part of the WhereNet VTMS system; 700 WhereTag transmitters that are permanently fixed to trailers belonging to Nissan's dedicated suppliers or temporarily attached to others as part of the WhereSoft YMS application; 120 WherePort magnetic exciters positioned between gates and at key choke points across the complex; and a local infrastructure of 80 wireless WhereLAN locating access points.

Nissan also plans to deploy the WhereNet automated gate check-in/out solution known as Fast Gate that supports 24x7 sequenced parts deliveries from Nissan suppliers. Fast Gate senses when a truck is approaching the gate; cross-references detailed information about the truck in a database; and, if authorized, automatically opens the gate to grant entry. Then, based on business rules loaded into the WhereSoft yard management application, the system instructs drivers and yard personnel to deliver the inbound load to the appropriate dock door for just-in-time sequencing of parts based on the assembly line build plan for that work shift.



When new vehicles roll off the Nissan assembly line, each vehicle is assigned an active RFID WhereTag transmitter that is married to the vehicle identification number (VIN). The WhereTag remains on the vehicle until it has been processed and is ready to ship to its final destination. Nissan uses the WhereNet VTMS in off-line areas to manage post-assembly verification and test processes, as well as quality repair, containment and shipping zones. The system includes a logical hierarchy of rules that manages the processing of every vehicle in accordance with its assigned status so that critical orders are processed before lower-priority units. " ...


Via Wherenet: NISSAN SELECTS WHERENET'S LOCATABLE, ACTIVE RFID SYSTEM TO AUTOMATE INBOUND SUPPLY CHAIN AND OUTBOUND DELIVERY CHAIN ...

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Monday, November 20, 2006

HighSpeed RFID Read Rates: Pharma Cases

Impinj discusses results of live demonstration of RFID technology in pharmaceutical packaging application with Owens-Illinois (O-I) at the RFID Health Care Industry Adoption Summit in D.C. ...

... "In pharmaceutical manufacturing and fill-line demonstrations, a near-field UHF Gen 2 RFID solution, comprising Impinj's Speedway reader and O-I's item-level embedded RFID tags powered by Impinj's Monza chips, achieved 100% reliability when reading and writing tags at high speed on pharmaceutical bottles. In the first demonstration, the UHF Gen 2 system programmed 96-bit EPC numbers at rates exceeding 600 tags per minute on bottles containing the four most common dose types - liquids, gel caps, solids and powder. In the second demonstration, the system developed by Impinj and O-I flawlessly read 600 tags per minute on cases containing 48 individually tagged bottles and a case-level tag. " ...


Via Impinj: Impinj-Powered UHF Gen 2 RFID Solution Delivers Exceptional Results for Item Tagging of Pharmaceuticals

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Monday, November 13, 2006

RFID Manages Metro Shrinkage

Metro partners with Checkpoint to implement RFID source tags to reduce shrinkage across a significant number of stores across multiple countries. ...

Checkpoint RFID is used for shrink management

... "The strategic agreement, which includes worldwide store installation of NDRF (New Digital Radio Frequency) technology and source tagging, will help METRO Cash & Carry to minimize shrinkage and reduce operational costs by using only one supplier, Checkpoint Systems, and implement source tagging, with the ultimate aim of improving their customers' shopping experience. Installation of 3G NDRF (called Liberty PX in North America) antennas and deactivators is planned for the more than 425 Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in 28 countries, making it the most international EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) roll out of its kind. The global shrink management solution provides METRO Cash & Carry (under METRO and MAKRO brand names), with product protection throughout the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to the point of sale, where the RF tags on the item are deactivated. This eliminates the need for employees to spend time physically securing the tags in-store or removing them at point of sale. " ...


Via Checkpoint Systems: METRO Cash & Carry Selects Checkpoint Systems as Their Exclusive Shrink Management Global Partner

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Thursday, November 09, 2006

RFID Switch Infrastructure Convergence ...

Symbol integrates radio frequency switch to enable convergence of multiple technologies under centralized management solution, including RFID. This supports the consistent management of the radio frequency infrastructure for an enterprise, as most companies strive to implement RF devices for supply chain, wireless zones for mobility and flexible office work. ...

... "The RFS7000 RF Switch leverages Symbol's Wireless Next Generation (Wi-NG) architecture, and is designed to support and consolidate Wi-Fi and emerging RF technologies such as RFID, 802.11n, mesh, Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) and WiMAX. Businesses will now be able to efficiently and cost-effectively deploy and centrally manage wireless voice, data and infrastructure devices throughout the RF spectrum.

The RFS7000 RF Switch provides robust, highly scalable support for enterprise mobility, and is ideal for manufacturing facilities, hospitals, warehouse and supply chain industries, educational and government institutions, and service providers with high-bandwidth requirements and mission-critical applications.

The RFS7000 RF Switch is 802.11n-ready, capable of supporting up to 256 802.11a/b/g access ports, and enables a new switch clustering concept, providing redundancy and high-performance scalability for more than 2,000 access points. Symbol's new RF Switch is designed to support value-add, optional add-on modules such as fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) to provide seamless persistent connectivity for dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handheld devices. The RFS7000 Switch also enables Layer 3 roaming, without additional external applications and third-party servers, to handle multi-floor or large-scale campus-wide deployments, allowing mobile users to maintain a persistent connection to high-bandwidth applications as they roam throughout the enterprise. " ...


Via Symbol Technologies: Symbol Technologies Unveils the Industry's First RF Switch to Drive the Next Generation of Enterprise Mobility

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Tuesday, October 31, 2006

RFID MRO Aerospace Defense Industry ...

RFID expected to enable the MRO process in the aerospace and defense industry. ...

... "By 2011, the A&D RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) market is expected to realize revenue in excess of $2 billion. One area that shows particular promise for the use of RFID in A&D manufacturing environments is MRO: maintenance, repair and overhaul. " ...


Via ABI Research: RFID-Based Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Strategies Spell Efficiency and Security for Aerospace and Defense Supply Chains ...

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Sunday, October 15, 2006

RFID Battery-Assist Passive Tag: Supports Logistics and Manufacturing ...

Intelleflex RFID tags can be used by logistics companies and in manufacturing in long-range, battery-assisted mode for real-time inventory tracking of assemblies in the warehouses. The RFID system can automatically generate a proof of shipment when assemblies are shipped. When used in maintenance operations in passive mode, companies can realize significant benefits from having actionable manufacturing and repair history data in the 64Kb user memory of the RFID tag at the point of use. ...

... "Intelleflex's InfoSure tags and the I-Beam reader are multi-protocol, ensuring global interoperability using EPC standards. InfoSure tags can be used as passive C1G2 tags with any other C1G2 reader or used in the battery-assisted passive mode at long ranges with the I-Beam reader. InfoSure tags offer up to 100-meter read/write range in free space, which translates to 100 percent read/write reliability at standard working ranges in industrial environments. They also offer 64 kb user memory, which is segmented into 1 kb blocks so they can be independently protected for read/write access through passwords. The I-Beam reader can read any EPC C1G2 tag as well as the Class 3 InfoSure tag. Initial product shipments of both the tags and readers are targeted for asset management, yard management, manufacturing and zonal access control applications. " ...


Via Intelleflex Corporation: Intelleflex Announces Availability of its RFID Battery-Assisted Passive Tag and Reader Products ...

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Saturday, October 14, 2006

Logistics RFID: Inbound Process ...

TNT NV, a global provider of mail, express and logistics services, pilots RFID in inbound logistics processes for manufacturing firm. ...

TNT implements RFID in logistics business processes ...

... "Supply chain processes covered by the projects ranged from inbound logistics and warehousing to multi-country distribution. In the US, TNT worked closely with an automotive manufacturer to improve the inbound process to one of its main manufacturing facilities. The use of RFID led to quicker and more accurate scanning of cargo and therefore resulted in shorter delivery times, simplified processes and a significant decrease in identification errors. Especially in a time-sensitive environment of assembly line manufacturing, RFID has proven to make a critical difference by reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. TNT is already discussing with its client how RFID can help further achieve cost reductions and apply the solution to other manufacturing facilities. Based on the successful outcome of the six projects, TNT is further implementing RFID technology throughout its divisions. The experience gained from the projects, both on the technology itself and in how to apply it in order to gain maximum benefit, will be used to further roll out the technology within suitable customer operations. For this reason and following the early successes, TNT has already started the second phase of the RFID programme in which the company aims to turn the projects into successful industry sector solutions in very close collaboration with its clients. " ...


Via TNT: TNT successfully finishes phase one of RFID programme ...

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Tuesday, September 26, 2006

RFID InkJet Printable Tags

FujiFilm Dimatix work to advance its capabilities in printable RFID tags using ink-jet printers. It has demonstrated capabilities in various sizes and materials on multiple substrates. ...

... "FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc., a leading provider of commercial and industrial ink jet products, announced that it has repeatedly used its revolutionary ink jet technology to print silver fluid with features of less than 20 microns. With the proven capability to precision print 1 picoliter-sized drops of organic and inorganic materials on a large variety of substrates, the company is continuing to pave the way for an entirely new way of developing and manufacturing electronic books, printed polymer backplanes, printed sensors, complete RFID tags and other flexible electronics.

The Dimatix Materials Printer (DMP) is the world's first complete, low-cost system for high-precision jetting of all kinds of functional fluids on any type of surface, including plastic, glass, metal sheets, silicon, membranes, gels, thin films and paper. By directly printing on their own substrates, customers can rapidly develop prototypes and keep process technology in-house. The printer's small size and low price make it convenient, easy to use and cost-effective to own. Featuring single-use cartridges that customers can fill with their own fluid materials, the system minimizes waste of expensive materials. " ...

Via Dimatix: FUJIFILM Dimatix Enables Direct Printing of Silver Fluid with Features of Less than 20 Microns ...

FUJIFILM Dimatix Materials Deposition Division is evolving ink jetting technology into a production process that lowers the cost, time and environmental impact of producing electronic circuits and functions for RFID tags, flat panel displays, circuit boards and other electronic and bioscience applications.

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Tuesday, September 19, 2006

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. ...

RFID Technology supports seamless mobility ...

... "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 ...

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Tuesday, August 22, 2006

RFID Manufacturing Shipping Implementation ...

Peg Perego wil imeplement Northern Apex RFID in the manufacturing process for tracking WIP work-in-process materials and finished goods. ...

RFID implementation in manufacturing process ...

... "Peg Perego USA Inc., a subsidiary of Peg Perego SpA, Italy, manufacturer of high quality children's riding vehicles and the exclusive U.S. distributor of Italian infant products manufactured by Peg Perego SpA, Italy, which include baby strollers, car seats and high chairs, has awarded Fort Wayne-based Northern Apex Corporation a contract to integrate Apex's RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) equipment in Peg Perego's Indiana manufacturing and shipping facilities. Northern Apex will install a solution that incorporates automated RFID label applicators, RFID readers, antennas and software into Peg Perego's manufacturing and distribution center for WIP (work in process) and finished goods tracking. UHF 900 MHz Gen 2 RFID tags will be automatically applied to each box, at the end of the production line, to initiate the tracking system. " ...

