Friday, March 23, 2007

Barbados RFID Port Security Solution Integrates For Threat Detection

AXCESS International Inc. will implement an RFID-integrated port security system at the Port of Bridgetown in Barbados ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2007. The system includes AXCESS' ActiveTag technology and infrastructure and integrates wireless sensors and underwater cameras for detection and management of security threats. ...

RFID security system planned for Barbados port

... "The system includes AXCESS' unique ActiveTag(TM) technology and infrastructure; wireless sensors; and underwater cameras that work in concert to detect and manage security threats. The ActiveTag technology is designed to dramatically increase security coverage at the Port by automating the capture of a broad collection of real-time security information. The system has the capability for real time processing of the data, which enables automatic delivery of exception-based alerts for security personnel. The system is currently being installed and is expected to be completed in phases over the first half of 2007. " ...


Via AXCESS International: $2 Million Contract for Integrated RFID and Sensor Port Security Solution in Barbados

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Sunday, January 21, 2007

3M RFID Library Productivity

3M Library Systems introduces new features into its workstations that make them fast, reliable and easy-to-use RFID products in the library environment. ...

... "Like its 3M predecessor model, the 3M Model 946 - with its ergonomic design - performs checkout or return in one step, combining RFID item identification and Tattle-Tape Security Strip from 3M in the same operation. The system also can perform bar code-to-RFID conversions for new acquisitions and smaller scale collections. For visual and audio media, it enables staff to verify that the case and item within match, without opening the case, and can confirm the presence of a sensitized Tattle-Tape Security Strip by means of a verifier light. Also introduced today was the 3M Conversion Station Model 812, an improved self-contained portable system for rapidly scanning bar codes and converting the data for RFID. Compared to its predecessor model, it contains a larger touch-sensitive screen, an easier-to-load 3M RFID tag dispenser, and the capability of converting all 3M RFID tag formats. Similar to its predecessor, 3M Model 812's sophisticated laser scanner is effective for virtually any bar code location or orientation, and provides a visible scan line that helps the user place items correctly. Because it does not require connection to an automated circulation system, the workstation can be easily moved on its cart for use in the stacks. The station also can reprogram RFID tags as items change. " ...


Via 3M Library Systems: 3M Unveils Two Advanced RFID Workstations with Additional Enhancements for Productivity and Security ...

Libraries are increasingly using RFID technology to manage their processes. ...

3M: Wyoming's Largest Public Library Chooses 3M RFID for Expanded Facility:
... "With the 3M RFID system, everything in the library's collection is affixed with an RFID tag. The tag contains a tiny antenna and a memory chip that stores information about each item's identity and allows accurate identification and tracking. A cordless, handheld scanner reads the tags, enabling library staff to easily locate, inventory, check in and check out materials. Unlike barcode systems, RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and the scanner, resulting in easier, more efficient tracking. " ...

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Lower RFID Pricing: Inventory Solutions

Axcess reduces pricing for its Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled asset management solution, called Asset Activator, in order to support faster return on investment for its customers. ...

... "The unique active RFID system automatically provides precise automatic location determination, tracking, inventory counts, and physical protection for all types of enterprise assets. The reduced pricing is designed to generate an ROI for the customer of less than six months for all system sizes. The low cost RFID asset management solution enables corporations to manage assets and effectively protect intellectual property and customer privacy data. Corporations can more easily comply with state personal privacy notification laws. AXCESS' unique solution provides both management and security in one standalone package which is also capable of interfacing with the full range of existing enterprise systems. Asset Activator is installed and operating in several corporate facilities worldwide. " ...


Via Axcess: AXCESS Introduces Scalable System Pricing for RFID Physical Asset Inventory and Security Solution ...

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Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Secure RFID through Partnership

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

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


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

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Tuesday, January 02, 2007

RFID Asset Track Lifecycle Management

Hexaware Tech and Fluensee partner to deliver RFID solutions through a Center of Excellence. Hexaware will leverage Fluensee technology to track its IT assets. ...

... "Fluensee AssetTrack is a proven, cost effective RFID-enabled software solution that allows companies to significantly improve asset visibility, security and utilization. AssetTrack can be integrated with existing operational systems to provide more timely, accurate and comprehensive information on the state, condition and location of assets and their utilization within the business. AssetTrack can be implemented on a stand-alone basis or easily interfaced to existing systems as required. AssetTrack identifies deviations from expected asset location or condition, triggers exception-based alerts or specific warning notifications, provides full asset life-cycle management, improves asset utilization and delivers the security and control over enterprise assets that customers demand. " ...


Via Hexaware: Hexaware Selects Fluensee as Partner for RFID-Enabled Asset Tracking Solutions ...

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Monday, December 25, 2006

RFID Challenges

RFID still challenged by security and privacy issues. Use of RFID in credit cards is challenged as not being secure. And, RFID in passports is worrisome. ...

... "For example, there are about 11 million MasterCard cards in use worldwide with RFID chips. That's a fraction of the roughly 1 billion MasterCard cards in use, but issuing banks are increasingly making RFID cards the default replacement cards sent to users when their old cards expire. " ...


Via Dallas Morning News: Read

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Friday, December 22, 2006

RFID Nano-Battery Technology

nanograss technology to be used for future batteries

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


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


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

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Sunday, December 17, 2006

OTI RFID Supports Discover Network Contactless Payment

OTI RFID Reader is certified for use by the Discover Network
OTI receives certification for its RFID reader in support of the contactless payment solution for the Discover Network. ...

... "Discover Network, a business unit of Discover Financial Services and Morgan Stanley, announced that it has certified the Saturn 5000 contactless reader developed by On Track Innovations (OTI) (NASDAQ: OTIV), a global leader in contactless microprocessor-based smart card solutions, for use with Discover Network's contactless payment application. The certification process ensures that the Saturn 5000's reader technology is able to support Discover Network's proprietary contactless payment solution. Additional OTI readers are in the certification process.

Compatible with major POS terminal providers and acquirers, Saturn 5000's enhanced features allow the reader to support multiple application programs and read a variety of payments sources, including credit cards and key fobs and cell phones. The console's plug-and-play design and small footprint facilitates quick upgrades of existing POS terminals to accept contactless payments. And because the reader faces the customer, the Saturn 5000 enables easier and faster payment transactions. Additionally, OTI's patented matched antenna technology provides more effective power consumption, reliable and stable communications, and additional levels of security and encryption throughout the communication link. " ...


Via Discover Network: Discover Network Certifies Oti Card Reader For Contactless Payment System, OTI's Saturn 5000 to Support Discover Network's Fast, Secure, and Simple Contactless Payment System Worldwide

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Wednesday, December 13, 2006

RFID Nike iPod Privacy Breach

RFID in Nike Ipod kit can compromise privacy
University of Washington research demonstrates flaws in the RFID technology used in the the Nike Ipod Sport kit, that enable tracking of individuals from moderate distanced, compromising their security. Additional cryptography could be added to deal with this flaw. ...

... "As part of our research, we built a number of surveillance tools that malicious individuals could use to track Nike+iPod Sport Kit owners. Our tools can track Nike+iPod Sport Kit owners while they our working out, as well as when they are just casually walking around town, a parking lot, or a college campus. " ...


Via University of Washington: The Nike+iPod Sport Kit

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Tuesday, December 12, 2006

RFID Wristband: Hotel Guest Convenience

Precision Dynamics Corporation implements Smart Band® RFID(radio frequency identification) wristbands and PDC Smart Kiosk RFID Cashless Point-of-Sale (POS) System at the new Great Wolf Lodge at Paramount's Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. ...

... "The 401-suite northwoods-themed family resort with an indoor waterpark, implemented PDC's RFID Wristband System to provide guests with enhanced services including hotel room keyless entry, cashless payment options, automated arcade token dispensers, and more. At registration, guests are given a Smart Band, which is embedded with a 13.56MHz RFID inlay. The automated wristbands allow for keyless entry into hotel rooms for all family members, eliminating the need to carry hotel room keys. MICROS' POS workstations enable guests to make cashless payments with the RFID wristbands throughout the resort. Also, the RFID wristbands eliminate the chances of money getting wet or lost while at the water park. Guests are given the choice of using the RFID wristbands to make charges directly to their rooms or to set up a pre-funded account for purchases. The pre-funded account is a great way to allow children to purchase products and services without giving them full charging privileges. Both types of accounts can be increased or funded by using Smart Kiosks throughout the resort or at the registration desk. All information on the wristband is encrypted providing maximum security for guests. " ...


Precision Dynamics Corporation: Great Wolf Lodge in Ohio Installs RFID Wristband System to Provide Added Guest Convenience and Service ...

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Tuesday, December 05, 2006

RFID Passport: Vicinity Read Technology Not Recommended

Smart Card Alliance responds to the State Department's October 17th Federal Register notice, recommending that the U.S. government reconsider using vicinity read RFID technology for its passport card implementation program. The Alliance sees advantages in leveraging contactless smartcard technology for the ePassport. ...

