RFID Equipment and Services ...

RFID Equipment and Services: Packaging Equipment ...

Kolinahr offers portal, pallet labelling solution that offers integrated RFID technology in the packaging equipment ...

... "Designed for easy installation and flexibility, the Kolinahr RFID Portal is ideal for meeting Wal-Mart’s requirements for EPC-compliance in 2005. The singe- or dual-post, four-antenna system is designed to allow for adjustable antenna movement and orientation to achieve the best possible read rates of numerous RFID tags on a unit load. ... The SA2200-RF Dual Panel RFID Pallet Labeler is Kolinahr’s existing SA2200 Dual Panel Pallet Labeler fitted with an RFID-enabled printer. The SA2200-RF labeler can read, write, and print and apply an RFID tag-embedded barcode label onto one or adjacent sides of a pallet load. " ...

... Packaging systems will integrated RFID will make compliance initiatives, such as Walmart and DOD RFID compliance, more efficient.

Kolinahr Systems, a privately owned, Cincinnati, OH-based company, is a manufacturer of print and apply labelers and specialty pallet handling equipment. Kolinahr's engineers have a vast background in finished goods material handling. This experience provides the knowledge base to design and integrate equipment specifically for the manufacturing warehouse environment.

Walmart RFID Label Compliance: Worldlabel.com patents process for accurate embedding of RFID tags...

Worldlabel.com patents process for accurate embedding of RFID tags (Chips) into self-adhesive paper labels both reducing costs effectively and with increased reliability and consistency.

Worldlabel.com, New York, USA - a manufacturer of laser and inkjet labels and barcode labels with presence in the USA and in Asia through Innotech Resources PTE LTD in Singapore has received worldwide PCT patent pending rights for a system and method for batch conversion for embedding RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) to RFID Labels. This method to convert RFID tags to RFID labels allows the tag to be embedded into a paper label with varying sizes on rolls according to customer requirements.

This system provides a low cost method of converting RFID tags to be embedded accurately into a paper label even though each batch might uses varying size labels and require the RFID tag to be embedded in different areas of the label. The methods allows for mass conversion efficiently. In this manner there is a big reduction in material waste and a reduction in labor costs is achieved as well when compared to the current manual procedure of “Meet, Match and Stick”. Our invention is also user friendly and offers a much faster turn around for converting RFID labels especially when converting separate batches. As a result, the costs of RFID labels are significantly reduced thus making RFID labels a more favored option in manufacturing, logistics and other harsh environments where bar code labels might not perform.

”We are at the forefront of converting RFID labels. We have done several evaluations and tests and the results have been 100% positive” says Alex Choong, managing director and co-inventor. We are converting the RFID labels with the intention of meeting Wal-mart (NYSE:WMT) RFID labeling requirements which uses a UHF frequency. Wal-mart has requested that all their suppliers start using RFID labels by beginning of 2005. The request by the world's biggest retailer set off a scramble among companies including Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. to develop workable RFID systems. The conditions Wal-mart requires have been achieved by our new method of manufacturing RFID labels.

Typically, about 20% of the RFID labels in a rolls have defective chips, but there's often no way to differentiate the functioning and nonfunctioning tags until after they've been placed on products. Our system and methods of manufacturing increases the reliability and consistency of RFID labels to 100% accuracy. This is important to the end users and manufacturers because it increases their throughput, it decreases the operational time that they need to print those labels, and the reliability of the label helps them integrate other high-speed applications. You can print bar codes on our labels embedded with UHF Class 1 and Class 0 RFID tags with most popular thermal label printers.

“We are producing a high quality RFID label with excellent accuracy and at lower cost levels. We are excited, having increased the functionality of labels and started a revolution. We have production capacity and are ready to take on the onslaught.” Mr. Choong said.

For more information, please visit http://www.worldlabel.com/rfid.htm or contact: Russell Ossendryver, 336 Convent Ave, NY, NY, 10031, USA. TEL: 212-234 5775

About Worldlabel.com - Worldlabel.com is a leading manufacturer of laser and inkjet labels in over 40 sizes including CD, DVD, mailing, shipping labels and more in 18 different materials, Specialty pressure sensitive labels and thermal barcode labels. Its offices in Singapore, Innotech Resources PTE LTD handle all aspect of barcode and RFID system and integration and manufacturing for the Asian markets.

WalMart RFID Compliance: Russell Corporation to Deploy RFID Compliance Package Provided by ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... 27, 2004--Russell Activewear, a business unit of Russell Corporation (NYSE:RML), is deploying an RFID compliance solution provided by The Danby Group, a supply ...