RFID Manufacturing Shipping Implementation: Northern Apex To Provide RFID Technology to Peg PeregNorthern Apex To Provide RFID Technology to Peg Perego ...

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Saturday, August 19, 2006

RFID Automated Application System Supports Supply Chain Strategy ...

Dairy Fresh implements Xterprise RFID automation system to support supply chain performance. ...

RFID enables supply chain strategy ...

... "Dairy Fresh chose Xterprise to deploy the XARM 4000 solution on two manufacturing lines so that supply chain strategies and their customer mandates could be met in a timely manner, without the need for added labor to accomplish the RFID tagging requirements. The XARM 4000 is a fully integrated, automated, RFID application solution that enables Dairy Fresh to easily transition from non-tagged production line packaging to RFID tagged production line packaging. The XARM 4000, designed and built by Carrollton, Texas based Xterprise, is designed around a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software platform that enables real-time monitoring and control of the complex production line material handling system and RFID printer applicators and verification readers. The system can accommodate full pallet single SKU tagging (case and pallet) and pallet only tagging for their various retailer’s requirements. In addition to using the latest technology to ensure maximum readability of RFID tags in the retailers supply chain, the Xterprise automated solution also provides the lowest cost per case application and the highest case per minute throughput in the industry. " ...


Via Xterprise: Dairy Fresh Deploys Xterprise RFID Source Tagging Solution: WalMart Beverage manufacturer chooses automated solution for RFID case and pallet tagging ...

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data ...

Unilever collaborates with IBM and T3Ci to test interoperability of the emerging EPCIS RFID data standard. The standard focuses on the efficient use of real-time data among partners in the supply chain. ...

... "The standard is designed to help better enable retailers, manufacturers and organizations throughout the supply chain to overcome information overload and share information to improve business processes. This milestone marks the first step toward delivering interoperability based on the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) for exchange and query of RFID data. IBM and T3CI are the co-chairs of the EPCglobal EPCIS Working Group. The objective of the Working Group is to create common interfaces among RFID software, allowing organizations to exchange and leverage RFID data independent of the applications in which data is created or stored. For organizations throughout the supply chain, this will deliver greater value by allowing them to inexpensively capture large volumes of detailed data at each stage of the supply chain and share that data among trading partners. While retailers today can provide manufacturers with large amounts of data about RFIDtagged products, until now there has been no simple and standardized way for manufacturers to sort through the volumes of raw data and perform queries to use it to improve product introductions, promotions and distribution of new products.

RFID data standard tested by T3Ci with IBM at Unilever ...

The new EPCIS standards-based ability to query RFID data will provide organizations with near real-time RFID data from their trading partners, for the first time giving manufacturers access to the precise information they need. Unilever North America, a global manufacturer of foods, home care and personal care products, also announced today its plans to pioneer use of the EPCIS standard to query RFID data provided by retailers. Unilever will conduct a trial using IBM's EPCIS implementation to collect and access information from within the company's manufacturing environment and from trading partners. By leveraging IBM and T3Ci reports and analysis, Unilever is looking to create additional business value in the areas of promotion management, supply chain visibility and metrics, as well as RFID readability. " ...

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data: Via T3Ci: IBM and T3Ci Successfully Pilot Open Standard to Enable Manufacturers to Leverage RFID Data and Improve Supply Chain Processes: Unilever Among First Manufacturers to Pioneer New Interface to Connect Data Among Trading Partners ...

EPCIS standard ...

Software Action Group: "EPC Information Services (EPCIS) Phase 2: Create one or more normative technical specifications that will facilitate the development of interoperable EPCIS systems. "

Background on Unilever ...

Unilever awards HR outsourcing contract to Accenture: "Unilever's mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong local roots in more than 100 countries across the globe. Its portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most loved brands including twelve EUR1 billion brands and global leadership in many categories in which the company operates. The portfolio features brand icons such as: Knorr, Hellmann's, Flora, Bertolli, Dove, Lux, Pond's, Lynx, Sunsilk, Persil, Cif and Domestos. Unilever has around 206 000 employees in approaching 100 countries and generated annual sales of EUR40 billion in 2005. "

Info on T3Ci ...

T3Ci: The RFID Analytics and Applications Company: "T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, offers a broad range of RFID software and services, representing the most comprehensive RFID vision in the industry. T3Ci develops software and provides enterprise-class solutions for managers of RFID initiatives who are responsible for delivering business value from their company's RFID investment. T3Ci's enterprise-class solutions include RFID analytics as well as a suite of high-value applications for retail suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and major retailers. Applications include Out-of-Stock Management, Promotions Execution Management, Deductions Management, and Product Authentication. "

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Thursday, July 27, 2006

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding ...

Intelleflex Corp secures another round of venture capital funding to enable the scale-up of production volumes. ...

... "Intelleflex Corporation, The Intelligent RFID Platform Company, announced the closing of a $15.5 million round of equity funding. This Series B round was led by Morgenthaler Ventures, and was over-subscribed, with continuing participation by Series A investors Woodside Fund, Alloy Ventures and Selby Venture Partners. Proceeds from this round will be used to ramp production, extend the company's line of high performance RFID tags and readers and expand the company's go-to-market capabilities. Intelleflex products enable critical applications including asset management, yard operations, manufacturing WIP, supply chain and security / access control.

RFID company gains another round of venture capital funding ...

The $11.3 million Intelleflex had raised in its A round was used to develop the industry's first fully integrated multi-protocol EPC-compliant RFID single chip IC. In their battery-assisted passive mode of operation, the tags built around this chip offer operating ranges in excess of 100 meters, robust performance in difficult RF conditions and an extended feature set including 64k bits of user read / write memory. " ...

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding: Intelleflex Corporation Secures $15.5 Million in Series B Funding ...

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Monday, July 03, 2006

RFID Reader: ROHS Compliant ...

Omron introduces 13.56MHz ISO15693 RFID readers, that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) Directive. ...

Omron launches RFID reader that is ROHS compliant ...

... "The suite of new products includes 4W and 1W output fixed type readers (V720S-BC5D4, V720S-CD1D), and an embedded OEM reader (V720S-HMC73). Omron RFID began producing V720 HF series readers in 2000 and since then has shipped more than 300,000 units worldwide. They are used today in a wide variety of RFID reader applications including manufacturing and distribution logistics, consumer goods packaging, libraries and the apparel industry. Omron's long track record for superior quality RFID products and our established expertise in HF RFID technology today provides immediate solutions to those whose needs involve item-level tagging, particularly pharmaceutical, asset management and library applications ... " ...

RFID Reader: ROHS Compliant: Via Omron: Suite Of RoHS Compliant HF (13.56MHz) RFID Products ...

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Wednesday, June 14, 2006

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien ...

Tower Seimconductor will supply Alien Technology with RFID chips based on generation 2 ...
Tower Semi will manufacture Generation 2 RFID chips for Alien Technology. ...

... "Tower Semiconductor Ltd., a pure-play independent specialty foundry, announced that it is the manufacturing supplier for Alien Technology's internally-designed Gen 2 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) integrated circuits. These ICs recently achieved the EPCGlobal certification mark. The RFID ICs are produced at Tower's Fab2 in an advanced 0.18-micron manufacturing process. Market analysts forecast the RFID IC's market to grow significantly to between $500 millions and $1 Billion by 2010, mainly due to the Gen 2 impact. RFID tags help enable supply chain efficiency, visibility and security and are being deployed in retail, defense, transportation and health markets. Some of the implementation initiatives are being led by major US retailers. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 13 federal agencies are already using or plan to deploy RFID technology. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has mandated RFID's use across its suppliers for increased supply chain visibility and improved forecasting. The newly certified Alien Gen 2 RFID chips include some new CMOS devices which were jointly developed with Tower. IC development efforts focused on the low-power requirements for such an RFID tag which draws its power solely from transmitted Radio Frequency energy. " ...


RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien: Via Tower Semiconductor: Tower Semiconductor Manufactures Gen 2 RFID Tags for Alien Technology ...

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Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Hospital RFID Applications Discussed ...

MIT Forum will host RFID discussion focused on hospitals ...
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 ...

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Monday, May 15, 2006

Java RFID Sensor Community ...

Sun Java RFID community launched ...
Sun launches community for RFID sensor development using Java as the software foundation. ...

... "RFID (radio frequency identification) and sensor-based applications are being used increasingly in a variety of industries, including manufacturing retail health care, pharmaceuticals, transportation, logistics, aerospace and government. They can dramatically reduce costs for companies, increase operational efficiencies, improve security and accountability of assets, and help ensure the authenticity and integrity of products. However, the complexity of developing and integrating RFID and sensor solutions can slow adoption while developers come up to speed.

The Sun RFID Community has grown out of the experiences of technical collaboration among internal Sun experts and the more than 350 members of Sun's RFID Partner Advantage program. Any developer can access the Sun RFID and Sensor Community by joining Java.Net. Members of the Sun RFID Community can participate in e-mail lists, code-building projects, and community activities. The Sun Java System RFID Software, toolkits and documentation are freely available for download. " ...


Java RFID Sensor Community: Via Sun Microsystems: Sun Launches New RFID and Sensor Community for Java Developers ...

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006

RFID Antenna Manufacturing Differentiation ...

RCD Technology differentiates with RFID antenna technology ...

... "RCD Technology Corporation makes extremely low-cost, high-range, radio-frequency identification antennae. We take advantage of the enhanced reading distance inherent with high-conductivity copper traces. " ...

RFID Antenna Manufacturing Differentiation: Via RCD Technology Corp.: RFID antenna manufacturing for RFID tags or inlets used for EAS, and I-Code keyless entry etc. ...

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Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Goodyear RFID: NASCAR Tire Tracking ...

Goodyear implements RFID technology from Psion Teklogix to trakc tires at NASCAR races. ...

... "Goodyear, the world's largest tire company, has implemented an RFID solution to track its tires at all three of NASCAR's premier series in 2006. Goodyear's RFID solution is assisting NASCAR in leveling the playing field among its teams through a tire leasing program that controls access to the tires available at race events, as well as at officially sanctioned test sessions. Goodyear is using the Psion Teklogix 7535 with RD7950 UHF RFID Reader along with a software application from CTI, Akron, OH, to track and manage its tires at all three NASCAR top series in 2006, including the Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series. With 43 cars at each Nextel Cup race and each car using about 10 sets of tires per race, the task of tracking all of the tires can be challenging and time consuming. Goodyear's goal is to optimize how it tracks the nearly 2,000 tires from manufacturing through distribution to the teams, and then to the final disposition of the tires after each race. " ...

