RFID Asset Tracking System by 3M

3M brings RFID asset tracking solution to market. ...

... "Composed of 3M software, RFID or barcode tags and their corresponding readers, the Asset and Inventory Tracking System allows businesses to streamline their operations by efficiently monitoring and managing assets and inventory. The system can be used in a variety of ways to track assets and manage critical inventory. Its compatibility with both RFID and barcode tags allows companies greater flexibility in selecting a system to meet their needs. Either 3M or third-party hardware and tags can be used by the software ... " ...

Via 3M: Visibility of assets and critical inventory

Mobile-Enabling Objects with RFID

Alcatel-Lucent creates new capabilities for its touchatag (tikitag), such as two-dimensional barcode support, application programming inteface extensions, and new business applications for mobile enablement of objects. ...

... "touchatag is an online Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) service. This service makes it possible for the creation of applications that enable the launch of online applications with a simple touch of an RFID enabled device, such as a mobile phone. Items tagged with an RFID chip provide users with one touch, fast and easy access to on-line information, registration, ticketing and payment.

The new 2D barcode tag creation capability enables an RFID tag to be read by a mobile phone camera with a 2D barcode reader. With this capability, the touchatag online service then selects the right application to initiate, given the tag reader ID and the context. For example, a user can be seamlessly linked to a person's social network by reading a 2D barcode tag on a photo on a business card. Additionally, consumers can use a Firefox plug-in to quickly link a RFID tag to a website directly from their browser. " ...

Via Alcatel-Lucent: touchatag contactless applications

Event Experience video

Hyundai RFID Enables Supply Chain Management

Hyundai-Kia Motors Group, South Korean vehicle manufacturer, implements RFID technology to provide visibility throughout the automotive parts supply chain. Transitioning from applied bar code labels, Hyundai Group's Glovis company will automate its distribution process with RFID to acquire real-time distribution information. ...

... "In March 2007, Glovis, an affiliated company of Hyundai/Kia Motors Group in charge of the supply chain management (SCM), will begin receiving RFID tagged boxes of automotive parts from more than 200 suppliers. In the first phase of the project, approximately 130,000 UPM Raflatac DogBone UHF RFID tags will be applied to parts boxes and packaging cases from five major suppliers for exportation to Hyundai/Kia Motors' overseas factory in Alabama, USA. In the second phase, 20 million UPM Raflatac RFID tags will be used annually to track all boxes and containers of automotive parts through the supply chain. Using RFID technology, Glovis will be able to track corrugated cardboard boxes of automotive parts through the major SCM processes, including delivery to the distribution centre, the repacking process, leaving the distribution centre, delivery to the overseas distribution centre and final delivery to Hyundai/Kia Motors' overseas factory. In the RFID-enabled SCM, the completion reports for each process are automatically collected by passing the parts boxes through an RFID interrogator gate. " ...

Via UPM Raflatac: UPM Raflatac RFID tags enhance supply chain management at Hyundai/Kia Motors

Integrated RFID: UID and Workflow

EPCSolutions introduces an integrated solution that enables DoD suppliers to manage all aspects of UID creation, registration, validation and UID labeling requirements. The data is seamlessly integrated into RFID labeling and Wide Area Workflow (WAWF). ...

... "The integrated solution provides MIL-STD-129P compliant RFID labels and MIL-STD-130M compliant UID marks/labels. The solution also provides a combined RFID/UID WAWF remittance and material handling document to the DoD, as well as hard copy generation of the DD250. The solution supports all major brands of RFID and bar code printers, as well as, several popular direct part mark etching devices. " ...

Via ePCSolutions: DoD RFID, UID and WAWF Integrated Solution Now Available ...

3M RFID Library Productivity

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

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

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

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

3M: Wyoming's Largest Public Library Chooses 3M RFID for Expanded Facility:

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

RFID Drug Authentication eCustoms

IBM announces solution that provides ability to share and analyze real-time RFID sensor data to enable drug authentication and e-customs for clients in the pharmaceutical value chain. ...

... "The new technology, WebSphere RFID Information Center, is based on a recently completed EPCglobal standard called EPCIS, which provides a standard way to securely communicate the data created by sensors and RFID tags, and tie it to existing business information and trading partners. The growing trend of item-level tagging will create exponential growth in sensor data well beyond that generated from conventional barcode technology. This creates a need for a new way to manage this explosion of data in a manner that does not overwhelm a business and its supply chain partners. In addition to managing the massive amount of data RFID creates, two other barriers to widespread RFID adoption to date have been the lack of standards and data sharing capabilities. RFID Information Center solves all of these issues, clearing the way for wider-spread RFID adoption in various industries.