... "In its response to the State Department's notice, the Alliance provides details of its concerns with the passport card decision to use vicinity read RFID technology, and gives recommendations for measures that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State could implement to improve the passport card program.

The Alliance states many advantages to using contactless smart card technology for the passport card program, including the ability to support electronic verification of authenticity to prevent counterfeiting and to use secure, encrypted communications to thwart eavesdropping and replay attacks, and ensure privacy protection for cardholders. A passport card based on contactless smart card technology can also leverage the infrastructure that is being put in place by DHS and the Department of State to support the new ePassport. " ...


Via Smart Card Alliance: Smart Card Alliance Urges U.S. Government to Reconsider Proposed Passport Card With Long Range RFID Technology

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to stimulate the understanding, adoption, use and widespread application of smart card technology.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

RFID Technology Enables Asia Logistics for Metro Supply Chain

The METRO Group and Savi Networks will collaborate to implement the Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project. The project will deploy RFID radio frequency identification technology to monitor the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe in real-time through the supply chain. ...

Metro will use Savi RFID technology in its Asian supply chain ...

... "The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong (MGB Hong Kong), will utilize SaviTrak(TM), a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC) - compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain. MGB Hong Kong manages METRO Group imports from sourcing to delivery at Distribution Centers in Germany. Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany.

RFID readers will provide real-time visibility to Metro's supply chain throughout the Asia Pacific region

Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information into the SaviTrak information service. As a six-month pilot, the ALA project is designed to evaluate improvements in the visibility, management and security of inventory while it is transported end-to-end. The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance." ...


Via Savi Networks: The METRO Group and Savi Networks Launch Real-Time Information Service on Inventory Shipped From Asia to Europe

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Thursday, November 16, 2006

RFID Pilot: Cardinal Health Completes

Cardinal Health completes its RFID pilot, which tested RFID tags for end-to-end pharma packaging and distribution business processes. The pilot tested the application of tags and the utilization of item level tracking techniques. Alien Technology, IBM, and Verisign provided hardware, software and implementation services. The application and encoding of the RFID tags approached 100 percent success rates. Reliable read rates were best achieved at the individual case level. The pilot was a fruitful learning experience for the pharma industry. ...

Cardinal Health tests RFID in pharmaceutical supply chain management

... "The pilot program tested whether ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags could be applied, encoded and read at normal production speeds during packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals. Verifying the authenticity of medications along each step of the distribution process adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. It is also hoped that RFID data could improve efficiencies in the supply chain. Pilot Program Background: In conducting the industry's first end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health used new technology to place RFID tags on the labels of brand-name solid-dose prescription drugs, then encoded the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products were shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data was read and authenticated as products were handled under typical operating conditions. Normal procedures were enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign.

RFID Labeling and Online Encoding: Data collected from the pilot suggest that it is feasible for RFID tags to be inlaid into existing FDA-approved pharmaceutical label stock, and the tags can be applied and encoded on packaging lines at normal operational speeds. Online encoding yields were 95 percent to 97 percent, and fine tuning of the process is expected to produce yields that approach 100 percent. The RFID tag application and encoding requires minimal adjustments to current labeling and packaging lines.

RFID Read Rates: Unit-level read rate data varied widely depending on the locations and type of reading stations throughout the supply chain. Highly reliable unit-level read rates in excess of 96 percent were found when reading individual cases one at a time and when reading units mixed with other products in tote containers prepared for delivery to a pharmacy. However, as expected, unit-level read rates were not found to be reliable when attempting to read units within a full pallet of product. " ...


Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Releases RFID Pilot Results ...

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Sunday, November 12, 2006

RFID Vending Contactless Payment

SkyeTek and IsoChron partner to deliver RFID enablement of vending machines with contactless payment ...

RFID enables contactless payment

... "Isochron selected SkyeTek's M2 contactless payment module as the embedded RFID reader to enable secure, cashless payment at cold-drink vending machines. With robust read performance, onboard security, and contactless payment support, the M2 is the clear leader in performance, reliability, and security protection among contactless payment reader modules. " ...


Via SkyeTek: Link

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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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Monday, October 30, 2006

RFID ePassport Vulnerable ...

Flexilis describes a number of vulnerabilities in the US ePassport and makes recommendations to increase security of the data. ...

ePassport RFID chips are vulnerable to security breach ...

... "Starting October 2006, new U.S. passports will contain RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips which hold an individual's picture and personal information. These chips can be read wirelessly from a distance of several feet. In order to prevent thieves from stealing sensitive personal data, the State Department has included several security measures in the proposed passport standard. " ...


Via Flexilis: e-Passport Vulnerability

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Saturday, October 21, 2006

RFID ePassport: Security Lacking Per Alliance ...

Smart Card Alliance comes out against the RFID-enabled ePassport, citing security concerns. ...

... "Using the long read range radio frequency identification (RFID) technology the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and State Department are proposing for passport cards will do little to increase the security of the nation's borders, and opens up possibilities that U.S. citizens could be tracked, the Smart Card Alliance said today. The Alliance contends that a more privacy sensitive and secure passport card solution using the same contactless smart card technology found in the new electronic passports (ePassports) can improve border security without causing delays at crossings ... " ...


Via Smart Card Alliance: Proposed Passport Card with RFID Technology Bad News for Privacy and Security, Says Smart Card Alliance ...

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Sunday, October 15, 2006

RFID Badge: Airport Access Control Pilot ...

Airport freight drivers will participate in an access control pilot at Washington Dulles airport, using RFID technology in ID badges. ...

... "Unisys Corporation has selected Fidelica Microsystems and Abeo Corporation to deliver a biometric-based RFID badge to positively identify cargo drivers " ...


Via Security Document World: New badge for airport freight drivers ...

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Optag RFID: Airport Security Passenger Flow

Optag RFID system will track passengers after the security checkpoint. ...

... "This system will deliver better knowledge of the movements of passengers in the air side of a terminal before they enter the aircraft. " ...


Via Optag Consortium: Optag Airport Efficiency, Security, and Passenger Flow

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Wednesday, October 11, 2006

RFID Port Security: Container Shipping ...

Savi Networks will implement RFID container shipping to improve port security at Virginia ports. ...

Savi implements RFID in Virginia ports

... "Savi Networks announced that it is installing Radio Frequency Identification-based (RFID) technology information services at Virginia Port Authority terminals to further enhance the security and efficiency of cargo container shipments. Under an agreement signed August 22, with the VPA, Savi Networks will deploy a system compatible with international standards (ISO18000-7) at Norfolk International Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal and Portsmouth Marine Terminal. The network automatically tracks the location and security status of RFID-tagged containers. SaviTrak, the company's web-based managed information service, also will be utilized to deliver real-time information collected by the network infrastructure. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS TO DEPLOY CARGO SECURITY AND TRACKING NETWORK AT VIRGINIA PORT AUTHORITY TERMINALS ...

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Monday, October 09, 2006

RFID Telematics: RailCars

Dow Chemical is piloting RFID technology in its logistics processes to sense material conditions and enable supply chain security. ...

Dow pilots RFID on rail-cars

... "Last year, Dow Chemical decided to integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) and GPS tracking technology on trucks and rail cars. " ...

Via CIO Today: Tracking Trucks the Telematics Way

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Thursday, September 21, 2006

RFID Cargo Terminal Operational: Chain of Custody ...

Savi implements RFID-enabled chain of custody process at the Port of Felixstowe (PFL) in the UK. The system, called SaviTrak, automates the tracking of cargo as it is processed through the supply chain, while monitoring security. ...

Port security and efficiency is enabled with RFID chain of custody process ...

... "Network infrastructure, including SaviTrak software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, are now installed and operational at PFL's Trinity Terminal, the largest cargo-handling facility in the United Kingdom. The readers, which are placed on dockside cranes and at entry and exit gates, automatically capture chain of custody handoff points for containers equipped with international standards-based RFID tags. The real-time data is routed to the web-based network software, which transforms it into actionable information that enables SaviTrak customers to make better supply chain decisions. The SaviTrak information service is offered via an open technology platform, which accommodates multiple and interoperable Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive and active RFID technologies, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to track ships and trucks that transport ocean containers. Active RFID technologies used are compatible with the ISO 18000-7 standard, and sensor seals are compatible with the ISO 18185 draft standard. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS SAVITRAK REAL-TIME INFORMATION NETWORK TO UNITED KINGDOM'S PORT OF FELIXSTOWE ...

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Sunday, September 17, 2006

RFID CCTV Airport Security Speeds Flow ...

Optag is an RFID system integrated with closed-circuit CCTV television that enables passenger monitoring and security, while speeding the flow of passenger traffic. ...

