RFID Lab Villanova University: Stimulate Region Competitiveness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien ...

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 ...

RFID Research Program: Georgia Tech in Ireland ...

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

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

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

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

Additional university-sponsored RFID research programs ...

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

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

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

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 Intellectual Property Agreement: Pinnacle Manufactures ...

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

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

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

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

Active RFID: Location Aware Services ...

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

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

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

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

Radio Frequency Identification RFID Label: Certified Preferred ...

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

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

Nashua Corporation manufactures and markets a wide variety of specialty imaging products and services to industrial and commercial customers to meet various print application needs. The Company's products include thermal coated papers, pressure-sensitive labels, bond, point of sale, ATM and wide format papers, entertainment tickets, as well as toners, developers, and ribbons for use in imaging devices. Alien Technology® Corporation is a leading supplier of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware that enables consumer packaged goods companies, retailers and other industries to improve their operating efficiency throughout their supply chains. Through its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®), Alien fabricates high performance electronic product code (EPC) Class 1 tags in unprecedented volumes at very low cost.

RFID PrintApply Label Throughput ...

RFID PrintApply Label Throughput: FKI Logistex Introduces the Print-and-Apply Module: System automates label printing and application, increasing throughputs ...

... "FKI Logistex, a global leader in integrated material handling solutions, introduces the Print-and-Apply Module, a self-contained, fully-automated system designed to streamline and automate label printing and application in bar code, RFID or hybrid ID environments. " ...

FKI Logistex® North America is a leading provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying its customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, carousels, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order fulfillment systems, RFID implementation, EDS integration, baggage handling systems, warehouse control systems, and total material handling automation. FKI Logistex provides material handling solutions for airports, postal facilities, parcel distribution, manufacturing operations, library automation, and for warehouse and distribution facilities. With projects that include many of the world's largest and most advanced material handling operations, FKI Logistex has manufacturing, engineering and support facilities around the world.

RFID Material Tracking Solutions

RFID Material Tracking Solutions: Brooks Automation Showcases Latest Manufacturing Automation Solutions at SEMICON West

... An advanced automated material handling system (AMHS) that combines powerful routing and dispatching capabilities that enable semiconductor fabs to achieve high performance, automated tool-to-tool delivery of material, resulting in reduced cycle time and more efficient fab layouts. RF technology -- Standard and customizable RFID solutions for tracking and helping manage material movement. " ...

Brooks Automation (Nasdaq: BRKS) delivers automation solutions to the global semiconductor and related industries. The company provides hardware, factory and tool management software, and professional services to help manage every wafer, reticle and data movement in the fab, improving throughput and yield while reducing cost and time to market. Brooks' products and capabilities are used in virtually every semiconductor fab in the world.

RFID Wafer Tracking: Semiconductor Manufacturing ...

RFID Wafer Tracking: Semiconductor Manufacturing: Entegris Wins Competitive Bid From Silterra for KA200 Peek Wafer Carriers

... "Entegris advanced wafer transport technology provides excellent dimensional stability and rigidity, low particulation, minimal outgassing at high temperatures and high thermal capabilities, which enable the efficient transport of valuable wafers within today's fabs. Composed of STAT-PRO 3000a static, dissipative blend of PEEK and carbon fiber the KA200 is configured with embedded radio frequency (RFID) tags for optimum wafer carrier identification and tracking in the fab. " ...

Accelerate EPC Generation2 RFID Deployment

Accelerate EPC Generation2 RFID Deployment: Philips and Texas Instruments join forces to accelerate EPC Generation 2 RFID deployment: Industry leaders team up to drive standardization and ensure worldwide interoperability of ultra-high-frequency Electronic Product Code RFID standard ...

... "Two of the leading radio frequency identification (RFID) semiconductor manufacturers, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN), today announced an agreement to cooperate on conformance testing for the technical interpretation of the EPCglobal Inc Electronic Product Code (EPC) Generation (Gen) 2 RFID standard. This joint effort is aimed at ensuring interoperability and accelerating market deployment of Gen 2 products, such as labels, hardware and system solutions, to offer multiple sourcing for implementations of RFID throughout the world. The EPC Gen 2 standard, currently in the process of standardization by the International Standards Organization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for global adoption, is the newest and most advanced of the RFID specifications for the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band centered around 900 MHz. " ...

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world’s biggest electronics companies and Europe’s largest, with sales of EUR 30.3 billion in 2004. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 160,900 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions.

Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

RFID Border Control Biometrics UK Conference

RFID Border Control Biometrics UK Conference: OMNIKEY sponsors the Global Border Control Technology Summit in London: OMNIKEY, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, is sponsoring the Global Border Control Technology Summit, the premier meeting place for governments, technology vendors and system integrators to debate the ongoing concerns involving biometric passports ...

Omnikey sponsors UK conference to address the requirements of RFID-based border control with biometric technologies ...

... "OMNIKEY, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, is sponsoring the Global Border Control Technology Summit, the premier meeting place for international governments, technology vendors and system integrators to debate the ongoing concerns involving biometric passports. The conference will take place on July 11th to 12th in London at the Selfridge Hotel in London. The decision of governments worldwide to introduce high-security electronic travel documents based on RFID and biometric technologies, as well as to roll-out a new globe-spanning border control infrastructure, presents an array of technological and logistical challenges. " ...

The Global Border Control Technology Summit will enable all those involved in the rollout of technology-led projects to discuss critical practical, technical and commercial issues; and to find appropriate solutions to common implementation problems. High-profile attendees, including government representatives, from all over the world guarantee a unique insight in how the early adopters of biometrics for border control have introduced and implemented the technology. First-hand information on how the different products and solutions are working in practice can be expected. This event has been specifically designed and timed to coincide with the rollout of biometric passports and is therefore essential for Passport Issuing Authorities and Border Control Authorities. It will also be invaluable for any government organisation responsible for making the business case, selecting technology partners, procuring services for or managing any project involving identification technologies, services and products.

OMNIKEY, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, offers the most diversified product portfolio available on the market today. Having established a tight collaboration with key decision makers in the card manufacturing and software industries, OMNIKEY sits at the table of innovation. OMNIKEY’s smart card readers for PCs can be utilized by any application including logical access control, digital signature, GSM authentication, secure banking and online transactions, loyalty programs, and healthcare solutions. OMNIKEY, headquartered in Walluf, near Wiesbaden (Germany), is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG). OMNIKEY´s North American headquarters reside in Irvine, California with technical support in Atlanta, Georgia. The Asia Pacific operation is located in Hong Kong. Design, production management, and quality control of OMNIKEY’s products are carried out in the company’s two R&D centers in Linz, Austria and Erfurt, Germany. OMNIKEY readers are distributed worldwide through a global network of partners, including value added resellers, system integrators, and OEMs.

