RFID World March 2007

RFID World is coming up in May 2007. ...

... "Now in its 5th year, RFID World 2007 spotlights successes in all aspects of the market - from the core applications and business process improvements driving RFID demand, to the latest innovations in hardware, software and infrastructure needed for deployment. Produced by CMP Technology, the show expects to attract a record attendance of enterprise users, manufacturers and systems integrators to the world's largest RFID trade event from March 26-28, 2007 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas (near Dallas). " ...

Everything RFID at 5th Annual RFID World 2007

Hospital RFID: High Value Asset Management ...

THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano will be dedicated solely to providing inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular care. The $100 million, 68-bed hospital is scheduled to open in January 2007 on the campus of Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano., Texas Hospital will automate the storage, tracking, utilization, and billing of clinical resources through RFID technology to realize benefits in enhanced care quality, increased productivity, accurate billing, and significant inventory cost savings. ...

... "To support the opening of the facility in January 2007, THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano will implement a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled inventory management system to store, track, and manage the utilization of high cost cardiovascular devices and supplies. Developed by Mobile Aspects, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pa., the system, called iRISupply, uses a RFID tracking architecture to automate charge capture, inventory management, device expiration management, and other key operational processes within the patient care setting. THE HEART HOSPITAL will implement fourteen iRISupply cabinet units to manage items such as stents, catheters, and guide wires that are commonly used during cardiovascular procedures. In leveraging the RFID technology, the organization seeks to efficiently and accurately automate device and supply utilization processes without manual tracking approaches such as paper documentation, stickers, bar coding or button pushing. " ...

Via Mobile Aspects: THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano selects RFID system from Mobile Aspects ...

RFID Automated Application System Supports Supply Chain Strategy ...

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

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

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

RFID Medical Record Army System ...

3M will implement RFID-enabled medical record system for the US Army that support their operational efficiency objectives and increase the quality of services through reduced errors. ...

... "3M has been awarded a $3.76 million contract to develop and install a system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track medical files at the U.S. Army's massive Fort Hood Installation in Texas. The system is expected to make a positive impact on operational efficiencies in health care delivery, the troop deployment process and the management of medical data collection. The active medical records of more than 150,000 servicemen and women and their dependents are housed at five sites at Fort Hood, and as many as 70,000 files may be in use at the base's six clinics during the course of a month.



The RFID system is intended to substantially reduce errors and inefficiencies associated with manual tracking, retrieval, filing and file merging methods. The tracking of Army medical records through RFID technology is an innovation led by the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), a unit of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). Fort Hood, situated about 60 miles north of Austin, the state capital, is the nation's largest active duty domestic military installation, occupying some 340 square miles. The Army becomes the third federal entity to employ RFID systems from 3M, following similar decisions recently by the Tax Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Tax Court. Unlike the other applications, however, the system in development for the Army requires higher-performance capability and a greater degree of continuous and automatic tracking of the files. " ...

Via 3M: United States Army Awards Contract to 3M for Pilot RFID Program To Track and Manage Medical Records at Fort Hood ...

RFID Certification Prep Training in June ...

Lowry offers RFID training in preparation for CompTIA RFID certification. Course is coming up in June. ...

... "A System's Approach to RFID Implementation will be offered at Lowry's state-of-the-art RFID Center June 13-15th and August 8-10th. OTA Training, the developer of the comprehensive RFID training curriculum, is based in Dallas, Texas. Both 3-day training sessions have an optional RFID+ Certification Module. The Certification Module includes additional hours of training and a full day dedicated to review of all exam topics. Those who register for the add-on module have an opportunity to become RFID certified, by taking the CompTIA RFID+ exam at the conclusion of the class. CompTIA certification is the industry recognized standard for foundation-level information technology (IT) skills. " ...

RFID Certification Prep Training in June: Via Lowry computer Products: LOWRY ANNOUNCES UPCOMING RFID CERTIFICATION TRAINING CLASS DATES: Industry-Recognized Classes Prepare Attendees For Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Certification ...

Walmart RFID: Vehicle Mounted Reader ...

Vehicle-mounted RFID reader will be presented at Walmart Supplier Forum. ...