... "This project will deploy networks of enhanced Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems coupled to local, direction based, and passenger tracking system using a far-field Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The system will facilitate real-time location of individual passenger within the airport, the analysis of both mass traffic & individual behaviours, and, where appropriate, the semi-automatic control of CCTV based vision systems to observe and record suspicious or unauthorised activity. " ...

Via AeroScratch: RFID Projects ...

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Sunday, September 10, 2006

RFID Security: NSF Funds Smart Tag Research ...

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

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

Kevin Fu of the University of Massachusetts Amherst investigates RFID smart tag security with NSF funding ...

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

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

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


San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District collaborates to address RFID security ...

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

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

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

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

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Friday, September 01, 2006

RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking ...

Plastic pallet with RFID enables real-time tracking in the supply chain. ...

... "Under the agreement, Xterprise will use both its RFID Asset Management application—which is built on it's TraX Application Server (TAS)—and it's AnalytiX RFID business intelligence application for iGPS' plastic pallet pool. Xterprise will be responsible for RFID-centric software applications, RFID best practices and RFID infrastructure integration. Xterprise will supply iGPS with Electronic Product Code (EPC) passive RFID tags, using the recently released EPC Reusable Transport Item (RTI) standard tag data format. As part of this long-term relationship, Xterprise will work closely with iGPS' other industry-leading partners such as Ryder System, Inc.

The agreement will enable iGPS to respond to demand from industries such as beverages, consumer electronics, grocery/consumer packaged goods, home improvement/do-it-yourself, pharmaceutical, produce/meat and raw ingredients. The powerful advantages of iGPS' edge-rackable plastic pallets include their greater durability, consistent size, shape and quality, superior hygiene and traceability. iGPS is the only large-scale pallet supply service to provide RFID in every pallet to track shipments in real time, which reduces the logistical cost of shipping and allows companies to verify food and drug safety, as well as to address security issues. iGPS offers the ability to rent plastic pallets and avoid the ongoing expense of owning and maintaining wood pallets." ...


RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking: Via Xterprise: iGPS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH XTERPRISE INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE BUILT-IN RFID-TRACKING CAPABILITY FOR ALL-PLASTIC PALLET POOL ...

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Thursday, August 24, 2006

Protect RFID Passport Faraday Cage ...

Paraben offers inexpensive faraday cage for sale that protects RFID devices, such as electronic passports from privacy invasion. ...

RFID Passport Protection ...

... "Paraben's Passport StrongHold Bags use faraday technology to block wireless signals to protect personal information from being read by would-be identity thieves or other people who wish to invade privacy. These bags are perfect for storing anything using RFID chips so no one can steal the information from the RFID chip. One of the biggest concerns with e-Passports is that any RFID reader could read the information contained on the passport by just being in the same vicinity as the unprotected passport. The principal behind Paraben's Passport StrongHold Bags is based on a faraday cage that blocks signals that emanate from all directions. The bags create a complete enclosure, securing personal information ... " ...

Via Paraben Forensics: RFID Passport Protection ...

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Monday, August 21, 2006

RFID Secure US Passports: Order Placed ...

Infineon receives RFID-enabled electronic-Passport order from US government, as all new passports will require the technology by end of this year. Infineon has experience with a number of countries and their e-passport implementations. ...

... "Infineon Technologies AG announced that it received a multi-million piece purchase order from the United States government to supply its highly-secure integrated circuit technology for the new electronic passport. Designed to facilitate international travel by allowing automatic identity verification, faster immigration inspections and greater border protection and security, the new passports include a computer chip in the back cover that securely stores the same information that is printed on the document. The US began issuing electronic passports to diplomats and other government workers in late 2005, and is now expanding the program to include the widely issued tourist passport used by private citizens. By the end of this year, the government expects that all new US passports will be issued as electronic passports.

Infineon supplies its secure identification chips to more than 20 countries that have begun to use electronic passports or have begun to test this technology, including Germany, Hong Kong, Norway and Sweden. In addition, Infineon provides the secure chips inside electronic identity documents used in such countries as Italy, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and Belgium, and also for Hong Kong, as well as the chips used for secure identification cards issued by the US Department of Defense. As a security measure, the US Congress passed legislation requiring that countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program must issue passports with secure chip technology by October 2006. Concurrently, the US adopted this technology to conform to specifications for electronic passports developed by the international standards body for travel documents, the International Civil Aviation Organization. " ...

RFID Secure US Passports: Order Placed: Via Infineon Technologies: New US Passports Contain Secure Identification Chips ...

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Saturday, August 12, 2006

RFID US ePassports Begin Monday ...

US ePassport will proceed despite security concerns ...

US ePassport page ...

... "The new U.S. passports will include a chip that contains all the data contained in the paper version - name, birthdate, gender, for example - and can be read by electronic scanners at equipped airports. " ...

Via Yahoo: U.S. to roll out electronic passports ...

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Thursday, August 10, 2006

RFID Asset Protection ...

PWC Mexico will implement Axcess's RFID asset management capabilities to protect computing assets in order to reduce shrinkage. ...

... "Under the terms of the rollout, PricewaterhouseCoopers in Mexico will utilize AXCESS' Dual-Active RFID solution for its custodial asset management capabilities; allowing for real-time detection when a valuable asset such as a laptop is in or out of a secured area. When an item is removed from company premises without authorization the technology will deliver actionable intelligence through which a reliable security response can be determined and initiated. Corporations face an uphill battle when it comes to securely and accurately managing their physical assets. In 2005 alone, losses from the theft of proprietary data from corporations and other institutions more than doubled compared to the previous year totaling $356,000 per incident. AXCESS' RFID solutions provide companies with the tools necessary to protect assets and data from theft and help organizations comply with federal and state laws, which necessitate the development of an internal IT best practice for managing computer assets and the notification to individuals if a client's personal data may have been compromised. PricewaterhouseCoopers identified the potential for significant ROI by managing assets and by preventing computer theft. In addition to preventing monetary loss associated with the theft or loss of IT assets, the company recognized how AXCESS' ActiveTag solutions could empower them with the ability to better protect their clients' data through increased accountability and security. The AXCESS solution implemented for PricewaterhouseCoopers addresses the problem of preventing theft or loss of assets and data by offering individual asset tracking and protection, dynamic wireless custodian assignments to assets, complete reports, and wireless alerting to exception-based security events. One key to the reliability of the solution is AXCESS' battery powered RFID tags which generate strong signals to enable metal encased computers to be identified even when hidden, which is far superior to passive RFID and bar code systems which require some form of line-of-site recognition. " ...

RFID Asset Protection: Via Axcess International: PricewaterhouseCoopers Selects AXCESS' RFID Solution to Protect Computer Assets and Data ...

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Sunday, August 06, 2006

RFID e-Passports Vulnerable ...

ePassports based on RFID technology have vulnerabilities as recently demonstrated. ...

Lukas Greenwald of DN-Systems cracks RFID code ...

... "The demonstration, given late Friday night by German computer security expert Lukas Grunwald, showed how personal information stored on the documents could be copied and transferred to another device. " ...

RFID e-Passports Vulnerable: Via San Jose Mercury News: Researcher warns of security problem in electronic passports ...

DN-Systems: "DN-Systems is an international consulting company. Our expertise is primarily in the field of information security and Internet/e-commerce solutions for medium to large enterprises of all industries. The company was founded by Lukas Grunwald in Hildesheim, Germany "

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Thursday, August 03, 2006

RFID MyKey Door Lock ...

MYKey door lock leverages RFID technology to simplify the door entry process ...

... "With RFID cards, your door unlocks with a wave of your wallet. And with isolated battery power for the MyKey 2300, no tampering with the building wiring can compromise the security of your door. " ...

Via MyKey 2300 RFID lock : Freedom from Keys

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Monday, July 31, 2006

RFID Executive Conference September in DC ...

AIM sets date for Fall executive conference on RFID and auto-id ...

... "AIM Global, the industry trade association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility announced plans for their third annual RFID Executive Summit and Legislative Fly-In. The event will be held from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, 7 September 2006 at the Holiday Inn on the Hill in Washington, DC, USA.

RFID Executive Summit set for September 2006 in DC ...

The invitation-only meeting will bring thought leaders from RFID and Automatic Identification together in a unique networking and educational environment. The program will highlight strategic issues facing the RFID and Automatic Identification market, namely: privacy and security issues influencing acceptance of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, latest market analysis, current state of RFID and Automatic Identification standards, and the latest feedback from key users of the technology. " ...

RFID Executive Conference September in DC: Via AIM: AIM Global Announces 2006 RFID Executive Summit ...

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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 17, 2006

RFID Technology: Surgical Equipment ...

ClearCount Medical Solutions is working on RFID tagged medical equipment to enable detection and elimination of surgical mistakes, from surgical equipment that is left in the body of the patient during surgery, or what they call - a retained surgical item. ...

Surgical sponge picture after retrieval from patient body ...