Goodyear RFID: NASCAR Tire Tracking: Via Psion Teklogix (US): Psion Teklogix Provides RFID Solutions to Goodyear ...

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Wednesday, April 26, 2006

RFID Garment HangTags Manage Inventory ...

Checkpoint implements RFID garment hangtags for Lemmi to management apparel inventory in the supply chain. ...

... "Checkpoint Systems, Inc., one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of RF and RFID based solutions for security, identification, tracking and merchandising applications in the world, announced they were chosen by Lemmi Fashion, a Fritzlar, Germany-based producer of children's apparel, to supply the company and its strategic partners with RFID (radio frequency identification) hangtags. The RFID consumables will be used as part of a strategic initiative to help improve Lemmi's speed to market, inventory management, and order accuracy. Checkpoint Systems is supplying Lemmi's manufacturing partners in Asia and Europe with Performa(R) 13.56 MHz RFID-enabled hangtags. The hangtags, which include a visible version of the RFID tag and a traditional bar code, contain data such as article number, size, and color. The tagging process begins when Lemmi's partners apply Performa RFID-enabled garment tags to items at their production sites. The goods are recorded when they are shipped from the manufacturer to Lemmi's distribution center (DC), and upon receipt at the DC. Movements within the DC are also recorded, and Lemmi reads the RFID tags a final time at the shipping area to confirm that all items required for the shipment have been packed." ...

RFID Garment HangTags Manage Inventory: Via Checkpoint Systems, Inc.: Lemmi Fashion Selects Checkpoint Systems RFID Hangtags to Improve Customer Service and Delivery Reliability; Apparel Manufacturer Partners with Checkpoint to Ensure RFID Tag Performance, Production and Fulfillment Requirements ...

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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

RFID Tag Manufacturing Increase ...

Omron to increase the manufacturing of RFID tags ...

... "Japan's Omron plans to more than double its production capacity of radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays within the coming months ... " ...

RFID Tag Manufacturing Increase: Via CIO: Omron Plans Big Boost to RFID Manufacturing ...

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Monday, April 03, 2006

China RFID Contract Win ...

RC Group secures contract win for RFID-enabled warehouse management solutions in the China market. ...

... "Under the MOU the Group will initially be commissioned to deliver its newly developed packaged RFID solutions for the use in warehouse and logistics management to manufacturing enterprises throughout the industrial region of Xiaolan in Southern China. Since the recent launch of the packaged RFID solution 10 installation projects have been secured in Xiaolan and other parts of Southern China. " ...

China RFID Contract Win: Via RCG MARVEL: RC Group Major RFID Contract Win ...

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Wednesday, March 29, 2006

WIFI RFID System on Chip ...

G2 Microsystems introduces RFID system on a chip that supports WIFI networking standards. ...

... "G2 Microsystems Inc., a developer of integrated circuits for the Mobile Resource Management (MRM) market, announced an ultra low-power, active radio frequency identification (RFID) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that leverages the widely-deployed Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) network infrastructure. By using this existing infrastructure, G2 Microsystems SoC enables businesses to install asset tracking systems at a fraction of the cost of today's solutions resulting in at least a 75% reduction in total cost of ownership. Additionally, the chip's integrated support for multiple location technologies and environmental sensing coupled with ultra low-power consumption enables a new class of tags that will open the door for global MRM services in many enterprise applications.

Mobile resource management is a fast-growing market that uses RTLS to track and monitor assets both inside and outside of facilities. The Yankee Group forecasts the global RTLS market will grow to $1.6B by 2010, fueled by deployments in healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Targeted at the RTLS market, G2 Microsystems' G2C501 Wi-Fi Active RFID SoC is a very flexible solution that enables a broad range of customer types to tailor systems to their specific application at a very low total cost of ownership. The chip is currently being incorporated into leading RTLS solutions including those from Ekahau and PanGo Networks. " ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip: Via G2 Microsystems: G2 Microsystems Significantly Reduces Cost of Asset Tracking Systems with Industry's First Wi-Fi RFID System-on-a-Chip: Leading Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Providers, Ekahau and PanGo Networks, Plan to use G2 Microsystems' Chip ...

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Sunday, March 26, 2006

RFID Research Program: Georgia Tech in Ireland ...

Georgia Tech starts RFID research program at research enterprise in Ireland. ...

... "The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology, will establish a research enterprise in Athlone, Ireland to focus on industry research and development needs. GTRI Ireland will be GTRI's first applied research facility outside the United States.

The new institute will focus on four technology areas that mirror Ireland's research strengths — digital media, radio frequency identification (RFID), biotechnology and energy. The research with RFID will center on authentication and identification technologies from acoustics to optics for the commercial sector. For instance, because Ireland has a thriving pharmaceutical industry, some of the institute's research will target pill-tracking accuracy, ensuring authenticity and dosage. " ...

Via Georgia Institute of Technology: GTRI to Open Institute in Athlone, Ireland ...

Additional university-sponsored RFID research programs ...

Information Technology Research Institute: RFID Research Center: "Information Technology Research Institute created its first sub-unit, the RFID Research Center. This new center spans many disciplines including retail, supply chain, industrial engineering, and computer science, among others. The center's base of operations is a lab which models a production warehouse environment in 7000 sq ft. of space donated to the center by Hanna's Candles and located within Hanna's manufacturing and warehouse facility. Collaborators with the RFID Research Center within the Walton College include the UA information systems department, the Supply Chain Management Research Center, and the Center for Retailing Excellence. Leveraging multidisciplinary expertise across the University of Arkansas, the RFID Research Center also has collaborative relationships with the College of Engineering, including the departments of computer science and computer engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering; the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, including the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies and the department of public policy; the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences, including the department of food science; and the School of Law. "

RFID@WINMEC:RFID Research: "RFID@WINMEC Middleware - The RFID@WINMEC middleware research project involves the development of a middleware stack with sub-stacks that manages r/w functions, abstracts reader and tags, networks readers together, provides hooks to databases and provides a homogeneous interface for application development. We work with sponsoring organizations on developing and studying RFID pilots by using our RFID middleware stack. "

RFID Academic Convocation II: Opportunities for RFID Sponsored Research Collaboration: "The RFID Academic Convocation brings together Directors of leading RFID research laboratories with executives from lead users in their industries and their RFID platform partners to address underlying research issues surrounding implementation of RFID. This event is part of a series of meetings that are being organized around the world to build collaboration across academic disciplines, institutional and geographic boundaries. Participation by qualified academic and industry researchers and governmental agency representatives is invited. "

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Friday, March 24, 2006

RFID GlaxoSmithKline Technology Test ...

GlaxoSmithKline tests RFID technology on HIV drug to combat counterfeiting. ...

... "GlaxoSmithKline has begun distributing a medicine tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as part of a pilot project to help protect patient safety. The tags will be placed on all bottles of Trizivir (an HIV medicine) distributed in the United States. When scanned at close range, the tags will help verify that the medicine bottle contains authentic Trizivir. This specific medicine was selected for the project because it has been listed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy as one of 32 drugs most susceptible to counterfeiting and diversion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the pharmaceutical industry to develop standards and pilot processes for RFID that may lead in the next few years to broad adoption and use of the technology. RFID uses a tiny silicon chip and antenna about the size of a postage stamp that is attached to each bottle of medicine. The chip stores a unique product code that reflects information about the drug's manufacturing and shipping history. The product code can be read by pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacists using a hand-held or stationary electronic device that is placed within 2-18 inches of the tag. The tag can be read by wholesalers when it is received from the manufacturer and when it is shipped to pharmacies, who would then record when they have received the medicine. This allows manufacturers to more precisely account for medicine as it moves through the distribution chain and to authenticate medicine at the point of dispensing. " ...

RFID GlaxoSmithKline Technology Test: Via GlaxoSmithKline: GlaxoSmithKline begins testing new technology ...

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Wednesday, March 22, 2006

RFID Research Lab ...

RFID research lab at Kimberly-Clark ...

... "Research is a key facet of the work being done at K-C, Perkins said. She pointed to the company's RFID lab, which is developing and using technology to help track K-C products from the manufacturing facility to the store shelves. " ...

RFID Research Lab: Via Post Crescent: Kimberly-Clark's Valley presence still strong: After potential cuts, firm will employ 4,400 locally ...

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Saturday, March 18, 2006

RFID UHF Gen2 Chips Used in Labels ...

Impinj wins contract to supply their RFID UHF Gen2 chips for use in label products from RF IDentics. ...

... "Impinj, Inc., the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its high performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products, announced an agreement under which RF IDentics will purchase Impinj's Monza UHF Gen 2 chips for inclusion in its RFID inlay and label products. Responding to increased demand from leading consumer goods manufacturers in the global retail supply chain for high-performance RFID solutions, RF IDentics selected Impinj's Monza chips to power their RFID inlay products. In addition to Impinj's chips, RF IDentics will use its proprietary RFID antenna technology as well as antennas licensed from Impinj to manufacture the RFID inlays and labels used to gather and track retail supply chain data. " ...

RFID UHF Gen2 Chips Used in Labels: Via Impinj: Impinj and RF Identics Announce 25 Million UHF Gen 2 Supply Agreement ...

Impinj, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its two synergistic business lines: high performance RFID products and innovative semiconductor intellectual property (IP). A leading contributor to the RFID standards for high volume supply-chain applications worldwide, Impinj leverages its technical expertise and industry partnerships to deliver the GrandPrix solution, comprising tags, readers, software and systems integration to offer RFID that just works. Impinj's innovative IP products, core to the company's RFID tags, are licensed to leading semiconductor companies worldwide, allowing them to seamlessly integrate crucial nonvolatile memory (NVM) alongside analog and digital functionality on a single chip. Impinj's IP products include the popular AEON family of embedded cores, which provides rewriteable NVM technology in logic CMOS manufacturing.

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Thursday, March 02, 2006

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate ...

Sun and SAP collaborate to enable seamless RFID solutions ...

... "Sun Microsystems, Inc. expanded its relationship with SAP AG to integrate and standardize RFID technology based on the SAP(R) Auto-ID Infrastructure component of SAP NetWeaver(R) and the Sun Java System RFID Software. This collaboration will enable RFID data network communication between Sun and SAP RFID technology (part of the mySAP Business Suite solutions), allowing for seamless data flow from any RFID-enabled device to the mySAP Business Suite. The technology integration has been tested and certified by SAP. Customers in a broad range of industries, including retail and manufacturing, are looking to RFID technology to help them gain insight into multiple facets of the logistics process, including maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, improving customer service and tracking orders. The collaboration between SAP and Sun will help speed time to deployment for customers looking to integrate RFID data into their back-end systems. The Sun Java System RFID Software provides centralized monitoring and management capabilities for large numbers of distributed RFID devices and delivers Jini technology-based dynamic networking capabilities, which help ensure that RFID data can continue to be transmitted to the SAP applications under demanding production environments. " ...