ITG is the world’s leading supplier of RFID components, products, solutions and services. Comprised of a dynamic group of companies including HID, Sokymat, ACG Identification Technologies, Indala, OMNIKEY and Interlock, ITG innovation spans the value chain of smart card and RFID-based systems for identification and security. Applications include physical and logical access control, supply chain management, animal tagging, national ID and e-passport programs, transport and various industrial and manufacturing applications. ITG Research in Denver, Colorado, focused on advanced research projects at the cutting edge of RFID and smart card technologies, and its SmartWorldAcademy in Prague, uniquely position ITG at the forefront of the secure identification industry. ITG headquarter offices are located in Walluf, Germany and Irvine, California. ITG is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, an international group listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange with some 30,000 employees and annual sales of about EUR 3 billion. The ASSA ABLOY Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of locking solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience.

Southeast US RFID Market

Southeast US RFID Market: FKI Logistex, Material Handling Solutions Worldwide: FKI Logistex to Open Atlanta Regional Office ...

... "FKI Logistex (www.fkilogistex.com), a global leader in integrated material handling solutions, announces that it is opening a new regional office in Atlanta, Georgia to increase support for the company's growing base of customers in the southeastern United States. " ...

FKI Logistex® North America (www.fkilogistex.com) is a leading provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying its customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, carousels, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order fulfillment systems, RFID implementation, EDS integration, baggage handling systems, warehouse control systems, and total materials handling automation. FKI Logistex provides material handling solutions for airports, postal facilities, parcel distribution, manufacturing operations, library automation, and for warehouse and distribution facilities. With projects that include many of the world's largest and most advanced material handling operations, FKI Logistex has manufacturing, engineering and support facilities around the world.

RFID Antenna Production: Secure Printing ...

Creo and XINK Laboratories Announce World's First Security Ink for High-Volume Flexographic RFID Antenna Production: New Covert Taggant Formulation Prevents Counterfeit RFID Tags ...

... "Creo Inc. (NASDAQ: CREO; TSX: CRE) and XINK Laboratories Ltd. presented a new class of secure flexographic radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna printing inks at the PISEC 6th World Product & Image Security Convention (www.pisec-world.com), held in Vienna, Austria recently. These new covertly tagged flexographic ink formulations target manufacturers and converters producing RFID-tagged smart packaging for use in supply-chains. This type of smart packaging has been mandated by Wal-Mart and, more recently, was recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pharmaceutical counterfeit protection. This new class of flexographic security inks and RFID tags is available exclusively through XINK and its worldwide authorized printing and manufacturing partners. Until now, one of the main concerns of the RFID industry has been the ability of counterfeiters to copy RFID tags by duplicating RFID numbering schemes. The new XINK antenna inks eliminate this possibility by integrating Creo Traceless covert tagging technology, elevating Traceless XINK-printed RFID tags into the same league as currency and security instruments. " ...

XINK advanced conductive and resistive ink formulations allow printing of complex electronic circuitry, including flexible paper sensors (package security), sensor grids (smart pharmaceutical packaging), keypads (electronic paper diaries), and UHF RFID antennas.

ULR RFID Technology Partnership Supports Supply Chain Condition Monitoring ...

RedPrairie and Wavetrend Partner to Provide Advanced Active RFID Solutions: RedPrairie Integrates Active RFID Systems from Wavetrend for Asset Visibility, Security and Supply Chain Condition Monitoring ...

... "RedPrairie, a global leader in supply chain technology solutions that enable business process transformation, and Wavetrend, a UK-based supplier of active ultra long range (ULR) RFID technology systems, announced a partnership agreement. According to the Agreement, RedPrairie will become a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) for Wavetrend's active RFID and data collection middleware technology. " ...

Wavetrend Technologies Ltd. is a global group conducting research and development of active Ultra Long Range (ULR) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, as well as manufacturing, selling, marketing and distributing these products and solutions. Wavetrend is a world leader in the field of ULR wireless identification and its vision of expanding its range of products and bespoke solutions based on this emerging technology continues to drive both R&D and marketing efforts. Since its inception in 1997, management and private equity investors have invested substantial amounts in the research and development, patent filing & protection, and marketing of the products. Subsidiary offices in the USA and South Africa are primarily focused on channel sales and support, with the UK London office acting as the global Headquarters.

For over 30 years RedPrairie has enabled leading global companies to create competitive advantage through supply chain excellence. RedPrairie’s comprehensive technology solutions provide rapid and sustainable return on investment by optimizing the performance of people, places and processes. RedPrairie provides industry-tailored solutions for diverse markets, including consumer goods, direct to consumer and traditional retail, food and beverage, high tech / electronics, third party logistics, industrial / wholesale, automotive and service parts, and pharmaceuticals.

Microsoft RFID Automotive Initiative ...

Microsoft Drives Insight and Innovation for the Automotive Community With Peak Performance Initiative ...

... "Removing obstacles that hinder the direct flow of information gives manufacturers visibility across the supply chain and enables them to realize near-instant reconciliation of raw material and finished goods inventories, further optimizing operational efficiency. Microsoft industry partners are helping automotive manufacturers see deeper into their supply chain, leveraging the latest technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) to provide manufacturers with real-time information that can impact product delivery schedules. To support these innovations, automotive manufacturers are leveraging Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server 2000, to capture data, and SharePoint Portal Server 2003, to distribute data to the appropriate business line managers. " ...

Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry for more than a decade. In manufacturing, Microsoft works with industry-leading partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that enable OEMs, suppliers and customers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge across the business. Through business applications, .NET technologies and enterprise platform support, manufacturers are able to accelerate time to market, collaborate globally with engineers, reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet, and increase visibility into their production and supply chain processes. From an in-vehicle technology perspective, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit works collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 25 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 13 world-class automakers and suppliers, including Acura, BMW, Citroën, Clarion, Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota and Volvo.

RFID Inventory Track Monitor For Shipping Containers ...

Fairfield Industries Acquires RFTrax ...

... "Fairfield Industries announced today that it has acquired RFTrax Inc., based in Allyn, Washington as a wholly-owned subsidiary. RFTrax develops systems utilizing multiple sensors, in concert with data management and alerting software, to provide an end-to-end solution that tracks shipments globally, protects valued assets, and ensures the integrity of the nation's supply chain. Using a combination of radio, satellite and RFID components with customized software and hardware, RFTrax provides visibility and security for the nation's intermodal transportation network." ...

Fairfield Industries Inc. is headquartered in Sugarland, Texas and offers a complete suite of seismic imaging services – from data acquisition to advanced data processing. Privately held, Fairfield is the leader in cable free acquisition system manufacturing and maintains the largest bottom-referenced, multi-client 3D seismic database in the Gulf Coast.

RFTrax Inc. is a premier supplier of intelligent sensors, inventory management and security solutions utilizing various wireless and web-based technologies. RFTrax solutions allow their clients to continually track the movement of, and monitor the security of, any item as it moves along the supply chain. RFTrax was initially founded to address security, tracking and inventory management issues for the Exhibit and Museum industries. Utilizing a combination of commercially available Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) components and customized software and hardware RFTrax developed a product to inventory, track, and monitor a shipping container and its contents from the moment it is closed for shipment to the moment it is received.