... "In the latest technique, 10-cm-wide medical sponges were tagged with coin-sized radiofrequency identification tags, of the type increasingly used in security and goods tracking. " ...

RFID Technology: Surgical Equipment: Via Nature.com: Radio tags can expose surgical mistakes ...

Interesting info on retained surgical equipment ...

Chapter 22. The Retained Surgical Sponge: "Retained materials may cause an acute foreign body reaction with local or systemic signs that prompt investigation and reoperation. Alternatively, a fibrinous response may be elicited, and the retained instrument or sponge may become apparent some time after the original surgical procedure either serendipitously, or via fistulization into local structures. "

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Wednesday, July 05, 2006

RFID Secure Personal Transactions ...

Broadcom creates secure processor that integrates RFID technology for use in contactless payments. ...

Broadcom processor support secure transactions with RFID technology ...

... "Broadcom Corporation introduced the world's first secure processor with integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, as part of the company's Trusted Authentication Initiative. The new device is designed to secure personal authentication transactions associated with physical access, logical access (into a PC or network) and contactless payment applications. The secure processor also enhances the use of currently deployed authentication technologies, such as biometrics and contactless technologies, by eliminating some of their inherent security vulnerabilities. The BCM5890 secure processor features an ARM-based processor that is FIPS Level 3-compliant and can run both secure and non-secure applications. The embedded contactless RFID tag capability enables usage in systems that utilize either the 13.56 MHz (ISO14443 and ISO15693) or 125 kHz frequencies. " ...

RFID Secure Personal Transactions: Via Broadcom: Broadcom Launches World's First Secure Processor with Integrated RFID to Secure Personal Authentication Applications ...

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Tuesday, June 27, 2006

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA ...

Library RFID applications will power Shenzhen and New Orleans libraries ...
TAGSYS delivers library RFID applications in New Orleans and Shenzhen, China with local development / deployment partners. ...

... "TAGSYS and Integrated Technology Group (ITG), an established developer and provider of cutting-edge library RFID systems, have combined forces to donate a fully-automated, item-level RFID infrastructure to the Alvar branch of the New Orleans Public Library located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. The branch, which was completely destroyed in the Katrina disaster, will officially reopen its doors on Sunday, June 25, 2006 in conjunction with the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference.

Traditionally, libraries have relied on employees manually scanning each item as it went through the book handling process. As a result, valuable staff resources were directed to time-consuming checkout and inventory management procedures, while patrons faced long lines and moderate customer service due to the demands placed on library staff. RFID-based library material handling systems provide library staff with the ability to computerize the entire material handling process. With the RFID system in place, staff can be relieved of checkout duties, and can spend more time providing other services to library patrons. " ...

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA: Via TAGSYS RFID: TAGSYS and ITG Donate Fully Automated, Item-Level RFID Infrastrusture To New Orleans Public Library ...
... "TAGSYS, announces that it has been awarded the largest library RFID project in China at the Shenzhen Library. By the end of June, nearly two million TAGSYS RFID tags will be integrated and installed on books, CDs, VHS tapes, patron cards, and other library materials by TAGSYS' local integration partner, Shenzhen Seaever Enterprise Co. Ltd. The complete and fully automated RFID system is the second largest in the world – second only to the system developed by TAGSYS for the Seattle Public Library in Seattle, WA. It includes security gates, automatic self check out and return stations, as well as programming and circulation stations.

The Shenzhen Library has been recognized worldwide for its technological and architectural innovations. The 50,000 square meter library features an open space, partition-free design and has the capabilities to store over four million books, service 8,000 patrons and circulate 50,000 volumes per day. Scheduled to open to the public in July 2006, it will serve as the documentation and information service center and regional library network center for Shenzhen. " ...

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA: Via TAGSYS: TAGSYS Equips China’s Shenzhen Library With Fully Automated RFID Infrastructure ...

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Tuesday, June 20, 2006

RFID Privacy Guidelines: Ontario Canada ...

Ontario issues guidelines for RFID privacy ...
Ontario Commissioner for Information and Privacy releases privacy guidelines for the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). ...

... "RFID tags contain microchips and tiny radio antennas that can be attached to products. They transmit a unique identifying number to an electronic reader, which in turn links to a computer database where information about the item is stored. RFID tags may be read from a distance quickly and easily, making them valuable for managing inventory but pose potential risks to privacy if linked to personal identifiers. RFID tags are the next generation technology from barcodes.

Although RFID technology deployed in the supply chain management process poses little threat to privacy, item-level use of RFID tags in the retail sector, when linked to personally identifiable information, can facilitate the tracking and surveillance of individuals. The goal of these Guidelines is to alleviate concerns about the potential threat to privacy posed by this technology and to enhance openness and transparency about item-level use of RFID systems by retailers. The Guidelines address key privacy issues regarding the use of RFID technology at an item-level in the retail sector, said Commissioner Cavoukian. The Guidelines are based on three overarching principles:

Focus on RFID information systems, not technologies.

Build in privacy and security from the outset – at the design stage.

Maximize individual participation and consent. " ...

RFID Privacy Guidelines: Ontario Canada: Via Canada IPC: Commissioner Cavoukian issues RFID Guidelines and Practical Tips aimed at protecting privacy

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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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Tuesday, June 13, 2006

RFID ePassport Authentication ...

ePassport Authentication with RFID reader from Viisage ...
Viisage supports the authentication of Australia's ePassports through RFID technology. ...

... "Viisage, a leading provider of advanced technology identity solutions, announced that the Australia Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) has selected the Viisage iA-thenticate(R) Smart Chip/RFID Electronic Document Reader to improve security in more than 25 Australian overseas locations worldwide. This is the third of three consecutive contracts awarded to Viisage from the Australian government. Australia has been a leader in implementing Viisage's innovative document authentication technologies and products, which include one of the world's largest document databases for ensuring the authenticity of standard identity documents.

DIMA plans to use the Viisage iA-thenticate Smart Chip/RFID Electronic Document Reader to improve overall security around the issuance of travel and identity documents, specifically e-passports. The product is designed to ensure that all documents presented as proof of identification are credible and authentic. Following Brazil's implementation, previously announced in March 2006, this marks the second deployment of this unique product since its recent launch. Viisage provides other document authentication products to more than 20 countries including Australia, Canada, Sweden, Hungary, Brazil, Japan, and The United Arab Emirates. " ...

RFID ePassport Authentication: Via Viisage: Viisage's Proven Document Authentication Technology Aids Australian Border Control and Embassy Safety Initiatives Worldwide: Australia's Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Awards Viisage Contract for Authentication of E-passports; Marks Third Consecutive Contract from an Australian Agency ...

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Sunday, June 04, 2006

RFID Infant Protection: Global Adoption ...

Infant protection system based on RFID technology sees global growth ...
Verichip sees further global adoption of its RFID infant protection system, as it expands its international distribution. ...

... "VeriChip Corporation, a subsidiary of Applied Digital, announced that its Hugs and HALO infant protection system has expanded its international distribution to Kuwait. YTD 2006 revenue now exceeds $4.0 million, which includes record Q1 sales of 40 new infant protection systems within North America and abroad. This marks the company's continued strength in the infant protection market, both within North America and abroad, building on the over 900 facilities already using VeriChip's Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) infant security products. Using wearable RFID tags placed on infants and mothers combined with electronic monitoring of exits, VeriChip's systems are designed to help protect newborns from possible abduction and to help ensure mothers are matched with the correct infants during their stay. The Hugs system offers security against infant abductions while requiring little administration and training. The HALO Infant Protection System utilizes patented skin-sensing tag technology and is modular in design allowing facilities to add functionality as needed. " ...

RFID Infant Protection: Global Adoption: Via VeriChip: VeriChip Corporation Hugs and HALO Infant Protection Leadership Expands International Distribution to Kuwait ...

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Tuesday, May 30, 2006

RFID Memory Chips: 2048Bits ...

RFID memory chips introduced ...
STMicroelectronics introduces RFID memory chips that support 2048 bits of information. ...

... "STMicroelectronics, a worldwide leader in serial non-volatile memories, announced the availability of two new 2048-bit long range RFID memory products that are fully compliant with the ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 Mode 1 RFID standards for tracking applications. The use of 2048-bit memories in the LRI2K and LRIS2K has been driven by the demand for increased memory in cost-sensitive general-purpose RFID applications requiring both data storage and security. The new devices are particularly suited for market segments such as access control, library automation, and supply-chain management, as well as for anti-counterfeiting of sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals and high-value items.

Both the LRI2K and LRIS2K provide 2 Kbits of electrically erasable user memory (EEPROM), with an on-chip RF interface operating at the standard HF (high-frequency) 13.56MHz carrier frequency. Offering high-speed data-rate capability, an application reading range of up to 1.5m, and the advantages offered by 13.56MHz-based RFID technology, such as high reliability and low RFID reader cost, the two devices are highly suited for item-level tagging, whenever security, inventory speed, and tag size are relevant requirements. " ...