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate: Via Sun: Sun and SAP Collaborate to Simplify Deployment of RFID Solutions on SAP NetWeaver ...

Additional references on SAP and RFID ...

Via SAP - Components & Tools of SAP NetWeaver: SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure: "SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, the key component of SAP NetWeaver that provides RFID capabilities, provides SAP applications with a gateway into RFID data. "

Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: "SAP NetWeaver provides companies with a powerful platform to manage, integrate and leverage RFID data within their SAP and non-SAP business applications. By integrating a combination of SAP NetWeaver components with core business applications, such as enterprise resource planning or supply chain management, customers can RFID-enable their business processes. The implementation of SAP RFID technology was facilitated by Annin's implementation partner CIBER Novasoft. The integration of SAP RFID technology and the pre-existing SAP IT infrastructure means information captured from the RFID tags for the more than 500,000 master cartons shipped annually can be accessed directly in the enterprise SAP system. Retailers can track and report on the movement of Annin's inventory tagged with RFID through warehouses and stores. By creating this real-world aware network, Annin has laid the groundwork for shipping items using RFID and developing an integrated and scalable approach to the technology, providing benefits beyond merely meeting the Wal-Mart requirement. "

Via SAP: SAP Forges Next Generation of RFID-Enabled Business Solutions with Kimberly-Clark: "SAP and Kimberly-Clark will continue to leverage EPCglobal efforts to promote standards based solutions to the marketplace. SAP is bringing to bear the state-of-the-art Auto-ID, analytical and event-driven technologies provided by the SAP NetWeaver platform to collect, analyze and act on EPC (electronic product code) data shared among Kimberly-Clark and its trading partners. Kimberly-Clark has already deployed SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure as the system of record of enterprise-wide EPC information and as the interface that controls all EPC information flowing into mySAP ERP. "

Via SAP: SAP Enables Fraport AG to Reduce Maintenance Costs and Increase Safety at Frankfurt Airport with Mobile Asset Management: "Before the mobile deployment, service engineers had to fill out lengthy forms during equipment checks, then enter the data manually into the central ERP software. Service technicians now use PDAs to access daily maintenance plans and carry out work orders. The PDAs read maintenance-relevant information from the RFID tags installed on ventilation shutters and act as clients to the ERP software for reporting and archiving. Because the PDAs can read tags only at a distance of three centimeters or less, the mobile scenario confirms that service technicians duly checked each vent on their work orders. In addition to safeguarding maintenance processes and generating reports in compliance with federal regulations, the solution helps the company maintain a complete view across the entire asset life cycle and more quickly locate reoccurring faults. "

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Wednesday, March 01, 2006

IBM RFID: New Services Software ...

IBM continues to expand its RFID capabilities ...

... "IBM announced the addition of new radio frequency identification (RFID) services and software to its expansive RFID portfolio. IBM announced a new RFID service for asset tracking. The IBM RFID Solution for Asset Tracking can aid companies in their critical resource tracking and security endeavors, and in their efforts to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Its benefits range from tracking military equipment in the field to transporting hazardous materials. Also announced is an upgrade to its IBM WebSphere Premises Server for companies with heavy tagging traffic and high-value items. This high-performance software enables tagging items at manufacturing line speeds. " ...


IBM RFID: New Services Software: Via IBM: IBM Adds New RFID Services and Software to Its RFID Portfolio ...

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Sunday, February 26, 2006

RFID Manufacturing Machines ...

RFID antennae manufacturing machine ...

... "Word has it that Block Shield has sold the first of its RFID manufacturing machines to a native American consortium as part of the US federal initiative to expand the industrial capabilities of native American tribal organisations. " ...


Via The Independent Business Analysis & Features: Small Talk: Betex on to a winner with Chinese lottery deals ...

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Thursday, February 23, 2006

RFID Drives Supply Chain Efficiency ...

RFID implementation will drive supply chain efficiency for pharmaceutical manufacturer ...

... "Roex Inc. and Pro-X Pharmaceuticals announced that they have engaged ODIN technologies to deploy RFID to enable greater supply chain efficiency and quality control in its manufacturing processes. Led by the innovations of founder Rod Burreson, Roex Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality nutritional supplements. Pro-X Pharmaceuticals, a division of Roex Inc., is an independent contract manufacturer that produces Roex products and also provides manufacturing and packaging services for other leading nutritional companies. " ...

RFID Drives Supply Chain Efficiency: Via ODIN Technologies: Roex / Pro-X Select ODIN technologies for RFID Deployment: Roex Inc. and Pro-X Pharmaceuticals to leverage RFID to drive Supply Chain Efficiency and Quality Control ...

ODIN technologies is the leader in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing, deployment and certification. ODIN technologies leverages its team of RF engineers, physicists and software developers combined with its laboratory facilities to provide RFID consulting services to major retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, United States government agencies and other RFID early adopters. In addition to client deployment services, ODIN technologies is also the publisher of the RFID Benchmark Series, the industry’s first and most referenced head to head performance analysis of leading RFID tags and readers. ODIN’s President and CEO, Patrick J. Sweeney II is also author of RFID for Dummies published by John Wiley & Sons. ODIN technologies is privately held and has labs and offices in Dulles, Virginia.

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Tuesday, February 21, 2006

RFID Label for Anti-Counterfeiting ...

Sokymat offers RFID label for anti-counterfeiting applications in printing ...

... "Sokymat SA, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, has developed a 13.56 MHz RFID label specially designed as an anti-counterfeiting tool for printer ribbons. The label attaches directly to the core of the printer ribbon, making it impossible to tamper with. A printer with integrated reader module can now easily distinguish between an original ribbon and unauthorized counterfeits. ... The transponder is available both as a standard label, which comes in a special material with the same printing characteristics as paper, or as a customized product, such as a very robust PET laminated ring label. Sokymat provides this high frequency label with an I-Code1 IC chip. In any case, Sokymat is able to produce any variety of customized label based on ISO 15693 compliant ICs for example.

Sokymat has developed a very small specific flip-chip module package for this application – the SK1 – which makes it possible to produce a very thin and narrow ring transponder, about 10mm wide and less than 1.2mm thick. This very narrow HF label cannot be produced with traditional label manufacturing techniques (printed or etched antenna), which require a larger pitch resolution between the turns of the coil. The antenna is designed to achieve optimum performance despite the interference that may be present. " ...


RFID Label for Anti-Counterfeiting: Via Sokymat: Sokymat launches anti-counterfeiting RFID label designed for printer ribbon identification ...

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Saturday, February 18, 2006

Plastic RFID Electronics Demonstrated by Philips

Philips Research crew demonstrates RFID electronic based on plastic ...

... "Scientists at Philips Research have created a fully functional 13.56 MHz RFID tag based entirely on plastic electronics. In contrast to conventional silicon-chip-based RFID tags, a plastic electronics RFID chip can be printed directly onto a plastic substrate along with an antenna without involving complex assembly steps. This could pave the way for the packaging industry to replace existing barcodes by a low-cost RFID tag that provides individual packages with a unique item-level identification code - something not feasible with current barcode technology.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, based on remotely retrieving information via radio waves from miniature electronic circuits called RFID tags. Philips has now realized the first plastic-electronics-based tag that is capable of transmitting multi-bit digital identification codes at 13.56 MHz � the dominant industry-standard radio frequency for RFID tag applications. As an additional demonstrator for the technology, scientists at Philips Research have also developed a 64-bit code generator, showing the practicality of building plastic electronic circuits with the complexity required for item-level tagging.

Performance results for these circuits will be presented at this year's International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC, February 5-9, San Francisco, CA, USA) in a paper that will also be awarded the conference's Beatrice Winner Award for Editorial Excellence. Being a world leader in the RFID business, Philips supplies silicon-based components for applications such as supply chain management, public transport, pharmaceuticals and animal tracking. Current silicon-based tags have excellent performance, and when produced in volume, can be manufactured at low cost. Philips is also conducting research into plastic-electronics-based RFID tags, since these tags have the potential to be manufactured in a radically different way, namely via even lower-cost reel-to-reel and other in-line processing techniques. " ...


Plastic RFID Electronics Demonstrated by Philips: Via Philips: Philips demonstrates world-first technical feasibility of 13.56-MHz RFID tags based on plastic electronics ...

Additional references on plastic RFID technology:

German researchers move forward on plastic RFID chip - Via Computerworld: "By 2008, PolyIC hopes to have a chip with a storage capacity of 128 bits and a processing speed of 13.56 MHz to comply with radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, according to Mildner. "

Beyond Bar Codes: Tuning up plastic radio labels: Via Science News: "Electronic labels made from plastic semiconductors can now pick up and respond to radio signals at a frequency suitable for use on products. "

OrganicID, Inc.: Printable, Plastic RFID Tags: "Organic Transistors - The Pros: Compatibility with flexible plastic substances, Lower temperature manufacturing (60-120°C), Lower-cost printable deposition processes "

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Monday, February 13, 2006

RFID Competency Center ...

Click Commerce creates RFID competency center to showcase the use of RFID technology in the extended enterprise ...

... "Click Commerce, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand supply chain management solutions, announces the opening of its radio frequency identification (RFID) Competency Center. Located at company headquarters in Chicago, the RFID Competency Center showcases how RFID enhances Click Commerce solutions. In addition, the Center showcases the next-generation extended enterprise with solution demonstrations. The Competency Center features the Intelligent Supply Chain, a RFID solution created by Click Commerce and Vue Technology, a leading provider of item-level RFID. This demonstration tracks the movement of inventory through a multi-tier supply chain from manufacturing through distribution to the retail store shelf. Item, case, and pallet level RFID tagging is used to provide inventory visibility and management across the supply chain. This visibility and control increases supply chain agility and accuracy, allowing inventory to be pulled through the network based on real-time demand conditions to avoid stock-outs. Within the distribution center, RFID drives labor productivity and accuracy by automatically sensing inventory throughout the warehouse, eliminating labor associated with check-in, bar code scans, and cycle counts. The resulting benefits of the Intelligent Supply Chain include fewer lost sales, increased customer service levels, and lower supply chain costs. " ...

RFID Competency Center: Via Click Commerce: Click Commerce Unveils RFID Competency Center

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Sunday, February 12, 2006

RFID Asia Partnership ...

RFID partnership will address needs in Asia, namely China, for electronics manufacturing applications ...