OATSystems RFID Framework Upgrade ...

OAT Unveils OAT Foundation Suite 4.5

OATSystems upgrades their RFID framework software ...

Industry’s First RFID Data Management System and RFID Design Environment Accelerates ROI and Eases Configuration and Management ...

... "OATSystems®, Inc., the recognized RFID framework leader, announced the latest version of the company’s flagship OAT Foundation Suite 4.5, with major new enhancements including an enterprise RFID data management system that integrates RFID data from trading partners and provides advanced analytics and reporting of goods movement and inventory, and an RFID design environment for easy configuration and integration of RFID-centric processes. Companies deploying RFID today face the dual challenge of identifying the long-term ROI of RFID while minimizing total cost of ownership of the solution." ...

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 Enables Lean Manufacturing System ...

Epic Data Introduces New Version of Materials Management System ...

... "Epic Data International Inc. announced the release of MMS version 2.0, the latest evolution of its P3-Materials Management System (P3-MMS) for lean manufacturing.

P3-CME creates a common, bottom-up view of information flow that provides managers with the visibility needed to synchronize and adjust production with real-time demands. It provides complete production process traceability and supports continuous improvement efforts in mass customization, outsourcing and lean manufacturing. Designed specifically for discrete manufacturing operations, P3-CME supports advanced auto-identification and capture, including all standard barcode types, magnetic stripe and radio frequency identification (RFID). " ...

For 30 years Epic Data has been a leader in automatic identification and data capture solutions for the world’s most progressive aerospace, automotive, high technology and heavy machinery manufacturers. We increase plant productivity and velocity while identifying the continuous improvement initiatives vital to winning in today’s competitive manufacturing environments. Epic Data’s enterprise mobility solutions for parking enforcement and route management increase productivity while improving customer service and worker safety by connecting mobile personnel to central offices in real time. People and technology make Epic Data a global leader in automated data capture solutions for the extended enterprise.

RFID Key-Fobs Available ...

CARDXX ANNOUNCES SAMPLING PROGRAM FOR CONTACTLESS RFID KEY FOBS FOR POINT OF SALE TRANSACTION MARKET ...

... CardXX, Inc. (CXCQ.PK) a leading smartcard manufacturer, announced that the Company has begun its sampling program of contactless RFID Key Fobs for the retail point of sale (POS) transaction market. Cardxx is working with a number of platform solutions providers to produce unique, branded and distinctive Key Fobs in various form factors to be used in branded loyalty and prepaid programs. The Key Fobs are uniquely designed to provide branded “key chain shelf space” along with contactless functionality. ...

CardXX provides secure encapsulation of advanced electronics through manufacturing and licensing secure and intelligent Smart Cards using its proprietary, patented encapsulation process known as the Reaction Assisted Molded Process (RAMP).

New RFID Developments Discussed By OakRidge CEO ...

New RFID Developments Discussed By OakRidge CEO ...

... This will be an important and exciting year for Oak Ridge Micro-Energy. Our company is at the forefront of a breakthrough in miniature energy storage technology that is being pulled into the market to fulfill the needs of national security, military, medical, and consumer electronics industries. Message 2: I am seeking a company that can produce and has stock of thin film rechargeable batteries approximately 48 X 85 mm X "thin" business card sized these will be used in an active RFID system and the quantities will be approx. 100 thousand units per year initially with a ramp up to 1 million units per year.

Mark Meriwether
President and Chief Executive Officer ...

Oak Ridge Micro-Energy Inc. produces thin film, solid-state batteries for commercial, consumer, industrial, homeland security, government, and medical applications. The Oak Ridge Micro-Energy thin film battery is rechargeable, lithium-based, and the active battery layers are manufactured to be significantly thinner than common plastic wrap. The company's batteries are intended for applications such as wireless smart sensors that operate in harsh environments, security cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, semiconductor non-volatile memory chips, and advanced medical devices. Initial production will target specialized high margin markets. However, continued expansion of the company manufacturing capacity, internally and through partnerships, will allow the company to reduce the manufacturing costs per battery and move into larger markets, such as RFID tags and smart cards. The company maintains offices in Oak Ridge, Tenn. and Salt Lake City.

Microsoft Manufacturing Enables RFID ...

Microsoft Manufacturing Enables RFID: Microsoft Accelerates Insight and Innovation for Manufacturers by ...

Microsoft affirms committment to manufacturing software solutions, such as RFID ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... standards and Web services, as well as several manufacturing-specific standards such as OPC, S-99, S-95, radio frequency identification (RFID), OAGIS and ...

... Today at National Manufacturing Week 2005, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) announced its Peak Performance Initiative designed to help manufacturers accelerate insight through advanced analysis services, drive innovation through collaboration, and improve performance via increased visibility into operations across the manufacturing value chain. Microsoft and its partners are delivering mission-critical solutions focused on four areas: new product development performance, plant floor operations performance, global value chain performance, and sales and customer performance. ...

Microsoft, in conjunction with industry-leading partners, delivers enterprise solutions to a range of manufacturers including those in vertical industries such as automotive, chemical, consumer packaged goods, high technology, and oil and gas. These industry-specific solutions provide a flexible, scalable and reliable platform that enables businesses to be more agile and connected. As a result, manufacturers are empowered to shorten product development cycles, integrate operations with partners and suppliers, acquire and share intelligence in real time, and more easily communicate with customers. Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

RFID Reprogrammable Memory Logic

RFID Reprogrammable Logic: UMC and Virage Logic Announce Qualification of Embedded Non ...

Advances in electronics support the lowering of RFID costs ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... "Design and application security, copy protection, Digital Rights Management and RFID all share the common requirement of small amounts of reprogrammable ...

... UMC (NYSE: UMC; TAIEX: 2303), world leading semiconductor foundry and Virage Logic Corp. (Nasdaq: VIRL), a leading provider of semiconductor IP platforms, announced the availability of Virage Logic's patented Non-Volatile Electrically Alterable (NOVeA) embedded memories for production on UMC's 0.18-micron (um) CMOS logic process. NOVeA is the industry's first commercially available embedded in system reprogrammable non-volatile memory (NVM) that is manufactured on a standard 0.18um CMOS logic process without any additional masks or process steps. ...

NOVeA employs a patented single poly floating gate Fowler-Nordheim technology for writing. NOVeA includes a powerful controller and instruction set in an architecture that provides 100% cell redundancy. The result is an extremely reliable, high yielding embedded NVM that can be manufactured on standard CMOS logic processes with ultra low manufacturing cost and power consumption. NOVeA RAM can be reprogrammed in-system up to 10,000 times, has specified endurance of 10 years and is designed for integration into deep submicron SoCs. The use of NOVeA and associated development tools and views provide users with a secure design solution while reducing overall SoC mask costs, silicon costs, design risk and design time.