RFID Memory Chips: 2048Bits: Via STMicroelectronics: STMicroelectronics Unveils New 2-Kbit Long-Range RFID Chips for Multi-Purpose Asset-Tracking Applications ...

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Saturday, May 27, 2006

RFID Position Determination ...

Axcess provides RFID that enables more accurate position determination ...
AXCESS International introduces an enhanced method for providing positioning and directional capabilities for RFID applications. Their product is called the Dual Activator, built on their ActiveTag platform. ...

... "The Dual Activator product is based on the Company's ActiveTag platform that enables automatic tracking of personnel, assets and vehicles in multiple industries that use this capability for security, logistics and operations effectiveness. The patent pending solution is available now for purchase. The Dual Activator provides a high precision method for determining the position of people, vehicles and assets. Many other RFID systems don't have the ability to provide dependable positioning and rely on guestimation techniques or added switches to determine the location and direction of objects. AXCESS' enhanced product offers a more precise method which is cost and installation friendly. The ability to determine location and direction of the RFID tag is required to provide effective and secure perimeter control. The dual activator, connects directly to two transmit antennas to offer a radio frequency signal that awakens the tags as they pass through each antenna field. It writes its own ID to the tag, which is then retransmitted, along with the tag's unique ID, to provide the tag's location and direction at time of activation. " ...

RFID Position Determination: Via Axcess: AXCESS International Enhances Unique RFID Method for Precision Position Determination of Enterprise Assets and Personnel ...

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Thursday, May 25, 2006

RFID Human Identification: Appropriate Uses ...

RFID for human identification evaluated by committee ...
Broad use of RFID technology for human identification is not supported at this time by the DHS Emerging Applications and Technology Subcommittee, due to the increase in privacy and abuse risks. ...

... "There appear to be specific, narrowly defined situations in which RFID is appropriate for human identification. Miners or firefighters might be appropriately identified using RFID because speed of identification is at a premium in dangerous situations and the need to verify the connection between a card and bearer is low. But for other applications related to human beings, RFID appears to offer little benefit when compared to the consequences it brings for privacy and data integrity. Instead, it increases risks to personal privacy and security, with no commensurate benefit for performance or national security. Most difficult and troubling is the situation in which RFID is ostensibly used for tracking objects (medicine containers, for example), but can be in fact used for monitoring human behavior. These types of uses are still being explored and remain difficult to predict. " ...

Via The DHS Emerging Applications and Technology Subcommittee: The Use of RFID for Human Identification: A DRAFT REPORT (PDF) ...

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

RFID: RealTime Promotion Execution

RFID technology is applied to the management of promotions ...
OatSystems and ADT combine to deliver a real-time promotion execution process, enabled by RFID technology. RFID applied to the execution of promotions, help track the inventory used in promotions in real-time and create immediate feedback for marketers. ...

... "OATSystems, Inc. and ADT, a unit of Tyco Fire & Security, announced a proof of ROI program designed to validate the return on investment from standards-based RFID-enabled promotions and ignite the next phase of RFID deployments. Together with Intel Corporation, the companies will provide RFID hardware, software and services necessary for a 10 store retail deployment to help retailers track promotional products and provide critical information back to suppliers such as Proctor & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark. To help validate the ROI, an independent academic institution of the retailer's choosing will establish the parameters of the study, monitor control stores and deliver a final report on the ROI.

Trade promotion spending by manufacturers is a massive budget item, representing 12%-15% of sales for most companies. Unfortunately, study after study and the day-to-day experiences of manufacturers and retailers show that the returns on trade promotions are far less than satisfactory. Real-time Promotion Execution (RPE) is a new, RFID-centric business process that can help consumer products manufacturers and retailers to dramatically increase promotion effectiveness which may result in increased promotional sales, decreased execution costs, and greater shopper satisfaction. According to Cheryl Perkins, senior vice president and chief innovation officer for Kimberly-Clark, RFID technology can be used as a business tool to help deliver greater value to K-C and its retail customers.

RPE uses RFID-tagged displays and promotion product cases to measure in-store promotion execution by tracking where and when the displays and promotion inventory are in the store. Manufacturers and retailers can track when the items reach the store, when they're moved to the sales floor, and how long they are there - all in near-real time. This information is then integrated across many stores and manipulated with powerful analytic tools. Illustrated by the recently released MIT study on RFID-based promotions, this enables a new business process that is cost-effective and dramatically increases promotion sell-through, correction of poor in-store execution and promotion intelligence, and lowers the cost of promotions management. " ...

Via OATSystems: OATSystems and ADT Announce Promotions-on-Standards Program to Ignite RFID ROI: Leaders Rally Retailers and Suppliers to Validate ROI in Standards-Based Real-time Promotions Execution ...

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Thursday, May 18, 2006

RFID-Capable Hand Held Computer ...

RFID handheld computer from Two Technologies ...
Hardware interface allows hand-held computer to support RFID ...

... "The JETT-WAVE Radio is just one of many options that customers can choose to customize Two Technologies hand held computers. Using its new JETT-PACK hardware interface, Two Technologies can integrate many different peripherals including RFID, GPS and more into the JETT-PACK, which can then be used on a Pack Ready hand held computer. " ...

RFID-Capable Hand Held Computer: Via Two Technologies: Two Technologies Extends Data Communication Range, Security of Its Most Popular Hand Held Computers ...

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Tuesday, May 16, 2006

RFID Concerns Issues Addressed by AIM ...

RFID privacy discussed by AIMGlobal ...
AIM president addresses RFID privacy issues ...

... "AIM Global, the professional association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, has published RFID: For the Common Good in RFID Connections. This article, written by Dan Mullen, president AIM Global, highlights RFID's proven benefits for enhancing security, safety and product authentication while addressing concerns expressed about privacy issues. " ...

RFID Concerns Issues Addressed by AIM: Via AIM: RFID: For the Common Good Addresses RFID's Concerns and Benefits ...

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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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Tuesday, May 09, 2006

RFID Drug Authenticity Pilot at Cardinal Health ...

Cardinal Health begins second wave of RFID testing that supports the safety of the drug supply. RFID technology will enable in-process authentication as drugs make their way through the extended supply chain. Cardinal will also look for ways to achieve operational efficiencies from the RFID-enabled supply chain information. The company is expecting to complete this wave of tests by the 4th Quarter of 2006. ...

... "Cardinal Health, Inc., the leading provider of products and services supporting the health-care industry, announced the next phase of the first end-to-end pilot program to test technology that could improve the safety and efficiency of the nation's drug supply. The pilot program will begin to tag medication with labels carrying unique data that can be captured and read to verify its authenticity at each step of the supply chain. Verifying the authenticity of pharmaceuticals along each step of the distribution path adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. In addition, the data gathered could improve efficiency as logistics experts at Cardinal Health will be able to analyze the data to identify bottlenecks, read rates and other opportunities to improve efficiency in the supply chain.

In conducting the end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health will use new technology to place radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on the labels of brand-name and generic solid-dose prescription drugs at the company's Printed Components facility in Moorestown, N.J. Next, the company's facility in Philadelphia will encode the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products will be then shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data will be read and authenticated as products are handled under normal operating conditions. Normal operating procedures will be enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign. From Findlay, the tagged product will be sent to a health-care provider to further test read rates and data flow using the same technology as the distribution center. The product dispensed to patients will not be in the RFID packaging. The company launched the pilot in February and expects to complete the test in the fall." ...

RFID Drug Authenticity Pilot at Cardinal: Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Announces Next Phase Of RFID Pilot ...

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Friday, May 05, 2006

RFID Technology: Savi Acquisition ...

Lockheed Martin acquires Savi Technology, a company that specializes in radio frequency identification, RFID. ...

... "Lockheed Martin Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Savi Technology, Inc. (Savi), a provider of active radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Savi, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., has developed innovative logistics solutions that track in-transit asset shipments in a secure, accurate and timely manner. Its full line of hardware and software products have been implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense, international defense agencies, civil agencies and commercial enterprises to monitor cargo shipments globally. Savi's products include active RFID asset tags, data rich high performance tags, sensor tags that monitor security and environmental conditions and related fixed and mobile readers. " ...

RFID Technology: Savi Acquisition: Via Savi Technology: LOCKHEED MARTIN AGREES TO ACQUIRE SAVI TECHNOLOGY: Purchase of Active RFID supplier enhances capabilities in global focused logistics ...

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Tuesday, May 02, 2006

RFID Spychips: Levi Jeans ...

Levi Strauss pilots RFID for item-level tagging. ...

... "It may be time to ditch your Dockers and lay off the Levi's, say privacy activists Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre. New information confirms that Levi Strauss & Co. is violating a call for a moratorium on item-level RFID by spychipping its clothing. What's more, the company is refusing to disclose the location of its U.S. test. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a controversial technology that uses tiny microchips to track items from a distance. These RFID microchips have earned the nickname spychips because each contains a unique identification number, like a Social Security number for things, that can be read silently and invisibly by radio waves. " ...