The IBM WebSphere RFID Information Center has already been successfully deployed for a number of early-adopter IBM clients across several industries, including consumer packaged goods company Unilever, the e-customs project ITAIDE in Europe, and Big Three pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen. " ...

Via IBM: IBM Enables Drug Authentication, E-Customs With Release of New RFID Technology ...

RFID Context Aware Location Services

Sybase enhances its RFID Anywhere solution to support advanced services that enable context-aware locating capabilities. Location information is given a business context in applications that support asset management, access control, resource management in industries, such as logistics, healthcare, and other supply chain environments. Location information will integrate sensor technology data associated with assets. Assets will be identified and associated with fixed locations and temporal information to provide location and timing insights. Conditions can be monitored and alerts will be provided based on events. ...

... "RFID Anywhere 3.0 breaks new ground with the delivery of a context-aware Location Information System. Using RFID Anywhere, businesses can not only track assets from a range of data collection points [such as passive RFID, active RFID, real-time location systems (RTLS), barcode, global positioning systems (GPS) and environmental sensors], but can dramatically enhance the value of this data by associating environmental inputs (e.g., temperature) along with the location data. In addition, the RFID Anywhere 3.0 Location Information System exposes its complete feature set via a rich service oriented architecture (SOA) web services layer allowing organizations to easily transform static business information into business-aware intelligence. " ...

Via Sybase: Sybase iAnywhere Pioneers Context-Aware Location Information System with RFID Anywhere 3.0 ...

RFID Anywhere simplifies the development, deployment, configuration and management tasks for highly distributed, multi-site, intelligent sensor networks, and abstracts the interaction with the physical network of devices. With support for over forty devices, this powerful infrastructure enables the creation of intelligent sensor networks out-of-the-box. By using RFID Anywhere, sensors are able to work together as an intelligent network by combining, organizing and coordinating these technologies through a common management structure, advanced feature set and event-driven development framework.

RFID Tag: Radiation Resistant

AdvantaPure introduces the GammaTag, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag that is safely sterilizable by gamma radiation. ...

... "GammaTag provides reliable electronic identification and data storage of single-use/disposable components used in critical process industries, such as pharmaceutical, bioprocess/biomedical, food and beverage, and medical device. GammaTag easily attaches to components such as sample and production bags, tanks, filters, manifolds, tubing and hose, storage vessels, and to complete single-use systems. Several attachment methods - silicone tape, watchband style holders, pouches, and lamination - are available. GammaTag withstands gamma radiation up to 45 kGy (kilograys) and temperatures from -20°C (-4°F) to 85°C (185°F). GammaTag's read/write ability makes it unique, as data may be written directly on the tag, unlike read-only bar code labels or tags. In conjunction with a handheld tag reader and software (known as PET, Process Equipment Tracking), GammaTag allows access to the current status of process components on the spot - simply aim the reader towards the tag to recall information or to write new data to the tag. " ...

Via AdvantaPure: AdvantaPure Introduces the Only Read/Write RFID Tag That's Gamma-Radiation Resistant ...

RFID Out-of-Box Solution: SMB Market

Intermec partners to create an out-of-box RFID compliance experience for suppliers to the retail industry and the Department of Defense. This is especially critical for small and medium sized businesses (SMB market) as this RFID kit enabled them to accelerate their RFID compliance efforts. The kits include everything required to meet RFID compliance mandates, generate and apply Generation-2 RFID tags, and verify tag information. This is a time-saver as it enables an SMB customer to accelerate to the integration testing phase. ...

... "To generate a label, customer order information and the customer-stipulated label format is transmitted by the Intermec portable terminal to the PM4i printer's on-board encoder, which translates the information and prints it into an RFID-readable tag, barcode or human readable label. The printer's embedded reader then scans and verifies the tag's information before it is placed on a carton or pallet. The Intermec 751, operating with an attached IP4 portable reader, or the IF5 fixed RFID reader then re-verifies the order information and confirms shipment. The Informs kit comes with stand-alone PC-based compliance software that includes all standard retail and DOD-compliant label formats, so users have easy and immediate access to compliant label formats. The software can act as a stand-alone shipping application and interoperates with all ERP software for complete system integration. A key component of the system, EPC Solutions' Tag Manager software contains GTIN and SSCC smart labels information and allows users to immediately begin shipping cases and pallets with standards-compliant, up-to-date labeling. " ...