UMC is a leading global semiconductor foundry that manufactures advanced process ICs for applications spanning every major sector of the semiconductor industry. UMC delivers cutting-edge foundry technologies that enable sophisticated system-on-chip (SOC) designs, including 90nm copper, 0.13um copper, embedded DRAM, and mixed signal/RFCMOS. UMC is also a leader in 300mm manufacturing; Fab 12A in Taiwan is currently in volume production for a variety of customer products, while Singapore-based UMC has just entered volume production. UMC employs over 8,500 people worldwide and has offices in Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States.

Founded in 1996, Virage Logic Corporation rapidly established itself as a technology and market leader in providing advanced embedded memory intellectual property (IP) for the design of complex integrated circuits. Today the company is a global leader in semiconductor IP platforms comprising embedded memories, standard cells, and I/Os and is pioneering the development of a new class of IP called Silicon Aware IP. Silicon Aware IP tightly integrates Physical IP (memory, logic and I/Os) with the embedded test, diagnostic, and repair capabilities of Infrastructure IP to help ensure manufacturability and optimized yield at the advanced process nodes. Virage Logic's highly differentiated product portfolio provides higher performance, lower power, higher density and optimal yield to foundries, integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and fabless customers who develop products for the consumer, communications and networking, hand-held and portable, and computer and graphics markets. The company's comprehensive quality efforts are validated in its FirstPass-Silicon Characterization Lab, which helps ensure high quality, reliable IP across a wide range of foundries and process technologies. Headquartered in Fremont, California, Virage Logic has R&D, sales and support offices worldwide.

RF Polymers Grow RF Sensors ...

CINT - Database of Government Nanotechnology Programs

... "RF Polymers for Integrated Sensors KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA: Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative uses for radio frequency (RF) polymers with application to integrated RF sensor technologies that provide increased functionality to reduce physical size, power consumption, signal loss, weight, and cost for structurally integrated apertures.

DESCRIPTION: The research will explore revolutionary concepts and conduct feasibility demonstration efforts of RF sensors that employ RF polymers to provide a low cost manufacturing capability. The effort will examine advanced RF polymer materials and RF aperture concepts for use on affordable, structurally integrated apertures. The effort will consider ideas that lead to a working aperture demonstration at the end of Phase II. This includes multi-function/integrated aperture concepts. Also, the effort could focus on the RF polymer conductive, dielectric or magnetic properties that will dramatically improve the above type of integrated apertures for final demonstrations. Limited material coupons or hardware breadboards will be fabricated to verify modeling results required. Selection of the demonstration vehicles shall be based on the developed RF polymers suitability for a specific integrated aperture and the availability of suppliers transferring these technologies from a research to a production environment. " ...

Flip-Chip: Enabling technologies and solutions for packaging of microsystems ...

Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging of Microwave, Optical and Digital Electronics (CAMPmode)-Enabling technologies and solutions for packaging of microsystems, including microelectronics

... "In this area, our focus is on concurrent electrical, thermal and mechanical modeling of flip-chip, ball grid array (BGA) and chip scale packaging technologies. Typical projects include (i) experimental and computational analysis of area array packages; (ii) solder self-alignment for packaging; (iii) thermosonic flip-chip bonding; (iv) novel metal-foam heat sinks for thermal management of electronic systems up to 100 W/cm2; and (v) characterization of laminate substrates for flip-chip and surface mount technologies." ...

RFID Vehicle Condition Monitoring ...

RFID Vehicle Condition Monitoring: Stemco Introduces BAT RF -- An Innovative New Line of Technology ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Stemco's BAT RF products use advanced sensor technologies and radio frequency identification (RFID) to collect and communicate critical data on vehicle ...

... Stemco, a technology leader in heavy-duty truck and trailer wheel products and an EnPro Industries (NYSE: NPO) company, has introduced an innovative new product line developed to reduce the cost of commercial vehicle ownership and improve vehicle safety. Stemco's BAT RF products use advanced sensor technologies and radio frequency identification (RFID) to collect and communicate critical data on vehicle condition and maintenance. ...

Stemco's BAT RF products provide accurate, accessible data to assist fleets in safe, productive operation and maintenance of vehicle assets. With offices and manufacturing facilities in Longview, Texas, Stemco is a leader in the technology and manufacture of heavy-duty truck and trailer wheel end products.

Additional resources on the use of RFID in vehicle condition monitoring ...

RFID tagging, rfid tracking, asset: structures occur every day from hand tools, vehicle components, machine ... Condition Monitoring Equipment - Products Avonwood design and manufacture a range of ...

ANSYS Industrial Division: countering of hazardous conditions, operator information ... Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) systems are used ... assets, such as vehicles, containers, raw ...

Digital Angel: CCIA has long recognized that RFID would be ... identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high ... and message monitoring of vehicles and aircraft ...

RFID Solution Enables Demand Fulfillment ...

RFID Solution Enables Demand Fulfillment: Click Commerce Acquires Optum, Inc.

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Optum's RFID-ready demand fulfillment solution will complement Click's existing portfolio of channel management and collaborative commerce solutions. ...

... Click Commerce, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKCM), a leading provider of collaborative extranet solutions, today announced it has acquired Optum, Inc. The acquisition expands Click Commerce's solutions portfolio to include Optum's on-demand, open-standards supply chain execution solutions. Optum has more than 600 global deployments of its supply chain and warehouse management systems. ...

Optum provides on-demand, open-standards supply chain execution solutions that enable, coordinate and optimize business processes both within the four walls of an enterprise and across a multi-tier supply chain network. By leveraging Optum's ECO eXecution Solutions and proven deployment methodology, companies can transform their supply chains into responsive and adaptive value-generating networks. Optum has more than 600 global deployments. Customers include market leaders such as Avnet, Bausch & Lomb, Dillen, Eagle Global Logistics, Home Shopping Network, InterState Battery, Invacare, LearJet, Lucent, NCR, Pier 1 Imports, Rheem, Ryder, StorageTek, TNT, Tyco Electronics, UniSource, VeriFone and Zales. Optum's more than 20 years of supply chain experience, advanced leading technologies and customer support allow companies to improve working capital control, speed order-to-cash cycles, and lower cost of deployment and ownership.

Additional resources on RFID-enabled demand fulfillment solutions ...

Turning signals into profits in the RFID-enabled supply chain: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Intelligent demand fulfillment & logistics ... value networks to be successful in leveraging RFID, the value ... the members need a cost-effective solution to conduct ...

Going the EXTRA Mile: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... One face to the customer for all demand- fulfillment issues ensures rapid ... RFID solutions can also improve manufacturing quality and streamline the supply chain ...

Five Points to Consider in Your RFID Project Plan: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... the value of their solution, and this ... need to be evaluated for RFID readiness include ... as warehouse, distribution, transportation, and demand fulfillment systems ...

Supply Chain RFID Forum Discussion at the Automation Summit ...