... "With this new addition to our product line we now have the ability to offer end-to-end RFID solutions, starting with closed-loop factory automation and later expanding into global supply chain applications. The first phase of RFID implementation includes the ability to track, trace and control all materials and tools on the shop floor. This will significantly accelerate the deployment and the ROI for our customers, while providing a roadmap to extend RFID applications from the production floor to the warehouse and the supply chain. There are two strong market drivers for RFID in the China electronics manufacturing industry. The first and most significant is the ongoing pressure for cost-reduction. Despite the low cost of labor in China, it is important to remember that 80 to 90% of the cost of a finished electronic product is the sum of its electronic components. As a result the ROI for improving material control by achieving real-time visibility and eliminating human errors on the production floor is extremely short. The cost of the RFID tags is not even critical when you keep re-using the same tags inside the four walls of a factory. " ...

RFID Asia Partnership: Via Cogiscan: RFID Smart Material Control: SchmidtRFID partners with Cogiscan to offer RFID solutions for electronics manufacturers in Asia ...

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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

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. "

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Friday, January 20, 2006

RFID Journal LIVE! 2006 Announced ...

... "RFID Journal LIVE! 2006, its 4th annual conference and exhibition will be held May 1-3, 2006, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. RFID Journal LIVE! 2006 will feature many of the leading early adopters in five key industry segments: Retail/Consumer Goods; Defense/Aerospace; Transportation/Logistics; Health Care/Pharmaceutical, and Manufacturing industries. Business leaders from the leading companies in these industries will be presenting case studies and applied examples of profitable and efficient ways to utilize RFID. " ...

Via RFID Journal: RFID JOURNAL Announces Unparalleled Speaker Lineup for RFID Journal LIVE! 2006

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Saturday, January 14, 2006

RFID Mobile Asset Management

IBSS introduces RFID-enabled mobile asset management solution to create a real-time view of assets and their movements. Benefits are lowering asset shrinkage and accelerating asset location. Active RFID enables the identification of mobile assets. ...

... "Integrated Business Systems and Services, Inc. (IBSS) announced its new offering, the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system , a new product created for organizations seeking more efficient asset utilization by the use of RFID and wireless technologies. Simultaneously, IBSS also announced an agreement establishing IDENTEC SOLUTIONS as a certified Value Added Reseller of SynTrack Mobile Asset Management. Today, organizations spend millions of dollars on expensive equipment only to have it lost or stolen. Annual losses can range from thousands to millions of dollars. By having a real time view of where these assets are, when and where they move, and how they are managed, companies can significantly reduce these losses as well as improve worker efficiency in locating critical equipment.

SynTrack Mobile Asset Management is IBSS' application for real time, dynamic tracking and management of assets and personnel. It allows organizations to locate, track and manage expensive, important equipment utilizing active RFID technology. Developed on IBSS' proprietary Synapse platform, the system is quickly and easily configurable to nearly any asset tracking application across commercial vertical markets. SynTrack Mobile Asset Management is ideally suited for applications in Energy, Government, Manufacturing, Security, and many other industries. Installation is quick and easy. The system is configured intuitively by defining a hierarchy of zones, tags and tag groups so assets can be quickly located. Important assets and/or desired personnel are equipped with RFID tags. These tags are sensed by strategically placed RFID readers and antennas that communicate with the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system as a tagged object passes through a geographically defined zone. " ...

RFID Mobile Asset Management: Via IBSS: IBSS INTRODUCES SynTrack MOBILE ASSET MANAGEMENT ...

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Wednesday, January 11, 2006

RFID eIdentity USB Reader: Passport Capable ...

ASK introduces USB-connection RFID reader that has shown interoperability with Interfest e-passport standards. ...

... "ASK launches the RDR 400 series of contactless USB readers, designed for performance, security and ergonomics. RDR 400 readers are ideal for contactless logical/physical access control, identity, banking and PC-based applications. Based on CPL 400 couplers, the RDR 400 series is high speed, low cost, multi-standard and multi-application; its unique and powerful RF interface means that RDR 400 readers support all current ISO dual interface/contactless cards and contactless tickets.

RDR 400 has passed successfully e-passport Interfest interoperability tests taking place in November in Singapore. These tests involved 124 different passports complying with ISO14443 type A or B standards from 28 countries to be tested on 40 readers. ASK reader reached the best performances both in terms of interoperability and communication speed. ASK is breaking new ground in emerging markets such as e-identity and banking where clients need technology partners with superlative expertise in both RFID card and reader technology " ...


RFID eIdentity USB Reader: Passport Capable: Via ASK: ASK launches new contactless USB reader RDR 400 series ...

Founded in 1997, ASK is now the supplier of the most comprehensive range of contactless cards, tickets, RFID tags and readers on the market. All products comply with ISO and EPC standards. ASK addresses the mass transit, access control, e-government ID, supply chain and logistics markets. 50 million contactless cards, tickets and RFID labels are already in use worldwide. ASK’s manufacturing plant is located at its Sophia-Antipolis headquarters in France, with regional offices in Paris, Singapore and Westport, USA.

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Tuesday, January 03, 2006

LowCost RFID Research Workshop in Jan2006 ...

RFID Research Workshop will focus on low-cost technology in January 2006 ...

... "International Research Consortium for Packaging, Manufacturing, and Reliability for Low-Cost and Related Integrated SMART Tag Systems

The purpose of this workshop is to solicit input from interested organizations on the key issues and barriers to the manufacture of low-cost RFID tags with reliable performance, prioritize and begin to define the pre-competitive research programs to be supported by the Consortium to address these issues, and solicit membership in the Consortium by interested organizations.

University of Arkansas College of Engineering, Sam M. Walton College of Business, and TechSearch International, Inc.; January 25-26, 2006, Fayetteville, Arkansas" ...

LowCost RFID Research Workshop in Jan2006: International Research Consortium for Packaging, Manufacturing, and Reliability for Low-Cost and Related Integrated SMART Tag Systems ...

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Monday, December 26, 2005

RFID Device Service: Industrial Ethernet Network Capable ...

Comtrol Corp. provides industrial ethernet device server that supports factory-level RFID. ...

... "DM is a network-attached device server that hosts an industrial Ethernet engine and translates device-to-PLC communications. DM allows users to attach RFID equipment, bar code scanners, displays and in-line scales to their industrial Ethernet network. " ...

Via Control Engineering - Multiprotocol industrial Ethernet gateway, legacy bridge ...

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Monday, December 19, 2005

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience

LG's RFID implementation was completed quickly and successfully certified to meet Best Buy's RFID compliance requirements. ...

... "The deployment was completed in less than two months and has been certified by Best Buy to meet the retailer's January 2, 2006 mandate. As a global supplier of televisions, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics, LG began investigating RFID technology when Wal-Mart and Best Buy issued mandates last year. In the initial deployment, LG plans to tag three SKUs to be shipped from their warehouse in Texas to Best Buy distribution centers. According to Sam Ismail, Director, Logistics Advanced Engineering at LG Electronics, this infrastructure gives LG the ability to tag and ship additional SKUs from the warehouse and manufacturing facility as more retailers mandate the use of the technology and as more business cases are determined to add value. " ...

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience: Via OATSystems: LG Electronics Goes Live with OATSystems: Implementation Completed in Record Time ...

OATSystems, Inc. is the recognized RFID framework leader with software that empowers businesses to achieve competitive advantage from radio-frequency identification (RFID). As pioneers in the development of RFID technology, OAT has been setting the standard in RFID for over half a decade and is responsible for industry firsts that include the largest scale and largest scope of deployments, as well as the most innovative approaches to providing enterprise-wide RFID solutions. OAT's multinational client base, which includes companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Gillette, consists of over 50 customers in retail, CPG, consumer electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense.

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Sunday, December 18, 2005

RFID Company Raises Capital ...

Impinj raises another round of investment funding from venture capitalists to sustain its growth in the RFID technology industry. ...

... "Impinj, Inc., the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its two business lines: semiconductor intellectual property and high performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products, announced it has secured a $26.5 million round of funding. Participants in the funding round included new investors GF Private Equity Group LLC, who led the round, and VentureTech Alliance along with existing investors ARCH Venture Partners, Madrona Venture Group, Mobius Venture Capital, Polaris Venture Partners, Unilever Technology Ventures, UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund and the Viterbi Group. This new injection of capital allows Impinj to maintain our excellent progress delivering the semiconductor solutions that our customers in the explosive RFID and the nascent embedded nonvolatile markets are demanding, said Dr. William Colleran, President and CEO of Impinj. We will continue to aggressively drive our product development and operations to maintain our leadership positions in those markets. " ...

RFID Company Raises Capital: Via Impinj: Impinj Raises $26.5M, Cements RFID Leadership Role ...

Impinj, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its two synergistic business lines: high performance RFID products and cost-effective semiconductor intellectual property (SIP). A leading contributor to the RFID standards for high volume supply-chain applications worldwide, Impinj leverages its technical expertise and industry partnerships to deliver the GrandPrix™ solution, comprising tags, readers, software and systems integration to offer RFID that just works™. Impinj’s innovative SIP products, core to the company’s RFID tags, are licensed to leading semiconductor companies worldwide, allowing them to cost-effectively integrate crucial nonvolatile memory (NVM) alongside analog and digital functionality on a single chip. Impinj's SIP products include the popular AEON™ memory, the world's first rewriteable NVM technology compatible with logic CMOS manufacturing, and AEFuse™, the world's first rewriteable fuse architecture.

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Saturday, December 17, 2005

ItemLevel RFID: Manage StockOuts Shrinkage ...

Vue and Symbol collaborate to develop RFID solutions that minimize retail stock-outs and inventory shrinkage. ...

... "Vue Technology, a leading provider of item-level RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, and Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, announced that they will jointly develop and deliver integrated item-level RFID solutions for retailers and manufacturers. The integrated item-level RFID solutions will offer visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity, resulting in significant reductions in out-of-stocks, shrinkage and labor costs. The TrueVUE RFID Platform is an ROI-driven solution that supports end-to-end item level RFID, enabling manufacturers and retailers to streamline the tracking of individual items throughout the supply chain. Vue Technology will combine their patent-pending RF Networking technology and EPC management software with Symbol's RFID fixed and handheld readers, tags and peripheral devices to deliver a cost-effective platform, enabling customers to reap the benefits of item-level RFID. The joint item-level RFID solutions will expand the reach of RFID from traditional pallet and case-level distribution applications that focus on broad supply chain visibility to in-store applications which focus on achieving enhanced on-shelf availability and sales for specific product categories. " ...

ItemLevel RFID: Manage StockOuts Shrinkage: Via Vue Technology: VUE TECHNOLOGY AND SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES TO DELIVER ITEM-LEVEL RFID SOLUTIONS TO RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: Integrated Solutions Will Reduce Out-of-Stocks, Shrinkage and Labor Costs ...