... "LXE Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged wireless computers that improve the performance of supply-chain execution applications, announced that it will be unveiling its ultra-rugged RX2 lift truck mounted RFID reader at WalMart Supplier On-Boarding Forum and EPCglobal US Tech Expo, April 25 and 26 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The RX2 is the second lift truck mounted RFID reader being developed by LXE, the first one being the RX1 announced last September. The RX2 addresses a need for a simple, easy-to-install, vehicle mounted RFID reader that can be used for standard RFID based forklift pallet move applications such as shipping, receiving, picking and put-aways where EPC RFID based identification of pallet loads and locations are used. The RX2's mounting solution requires no permanent lift modifications or lift truck downtime for installation. The unit is ultra-rugged and has been designed to operate in the extreme environment found on the business end of a lift truck. " ...

Walmart RFID: Vehicle Mounted Reader: Via LXE: LXE Inc. To Unveil RX2 Vehicle Mounted RFID Reader At Wal-Mart Supplier On-Boarding Forum And EPCglobal US Tech Expo ...

RFID Gen2 Strap-on-Box Case Tracking ...

TI and Smurfit-Stone collaborate to deliver case tracking capability through Gen2 strap-on-box RFID tags. ...

... "Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) and Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, the industry's leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging, is demonstrating the first Electronic Product Code (EPC) Generation 2 (Gen 2) radio frequency identification (RFID) strap-on-box prototypes at RFID World 2006, in Dallas, at the Texas Instruments booth #701. Using TI's Tag-it™ EPC Gen 2 Strap, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation has developed an innovative process for attaching Gen 2 straps to printed antennas directly on a corrugated box. The company is introducing its technology to consumer products goods (CPGs) manufacturers applying Gen 2 technology to cases for supply chain tracking applications. " ...

RFID Gen2 Strap-on-Box Case Tracking: Via Texas Instruments: Texas Instruments and Smurfit-Stone Demonstrate EPC Gen 2 Strap-on-Box Application at RFID World 2006 ...

RFID Edgeware Solutions ...

Globeranger will showcase its edgeware RFID solutions at upcoming RFID World conference ...

... "GlobeRanger, the leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based software solutions, will be exhibiting its latest iMotion Edgeware platform with Gen 2 features at the upcoming RFID World conference, February 27 to March 1, 2006 in Dallas, Texas, booth 507. " ...

RFID Edgeware Solutions: Via GlobeRanger: GlobeRanger's iMotion Enables Gen 2 RFID with Partners and Customers; More Than 300 Trained to Develop Custom RFID Solutions On Platform ...

RFID World Keynote ...

RFID World is coming up ...

... "Julie England, vice president of Texas Instruments, and general manager of the RFID Systems business; and David Bonalle, vice president and general manager of Advanced Payments for American Express, will be presenting the opening keynote addresses at the 4th Annual RFID World, on February 28, 2006 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas " ...

RFID World ...

RFID Library SelfCheck Systems: 3M ...

3M introduces two new RFID-enabled self-check systems at ALA event this month, which feature real-time performance. ...

... "Two new SelfCheck Systems from 3M make their first appearance in booth 1256 at the 2006 American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference on Jan. 20-23 in San Antonio, Texas. Debuting are the SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in and the SelfCheck System R-Series for material checkout and check-in. Both systems use the power of radio frequency identification (RFID) to help improve materials management, further simplify library self-service transactions, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.

Features of SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in include: Realtime check-in enabled by accurate read of RFID tags that instantly records returned items and lets customers immediately checkout new items. Simple-to-use 3M Digital Library Assistant connection to help speed sorting and return of in-demand items to the shelves. ... Features of the SelfCheck System R-Series for checkout and check-in include: Accurate read of RFID tags placed on items to provide fast and efficient self-checkout of all library materials. " ...

RFID Library SelfCheck Systems: Two New RFID-based 3M SelfCheck Systems Take the Stage at 2006 American Library Association Midwinter Conference; Customer Satisfaction Increases, Costs Decline ...

RFID 3PL Walmart Cold Chain Solution ...

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

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

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

TI RFID Ships Walmart Tagged Cases ...

TI ships WalMart RFID tagged cases ...

... "The Educational & Productivity Solutions (E&PS) business of Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced it is the first consumer goods supplier to ship RFID tagged cases and pallets based on the Generation 2 (Gen 2) Electronic Product Code (EPC) specification to WalMart. Starting with a dozen Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) shipped to five distribution centers, TI E&PS, a WalMart next 200 supplier, is tagging cases and pallets of its market-leading graphing, scientific and financial calculators using Gen 2 smart label solutions from Texas Instruments RFid Systems, NCR Corporation and Zebra Technologies. The dozen SKUs represent 100 percent of the calculator products E&PS ships to WalMart. " ...