Supply Chain RFID at the Automation Summit: Al Frink, US Department of Commerce to Keynote at SME Automation & ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... RFID Forum (Radio Frequency Identification) "Making Waves: Integrating RFID into Your Supply Chain," and a Workshop "Extending the Lean Toolkit to the Whole ...

... Al Frink, assistant secretary, Manufacturing and Services, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., will deliver the keynote, "A Government Perspective -- The Role of Government in Automation and Assembly," on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m., at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) 2nd Annual Automation & Assembly Summit, "Achieving World Class Manufacturing with Advanced Automation." The event is being held at the Sheraton West Port Hotel Lakeside Chalet, St. Louis, Mo., on April 18-20, 2005. ...

SME established the Automated Manufacturing & Assembly Community (AMAC) to identify advanced and evolving manufacturing technologies and processes in the area of automation and assembly.

Asia Presence for RFID Manufacturing and Warehouse Systems ...

Asia Presence for RFID Manufacturing and Warehouse Systems: Apriso Announces Partnership Agreement with Mustang Technologies ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... for accomplishing the most pressing business initiatives of today: compliance, product genealogy, in-line production sequencing, real-time, RFID-based asset ...

... Apriso and Mustang Technologies Co. Ltd. have signed a partnership agreement appointing Mustang Technologies as an authorized Apriso FlexNet Implementation Services partner throughout the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, Mustang was awarded Apriso Certified Services Partner Status after successfully completing Apriso's functional training course for FlexNet software. FlexNet combines the essential aspects of advanced warehouse systems with the critical functions of advanced manufacturing systems, so manufacturers can synchronize material flows with their production schedules. As a Certified Services Partner, Mustang will be engaged in FlexNet implementation projects throughout the region for Apriso customers as well as for its own customers. ...

Mustang Technologies is a privately owned, Thailand Board of Investment promoted, technology company that focuses on providing outsourced software and e-commerce services. Mustang Technologies operates a software factory in Software Park Thailand, near Bangkok, that offers high quality, affordable software development services in one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Mustang Technologies' MUSTANG COD MODEL gives global clients, looking for an affordable alternative to in-house software development, an opportunity to manage their software development projects using highly skilled, affordable, local development teams. Mustang Technologies' senior management team has more than 50 years' experience in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry.

Apriso's FlexNet enterprise software enables global corporations to define, operate and monitor supply, production and distribution processes in real time, without limits. Using an event-driven, distributed services model, FlexNet provides such fine-grained visibility and control of both execution processes and key performance indicators that it is an ideal platform for accomplishing the most pressing business initiatives of today: compliance, product genealogy, in-line production sequencing, real-time, RFID-based asset management, lean supply, successive refinement (kaizen), six-sigma quality levels, demand-driven supply (the "Dell" model) and the adaptive enterprise. Apriso FlexNet integrates quickly, easily and naturally into an enterprise's existing software infrastructure, and effectively extends the scope of systems such as enterprise resource planning into the furthest reaches of the extended production and supply network, as required. But unlike existing systems, which are based upon a top-down, plan-driven operations orientation, Apriso's event-driven, process-based architecture accommodates any operational model that is based upon real-time collaboration between execution processes, real-time visibility into performance, or the requirement to define, refine, or immediately control workflows throughout the enterprise, and across borders.

Conference Program on RFID Integrated into the Supply Chain ...

Conference Program on RFID Integrated into the Supply Chain: SME's Automation & Assembly Summit: Achieving World-Class ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Also featured: Two special full-day programs -- the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Forum, "Making Waves: Integrating RFID into Your Supply Chain," and a ...

... The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) will bring the 2nd Annual Automation & Assembly Summit, "Achieving World Class Manufacturing with Advanced Automation," to the Sheraton West Port Hotel, Lakeside Chalet, St. Louis, Mo., on April 18-20, 2005. Smart manufacturers need to be lean, flexible and agile and U.S. companies need to improve manufacturing efficiency to improve their competitiveness. The 2nd Automation & Assembly Summit offers solutions for manufacturers. ...

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the world's leading resource Where Manufacturing Comes Together - both people and information - to advance manufacturing knowledge. Since it was formed in 1932, SME has worked to make engineers, companies, educators and others successful in their quest to advance the manufacturing industries.

Additional resources on RFID integrated into the supply chain ...

RFID for Supply Chain: The benefit is that RFID doesn’t require line of sight, as ... technology is already saving companies money and time when integrated into the supply chain. ...

Supply chain software firms back RFID: Auto-ID connectors for SAP R/3, version 4.6c or higher, and mySAP ERP allow the RFID tools to be integrated into existing supply chain systems. ...

Supply Chain RFID: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Companies in all segments of the supply chain are proving ... evaluate if they could benefit from RFID and how it could be integrated into business processes. ...

RFID Deployment ...

RFID Deployment: RFID Interest High, Deployment Levels Increasing According to ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... into effect next month for suppliers to Wal-Mart and the US Department of Defense (DoD), interest in and progress toward deployment of RFID (Radio Frequency ...

... With mandates going into effect next month for suppliers to Wal-Mart and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), interest in and progress toward deployment of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is relatively high, according to a survey completed this month by Larstan Business Reports. About three-quarters of the 669 supply chain and information technology executives responding to the exclusive Larstan survey believe that having an effective advanced infrastructure in place to support RFID mandates, such as those from Wal-Mart and DoD, is "very important" or "important." ...

Additional RFID deployment resources ...

RFID Deployment: RFID Deployment Step 1: Analysis In what areas are you considering using RFID? For ... forecasting. RFID Deployment Step 2: Planning. ...

Full-Scale RFID Could Take a Decade: But full-fledged RFID deployment—across outbound shipments, inbound deliveries and manufacturing for a whole product lineup—could easily take not just one ...

Deploy RFID - the RFID Deployment Center - Home: The RFID Deployment Center is an infrastructure for designing, testing, validating, and deploying RFID supply chain systems, software, and individual ...

RFID deployment center aids fulfillment: Distribution Center Logistics, and grocery carrier Transport Industries have established a radio frequency identification (RFID) deployment center to help ...

GeometricSCM Chosen to Run Dallas RFID Deployment: GeometricSCM Chosen to Run Dallas RFID Deployment Center Solution Supports Third-party Logistics Warehousing SIS Technologies, DC ...

Accu-Sort announces creation of RFID Design Center

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (December 15, 2004) -- Accu-Sort Systems (ASI) today announced the creation of an RFID Design Center at its manufacturing facility in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. The center, which will focus resources on innovative product development, is part of Accu-Sort's commitment to the convergence of RFID and bar code systems.

"The RFID Design Center is a center of excellence within Accu-Sort," said Bob Joyce, president of Accu-Sort Systems Inc. "What the industry will see is a leader in operational excellence. What our customers will see is a new line of products that are simpler and easier to install and use."