Via Intermec: Intermec and Informs Deliver Affordable, Streamlined RFID Compliance Kit

Construction RFID: Materials Tracking ...

BT Auto-ID uses RFID technology to increase the efficiency of the construction job site, through on-site material tracking and in-bound supply chain management. ...

... "Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), existing bar-code technology or a combination of both, BT Constructnet provides real-time information on the status and location of materials and assets as they flow through the supply chain and as they move around vast construction sites. This data can be accessed at all points in the supply chain and used to ensure delivery of the right materials, to the right place at the right time, cutting the amount of items lost in-transit or on-site and reducing payment disputes. The solution works by enabling manufacturers to identify each unique batch of materials, taking an RFID tag or bar-code reading before goods are dispatched. Items such as bags of cement or tools are scanned again as they are loaded onto the delivery vehicle, generating an automated confirmation of receipt for the driver. They are then read as they pass through each point of the supply chain until the point of delivery at the construction site. Once on the site, remote readers can pinpoint where specific items or materials are being stored. Data is accessed via the internet using BT Auto-ID's collaborative data exchange platform. " ...

Via BT Auto-ID Services: BT Constructnet lays firm foundation for construction site efficiency ...

FIATECH Project Deliverables: "Field Tests of RFID Technology for Construction Tool Management: The purpose of these tests was to investigate the technical feasibility of using RFID technology to automate tool management processes. RFID technology offers the possibility that tools and valuable supplies tagged with RFID devices could be issued and received from central storage and the issue/receipt documented without intervention or help from a tool storage attendant. "

Printed RFID Tags: Near Future?

Printed RFID tags to enable low-cost item level tagging may be within reach. ...

... "While a printed RFID tag will never be as inexpensive as a bar code - since bar codes require only one color of a conventional ink that may already be used to produce product packaging - printed RFID tags would bring item-level tagging to a wide range of products that, today, are economically out of reach. " ...

Via AIM: RFID: Objects in the Future May Be Closer Than They Appear ...

RFID Smart Stadium Access ...

Fortress implements RFID and barcode technology to support stadium access using smart solutions. ...

... "Smart Stadium Solution goes Global: We have gone global with the full installation of our Smart Stadium Solution at the Maccabi Haifa Stadium, Israel. Implementation involved a full upgrade of all turnstiles to KABA full height turnstile including integration of our dual RF and barcode readers. " ...

RFID Smart Stadium Access: Via Fortress GB: Fortress revolutionises stadium access ...

RFID Asset Protection ...

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

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

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

Technology Patent Dispute ...

Intermec and Symbol resolve their barcode patent dispute. ...

... "In September 2005, Intermec and Symbol resolved the portion of their dispute that concerned radio frequency identification (RFID). At that time, Symbol joined Intermec's Rapid Start RFID intellectual property licensing program. That cross-licensing agreement gave Symbol access to Intermec’s RFID IP and gave Intermec access to Symbol’s RFID IP. " ...

Symbol Technologies and Intermec Resolve All Outstanding Intellectual Property Disputes ...

RFID Oracle EdgeServer Success ...

Noel SA, South American CPG company, successfully uses Oracle RFID edge services to understand the application of RFID to logistics business processes. ...

... "Noel SA used RFID-enabled Oracle Warehouse Management (WMS), part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, as the logistics platform for the pilot, which included tagging 2,000 pallets of Ducales cookies that were sent to the distribution center in Medell? Colombia. Noel SA used Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, to connect and manage all the devices on the RFID system, including tag printers and readers. Data captured from the system was processed by Oracle WMS and synchronized with the Oracle enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. Each pallet received a passive RFID tag, which included important order information such as the lot number and product expiration date.



The RFID-tagged pallets were read throughout the supply chain from the production floor to the final distribution center to ensure proper delivery of orders. Once the pallet arrived at the distribution center of Medell? it was read again to reconcile the sales order and fulfillment information held in the Oracle order management system. At the conclusion of the pilot, Noel SA uncovered that the bar code process prior to the RFID pilot was being executed incorrectly, rendering inventory and shipment data inaccurate. Noel SA gained valuable visibility into its operations such as inventory management and order fulfillment using RFID. The company plans to begin the roll out of a full-scale RFID system in the future. " ...

Via Oracle: Noel SA Successfully Completes RFID Pilot Based on Oracle Solutions

RFID Technology Healthcare Purchasing Partnership ...