... Russell Activewear, a business unit of Russell Corporation (NYSE:RML), is deploying an RFID compliance solution provided by The Danby Group, a supply chain systems integrator, with partner Franwell, an RFID software solutions provider. Franwell's rfid>Genesis solution is developed on GlobeRanger's iMotion(TM) Edgeware(TM) platform. The Danby Group had been working with Russell, a WalMart Top 100 supplier, to upgrade existing barcode technology inside its distribution centers when the retail mandates for RFID from WalMart were announced. ...

WalMart RFID compliance solutions are being tested by Russel Corporation.

Russell Corporation is a leading branded athletic and sporting goods company with over a century of success in marketing athletic uniforms, apparel and equipment for a wide variety of sports, outdoor and fitness activities. The company's brands include: Russell Athletic(R), JERZEES(R), Spalding(R), AAI(R), Huffy Sports(R), Mossy Oak(R), Bike(R), Moving Comfort(R), Dudley(R), Cross Creek(R) and Discus(R). The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RML.

The Danby Group develops enterprise RF, RFID and batch technology solutions. The company offers systems integration and value-added services to provide a complete turnkey solution. Since 1982, The Danby Group has been supplying Fortune 1000 and the federal government with secure document/inventory tracking systems, FDA compliance and manufacturing data collection systems.

Franwell is a leader in the research, development, and implementation of RFID technology that targets supply chain operations with special emphasis on the perishable foods industry. Franwell engineers have more than 20 years experience providing software solutions for a variety of suppliers, with more than ten years focused on the use of RFID for the purpose of providing real-time inventory visibility. Franwell expertise extends beyond research and development to the practical engineering of radio frequency applications for diverse business requirements. Our RFID systems demonstrate our commitment to provide the best available resources to help businesses reduce supply chain costs today.

RFID Technology: Miles Technologies Announces their Executive Briefing Tour on ...

From Emediawire (press release) ... The topics are: RFID, WMS Wireless Applications and Warehouse Management Solutions. Lake Zurich, IL (PRWEB) May 22, 2004 -- Miles Technologies, Inc. ...

Miles Technologies is a nationwide provider of wireless inventory control, barcode printers and RFID solutions. Miles' clients have partnered with us for over 20 years to optimize their inventory and warehousing efficiencies. From large, highly visible retailers, 3PL's, manufacturers and health care facilities to smaller local businesses, Miles helps businesses find the right solution integrating barcode scanners, RFID, wireless networks, barcode and label printers, labels and inventory control software.

RFID - Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID tags and RFID readers) allows tagged objects to be read, many at once without line of sight to a reader; no human interaction. common applications are: Inventory Control Shipping and Receiving, Parts Tracking and Identification, Product Stage Tracking and Identification, Quality Control Hospital Tracking and Identification, Compliance from Walmart, DOD and others...

RFID Tags are either passive or active. "Active Tags" are RFID Tags that have their own power source via a battery. "Passive Tags" are RFID Tags that have no independent power source and is powered from the reader when activated. Alien RFID Tags are being used today. RFID chip is another term for tags. RFID Chips are actually imbedded into the tag and store the product information.

RFID Web Seminar: Zebra Technologies Web Seminar Notes
RFID Deployments: Slap and Ship to Total Deployment Strategies to Achieve Compliance and Measureable Operating Improvements

Zebra Technologies Web Seminar, May 10, 2004
On Monday, May 10, 2004, Chris Hook, of Zebra Technologies, and Matt Reim hosted their second web seminar on RFID Technology, titled "RFID Deployments: Slap and Ship to Total Deployment, Strategies to Achieve Compliance and Measureable Operating Improvements"

Agenda is Components, RFID and Bar Code Comparisons, Measuring Improvements, fast-track with smart labels... Focus is on passive RFID tags and systems. Smarts labels have RFID tags embedded in the printed label. Simultaneous identification is when we obtain information from many tags all at same time.

RFID Tags and antennae go into RFID inlays which are then embedded into RFID labels. RFID Components include printers, RFID readers, and hand-held RFID readers. AIDC system VARs provide the RFID subsystems, which are then combined with middleware, which in turn integrated with enterprise business systems.

Barcodes are now ubiquitous. While RFID can replace role of barcodes, it is envisioned that RFID technology will have a much greater impact on business processes, especially the data capture touch points throughout the extended supply chain. The key is identifying the RFID-enabled data capture touch points. There is significant operating expenses associated with these touch points. Whever touching is prevalent, RFID technology can provide value. (Walmart benchmark: each barcode scan costs 5 cents)... Eliminate touches, increase cycle time, save money, increase velocity.