In creating a separate business unit dedicated to RFID and auto ID, Accu-Sort is gathering experts from across the company to focus on research and development. The team is also deploying specialized equipment to help customers meet compliance mandates, including a high-speed loop for advanced research. The high-speed conveyor, outfitted with the latest Accu-Sort cameras, lasers and antennae, will enable Accu-Sort to replicate for customers real-world conditions in the center.

The RFID Design Center will enable us to produce new products faster," said Steve Kowalke, RFID business unit manager. "All of our new products are focused on meeting customer needs, and all of them are focused on auto ID. We live and breathe this stuff." The center will be staffed with employees from R&D, Application Engineering
and Marketing. It will leverage the expertise of researchers from Camera and Laser divisions, among others. It will also build a critical mass of expertise
within R&D.

"The center will give us the focus and energy of a startup, while leveraging the field force and our manufacturing expertise," Joyce said, noting that parent company Danaher Corporation has increased its RFID funding at Accu-Sort by 500 percent in 2004. "We expect it will accelerate our growth through faster new product development."

About Accu-Sort: Accu-Sort Systems is a pioneer in reliable AutoID and high-speed compliance solutions with more than three decades of experience deploying and supporting scanning and tracking solutions in distribution, warehousing, manufacturing and retailer environments. The company is also an established provider of convergent RFID and bar code systems with more than 40 RFID installations.

RFID Gen 2: Impinj Demonstrates Working Generation 2 RFID Technology

From Market Wire (press release) ... semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products, today ...

... Impinj, Inc, the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products, today announced a significant milestone in the advancement of RFID technology with its demonstration of prototype UHF Generation 2 products on December 2, 2004 at MET Laboratories, the certification partner of EPCglobal Inc™. Gen 2, the newest and most advanced of the EPCglobal RFID specifications for the UHF (ultra-high-frequency) band, is the preferred standard of many worldwide retailers. ...

Impinj, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its two synergistic business lines: high performance RFID products and cost-effective semiconductor intellectual property (SIP). Impinj's semiconductor chips power high performance, enhanced-functionality RFID systems that fulfill the global mandates promulgated by the consumer packaged goods and retailing industries. The company is a leading contributor to the emerging RFID standards for high volume supply-chain applications worldwide. Impinj's innovative SIP products, core to the company's RFID tags, are licensed to leading semiconductor companies worldwide, allowing them to cost-effectively integrate crucial nonvolatile memory (NVM) alongside analog and digital functionality on a single chip. Impinj's SIP products include the popular AEON™ memory, the world's first rewritable NVM technology compatible with logic CMOS manufacturing.

Wi-Fi RFID: AEROSCOUT INTRODUCES THE INDUSTRY’S MOST ADVANCED WI-FI-BASED ACTIVE RFID SOLUTION ...

New AeroScout Engine 3.0 Provides a Complete Suite of Visibility Solutions for a Multitude of Applications

San Mateo, Calif. – December 8, 2004 – AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, today announced the AeroScout Visibility System (AVS), an integrated suite of hardware and software products based around the company’s new AeroScout Engine 3.0. AVS is the industry’s most flexible and complete solution for Wi-Fi-based visibility of assets and people, and the only solution to enable three different location types as well as telemetry functionality, to fit all user application needs.

“Our customers have sophisticated requirements that range from accurate real-time asset location, to vehicle telemetry, to automated inventory counts, to personnel tracking—and they need a single wireless infrastructure that can do it all,” said Andris Berzins, VP of Marketing and Business Development, AeroScout. “AeroScout has introduced the first integrated solution that can meet all of these needs with a single infrastructure, bridging Wi-Fi location and Active RFID at a low total cost.”

AVS is a flexible set of hardware and software products that utilize standard Wi-Fi networks to accurately locate and identify assets or people in indoor and outdoor environments. At the foundation of the system lies the new AeroScout Engine 3.0, the core server-based software that provides location and telemetry processing based on data collected over standard wireless radio frequencies. With the release of version 3.0, the AeroScout Engine has added innovative, new and improved features that bring unparalleled capabilities to users. These include:

· Multiple Location Modes – AeroScout customers can now utilize three different modes of location within a single installation, to best fit the precise needs of any set of applications. Real-Time Location mode offers industry-leading accurate positioning; Presence mode offers Active RFID-style zone detection; and the use of AeroScout Exciter hardware enables Choke-Point detection for doorway and gate coverage.
· Telemetry – AeroScout tags now have the capability to retrieve wired serial data and transmit it over the 802.11 air interface to the AeroScout Engine. For example, this enables vehicle fleet managers to wirelessly transmit vehicle data such as mileage and fuel automatically on a periodic basis or as a vehicle enters and exits the lot.
· Event Management – The AeroScout Engine now contains a centralized Event Management tool for configuring system and application level events from a single console, including alerts and notifications.
· Updated User Interface – The Engine GUI has been updated to provide an even greater ease of use and more refined user experience to AeroScout customers.
· Updated APIs – AeroScout has expanded its set of APIs, enabling application partners to retrieve more complex visibility information and control AeroScout Engine operations via the API.

AeroScout’s innovative products enable customers to immediately take advantage of the Visibility System’s unparalleled flexibility. These products include AeroScout’s industry-leading Wi-Fi-based Active RFID tags, the AeroScout Exciter for choke-point RFID detection and the AeroScout Tag Activator for wireless configuration of large batches of tags. Multiple industries, including manufacturing, health care, logistics, retail and others, utilize AeroScout products to help manage their valuable assets and gain better visibility of their operations, thereby lowering costs, increasing efficiency and driving revenue.

American Port Services (APS), announced as an AeroScout customer today, is a perfect example of the benefits that can be realized with AeroScout solutions. APS, a third party logistics provider, has chosen AeroScout to accurately track the real-time location of hundreds of trailers in their Savannah-based cross-docking facility, operated on behalf of the world’s largest retailer. APS expects to drastically improve efficiency, increase utilization and throughput, and reduce costs with this implementation. For more information, please see Dec. 8 press release “American Port Services Chooses AeroScout’s Active RFID Solution for Yard Management”.

AeroScout Engine 3.0 and the AeroScout Visibility System are currently available for purchase.

About AeroScout
AeroScout provides award-winning enterprise visibility solutions that utilize Wi-Fi wireless networking standards to deliver accurate location-based solutions. The AeroScout system includes real-time location services (RTLS), telemetry, long range active RFID and choke-point visibility all in a single integrated cost-effective infrastructure. AeroScout’s standards-based applications locate valuable assets and people in indoor and outdoor environments, enabling customers in numerous industries to drive revenues and cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA. For more information, please visit www.aeroscout.com.

AeroScout is a registered trademark of AeroScout, Inc. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information is subject to change without notice.

AMERICAN PORT SERVICES CHOOSES AEROSCOUT’S ACTIVE RFID SOLUTION FOR YARD MANAGEMENT

RTLS: AeroScout to Provide Wi-Fi-Based Real-Time Location System for Cross-Docking Facility Operated by APS for World’s Largest Retailer ...