Vue Technology is the leading provider of item level RFID, delivering breakthrough technology that provides the most scalable, reliable, and ROI-driven solutions on the market. With patent-pending technologies, VUE allows standard RFID readers to network across thousands of antennas, exponentially increasing the number of zones a typical reader can support. Vue provides customers unprecedented visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity while eliminating the prohibitive cost barriers previously associated with item-level RFID roll-outs. With its TrueVUE™ RFID Platform, Vue offers the most complete suite of integrated RF networking hardware and EPC management software for item-level RFID, maximizing the benefits to our customers while minimizing implementation risks – at the lowest TCO.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2005

RFID Methodology Drives Item-Level Automation ...

TagSYS introduces RFID methodology to accelerate item-level automated business processes. ...

... "P3: e-Xecute RFID is a consultative step-by-step approach that maps out the entire project roadmap based on customers' objectives for RFID in the manufacturing line and supply chain. Using intellectual property and best practices developed by TAGSYS, P3: e-Xecute RFID takes customers from design through the delivery of a fully integrated infrastructure in as little as three months. With RFID technology maturing and a growing number of item-level initiatives in numerous industries, including pharmaceutical and life sciences, retail, fashion, and close looped sectors like libraries, RFID is increasingly used to automate labor-intensive processes, authenticate and safeguard goods, and enable real-time inventory and asset visibility. Anchored by TAGSYS Reliable, Accurate and Secure (R.A.S.) RFID products, the methodology leverages TAGSYS partner network to take a technology agnostic approach to engineering item-level RFID systems based on a client's specific business requirements. " ...

RFID Methodology Drives Item-Level Automation: Via TAGSYS RFID: TAGSYS Introduces P3: e-Xecute RFID Methodology For Item-Level RFID Evaluation And Deployment ...

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Sunday, December 04, 2005

RFID Network: Web Services Architecture ...

The EPC information service, based on a web services architecture, is being created to enable collaboration and data sharing through RFID technology. ...

Via SYS-CON BELGIUM: RFID Network Based On Web Services Model Set To Launch In 2006 ...

... "Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) will provide a central system of record for all enterprise electronic product code-related RFID data by aggregating events from multiple technology platforms. " ...

New companies that provide RFID applications are architecting the systems using web services. ...

Via TC3I: EPCIS ++ provides capability for EPC data acquisition. It implements EPCIS standards and supports AS2 over webservices. ...

... "EPCIS++ facilitates EPC Data sharing across business partners, and also used for consolidating EPC events within a business. It supports a rich cross-enterprise representation of tagged objects, their histories and associated business context. It supports responsive, secure, controlled access to EPC data. " ...

The RFID architecture for the EPC services are a distributed model. ...

Via Institute for Manufacturing at the university of Cambridge: EPC Information Service ...

... "EPC Information Services are very different from the Global Data Synchronization Network [GDSN] (i.e. UCCNet, Transora, WWRE etc.). Whereas GDSN is primarily concerned with synchronization of class-level (SKU-level) master data about products, EPCIS is primarily concerned with sharing of serial-level data. EPC Information Services also have a much more distributed architecture - there is no central provider with EPCIS. " ...

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Friday, December 02, 2005

RFID Supply Chain: Location Aware ...

Article discusses capabilities of PRISYM solutions in supply chain processes, where RFID technology is used to drive visibility and optimization. ...

RFID Supply Chain: Location Aware: Via Manufacturing Talk: Supply chain functions co-ordinated ...

... "Time spent searching for fixed assets or products can adversely effect the bottom-line of any business and by using the very latest RFID and barcode technology, PRISYM Track not only helps to maintain the supply of goods to the end customer but also identifies where they are located at all times. " ...

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Tuesday, November 29, 2005

RFID Generation 2 Chips: TI Impinj Collaborate ...

Impinj and TI collaborate to deliver RFID Generation 2 inlay products. ...

Via Impinj: Impinj and Texas Instruments Announce RFID Gen 2 Supply Agreement ...

... "Impinj, Inc., the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its two business lines: semiconductor intellectual property and high performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products, and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN), a leading provider of RFID chips, inlays and straps, announced a supply agreement under which Impinj will provide its Monza RFID Generation 2 (Gen 2) chips for inclusion in TI's initial production of RFID inlay and strap products. As part of its Gen 2 product offering, TI is using Monza chips from Impinj for its manufacturing of Gen 2 inlays and straps that label converter companies are incorporating into finished RFID tags for use by consumer goods manufacturers in the global retail supply chain. Part of Impinj's GrandPrix solution for robust RFID systems, Monza is the world's first tag chip certified as compliant with the Gen 2 standard promulgated by EPCglobal Inc, the industry consortium established to promote RFID in the global supply chain. " ...

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Saturday, November 26, 2005

RFID Technology Converges with NanoTechnology ...

There is a convergence of nanotechnology and RFID technology by firms, such as Nanosys, who are working to create integrated antenna and identification chips. ...

RFID Technology Converges with NanoTechnology: Via Computing: Nanotech noses into RFID ...

... "RFID tags have been hailed as the harbinger of more efficient manufacturing and shipping processes, which would eventually lower product costs and increase customer service levels. " ...

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Wednesday, November 23, 2005

RFID Service Provider Joins AIM ...

International Paper's smart packaging (ASURYS) joins AIM. ...

RFID Service Provider Joins AIM: Via AIM: ASURYS Joins AIM Global: Signals Commitment to Automatic Identification and Mobile Solutions ...

... "As a member of AIM Global, ASURYS will join other leading companies who are committed to the growth of automatic identification and mobility solutions through industry standards development, advocacy and the support of a global channel network. ASURYS is a provider of RFID professional services and solutions that integrate the supply chain from manufacturing to the retail shelf. " ...

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Tuesday, November 22, 2005

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. " ...

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Sunday, November 20, 2005

RFID Tags: Material Deposition System ...

RFID Tags: Material Deposition System: Via Dimatix: Dimatix Presents DMP-2800 – A Revolutionary Materials Deposition System: Industry’s First Low-Cost, Cartridge-Based Ink Jet Printing System Offers Easier, Faster and Less Expensive Product Development for Electronics and Flat Panel Displays ...

... "The turnkey system is an easy to use tool for corporations and research institutes to quickly develop and test processes and prototypes, as well as conduct low-volume manufacturing of a broad range of products, including flexible circuits, RFID tags, displays and wearable electronics. " ...

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Wednesday, November 16, 2005

RFID Inlay Acquisition By Sokymat

RFID Inlay Acquisition By Sokymat: Via Sokymat: Sokymat acquires IMASYS ...

... "Sokymat SA, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, announces today that it has acquired IMASYS, a leading German supplier of RFID inlay manufacturing equipment based in Pfronten, which joined the Sokymat Group effective November 1st, 2005. IMASYS is a designer and manufacturer of high frequency (HF) transponder inlay production machines based on the wire-embedding process. IMASYS current goal is to significantly increase the production capacity of its 13.56 MHz RFID inlay manufacturing machines, in order to respond to the tremendous growth of the markets for e-passports and contactless payment cards. " ...


Sokymat, the world’s leading supplier of RFID transponders, is present in all major market segments that express a strong interest in the benefits of RFID technology, namely access control and security, industrial automation and supply chain management as well as animal identification. Thanks to its 15 years of experience in transponder manufacturing technology and its know-how in packaging technology, Sokymat can design and manufacture virtually any type of custom-made transponder suited to the specific operating environment and packaging material requested by the customer – including metal. Alongside with its expertise in 125/134.2 kHz and UHF RFID technology, Sokymat boasts the most complete know-how in 13.56 MHz technology and serves fast growing industry segments such as the emerging market for government-issued electronic passports and travel documents. The group employs more than 300 people worldwide, has both research and development centers and manufacturing plants in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia.

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Tuesday, November 08, 2005

RFID Technology ISO9001:2000 Certification ...

HID achieves ISO9001 certification for the design, manufacture, and distribution of RFID technology. ...

RFID Technology ISO9001:2000 Certification: Via HID: HID Achieves ISO9001:2000 Re-Certification for Design, Manufacture, and Distribution of RFID-Based Contactless Smart Cards and Readers: The Management System Certification Encompasses Excellence Meeting Customer and Regulatory Requirements While Continually Improving HID's Product Performance ...

... "HID Corporation, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, announced that is has achieved ISO 9001:2000 re-certification for quality management and its system certification that encompasses manufacturing. HID first received ISO9000 certification on June 1, 1999, ISO 9001:2000 certification on June 1, 2002 and has been continuously certified while they maintain focus on continuous process improvements for the company's entire iCLASS 13.56 MHz, Prox 125 kHz, and Wiegand card and reader technology design, manufacture and distribution processes. To attain ISO9001 certification, all certified companies must be in conformance to the ISO9001:2000 standard that requires companies to do what is needed to fulfill the customer's quality requirements, enhance customer satisfaction, manage the processes or activities and to achieve continual improvement of their performance in pursuit of these objectives. " ...


As the largest manufacturer of contactless access control readers and cards for the security industry, HID has shipped over 250 million credentials to customers worldwide. HID pioneered the development of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for physical access control. Proximity and iCLASS® technologies can be housed on the same credential and combined with other technologies such as magnetic stripe, barcode, or contact smart chip modules. This provides users the ability to leverage their investment in existing systems while seamlessly upgrading to new technologies and adding new applications. For increased security, users can add a photo ID or anti-counterfeiting element such as a hologram or ultraviolet ink. HID’s experience in developing card technologies enables them to play a critical role in the evolution and adoption of contactless smart card technology used for applications such as access control, IT secure authentication, digital cash, the storage of biometric templates, and the storage and retrieval of critical information.


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Saturday, November 05, 2005

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M

3M expands its HighJump software, used in RFID applications, for MES applications in its plants. ...

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M: Via 3M: 3M Selects HighJump's Manufacturing Advantage Software to Standardize Plant Systems Worldwide ...

... "3M announced it will implement HighJump Software's manufacturing execution system (MES), Manufacturing Advantage, as part of its ongoing global initiative to standardize manufacturing systems. 3M will use the Manufacturing Advantage software at 70 locations worldwide to improve management of shop floor activities, thereby enabling more efficient production. 3M is continuously striving toward a demand-driven, lean supply chain where its industry-leading products are manufactured based on customer demand. To this aim, the HighJump MES system will help 3M build its products just in time, in the right quantities, and according to the highest standards for quality and turnaround. Since Manufacturing Advantage is part of HighJump's adaptable Advantage suite, 3M will be able to configure its applications quickly and cost-effectively. This will allow the company to carry out its goal of supporting a diverse set of plant-specific requirements without supporting a diverse set of systems. HighJump has already provided supply chain solutions for 3M in the areas of RFID compliance and data collection. The success of these projects influenced the MES selection. " ...




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Tuesday, November 01, 2005

RFID ISO9001 Certification: Design Development Manufacturing ...

RFID ISO9001 Certification: Design Development Manufacturing: Via Sirit: Sirit Earns ISO 9001:2000 Registration ...