RFID Spychips: Levi Jeans: Via Spychips: RFID: SPYCHIPPED LEVI'S BRAND JEANS HIT THE U.S. ...

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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 DoS Tag Attack ...

Gen 1 RFID tags at risk of DoS attacks ...

... "Researchers at Edith Cowan University have proven Generation One Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags can be breached to cause a denial-of-service attack on the tags ... " ...

RFID DoS Tag Attack: Via PC World: Local researchers confirm RFID DoS attacks ...

SCISSEC: Security Research Group: "The research efforts of the SCISSEC group have uncovered, documented and tested a range of attacks on the newer UHF RFID tags. "

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Sunday, April 09, 2006

RFID Airline Luggage Efficiency Enabler ...

SITA recommends RFID technology for luggage tracking ...

... "SITA is among those recommending that airlines or airports pay for Radio Frequency Identification technology. An RFID tag is automatically scanned by numerous stationary readers that record each movement a bag makes through the system. " ...

RFID Airline Luggage Efficiency Enabler: Via Lexington Herald-Leader: Low-tech bag tracing is due for an upgrade ...

Mishandled baggage costing $2.5 billion as air travel passenger numbers soar to two billion says SITA: "It recommends that markets where mishandled baggage is a problem would be better served by adopting technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging and bag reconciliation systems to track baggage at various points throughout the bag's journey. RFID means fewer bags have to be handled manually and improves security. A recent survey by SITA - in partnership with the Airports Council International and Airline Business magazine - found that RFID tags are being used for baggage handling in just 6% of airports surveyed but also identified an expectation that RFID tags will be used in 45% of airports by the end of 2009. SITA has developed an integrated, end-to-end baggage reconciliation system which combines RFID, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and highly redundant IP-based global links to ensure baggage gets to its destination with the minimum of fuss. "

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Monday, March 13, 2006

RFID Passport Document Reader ...

Viisage RFID Passport document reader is chosen by SERPRO of Brazil to enable electronic authentication at borders. ...

... "SERPRO (Servico Federal de Processamento de Dados) of Brazil has selected Viisage's iA-thenticate(R) Smart Chip/RFID Electronic Document Reader to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of information with e-Passports, e-Visas, driver's licenses and ID cards at all airports, seaports and land crossing borders throughout the country. The contract, valued at $1.7 million, marks the first industry deployment of a smart chip reader and further outlines the option for SERPRO to spend an additional 25% of the original contract value through the exercise of add-on technologies. The systems will be operated by the Department of Federal Police (Departamento de Policia Federal - DPF). This is the first nation-wide implementation of an automated RFID document authentication system in the western hemisphere, and positions Brazil, the fifth most populated country in the world, as a leader in the use of border security technology. The iA-thenticate with smart chip technology helps prevent identity fraud during border crossing by using the embedded e-passport smart chip reader, to verify the validity of credentials that are electronically stored on the e-passport. The product is also used to validate the authenticity of standard passports that are not RFID chip enabled. The implementation will be in conjunction with the production of the new Brazilian passport, which will be issued later in 2006. With more than 200 units already shipped, full deployment is planned to be underway by the end of the first quarter; completed deployment is expected during the second quarter of 2006. " ...

RFID Passport Document Reader: Via Viisage: Viisage is Selected by the Department of Federal Police of Brazil for Border Security Program; The iA-thenticate Smart Chip/RFID Critical to Brazil's Border Security ...

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Sunday, March 12, 2006

RFID Passports US Issues

US issues RFID passports ...

... "The US has begun issuing passports that contain biometric information stored on remotely readable microchips, in spite of lingering security and privacy concerns. " ...

RFID Passports US Issues: Via Boing Boing: US starts issuing RFID passports, despite security concerns

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Thursday, March 09, 2006

RFID China Human ID Growth ...

RFID-enabled human ID growth is accelerating in China. ...

... "RFID has arrived in China in an unprecedented manner: In-Stat forecasts that over 100 million tags shipped in 2005, and more than 2.9 billion tags will be shipped by 2009. Major RFID usage will be first on human ID, and then on product ID. The issuance of an RFID tag inlaid resident ID card by the Ministry of Public Security to over 1.3 billion people starting in 2004, is one of the biggest RFID projects in the world. " ...

RFID China Human ID Growth: Via In-Stat: RFID In China—From Human ID to Product ID

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RFID Reader Tag Interoperability: Class 3 Tags ...

WJ Communucation establishes reader interoperability with Class 3 RFID tags. ...

... "WJ Communications, Inc., a leading designer and supplier of RF solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID reader markets, announced that it has successfully completed interoperability testing of its multi-protocol UHF Reader Platform with Class 3 RFID tags from Intelleflex Corporation. This expands the capability of WJ's high performance reader platform to include Class 3 RFID tags in addition to EPCglobal Gen1, and C1G2 tags. " ...

RFID Reader Tag Interoperability: Class 3 Tags: Via WJ Communications: WJ Communications' UHF C1Gen2 RFID Reader Platform Stakes Lead With Semi-Active Support: Successful Interoperability Testing With Class 3 Tags From Intelleflex Demonstrated ...

Intelleflex Corporation: Intelleflex Corporation Announces Class 3 RFID Developers' Training: "Intelleflex's semi-active, battery-assisted RFID products offer long range (up to 100 meters in free space) and high read/write reliability ( > 99% in real-world environment), together with a large user memory. These features open up a whole new set of applications that bring tremendous business value, beyond mere identification through unique serialization of good and assets. "

Intelleflex is a Silicon Valley company focused on the next-generation of RFID systems. Intelleflex will bring to market high-performance, high-reliability, EPC-compliant transponders and readers. Intelleflex tags will have the capability of interoperating with all EPC-compliant readers, and are targeted to provide the longest read range and the highest read/write reliability available in the industry. In addition, Intelleflex offers value-added features such as application-specific security, long battery life, and the capability to add sensors.

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Wednesday, March 08, 2006

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets ...

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

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

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

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Tuesday, March 07, 2006

RFID Truck Tag Program ...

WhereNet is supporting the RFID needs of port logistics ...

... "Now counting 11 West Coast terminals as customers, in its largest marine security effort to date, announced January 12, WhereNet was tapped to equip up to 10,000 drayage trucks serving two of the nation's largest -- at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach -- with its active RFID tags as part of the TruckTag program initiated by PierPASS. " ...

RFID Truck Tag Program: Via JeraOne: RFID Technology from WhereNet Providing Safe Harbor for U.S. Commerce ...

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Sunday, March 05, 2006

Bluetooth RFID Scanner ...

RightTag introduces Bluetooth-enabled 13.56 Mhz RFID scanner, which relieves users of the burden of wiring. ...

... "RightTag, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive wireless and wireline RFID solutions, announced the availability of the industry's first 13.56 MHz wireless radio-frequency identification scanner with Bluetooth. The new scanner, BT RIGHTReader, offers users greater flexibility by eliminating the need for cumbersome wires and transmitting data to devices up to ten meters (~10 yards) away. RightTag also announced the RIGHTScanner, a compact and inexpensive RFID scanner designed for companies looking to increase security and control and monitor access, or to better track products. The 13.56 MHz BT RIGHTReader is an easy-to-use and durable wireless scanner that can transmit data from any RFID tag, including ISO 15693, ISO 14443, USB and Serial port communications, to any Bluetooth-enabled device. The device is battery operated, and is fully functional in temperatures varying from -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) to 55 Celsius (131 Fahrenheit). The 1MHz bandwidth antenna can read tags as far as 16 centimeters (~6 inches) away and transmits to a Bluetooth receiver up to ten meters' distance, making BT RIGHTReader the most robust and flexible RFID offering available in the market. " ...

Bluetooth RFID Scanner: Via RightTag Inc.: RightTag Unveils BT RIGHTReader, Industry’s First Bluetooth RFID Scanner ...

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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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Monday, February 27, 2006

RFID University Webcasts ...

Webcasts through RFID University ...

... "iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc., unveiled RFID University, a series of free technical webcasts targeted at RFID developers. The goal of the program is to educate developers on various aspects of RFID development to enable them to jumpstart their RFID projects. The webcast series is offered as part of the Sybase iAnywhere RFID Developer Community in which hundreds of RFID developers have enrolled in order to benefit from free development software, RFID whitepapers, tech-tips, discussion forums and sample applications.

Thursday March 9 - RFID 101
Thursday March 16 - The Intelligent RFID Network
Thursday March 23 - Turning RFID Data into Information
Thursday March 30 - RFID Management & Security
Thursday April 6 - Growing the RFID Network I: Distributed Architectures for Logic and Data
Thursday April 13 - Growing the RFID Network II: Adding New Applications " ...