Healthcare purchasing organization partners with Zebra Tech for RFID technology needs. ...

... "According to The Institute of Medicine, medical errors cause up to 98,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. Bar coding applications have been shown to substantially reduce costly and dangerous medical errors, and the recent 17th Annual HIMSS Leadership Survey found that medical error reduction and patient safety will remain top business objectives for hospital IT executives in 2006. Zebra's bar coded wristbands, unit-dose pharmacy labeling and employee badge solutions help enable patient safety improvements at the bedside and throughout the hospital with patient registration/identification, medication labeling, lab specimen collection, radiology film labeling and surgical instrument tracking applications. Bar coding and RFID are at the heart of many patient safety initiatives, says David Crist, vice president of sales at Zebra Technologies. Zebra is committed to working with Amerinet and its members to deliver these solutions in a way that minimizes medical errors and enhances safety. Zebra is a leading manufacturer of specialty thermal printing solutions including wireless, mobile and high-performance label and wristband printers designed to meet the needs of the healthcare market. Zebra also offers printing supplies, including highly durable, ready-to-print ZBand Direct wristbands, which were awarded the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Product Leadership of the Year Award in the field of medical informatics. Use of these wristbands ensures accurate patient identification and enables healthcare providers to meet patient safety and privacy standards, such as those set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In addition, Zebra's newly introduced antimicrobial wristband coating further improves the safety and quality of care by reducing the spread of dangerous and costly hospital infections. " ...

RFID Technology Healthcare Purchasing Partnership: Via Zebra Technologies: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES AND AMERINET ANNOUNCE NEW TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT: Zebra to provide Amerinet members with its full line of bar code, card and RFID printers, supplies and services ...

RFID Garment HangTags Manage Inventory ...

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

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

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

RFID Albrecht SpyChips ...

RFID Spychips debated ...

... "Albrecht has been a leading opponent of RFID, which is fast becoming a part of passports and payment cards, and is widely expected to replace bar-code labels on consumer goods. " ...

RFID Albrecht SpyChips: Via Free Internet Press - RFID Is The End Of Times ...

RFID Marks and Spencer Trial ...

Marks and Spencer continues its progress in trial of RFID technology. ...

... "Marks and Spencer is extending its trial of item-level passive RFID tags, called the Intelligent Label Project. " ...

Via CIE: Components in Electronics: M&S extends RFID trial ...

Marks and Spencer goes to market with a disposable RFID intelligent label. ...

... "Marks & Spencer is trialling RFID within the supply chain as the next generation of barcode. In that application, RFID uses tags (a tag is a microchip combined with an antenna) to wirelessly transmit product item numbers. These item numbers are unique to each product (unlike barcodes, which only unique to the product type). The tags developed for the garment trial are contained within throwaway paper labels called Intelligent Labels. The RFID tags can be read over a short distance by a remote scanner. Traditional optical scanners, used with barcodes, require each barcode to be held a few centimetres from the scanner: with RFID Marks & Spencer is trialling scanners that can operate at a distance of up to approximately half a metre. The scanner can read the tags simultaneously, and at speed, allowing regular updating of stock information. " ...

RFID Marks and Spencer Trial: Via Marks & Spencer: BACKGROUND TO MARKS & SPENCER'S BUSINESS TRIAL OF RFID IN ITS CLOTHING SUPPLY CHAIN ...

M&S meets with success and extends the trial to more stores and increases functional capability to leverage RFID technology in prevention of stock-outs. ...

Marks & Spencer: Marks & Spencer's business trial of RFID in its clothing supply chain: "Marks & Spencer is trialling Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) within its supply chain as the next generation barcode. We are using technology responsibly to give a better service to our customers through improved product availability. During 2004 an item level RFID trial on men's suits was conducted across nine stores. From Spring 2006, the number of stores participating in the trial will extend from nine to 53. Product availability is a key issue for customers, the extension of this trial will help us to investigate the potential of RFID further. "

Marks & Spencer: MARKS & SPENCER DEVELOPS INTELLIGENT CLOTHING: "Marks & Spencer is the largest retailer of clothing in the U.K and has pioneered many innovations in technology, such as Lycra and the machine Washable Suit. RFID tagging of garments will be one of the earliest applications of this technology in the world. Marks & Spencer has won a funding package from the Department of Trade & Industry to help develop this project. The DTI chose Marks & Spencer to develop RFID in retailing because it sells only own brand products and has an integrated supply chain, which will allow broad and deep research. RFID tags in clothing labels will hold information on a microchip, which will give each garment a unique serial number. This will enable Marks & Spencer to manage its stock more effectively in stores and throughout its distribution chain. When the RFID tag is scanned the information is stored in a database giving Marks & Spencer a complete overview of stock management. "

RFID Integrator Program ...