... "This important distinction confirms the Company's commitment to quality, and serves as acknowledgement of Sirit's customer-first focus. The scope of the registration includes design, development and manufacture of RFID technology and products. The ISO 9001:2000 standard, is an internationally recognized quality management system standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). To be certified to the standard, companies must implement a quality management system (QMS) embracing the activities of the company from customer input, order entry ,design and development of products, the purchasing of materials and services and the delivery of products and services. Certification to ISO 9001:2000 reinforces to customers, through an independent third-party, that Sirit's operational processes are in accordance with the standard. " ...

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Monday, October 31, 2005

RFID Intellectual Property Agreement: Pinnacle Manufactures ...

USM Systems, Ltd., developer of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions, licenses its intellectual property to Pinnacle Technology Group, Inc. (Toledo, OH) for manufacturing and marketing of RFID and other products. ...

RFID Intellectual Property Agreement: Pinnacle Manufactures: Via USM Systems: Pinnacle Technology Group to manufacture, market products using USM Systems, Ltd. intellectual property ...

... "USM Systems intellectual property enables RFID systems to gather and export data from its collection to an enterprise computer network. The license helps to introduce into the marketplace RFID solutions that let businesses control loss/shrinkage; improve equipment maintenance and record keeping; increase utilization of fixed assets; and manage personnel tracking. " ...


USM Systems, Ltd. develops Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions, and holds key intellectual property patents for advanced application of RFID technology. Founded in 1995, the Southfield, Michigan-based Corporation is central to the development of emerging RFID technology that tracks and manages assets and personnel in a range of environments. RFID expertise is concentrated in personnel & asset management to include valuable and sensitive asset tracking; finished goods tracking; mobile equipment tracking; event-driven data collection; and configurable reporting/action.

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Sunday, October 30, 2005

RFID China Partnership: Printing Solutions

Zebra partners to deliver RFID and printing solutions to the Chinese market. ...

RFID China Partnership: Printing Solutions: Via Zebra Tech: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL CHINA JOIN FORCES TO BRING BEST-OF-BREED PRINTING SOLUTIONS TO CHINESE ENTERPRISES: Largest and most recognized brand in the bar code and RFID industry partners with China's pioneer IT distributor to bring industry-leading solutions to Chinese customers ...

... "A signing ceremony, held earlier today in Beijing with Digital China, marks a milestone for Zebra's PartnersFirst channel development program in China. Launched in March 2003, Zebra's PartnersFirst program was designed to help deliver value-driven bar code, wireless and RFID-based solutions to a wide range of end customers in industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, government, transportation, logistics and more. Globally, the program has been successful earning a five-star rating (out of five) from VARBusiness Magazine. A redesigned program for the China market was launched last year. Today's alliance with Digital China is significant to Zebra's development, and testament to its increasing growth and commitment to this dynamic market. Under the terms of the agreement, Digital China will become Zebra's value added distributor (VAD) in China's auto-ID field. The alliance will enable Digital China to expand its presence in this lucrative market. Currently, Digital China’s distribution network and wide-reach is unparalleled, with access to over 6000 agents throughout Greater China. " ...


China RFID market targeted for RFID printing solutions by Zebra Technologies and Digital China.

Digital China Holdings Limited was spun off from Legend Holdings Limited and separately listed on the mainboard of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited on 1 June 2001 (HK:0861) . Digital China is the number one IT products distributor and systems integrator as well as a leading networking product developer in China. The company provides hardware and software solutions to its clients, with a strong focus to add value to them. Digital China engages in three groups of businesses: Distribution, Systems, and Services.

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 nearly five million printers, including wireless/mobile solutions and RFID printer/encoders, and also offers software, connectivity solutions, and printing supplies.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2005

RFID Global Initiative: NCR Wisonsin

Katy Williams explores NCR's manufacturing strategy in support of their RFID global initiative. ...

RFID Global Initiative: NCR Wisonsin: Via WTN: Wisconsin plant is part of NCR's global RFID initiative ...

... "The plant, part of NCR's Systemedia group, produces various types of labels and thermal transfer ribbons embedded with RFID chips that NCR says overcome challenges posed by the technology. " ...

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Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Siemens RFID Reader Tags: High Speed Identification ...

Siemens offers high-speed RFID reader and tags for identification applications in production. ...

Siemens RFID Reader Tags: High Speed Identification: Via Siemens: High-speed identification in production ...

... "With its Simatic RF300 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) products, Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) offers a new identification system for use in production. Among the new items being introduced are an additional read/write device (reader) and two new data carriers (tags) which have been specially designed for high-speed identification applications in assembly lines, conveyor systems and production lines. The Simatic RF310R reader with its integrated antenna can be operated with the ASM 452, 456, 473, 475 communication modules for Simatic S7-300 and Profibus. Data transfer rates of more than 3,000 bytes per second are possible between reader and tag. This means that tags with a storage capacity of 8 KB, for example, can be read out or written to in approximately two seconds. This allows for exceptionally short cycle times during motor production, for example, in the automotive industry or when manufacturing of small motors, contactors or switches. " ...

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Monday, October 24, 2005

RFID Tag Production: Dominant Semicon ...

Dominant Semicon offers RFID tag production services, including conversion process, across a range of tag frequencies. ...

RFID Tag Production: Dominant Semicon: High Quality RFID Tags from DOMINANT ...

... "Featuring an international certified quality assurance acclaim, DOMINANT now provides a total solution for the production of RFID tags. This includes the converting processes such as inlay assembly, lamination and test from raw materials to finished goods such as smart labels, smart tickets and tags. There are three kinds of tags are available in DOMINANT. There are categorized by the radio frequency: High Frequency tags (13.56MHz), Ultra High Frequency (860MHz – 960MHz) and Microwave (2.45GHz). By adopting RFID technology, companies are able to optimize the accuracy of data collection – something that is not always possible with traditional systems. As a result, it undoubtedly hold a lot of promise and RFID have the advantage over barcode systems as they have ability to be read without line-of sign and it can be read through in a environmentally challenging conditions such as around water or metal. " ...


DOMINANT Semiconductors is an excellence-driven organization, offering a comprehensive variety of product range and selection for diverse industries and applications. With extensive industry experience and relentless pursuit of innovation, DOMINANT Semiconductors, with its state-of-the-art manufacturing, research and testing capabilities, has become a trusted and reliable brand across the globe. Established in 2001 DOMINANT is one of the leading suppliers in RFID Tags. It develops and manufacturers high quality RFID (radio frequency identification) tags used in automatic identification, tracking and supply chain management, which are specialized in high quality, high volume production.

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Sunday, October 23, 2005

RFID Innovation Recognized: Alien FSA RFID Manufacturing ...

Alien Technology recognized for their innovative fluidic self assembly process for manufacturing RFID electronics. Michael Totty reports on the Wall Street Journal's 2005 Technology Innovation Awards where innovators are recognized. ...

RFID Innovation Recognized: Alien FSA RFID Manufacturing: Via Wall Street Journal: A Better Idea ...

... "The Bronze winner was Alien Technology Corp., a Morgan Hill, Calif., semiconductor company that has developed a manufacturing process that dramatically reduces the cost of radio-frequency identification, or RFID, tags. " ...

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Thursday, October 20, 2005

End-to-End RFID Value Chain: NCR ...

NCR has put together an end-to-end capability for RFID implementation through the value chain ...

End-to-End RFID: NCR: Via NCR: NCR Announces European Launch of RFID One-Stop-Shop Offer

... "NCR is the first company to cover the whole chain of RFID deployment from manufacturing, through supply chain distribution to back-of-store, center-of-store and through to consumer-facing technology such as contactless payment methods, self-checkout and kiosks. The NCR global RFID solution includes design, deployment and support for the full spectrum of RFID technologies through a combination of consultancy, hardware, software, labeling and services. To help users implement RFID more effectively, NCR will open a European RFID TransitionWorks demonstration center in Peterborourgh in the UK in 2006. The center will be one of three global centers demonstrating the range of solutions in NCR's RFID offer. Companies across the region will be able to visit TransitionWorks to learn about the possibilities, best practices and pitfalls associated with implementing RFID in their businesses, drawing on NCR's global experience, including NCR's TransitionWorks in the United States and Asia Pacific. " ...

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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Toyota RFID Project: Accelerated Processes ...

Toyota project will implement Alien RFID technology to drive accelerated supply chain processes. Anticipated benefits exceed the RFID project's capex investment. ...

Toyota RFID Project: Accelerated Processes: Via Alien Technology: Toyota South Africa Motors Ltd. Selects Alien Technology® RFID Solution for Vehicle Identification: Automated vehicle tracking will accelerate throughput of produced assets in the supply chain, resulting in reduction of time to invoice dealers and thus time-to-cash ...

... "Traditionally, RFID-based vehicle tracking applications have been hampered by the use of costly microwave systems and proprietary RFID protocols. Toyota's application will benefit from the use of open, global-standard EPC RFID technology that combines consistent reads, even in a heavy metallic environment, with the ability to leverage extremely low-cost RFID tags. In Toyota's implementation, an Alien RFID tag will be applied to each vehicle during production. The tags will then be accurately read by field-proven Alien ALR-9780 readers at ranges exceeding six meters as the vehicle is tracked from within the Assembly Plant, through the Plant Exit, into, through and out of the Vehicle Distribution Yard. The resulting precision tracking will enable Toyota to both streamline and accelerate its vehicle shipping and invoicing processes, and thus its time-to-cash. According to Stoop, the anticipated savings on interest for the targeted reduction of Stock (vehicles-on rubber) of one day is expected to more than off-set the CAPEX for this RFID Project. " ...


Toyota South Africa, established in 1961, has been the overall market leader in terms of domestic vehicle sales for more than 25 consecutive years. The company has now been integrated into the global supplier network of Toyota Motor Corporation after TMC took a 75% majority shareholding in the company in 2002. The current production capacity of Toyota SA’s plant in Durban is in excess of 100 000 vehicles annually. This is set to expand to 220 000 units per annum by 2008. The South African operation now exports built up units to both Australia and Europe.

Alien Technology Corporation is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products for global customers in government, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and other industries. Using its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®), Alien manufactures EPC tags in very high-volumes and at low cost. The company provides a family of RFID readers for a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics, and anti-counterfeiting, to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs. Alien is an active member of EPCglobal.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2005

RFID TAP Device: Reva

Reva's RFID TAP device addresses the challenge of RFID infrastructure deployment. Reva TAP improves the tag-read performance of a multiple reader facility and allows for management of readers in a flexible virtual location capability. The TAP device supports RFID data interfaces, such as ALE, JMS, SQL, and SAP-AII. Finally, management of the Reva TAP infrastructure supports fault-tolerance, remote monitoring, and a friendly user configuration interface.

RFID TAP Device: Reva: Via Reva Systems: Reva Systems Unveils RFID Tag Acquisition Processor: Network‐Intelligent Device Designed for Plug-and-Play Facility-based RFID Rollouts ...