RFID University Webcasts: Via iAnywhere: Sybase iAnywhere Delivers RFID University Webcasts: Higher Education to Simplify Your RFID Development! sponsored by AWID, Printronix, Symbol, ThingMagic and Zebra ...

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Tuesday, February 21, 2006

RFID Multiple Authentication Factor ...

Encentuate offers multiple methods of authentication through identity form factors such as RFID tags, smart cards, and USB tokens ...

... "Each organization is different, and each situation provides a unique access security challenge, said Peng T. Ong, founder and chairman of Encentuate. What sets Encentuate TCI apart from other solutions is our ability to seamlessly integrate with a number of authentication technologies, from RFID to USB tokens. As a result, we can eliminate an organization’s dependence on weak passwords and ensure secure access to computer systems using a variety of authentication factors. The authentication opportunities are practically limitless and we work with each organization to determine the solution, which is most effective for their requirements. Encentuate TCI’s ability to integrate with a variety of authentication factors provides enterprises a seamless path to strong digital identity without introducing additional complexity, cost or overwhelming deployments.

Encentuate TCI gives organizations a choice of authentication solutions, each of which greatly improves security. With a simple swipe of an RFID badge or a fingerprint scan organizations can strengthen access to computer systems while allowing the staff to quickly access the information they need to be productive on their jobs. " ...


RFID Multiple Authentication Factor: Via Encentuate: Encentuate TCI Delivers Multiple Authentication Factor Support: Company's technology integrates with a variety of multi-function authentication solutions, including RFID, biometrics and USB tokens ...

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Sunday, February 19, 2006

RFID Technology at FOSE ...

RFID technology applications will be showcased at FOSE ...

... "FOSE's 30th anniversary marks the emergence of new ways to get the job done, said Lorenz Hassenstein, Vice President, Events, PostNewsweek Tech Media. Wireless security, radio frequency identification (RFID), biometrics, and enterprise architecture are a few of this year's hot topics. Government buyers flock to FOSE to network with their peers from across the country, to explore the newest technology available, and to learn how to apply these innovations in the real world. " ...

RFID Technology at FOSE: Via FOSE: FOSE 2006: NEW TECHNOLOGY, NEW PROGRAMS, AND NEW IDEAS TO BE UNVEILED AT GOVERNMENT TECHFEST ON MARCH 7-9 ...

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Thursday, February 16, 2006

Hospital RFID Asset Tracking ...

Infologix implements RFID asset tracking for hospitals ...

... "InfoLogix, a market leader in Healthcare Information Technology total solutions announces HealthTrax, their new solution for Real-Time Location Tracking and management of medical devices. HealthTrax was developed with InfoLogix partner AeroScout, the leader in the field of Wi-Fi based Active RFID solutions. The first demonstration of the integrated solution will be in San Diego at HIMSS 2006, the top Healthcare Informatics Conference for the year. Also at HIMSS, InfoLogix and AeroScout will discuss performance and ROI of HealthTrax for Asset Tracking and for Patient Location Tracking.

HealthTrax is a complete solution for tracking assets and people within hospitals, and includes both RFID asset tags and enterprise software that can be used with standard wireless networks. The HealthTrax RFID tag is 802.11 Wi-Fi-based and leverages the existing wireless infrastructure; hospitals will not need a separate or redundant wireless network for Asset Tracking. Once the tags are attached to desired items, hospital staff can quickly locate what they need and when they need it on an easy-to-use Web-based electronic floor plan. This tagged hospital equipment can also provide security benefits by triggering an alarm if hospital assets are taken from designated areas. " ...


Hospital RFID Asset Tracking: Via Infologix: InfoLogix Announces HealthTrax RFID Asset Tracking Software for Management of Hospital Mobile Assets in Real Time ...

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Wednesday, February 15, 2006

RFID Code Crack By Mobile Phone ...

Professor identifies weakness in RFID security that would allow mobile phone to crack the code ...

... "In the wake of an embarrassing two-hour dismantling of an RFID passport, a crytographer known for his success in the field has suggested that mobile phones could be used to crack RFID tag codings. " ...

RFID Code Crack By Mobile Phone: Via Mobile Mag: Crytographer: mobile phone could crack RFID codes

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006

RFID Security Smart Box Technology ...

US Customs is promoting the use of Savi's RFID smart box technology ...

... "Smart Box container technology recently promoted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for special green lane clearance under the C-TPAT program also can deliver sizable investment returns for shippers when linked to a proven global asset management and security network, according to new research by A.T. Kearney, one of the world's largest management consulting firms.

Robert Bonner, CBP Commissioner, announced during the recent Customs Trade Symposium in Washington DC that he was ready to take the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program to the next level, which he called C-TPAT Plus. C-TPAT Plus would provide no inspection upon arrival - immediate release for low-risk shippers using technology that can detect and record whether tampering has occurred with a container seal after being affixed at the point of origin. " ...


RFID Security Smart Box Technology: Via Savi Technology: SMART BOX RFID TECHNOLOGY URGED BY U.S. CUSTOMS FOR SECURITY ALSO PROVIDES ECONOMIC VALUE FOR GLOBAL SHIPPERS - A.T. KEARNEY: New Research Finds Major Importers and Exporters Recognize Substantial Operational Savings Via Networked RFID Going Beyond Simple Tamper Alerts ...

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Monday, February 13, 2006

RFID Proximity Device: Healthcare Application ...

... "RF IDeas, Inc., creators of single-badge solutions for physical and logical access control and security, has shipped its 30,000th RFID proximity device for use in the healthcare industry. The milestone is confirmation of RF IDeas' leadership position in the emerging field of single sign-on authentication and access systems, as well as the growing adoption of this technology in healthcare organizations, where protection of patient information as mandated by HIPAA is crucial. RF IDeas will be demonstrating its cutting-edge solutions at booth #1851 of HIMSS, February 12-16, 2006. " ...

RFID Proximity Device: Healthcare Application: Via RF Ideas: RF IDeas Ships Its 30,000th Proximity Reader for Smart Card Access in the Healthcare Field

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Wednesday, February 08, 2006

RFID-Enabled Smart Card ...

QI Sys is developing RFID smart cards for contactless payment applications ...

... "QI Systems Inc., a leading developer and integrator of smart card payment, access control and tracking solutions, announced that QI product engineers are now developing hardware and software components that support RFID-enabled contactless payment systems. RFID-enabled payment systems are rapidly gaining in popularity with merchants and consumers in the U.S. Small-value transactions can now be quickly completed using a payment card with a built-in microchip and wire-loop antenna utilizing very-short-range (several inches) radio waves to securely transmit account information from the card to the merchant point-of-sale terminal. There is no need for the merchant to swipe the card through a reader, so the cardholder always remains in control of the card and transaction time is optimized. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are actively promoting contactless-payment versions of their cards. The International Standards Organization has established an implementation specification enabling these credit-card leaders to share a common transmission protocol. That in turn facilitates the programming of a single merchant point-of-sale terminal to accept and process transactions from all three companies’ payment cards/devices. Merchants and cardholders alike should benefit significantly from the enhanced convenience and security offered by a broader selection of contactless payment solutions. " ...

RFID-Enabled Smart Card: Via QI Systems Inc.: QI Systems Inc. Developing Products for RFID-Enabled Smart Card ...

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Friday, February 03, 2006

RFID Network Information Service ...

Savi Networks ramps up RFID information service in Asia ...

... "Savi Networks, operator of the RFID-enhanced global information service for container shipments, announced that SaviTrak information services is now fully operational at major port facilities in Asia. The SaviTrak information service that enables automated tracking, management, and security is now commercially available at two of the world’s busiest ocean terminals -- in Hong Kong and Shenzhen (China). Savi began developing the SaviTrak solution commercially in 2002 as a provider of networking technology to the Smart and Secure Tradelanes initiative, which included thousands of RFID-tagged container journeys from origins in Indonesia, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany and South Africa. The system was further refined in several other global transportation security initiatives, including the STAR BEST program conducted in cooperation with the Asia Pacific Economic Coalition (APEC) , and with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in a South Africa-to-Europe program. " ...

RFID Network Information Service: Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS RFID-ENHANCED SAVITRAK™ INFORMATION SERVICES TO PORTS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA: SaviTrak and RFID Network Infrastructure Now Fully Operational at Key Asian Ports to Track, Manage and Secure Global Container Shipments in Real-time ...

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RFID e-Passport Security Breach ...

... "A Dutch television program Nieuwslicht recently worked with local security firm Riscure to successfully crack and decrypt a Dutch-prototype RFID passport. " ...


Via Engadget: Dutch RFID e-passport cracked -- US next? ...