Bar codes and RFID can co-exist in a hybrid environment. Used Sanacorp, Germany as benchmark... Barcodes used on products, bins, and picking tote boxes. Errors still existed in the barcoding as-is state. Sanacorp assessed their barcoding current state. RFID tags were deployed to tote boxes and RFID readers provided routing. RFID technology drove error rates below 0.01%. Performance increased to allow one hour order turn-around in fifteen regional distribution centers. A hybrid solution encompassing RFID and barcoding can work well.

RFID can have a role in supply chain process management in measurement - event management, etc. Up to 30% lower inventory, 8% better on-shelf availability, 10% higher sales. Monitor, Measure, Control, Notify, and Modify are key steps in the lifecycle of RFID technology implementation. It is critical to move beyond the first three steps to achieve high returns on investment, ROI.

Slap and Ship RFID Compliance is minimum work required to meet RFID compliance requirements. Slap and Ship RFID techniques can be supported by optimizing the RFID system performance. What is in the box matters... Absorption and reflectance of the radio frequency waves must be considered and the reading performance must be understood. Pick the technology that will provide the broadest range of performance across your products. Make RFID tags pay for themselves before they leave you facility. Slap and Ship techniques, by themselves, add cost to material handling. Moving further down the RFID lifecycle will position your company to derive value of RFID before your product leaves your end of the supply chain. Drive your RFID implementation. Don't be driven.

Smart Labels are the best way to meet RFID compliance labeling requirements. A hybrid of RFID and barcoding is necessary during the technology transition period, before RFID becomes ubiquitous, like barcoding. Visual identification of printed labels will always be necessary. Airline bag tags have been in trials for a hybrid label with barcoding and RFID.

Zebra role is printing and encoding. Zebra printers will print the label on the RFID inlayed label, encode and validate the RFID data into the RFID tag. Validation and verification is critical step. In an EPC scenario, the EPC number is programmed into the RFID tag and is also printed in human readable and barcode formats on the smart label. Consistency in the data among these forms of data is essential.

RFID applications are surging in warehousing, express parcel handling, returnable container tracking, airline baggage tracking, libraries, video rental, event ticketing (counterfeiting), sensitive document tracking, mass transit ticketing. These are existing standards and recommendation for RFID application: ISO, EAN, UCC, DOD RFID Expert Group (REG).

Attended Zebra Technologies Webinar presentation today...

Here are the summary notes:

Zebra Technology: RFID Webinar, February 24, 2004 --- Webinar title: An Introduction to RFID and EPC: Streamlining Your Supply Chain

RFID is like a "wireless barcode". How it works = tag, antenna, reader, computer. Advantages of RFID: No line of sight, read through non-metallic objects, Fast = less than 1 millisecond to read, Data is carried in a tag. Is RFID technology ready for prime-time = Yes... 200 million rfid tags are in-use in automotive field. Mobil Speedpass is in-use with near 10 million customers. RFID provides simultaneous identification. RFID inlays combine a tag and antenna in thin form into an RFID smart label. Visual identification only with traditional product label. Bar code adds encoded data label. Smart label includes above, with an RFID inlay within the label form factor.

Opportunity for industry is in billions of dollars in supply chain inefficiencies. 100 sponsors came together with the MIT Auto-id Center to sponsor open standards definitions in the RFID space. Work has transitioned from MIT to the EPCGlobal organization. Metro, Walmart, and DOD are piloting RFID technology. Data capture touch-points exist throughout the supply chain, in manufacturing, distribution, retail, etc. Every touch point costs money in effort and time. RFID eliminates touches and saves time, which translates into money, increased supply chain velocity.

Marks and Spencer pilots have shown dramatic increase in business process performance. Walmart has shown leadership and strong commitment to RFID technology as a game-changing, disruptive strategy. They plan to drive change through their scale. Metro AG, Germany's biggest retailer, is aggressively implementing RFID with suppliers, similar to Walmart. The US Department of Defense is embarking on the same journey. The DOD space is more complex that retail value chain.

Zebra's RFID Solutions: Leadership in the bar code, card imaging, mobile printing, and RFID smart label space. Have 3 million printers in place worldwide. Zebra's RFID strategy: Zebra adds RFID to the on-demand printer. Combines human readable, bar code, and RFID into one converged form factor. Leads the market with 13.56 Mhz and UHF RFID products. UHF products support multi-protocols. Zebra revenues are over $500MM.

Zebra has working RFID printers today and a strong product roadmap. Zebra Alchemy innovation is targeted to optimize the total cost of creating smart labels on-demand at the point of application - these touch-points they have described. Zebra continues to innovate and invest in RFID technology. Are you ready for RFID? You need to consider these questions: What is the business problem. Why use RFID over bar codes. What is the business benefit. What standards should you leverage. What is the scope of your RFID opportunity. Do you want to implement RFID globally. Have you assessed the impact of RFID data on your information systems and infrastructure.