San Mateo, Calif. – December 8, 2004 – AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, today announced that American Port Services (APS), a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has deployed its visibility system at a 60-acre cross-docking facility in Savannah, GA operated by APS on behalf of the world’s largest retailer. APS chose AeroScout and partner AGI Worldwide to implement the system, which accurately tracks the location of hundreds of trailers in the facility in real-time in order to improve efficiency, increase utilization and throughput, and reduce costs.

“The AeroScout system is an outstanding solution to a pressing problem in the logistics and transportation industry, and automates a manual trailer-tracking process that used to take a full team of people and hours every day,” said Ty Cobler, Director of Operations, APS. “We expect that AeroScout’s innovative Wi-Fi-based solution will deliver huge efficiency gains for our facility, and provide a quick return on investment.”

The AeroScout Visibility System will enable APS to benefit from accurate and reliable trailer location data at a low total cost of ownership. With only 20 AeroScout Location Receivers, APS has full visibility of the facility’s 1000 trailer spaces spread over 60 acres. When a trailer enters the facility, it is fitted with a small radio device-- AeroScout’s Wi-Fi-based Active RFID tag. As the trailer moves throughout the yard, the tag’s location is accurately tracked in real-time using standard WLAN protocols, allowing APS to easily locate the trailer for loading and unloading. Information about a trailer’s location and contents is integrated with existing yard management systems and shared with partners or customers.

“Third party logistics providers have to compete through the efficiency of their processes, and AeroScout technology will help APS serve their major retail customers even more effectively,” said Andris Berzins, VP of Marketing and Business Development, AeroScout. “This deployment illustrates the strong value that can be achieved through the use of accurate, reliable asset visibility based on standard wireless networking protocols.”

AeroScout was chosen as the technology provider for APS by partner AGI Worldwide, a supply chain consulting organization. AGI researched the real-time location services market on behalf of APS, and chose AeroScout based on a combination of reliability, high performance and a low total cost of ownership. “AeroScout is far ahead of the pack in offering a full-featured, flexible location system that delivers the combined power of Wi-Fi and Active RFID for yard management environments,” said John Bryant, CEO of AGI.

“The AeroScout solution is more than just an asset tracking application. Combined with tightly integrated yard management, warehouse management, and visibility tools we are able to deliver significantly enhanced value to both APS and their customers by increasing yard turns, improving transloading quality, and increasing yard management efficiency,” stated Bryant.

AeroScout also announced today its newly-expanded AeroScout Visibility System, the only visibility platform on the market to enable multiple types of location with a single Wi-Fi-based infrastructure. As APS grows, it will be able to take advantage of these new capabilities by utilizing the existing AeroScout infrastructure for further location-based applications such as personnel tracking and tag-based vehicle telemetry. APS is already planning to use AeroScout Exciters for choke-point visibility, sending alerts as trailers pass through certain locations. For further details, please see Dec. 7 press release “AeroScout Introduces the Industry’s Most Advanced Wireless Visibility Solution”.

About AeroScout
AeroScout provides award-winning enterprise visibility solutions that utilize Wi-Fi wireless networking standards to deliver accurate location-based solutions. The AeroScout system includes real-time location services (RTLS), long range active RFID, telemetry and choke-point visibility all in a single integrated cost-effective infrastructure. AeroScout’s standards-based applications locate valuable assets and people in indoor and outdoor environments, enabling customers in numerous industries to drive revenues and cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA. For more information, please visit www.aeroscout.com.

About AGI Worldwide
AGI Worldwide is a leading global provider of Supply Chain Execution (SCE) solutions and services. We provide clients with a full range of consulting and technology implementation services helping to improve operational and logistics performance. We have extensive experience in a wide range of services, including strategic planning, solution design and development, integration, software selection and implementation, process re-design and improvement. Industries of expertise for AGI include 3PL, consumer product goods, distribution, manufacturing and retail.

About American Port Services
American Port Services (APS) specializes in developing and operating high volume distribution centers and cross-docking facilities. With over 1,500 trained associates, 600 doors, four million square feet of warehouse space and the most advanced warehouse management systems available, APS is the leading logistics company for the Southeast, covering the major ports. Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk and Houston are the sites of our distribution facilities, offering cross-docking, drayage and inland transportation.

AeroScout is a registered trademark of AeroScout, Inc. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information is subject to change without notice.

Press contacts:
Joshua Slobin
AeroScout, Inc.
650-571-0800 x108
press@aeroscout.com

Kevin Wilson
AGI Worldwide
678-319-9443 x.201
kw@agiworldwide.com

RFID Compliance Services: AGI Worldwide completes RFID compliance initiative at American Port Services’ Norfolk distribution facility ...

AGI Worldwide, a leading Supply Chain Services and Solutions company based in Alpharetta, GA, announced the successful RFID pilot and implementation at American Port Services (APS), a leading East Coast Third Party Logistics provider (3PL). AGI was hired to assist APS in meeting and exceeding a major retailer’s RFID compliance mandates in their distribution centers in order to offer RFID compliance services to their customers.

AGI provided project management, vendor management, integration and testing services, as well as warehouse management process changes (software and procedures). “We were starting to fall behind our deadlines - an easy thing to happen considering we had 7 different vendors involved, including Alien, Printronix, International Paper, HighJump, Loftware and GlobeRanger,” stated John Edwards, Assistant Director of Operations for APS. “Kevin Wilson, RFID specialist with AGI, took over the project. He and the AGI staff brought the project back under control, and helped us successfully meet our October 1 RFID pilot deadline for one of our key clients who is a top supplier for a major retailer,” stated Edwards.

“We are very pleased at the success of this RFID project. Most RFID projects you read about seem to take longer than expected, and go over budget, due to the somewhat changing and untested state of RFID, as well as the involvement of multiple vendors. We were able to pull all the participating vendors together, fill in existing project gaps, and execute efficiently coming in on time.” stated Kevin Wilson, Vice President and RFID specialist for AGI. “APS now has a solid RFID infrastructure fully integrated with their warehouse and yard management software, enabling them to accommodate future RFID compliance initiatives they have planned with other major retailers,” stated Wilson.

About AGI Worldwide
AGI Worldwide is a leading provider of Supply Chain Execution (SCE) solutions and services. They provide clients with a full range of consulting and technology implementation services helping to improve operational and logistics performance. AGI has extensive experience in a wide range of services, including strategic planning, solution design and development, integration, software selection and implementation, and process re-design and improvement. Industries of expertise for AGI include Third Party Logistics (3PL), consumer product goods, distribution, manufacturing and retail.

About American Port Services
American Port Services (APS) specializes in developing and operating high volume distribution centers and cross-docking facilities. With over 1,500 trained associates, 600 doors, four million square feet of warehouse space and the most advanced warehouse management systems available, APS is the leading logistics company for the Southeast, covering the major ports. Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk and Houston are the sites of our distribution facilities, offering cross-docking, drayage and inland transportation.