Via Riscure: Privacy issues with new digital passport: "The new digital passport lacks in the protection of personal details of the passport holder. An attacker intercepting the contactless communication between the passport and the border control system can get access to the personal information held on the chip inside the new passport. ... Riscure is a Security Lab based in the Netherlands. Riscure evaluates the security of smart cards, mobile phones and related systems for banks, credit card companies, GSM operators, smart card manufacturers, organisations deploying digital IDs and companies in the pay television industry. "

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Monday, January 30, 2006

Intelligent RFID Readers: Next Generation Through Partnership ...

iAnywhere and Applied Wireless will partner to deliver next-generation intelligent RFID readers ...

... "iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY) and Applied Wireless Identifications, Inc. announced a partnership to jointly develop next generation intelligent RFID readers that take advantage of the features of the iAnywhere RFID Anywhere Appliance Edition. As part of this new relationship, Applied Wireless Identifications (AWID) will embed the iAnywhere RFID Anywhere Appliance Edition into a new line of low-cost readers that include essential security features, multi-protocol communication support, and enhanced remote management and upgrade capabilities. Additionally, the two companies plan to jointly market iAnywhere RFID Anywhere 2.0 to purchasers of the new AWID RFID devices. RFID Anywhere 2.0 enables administrators to easily manage and upgrade a network of RFID readers, including data filtering and aggregation, as well as the execution of business logic. As a result, enterprises deploying RFID networks can reduce their associated administrative overhead through highly efficient management of remote readers. Reader configurations that have been lost or corrupted, for example, can be immediately and automatically restored. Further, logic at the reader level enables local data filtering and smoothing, reducing overall data volumes across the network and making transmitted data more immediately actionable. " ...


Intelligent RFID Readers: Next Generation Through Partnership: Via iAnywhere: iAnywhere And AWID Partner To Deliver Breakthrough Price And Performance In The RFID Intelligent Reader Marketplace ...

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RFID Anywhere: Smart Reader Components ...

iAnywhere releases RFID components that enabled smart readers ...

... "iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), announced the release of RFID Anywhere Appliance Edition. The new product provides RFID hardware manufacturers with embeddable software components to build smart readers that include essential security features, support for a variety of communication protocols, the ability to execute logic on-device, remote management and upgrade capabilities, and RFID reader multi-protocol support. With the RFID Anywhere Appliance Edition, engineers can build RFID readers that are both intelligent and easily managed, thereby significantly reducing the cost of ownership. Through remote management, reader configurations can be quickly and automatically restored, drastically reducing downtime and administrative overhead. On-device logic can filter and smooth data generated by the reader, ensuring that only essential information is transmitted and thus greatly reducing network data volumes. " ...


RFID Anywhere: Smart Reader Components: Via iAnywhere: iAnywhere Enhances Frontline Management Capabilities with Next Release of XcelleNet Afaria ...

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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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Monday, January 23, 2006

RFID Standards Workshop Europe ...

Upcoming RFID standards workshop in Europe ...

... "Workshop on Networked RFID: Systems and Services, 14-15 February 2006, ITU Headquarters, Geneva
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is the much-touted system that enables data to be transmitted by a tiny portable device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the needs of a particular application. Analysts predict that RFID will revolutionize areas of industry including supply chain management, security and mobile telecommunication services. Additionally, RFID is expected to play an important role in the realization of the Ubiquitous Network Society. All this will create a yet unquantified demand on telecommunication networks. " ...

RFID Standards Workshop Europe: ITU Workshop to Survey RFID Standards ...

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Sunday, January 22, 2006

RFID Growth: Smartcards EPassports ...

Research shows that RFID growth will come from smart card applications ...

... "The study - RFID Forecasts, Players and Opportunities 2006-2016 - reveals that although the lion's share of RFID shipments, in terms of volume produced, will be for high volume items such as post, drugs, pallets, cases, tyres and consumer goods, a disproportionate percentage of revenue will be achieved through RFID deployments in the ePassport and smart card markets. " ...

RFID Growth: Smartcards EPassports: Via Security Document World - Biometrics, Passports, ID Cards and Visas: ePassports and smart cards to boost RFID revenue ...

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Wednesday, January 18, 2006

RFID TruckTag Program: Minimize Terminal Congestion ...

PierPASS Inc. introduced the RFID-enabled TruckTag program which will enhance security in marine terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The program improves the process of checking trucks and drivers entering the terminals. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) electronic tags will be installed on trucks, similar to the FasTrak and E-ZPass devices used for automated toll collection, accelerating secure check-in at the terminals. ...

... "TruckTag is the second program created by PierPASS, a not-for-profit company established by marine terminal operators in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to address multi-terminal issues. In July 2005, PierPASS launched the OffPeak program, aimed at reducing congestion in and around the ports by establishing new night and Saturday shifts at the ports. By December, more than 1 million truck trips had been diverted out of daytime traffic, leading to a noticeable reduction in congestion. Under the TruckTag program, PierPASS will distribute 10,000 RFID tags to trucking companies, and the trucking companies will be responsible for distributing the tags to their drivers. When a truck arrives at a terminal, the RFID tag will automatically be read by an electronic reader posted at the gate. Simultaneously, the truck driver will insert his commercial driver's license into a machine that will verify that the driver and truck have authorized business at the terminal. Under the current system, each driver displays his commercial driver's license to a security guard upon entry to a terminal.

The marine terminal operators will cover the $1.2 million estimated cost of the program, which is expected to begin by March. There will be no cost to truck drivers or trucking companies for the first 10,000 tags. The active RFID tags, provided by WhereNet Corp., will be distributed through eModal, a database company that tracks trucking companies and drivers. Ninety-nine percent of the trucking companies and drivers working in the ports are already registered with eModal. " ...

RFID TruckTag Program: Minimize Terminal Congestion: Via PierPASS Inc.: PierPASS Announces TruckTag Program to Enhance Security at Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach: Program Will Scan RFID Tags of Trucks Entering Marine Terminals ...

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RFID e-Passports Speed Travelers ...

Transition to e-passports will be implemented quickly. ...

... "Through the planned technology enhancements at our ports of entry, we'll be able to recognize and expedite the movement of low-risk or trusted travelers by linking cardholders to secure databases that will allow us to quickly verify identity and citizenship. We can also leverage these advancements in technology to increase aviation security. We've already found, for example, that our machine-readable passports have helped to speed travelers through our airport controls while adding an additional layer of necessary security. By 2007, the United States will transition exclusively to e-passports that will contain biometric information. Through this kind of electronic passport, we can verify a traveler's identity, protect against identity theft and make it very difficult for forgers or imposters. " ...

RFID e-Passports Speed Travelers: Via DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age, at an Event at the Department of State ...

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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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Monday, January 09, 2006

RFID Ocean Cargo: Location Status Security ...

Savi implements RFID ocean cargo system that monitors location, status, and security. ...

... "Savi Networks, a provider of RFID-enhanced information services for global container shipments, and Marine Terminals Corporation (MTC), announced an agreement to extend SaviTrak real-time, supply-chain information services to MTC's port facilities. MTC is a leading U.S. stevedore and terminal operating company that handles more than 25 percent of the cargo container shipments on the U.S. West Coast. The partnership brings MTC terminals into Savi Networks growing global community of ocean cargo terminal operators leveraging SaviTrak's managed information services. MTC operates 26 terminals in 13 ports across the U.S. West coast and at major ports in the U.S. South Atlantic region. Savi Networks is building an automated information service that leverages RFID and other ISO-compliant Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies at global ports to further improve the efficiency, effectiveness and security of global supply chains. " ...

RFID Ocean Cargo: Location Status Security: Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS GLOBAL REAL-TIME VISIBILITY SERVICES OF SHIPMENTS TO MTC'S U.S. PORT FACILITIES: Partnership with Marine Terminals Corporation (MTC) to Provide RFID-Enhanced Real-Time Information on the Location, Status and Security of Ocean Cargo Containers ...

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Active RFID Wireless Chip

Chipcon introduces active RFID chip that supports wireless firmware updates. ...

... "With CC1110, Chipcon has upped the ante in the wireless chip market by making it possible to remotely upgrade firmware in the field, transferring software updates over-the-air for maximum convenience. This is enabled by the in-system programmable flash memory in the CC1110. Compared to existing wireless systems operating in the sub 1GHz band, the CC1110 provides the customers shorter time-to-market development, lower cost and smaller end product, due to the high integration level in the CC1110. Other application examples are home automation systems, automatic meter reading, remote controls, remote keyless entry (RKE) and active RFID. " ...

Active RFID Wireless Chip: Via Chipcon: Chipcon Launches Sub 1GHz Radio and MCU System-on-Chip: Breakthrough Solution for Wireless Payment Systems: Provides reduced cost and development time, and a smaller form factor end product, enabling customers to integrate wireless connectivity into a variety of consumer and industrial applications. SoC solution ideal for wireless alarm/security systems, home automation, remote controls, wireless payment systems, remote keyless entry (RKE), automatic meter reading and active RFID ...

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