TI RFID Ships Walmart Tagged Cases: Via TI: Texas Instruments Educational & Productivity Solutions First to Ship EPC Gen 2 Tagged Cases and Pallets to Wal-Mart

TI Retains RFID Unit ...

Reports say TI to retain its RFID unit during sale of sensor division. ...

... "According to the Wall Street Journal report, TI is expected to hold on to a piece of the sensors and controls division that makes what's known as radio frequency identification, or RFID, devices. " ...

Via Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas | WFAA.com | Business: Sale of sensor unit would help TI focus, analyst says ...

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience

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

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

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

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

RFID Supply Chain Excellence Recognition ...

Supply chain innovators are recognized for their operational excellence. ...

... "OATSystems, Inc., the recognized RFID framework leader, offers its congratulations to customers who have been named to the AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25, which highlights companies that are excellent operationally and brilliant innovators. A third of the companies on the Top 25 list are using OAT's RFID platform to help optimize their supply chains. AMR Research analyzed the top retailers and manufactures on a variety of metrics and criteria including return on assets, inventory turns, trailing 12 months growth. According to Marc Osofsky, vice president of marketing and product management at OATSystems, RFID has become an increasingly attractive and realistic strategy for companies to track their products through the supply chain and gain operational efficiencies.

AMR Research's Supply Chain Top 25 for 2005 list includes:
Dell, Procter & Gamble, IBM, Nokia, Toyota Motor, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung Electronics, Wal-Mart Stores, Tesco, Johnson Controls, Intel, Anheuser-Busch, Woolworths, The Home Depot, Motorola, PepsiCo. Best Buy, Cisco Systems, Texas Instruments, Lowe's, Nike, L'Oreal, Publix Super Markets, Sysco and Coca-Cola. " ...

RFID Supply Chain Excellence Recognition: OAT Customers Included in the AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25: List Identifies the Top 25 Global Supply Chain Performers for 2005 ...

TI Expands RFID Product Line

TI expands the capabilities of its Tag-It RFID transponder product line. ...

... "Expanding the scope, flexibility and potential market applications for high frequency (HF) ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced it is broadening its line of Tag-it transponders with new memory, data protection and form-factor options. Now offered in both 256 bit and 2,048 bit memory options, the expanded Tag-it HF-I line introduces new tracking and authentication capabilities that provide system integrators and application providers the flexibility to build a host of data protection and privacy functionality options into their RFID solutions. The new Tag-it HF-I platform now offers the only password protected write functionality for ISO/IEC 15693 compliant products in the market. It allows RFID application developers the flexibility to choose the optimum memory and level of security from a factory-locked unique ID, to user-programmed password lock with decommissioning or kill functionality, to the combination of RFID with Public-key-Infrastructure (PKI). Markets for this ISO/IEC standard solution include high-value product and asset tracking visibility, pharmaceutical supply chain authentication, library management, event and venue ticketing, and laundry and textile rental tracking. " ...

Via Texas Instruments RFID: Texas Instruments Expands Tag-it ISO/IEC 15693 RFID Product Line

Library RFID: New Zealand Town Leads ...

Manukau city in New Zealand leads in the application of RFID in libraries and expects to increase adoption. ...

Library RFID: New Zealand Town Leads: Via Stuff.co.nz: Wider use of RFID likely in libraries ...

... "RFID pioneer Manukau City Council will consider extending its use of the much talked about technology so it can electronically track books in all its libraries. Libraries manager Chris Szekely says a study of Botany Downs Library, which became the first in New Zealand to introduce RFID (radio frequency identification technology) in October last year, supports the move. " ...

The use of RFID in library processes can have a positive impact on quality, throughput, and efficiency. ...

Via ALA: Richard W. Boss on RFID Technology for Libraries ...

... "RFID security and the tracking of materials throughout the library; or it is a hybrid system that uses EM for security and RFID for tracking, but handles both simultaneously with a single piece of equipment. [3M has developed readers that can do both concurrently except for videotapes and audiotapes. These have to be desensitized and sensitized in a separate operation]. In either case, there can be as much as a 50 percent increase in throughput. The time savings are less for charging than for discharging because the time required for charging usually is extended by social interaction with patrons. " ...

Vendors that focus on RFID library systems continue to innovate in the field. ...

Via Bibliotecha RFID Library System: New RFID Handheld Reader improves mobile inventory control ...