Contact:
Kevin Wilson
Vice President
AGI Worldwide
www.agiworldwide.com
678-319-9443 x.201
kw@agiworldwide.com

RFID in ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

From Industrial College of the Armed Forces ...

... "However, the real DoD challenge is getting low-cost and timely access to specialized, low-density electronic components. Many of the next generation warfighting systems will depend on customized electronics because they are space, weight, and shape constrained. These new platforms include stealth aircraft, robotic vehicles (air, land, sea and underwater) and objective force warriors. These emerging DoD systems will require small phased array radars, conformal sensors and antennas, radio frequency ID (RFID) tags, wearable computers, and advanced displays to provide the military with a competitive edge. Flexible manufacturing systems are needed that can satisfy DoD production requirements." ...

RFID Alliance: Zebra Technologies and ThingMagic Join Forces to Tap Lucrative ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Largest and Most Recognized Brand in the Bar-code Industry Partners with RFID Pioneer to Offer Advanced Smart Label Printer/Encoders VERNON HILLS, Ill. ...

... Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in specialty printing solutions for business improvement and the design and manufacturing of RFID smart label printer/encoders, today announced it has entered into an alliance with ThingMagic LLC, a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedded computing technologies, to deliver label printing solutions for the fast emerging market of RFID smart labels. ...

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

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

RFID Smart Cards: CARTES 2004, Leading Exhibition For Smart Card Markets ...

The CARTES 2004 show presents a complete and international view of the entire industry: card manufacturers and issuers, RFID and biometrics technology, manufacturing machines, components manufacturers, supply manufacturers, card personalising, engineering, terminals and readers. The CARTES show has been compbined with the IT Security 2004 show.

... The development of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for contactless products and solutions, combined with biometrics capabilities, represent recent advanced techniques. A special session focusing on RFID and biometrics technologies will be held at Cartes & IT Security 2004, from 2 to 4 November, at Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition centre, France. ...

Advanced Smart Card References

Trends in the RFID Smart Card market: Significant developments and trends include dominance for the JavaCard platform for high-end SIMs. There is evolution from low- to high-end cards, despite the slow start of third generation USIM (Universal Subscriber Identification Module) cards shipments. A significant breakthrough in CDMA markets has occured with the development of R-UIM (Roaming Universal Identity Module) cards. The vision continues for the use of SIM technology as the key to digital networks which are trusted by users and operators to provide security while protecting customers' privacy.

RFID Conference: PeopleSoft Manufacturing Experts to Share RFID Perspectives at ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... logistics and retail industries, Dicello leads product marketing for the company's logistics solutions, including RFID, transportation, warehousing, inventory ...

... WHAT: APICS: "RFID's Benefits Beyond the Dock Door"
Wyatt and Dicello will discuss how to optimally prepare plants
and warehouses to accommodate evolving RFID standards.

UCLA WINMEC (Wireless Internet for the Mobile Enterprise
Consortium) RFID Forum: "Integrating RFID with Enterprise IT -
the CIO Perspective, Advanced RFID Technologies"
Carlson will offer key insights into the evolution of RFID
technology and the associated challenges and benefits.

WHEN: APICS: Tuesday, October 12, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. PDT
UCLA WINMEC RFID Forum: Tuesday, October 12, 2004, 3:30 p.m. -
4:30 p.m. PDT ...

Wireless Internet for the Mobile Enterprise Consortium (WINMEC) is pleased to announce its 1st RFID Forum (radio frequency identification) (http://wireless.ucla.edu/rfid), to be held at UCLA Los Angeles on Tuesday October 12, 2004. This one-day event will explore the current-state-of-the-art, future opportunities and trends in RFID technology. Impact of RFID on supply chain management, food supply industry, security, pharmaceutical industry, and others will be discussed. Industry leaders will discuss the various mandates from Wal-Mart, DoD, Target, etc., and their current status. You will also hear about the important issues such as ROI, effective business models, implementation strategies, adoption cycles, deployment problems, etc.

PeopleSoft provides business solutions with the flexibility to fit your business today and the adaptability to change with your business over time. More than 12,200 organizations worldwide—from mid-sized manufacturing companies to the largest service enterprises in both the private and public sectors—are using PeopleSoft solutions to build stronger and more profitable businesses.

Long-Range RFID: Atmel Serves Broad Range of RFID UHF Applications by Introduction ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML - News) announced today the availability of its new UHF RFID IDIC® ATA5590, named TAGIDU, that ...

... Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML - News) announced today the availability of its new UHF RFID IDIC® ATA5590, named TAGIDU, that serves a very broad spectrum of long-range RF Identification applications. TAGIDU can be used in a frequency range of 800 MHz to 1 GHz and is suited for worldwide use. Its flexibility and the outstandingly low power consumption enable to achieve a unique read/write performance with extended distances up to 10 meters. The ATA5590 is a result of the research and development of the European-funded project Palomar, and also of Atmel's long-term research in the area of RFID. TAGIDU uses Atmel's unique and flexible UHF platform concept, named AIDU. ...

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, California with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets worldwide, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system-level integration semiconductor solutions using CMOS, BiCMOS, SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

RFID Labels: ALS Are Ahead of the Game in RFID

From PR Web (press release), WA ... Ltd (ALS) are already well equipped with both product knowledge and materials to make labelling using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as easy ...

... Advanced Labelling Systems Ltd (ALS) are already well equipped with both product knowledge and materials to make labelling using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as easy as possible for their customers to implement. RFID based data capture systems have numerous advantages over traditional bar codes, including simultaneous multiple data reads, the ability to read beyond lines of sight and the capacity to carry far more information. ...

Advanced Labelling Systems Ltd (ALS) is one of Europe's leading suppliers of high quality, competitively priced labelling systems, consumables and contract labelling services. The company has its European manufacturing base at Thame, in Oxfordshire, where everything from design to manufacture is handled. ALS manufactures a World Class range of special purpose labelling solutions for tube, rotary and pallet labelling applications.

Animal RFID: Digital Angel Corporation Signs Distribution Agreement With ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Plough to increase the pet health and safety of all companion animals." Digital Angel has been developing and manufacturing a series of RFID (radio-frequency ...

... Digital Angel Corporation (Amex: DOC) announced today that it has signed a 10-year exclusive product supply and distribution agreement with Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP). The new agreement allows Schering-Plough Animal Health to continue to be the exclusive distributor of Digital Angel electronic identification products (microchips and scanners) for companion animals throughout the United States. The agreement calls for annual purchases to increase at least 20 percent per year for 2005 and 2006. ...

Digital Angel Corporation develops and deploys sensor and communications technologies that enable rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets. Applications for the Company's products include identification and monitoring of pets, fish and livestock through its patented implantable microchips; location tracking and message monitoring of vehicles and aircraft in remote locations through systems that integrate GPS and geosynchronous satellite communications; and monitoring of asset conditions such as temperature and movement, through advanced miniature sensors.