Printronix provide RFID service and support through its RFID integrator program, which creates total solutions for customers ...

... "Printronix's extensive RFID certified partner and integrator community will demonstrate RFID solutions using Printronix's SmartLine printer family, including the SL5000r MP2 RFID printer and SLPA7000r MP2 print, encode and apply printer. These printers are the industry's first designed specifically to EPCglobal(TM) Gen 2 encoding specifications. Both printer families feature EPCglobal Gen 2-certified hardware and RFID smart encoding technology, and address a wide range of applications and global frequency requirements. Printronix has taken the lead in RFID service and support by developing a Certified RFID Integrator Program. The company has established robust, dynamic partnerships with leading integrators to offer customers a total solution: Printronix's market-leading RFID solutions with top-quality integration service and support. In addition, Printronix RFID Technology Partners deliver best-of-breed RFID technology to the global marketplace. Printronix has developed strategic alliances with leaders in bar-code quality and RFID tags to give customers the most reliable and lowest-cost RFID solution for the supply chain. " ...

RFID Integrator Program: Via Printronix: Printronix Strengthens RFID Leadership Position with Dominant Presence at RFID World: Printronix RFID Printers Will Be Featured in 17 RFID Solution Demonstrations ...

RFID IBM AS400 Solution ...

Partners collaborate to deliver RFID solution for the IBM AS400 architecture ...

... "Enterprise Information Systems, Inc. (EIS), a national RFID systems integrator, and T.L. Ashford, the leader in bar code labeling software for IBM midrange systems, announce a partnership to provide a complete RFID compliant solution for the AS/400 and iSeries community. EIS's Compliance 1st is a RFID compliance package that bundles hardware, service and software together to take advantage of T.L./Ashford's RFID printing and encoding capabilities to help AS/400 and iSeries users achieve fast, easy-to-use and cost-efficient RFID systems. T.L. Ashford's Barcode400 RFID option prints and encodes the RFID Smart Labels with data directly from the iSeries system. T.L. Ashford also provides Smart Label templates for companies such as Wal-Mart, Target Stores, Department of Defense and others. After label printing and encoding is complete, Enterprise Information Systems then provides the components that enable point of action verification of the RFID data and interfacing back to the AS/400. " ...

RFID IBM AS400 Solution: Via EIS: EIS Partners with TL Ashford

RFID Tag Reader Mobile Device ...

... "With WINDEV mobile it is possible to better utilise the specific functions of Windows CE. Net on the Datalogic Jet PDA and use the bar code reader and RFID tag reader. " ...

RFID Tag Reader Mobile Device: Via Datalogic: The Datalogic Jet PDA now Compatible with WINDEV Mobile ...

RFID Smart Label Print Server ...

Loftware plans RFID product launch at upcoming RFID World ...

... "A proven brand leader for its ability to integrate from a centralized software platform both RFID Smart Labels as well as traditional bar code labeling, this latest release of the Loftware Print Server further extends these capabilities by adding software support for fixed mount RFID reader technology from companies like Alien, Symbol, AWID and ThingMagic. As a result, companies implementing pilot programs can use multiple hardware devices with a single software solution from Loftware. Loftware's highly integrated, multi-device platform encodes and now reads both Smart Labels and RF Tags to perform real time use cases, including building, receiving, and verifying pallets. The Loftware Print Server is a server-based software solution for managing and processing barcode label and RFID Smart Label requests from corporate applications. An enterprise-class solution, LPS 8.4 is a highly-scalable and fault tolerant system designed to handle thousands of requests targeted to hundreds (or thousands) of printers, whether local or remote, with all of the appropriate queuing, status, and recovery features expected in advanced enterprise systems. Key to its leading market status is the product's seamless integration of Department of Defense (DOD) and EPC specifications via universal interfaces for HF, UHF, and GEN 2 RFID whether printing smart labels or encoding RFID tags. " ...

RFID Smart Label Print Server: Via Loftware: New Product to Make First Public Debut at RFID World, Booth 310 on Feb. 27th: INNOVATIVE LPS 8.4 SOLUTION FROM LOFTWARE, THE ONLY USER-CONFIGURABLE PRODUCT IN ITS CLASS TO SUPPORT BOTH LEGACY BAR CODES AND RFID SMART TAGS, NOW INCLUDES RFID TAG READER SUPPORT ...