... "The data exchange via radio waves provides new possibilities for a mobile inventory control. Bibliotheca RFID Library Systems has now developed a specific RFID handheld reader – called BiblioWandTM – which can be used to maintain the complete inventory in the shelves. For the reader, there is no difference in the processing of books, VHS cassettes, CDs and DVDs. Only the attachment of all material with programmed BiblioChip® RFID labels is required. " ...

There will be challenges in the deployment of RFID in library applications, such as the facility, the age of the collection, and other environmental considerations. ...

Via Libramation: Libramation's RFID technology protects the valuable collection of the Zottegem Library ...

... "The introduction of RFID technology in the Castle a decade later posed unique challenges. Building elements like stone flooring made the physical installation problematic. Melding new technology into the interior design of the library was a high priority. Finally, the new system would need to be flexible, easy to use and adhere to international technology standards. The Libramation solution (installed by Kno-Tech, its sister company in Europe) exceeded all expectations. " ...

Here are a few vendors that specialize in RFID library applications. ...

Bibliotheca is specialized in designing, producing and marketing of RFID systems that is hard- and software for library automation and media security. In Europe the BiblioChip® System is the Number One RFID Library System. Bibliotheca was formed to exclusively focus on the needs of librarians. The BiblioChip® RFID Library System is the result of what librarians have requested.

Libramation is positioned as a leader in library automation equipment technology and ergonomic work environments. We take pride in knowing that our systems and service are continually evolving to meet the needs and expectations of our clients. With its new office in Utah Libramation continues to expand its sales and marketing efforts in the United States. Libramation headquarters is in Edmonton Alberta Canada and has a sister company, Kno-Tech, the Netherlands. The company's contemporary and functional automation products have progressed from front of the house Easy-Check units, to automated return and sorting systems, and our latest, the Lib-Chip RFID Library and Self Check solutions. Libramation systems are in use at libraries in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and throughout Canada.

RFID Generation 2 Chips: TI Impinj Collaborate ...

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

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

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

RFID LowFrequency Mobil Speedpass ...

The Mobil Speedpass is enabled by RFID technology operating at a low frequency of 134 KHz. It is an example of RFID used in a payment application, as compared to the wave of recent retailer RFID applications in the supply chain .

Via Network World: RFID (radio frequency identification)

... "Exxon Mobil uses RFID technology in its Speedpass payment system. Customers wave a small transponder in front of a sensor on a gas pump, debiting their account. Low-frequency RFID applications range from 3 KHz to 300 KHz; Speedpass operates at 134 KHz. " ...

Reference material on Speedpass RFID operating at 134Khz low frequency:

... "Analysis of the Texas Instruments DST RFID: DSTs of the type found in SpeedPass and automobile ignition keys are designed for short range scanning - on the order of a few centimeters. ... The DST, however, operates at 134 kHz. Signals at this considerably lower frequency penetrate obstacles more effectively, which may facilitate eavesdropping ... " ...

... "Texas Instrument’s ISO 14443 payment platform promises faster data transfer rates and more security: Speedpass, for example, uses a 134-KHz RFID platform made by Texas Instruments. The data transmission speed is around 10 to 15 kilobits per second, according to Richardson. " ...

... "Mobil tags (supplied by Texas Instruments) are excited by and interrogated with a 134 KHz signal because of its ability to provide solid coverage. Early field trials, however, revealed interference problems when the much lower-power tag-to-reader link operated at that frequency. The tags now deployed still use a 134 KHz downlink, but a 902 MHz uplink solves the interference problem. " ...

... "Psion Teklogix: Understanding RFID and Associated Applications: Low-frequency RFID systems are typically 125 KHz, though there are systems operating at 134 KHz as well. This frequency band provides a shorter read range (< 0.5m or 1.5 ft) and slower read speed than the higher frequencies. LF RFID systems have the strongest ability to read tags on objects with high water or metal content compared to any of the higher frequencies. LF tags are typically slightly more expensive than HF or UHF tags. Typical low-frequency RFID applications are access control, animal tracking, vehicle immobilizers, healthcare applications, product authentication and various point-of-sale applications (such as Mobil/Exxon SpeedPass). " ...

RFID Education Training Platform ...

RFID Education Training Platform: GlobeRanger, Ohio University Team to Provide RFID Platform for Education and Training ...

Industry academic partnership for RFID education and training platform ...

... "GlobeRanger’s iMotion platform allows unprecedented flexibility for Ohio University to leverage in studying how RFID, barcode and mobility applicat