... "Reva Systems, an emerging company focused on delivering network-intelligent products for radio frequency identification (RFID) installations, today announced the availability of its Tag Acquisition Processor (TAP). The TAP is a rack-mountable, standards-based device that manages facility-wide RFID readers as one cohesive unit, delivering superior, cost-effective system-level performance to support RFID adoption across a wide range of vertical markets. Today's announcement marks an important milestone in Reva's vision for the Tag Acquisition Network (TAN) - a scalable, facility-based architecture for RFID that leverages industry-standard tags, readers, and protocols. The introduction of a Reva TAP to a customer's facility transforms a collection of autonomous readers into a reliable and scalable TAN. The TAP creates an RFID infrastructure layer which logically resides above the reader layer and represents an extension of the existing enterprise network. The TAP ensures predictable operation of an RFID-enabled facility, optimal usage of available RF spectrum, seamless data integration with enterprise applications, and includes a powerful management console for configuration, commissioning, and monitoring of RFID systems. Reva's Tag Acquisition Network architecture and Tag Acquisition Processor directly address the performance requirements and infrastructure investment needed to successfully deploy RFID. ... The Tag Acquisition Processor and Reva Management Console, which are available and shipping now, are currently deployed in retail and manufacturing environments. Base unit pricing starts at $9,995 USD list, with customer-specific configurations quoted upon request. " ...


Reva Systems develops network-intelligent products for the emerging radio frequency identification (RFID) market. Eliminating the proprietary design and scalability problems of first-generation RFID solutions, Reva's Tag Acquisition Network (TAN) architecture and Tag Acquisition Processor (TAP) use proven networking concepts to enable more scalable, repeatable, and reliable enterprise-wide RFID reader deployments. Founded in 2004, and headquartered in Chelmsford, Mass., Reva is backed by Charles River Ventures and North Bridge Venture Partners.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2005

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. " ...

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Monday, October 10, 2005

Sub10Cent RFID Inlays

RFID tag and inlay manufacturer, UPM Rafsec, will ship UHF Gen 1 and Gen 2 inlays at sub-10 U.S. cent pricing in minimum order quantities of 50,000 pieces. Sub 10cent RFID inlays lay the foundation for the cheap and ubiquitous use of RFID technology ....

Sub10Cent RFID Inlays: UPM RAFSEC KNOCKING DOWN UHF RFID ADOPTION BARRIERS WITH SUB-10 CENT INLAYS ...

... "This UPM Rafsec offer includes dry and wet delivery formats of the OneTenna™ short dipole which are compatible with existing converting technology for the insertion of inlays into smart labels and other substrates. UPM Rafsec UHF products have already been tested, approved and used by a large number of leading RFID adopters. The inlays are manufactured at UPM Rafsec's production facility in Fletcher, North Carolina (USA), with innovative technology for the volume production of EPC (Electronic Product Code) -compliant UHF tags and inlays. The unparalleled yields of this new, high volume production technology give UPM Rafsec competitive advantages and provide customers significantly lower applied tag costs. The patent pending process is cost-efficient, scalable and enables UPM Rafsec to rapidly increase its capacity according to market demand. " ...


References on inexpensive RFID inlays:

... "Via SATO: RFID Thermal Labels: SATO RFID labels can be made with any type of RFID inlay. Some examples of the other inlay types available include Ucode, UHF 868-928MHz ISO 18000, and Class 0 and 0+. RFID labels can be pre-printed, flood coated or laminated and can be converted in most popular finishing styles. " ...


... "Via Avery Dennison: INNOVATIVE AVERY DENNISON MANUFACTURING PROCESS BOOSTS RFID TAG PRODUCTION CAPACITY: Inlay is the term used for the electronic core of an RFID label. It typically consists of a metal pattern on a sheet of plastic film that functions as an antenna, onto which an integrated circuit (semiconductor chip) is attached. The inlay is then sandwiched between a paper facestock and an adhesive layer to form a self-stick RFID label. " ...


... "Via SmartCode: SmartCode Corp. beats any price for EPC Gen 2 Inlays for orders of 1 million - SmartCode prices EPC Gen 2 Inlays at 7.5 cents for quantities of 1 million and 7.2 cents for orders exceeding 10 million: The EPC Gen 2 Quickstart™ Program aims to accelerate the mass adoption of EPC Gen 2 solutions. Under the EPC Gen 2 Quickstart™ Program, SmartCode Corp. will offer the lowest cost EPC Gen 2 inlays at a price of 7.5 cents in orders of 1 million inlays or more and 7.2 cents in orders of 10 million or more. SmartCode Corp. EPC Gen 2 Quickstart™ Program is available for orders received until the 1st of January 2006. The delivery schedule can span throughout 2006. " ...

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Friday, October 07, 2005

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 ... " ...

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Tuesday, October 04, 2005

RFID Casino Chip Technology ...

RFID Casino Chip Technology: Via VendingData Corporation: VendingData™ Enters High Frequency RFID Casino Chip Business: VendingData™ to Acquire Dolphin Products’ Intellectual Property Including Global Distribution Rights to High Frequency RFID-Enabled Casino Chip Technology ...

... "Dolphin Products began designing and manufacturing traditional gaming chips in 1994 and has become a significant casino chip producer internationally. Dolphin began work on an RFID-enabled casino chip in 1995 using the 125 KHZ frequency. Due to the technical disadvantages and relatively high costs of the low frequency RFIDs, Dolphin began looking for a solution in the high frequency 13.56 MHz range, and was granted a patent in 2004 for their unique method of tagging a casino chip or token with a high frequency (13.56MHz) chip within a casino chip. To date, Dolphin Products is the only casino chip manufacturer that has designed a commercially viable, high frequency RFID casino chip, utilizing the Magellan microchip, which is regarded as the International Standard. " ...

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Boeing RFID 787 Dreamliner ...

Boeing RFID 787 Dreamliner: Via Boeing: Boeing Introduces Radio Frequency Identification on 787 Dreamliner ...

... "RFID is an automated identification technology that uses radio frequency waves to transfer data between a reader and items that have RFID devices affixed. The smart labels contain a microchip and antenna and operate at internationally recognized standard frequencies. Similar to a bar code, the RFID tag stores data but offers enhanced data collection and significant advantages such as being able to read without a direct view of the RFID label and a dynamic read/write capability. Boeing plans for the tags to contain unique identification as well as maintenance and inspection data in accordance with industry standards developed for commercial aviation by the Air Transport Association. Typical Dreamliner parts to incorporate RFID smart labels will be serialized end items such as line replaceable units (LRUs) and life-limited parts as well as on-board emergency equipment. Smart labels will be applied during the manufacturing process by the responsible systems and equipment supplier prior to delivering the airplane to airlines. " ...

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Saturday, October 01, 2005

Active RFID: Location Aware Services ...

Active RFID: Location Aware Services: Via PanGo Networks, Inc.: PanGo Unveils the Next Generation of its Location Management Platform,Asset Tracking Application and Active RFID Tags: PanOS Platform® 3.0, PanGo Locator® 3.0 and PanGo Active RFID Tags® Represent a Major Leap Forward for Enterprise Wireless Systems ...

Next-gen active RFID is 50% smaller, support interoperable location-aware services ...

... "PanGo's Active RFID Tag is a next-generation Wi-Fi-based tag offering a compact size that is 50% smaller than its predecessor and offers extended battery life, wireless security and motion and status reporting capabilities. Unlike other active RFID tags that only chirp simple identification data, PanGo offers the only active RFID tag with two location and reporting modes. The tag's Wi-Fi mode is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.11 b/g standards and enables advanced features like over-the-air configuration management and tag status updates e.g., motion reporting via an integrated motion sensor and low battery alerts. In a second mode, the tag reports its identification information in a short radio-frequency beacon, which further extends battery life and is interoperable with third-party location technologies like Cisco's Series 2700 Series Location Appliance. " ...


PanGo Networks® is the leading provider of platforms and applications for the location-aware enterprise. PanGo’s integrated location solutions allow organizations to leverage location-based information from the network and transform off-the-shelf WLAN infrastructure into a platform for intelligent applications that improve important business processes. With its flagship PanOS Platform® and asset tracking applications, PanGo offers the industry’s first complete framework for real-time asset visibility and context-aware information delivery. Specializing in a range of markets including healthcare, manufacturing, retail and government, PanGo delivers reliable and accurate information about the location of connected devices, people and assets.

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Wednesday, September 21, 2005

HP RFID Healthcare IT Solutions ...

HP RFID Healthcare IT Solutions: Via Precision Dynamics Corporation: Precision Dynamics Corporation Forms Partnership with Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific to Deliver Healthcare RFID Wristband Solutions

... "Under the agreement and effective immediately, HP Asia Pacific is granted an exclusive license to offer PDC RFID Wristbands, including Smart Band, SuperBand, ScanBand, CompuBand, and Smart AgeBand, as part of its healthcare IT offering to hospitals in Asia Pacific. PDC will also provide sales and technical support. Designed for positive patient identification and the reduction of medical errors, the RFID system will be targeted for use in a variety of hospital applications, including OR patient ID and surgical site verification, patient registration, and medication administration. " ...


With nearly 50 years of experience, PDC is the global leader and pacesetter in the development of automatic identification wristband systems and quality healthcare products. The company introduced the first patient Bar Code ID Wristband System in 1984, the Smart Band® Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Wristband System in 2000, and the AgeBand™ Electronic Age/ID Verification System in 2004. PDC also provides premium healthcare products for labor & delivery, urology, and other applications. PDC is committed to 100% quality in service, design, and manufacturing. This is substantiated by their ISO-9001: 2000 and ISO-13485: 2003 certification at their main facility in San Fernando, CA.

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Sunday, September 18, 2005

Radio Frequency Identification RFID Label: Certified Preferred ...

Radio Frequency Identification RFID Label: Certified Preferred: Via Nashua Corporation: NASHUA CORPORATION NAMED AN ALIEN TECHNOLOGY® CERTIFIED PREFERRED CONVERTER PARTNER: Selection Recognizes Nashua Label Division’s RFID Capabilities and Positions Company to Help Customers Utilize Advanced RFID Solutions ...

... "Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA), a manufacturer and marketer of labels, thermal and specialty papers, and imaging products, announced that Alien Technology Corporation has named the Company's Label Division a Certified Preferred Converter Partner. Partner status recognizes the Label Division's Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capabilities and strengthens the relationship between Nashua and Alien Technology Corporation, a leading supplier of inlays and other RFID hardware and components. Alien Technology initiated the Certified Preferred Converter Partner program in order to team with key industry leaders such as Nashua, which utilizes RFID technology in the low cost, high quality inventory and product tracking solutions applications it provides its customers. " ...


Nashua Corporation manufactures and markets a wide variety of specialty imaging products and services to industrial and co