Plastic RFID Electronics Demonstrated by Philips

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

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

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

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

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

Additional references on plastic RFID technology:

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

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

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

RFID Competency Center ...

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

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

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

RFID Tracks Produce ...

ScoringAg addresses trackback needs in produce industry through RFID integration ...

... "ScoringAg's Point-to-Point Traceback system keeps the produce ID and/or RFID number from the field through the processing stage or storage, to the transporter's log through every processing stage, from the grower to the table, all for just pennies per record. Each produce label can carry an SSI-EID number and/or barcode that corresponds to that one item's total history of food handlers and its quality. " ...

Produce Handlers Using ScoringAg are Ready for FDA Traceback Regulations: Those nut, fruit, and vegetable operations that receive, hold, and ship raw agricultural commodities, such as sweet corn, green beans, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, peppers, apples and other crops, are mandated by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 to register all their facilities, and keep proper records wherever food commodities and produce are received, cleaned, stored, blended, and processed, and then shipped again ...

RFID Savings Program: Discounted Rates ...

... "The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) announced a new program designed to help member companies implement Radio Frequency Identification technology (RFID) and save money at the same time. AAFA has signed an agreement with Avery Dennison – Retail Information Services, a leading supplier of labels, tickets, and tags to the Apparel & Footwear industry, to provide sharply discounted rates for RFID labels to AAFA member companies. These rates are available exclusively to AAFA members who are producers and providers of apparel and footwear products. Under the agreement, Avery Dennison will provide Gen 1 RFID labels as well as the new Gen 2 AD-220 label. AAFA members that need to meet RFID requirements can use these labels for shipments to customers such as WalMart, Target, and the Department of Defense. Minimum orders can be as low as 5,000 labels. " ...

RFID Savings Program: Discounted Rates: Via American Apparel and Footwear Association: AAFA and Avery Dennison Launch New RFID Savings Program (RSP) for AAFA Members ...

Avery Dennison - Retail Information Services provides a global offering of information management, brand identification and solution-enabling products. Brand identification products include woven and printed fabric labels, heat transfers, graphic tags, integrated bar code tags, leather patches, sock bands, size stickers . . . and more. Among the company's Information management products are RFID and bar code price tickets, and carton and pallet labels; webenabled order entry systems; and the InfoChain Express supply chain management solution. Solution enabling products include RFID printers and print/apply systems, bar-code printers, heat-transfer bonders, molded plastic fastening and application devices, anti-counterfeiting and diversion tools. The organization operates ticketing centers and service bureaus in 35 countries and maintains mature, highly reliable global distribution processes throughout Asia, North and South America, Europe and Africa. Avery Dennison Corporation is a Fortune 500 company and member of EPCglobal.

Gen2 RFIDReader Chipset: RangeMaster2 ...

RangeMaster2 is Generation 2 RFID reader chipset ...

... "Anadigm announces immediate availability of RangeMaster2, the company's second generation RFID reader 3.3 volt chip set solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single universal reader that can be customized to read different radio frequency identification (RFID) tag types, with different modulation types and frequencies. RangeMaster family fully supports HF and UHF protocols- EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) and ISO18000-6 standards. RangeMaster2 is the second in a family of RFID reader solutions that Anadigm is developing for the rapidly expanding RFID markets. RFID technology is revolutionizing markets as diverse as retail sales - by managing inventory and electronic payments via mobile phones - to medical applications by ensuring that hospital patients receive the correct treatments and medications.

RangeMaster2 is a two-chip set comprised of a dynamically programmable analog signal processor (ASP) in conjunction with an RFID State Machine. This enables system designers to develop a universal RFID tag reader that can support multiple protocols and frequencies for Universal Fixed Readers, Portable/Handheld Readers, Combination Bar Code and RFID Reader/Scanners. By allowing standardization around a single printed circuit board to support multiple end products and markets, RangeMaster2 simplifies and improves product development. This next generation of RangeMaster not only reduces development time and ownership costs of fixed systems, but also enables portable designs by reducing supply voltage requirements and power consumption. " ...

Gen2 RFIDReader Chipset: RangeMaster2: Via Anadigm: Anadigm Introduces Second Generation Chipset for Universal HF and UHF RFID Reader Systems: RangeMaster2 - a Dynamically Programmable Analog Signal Processor Solution that Enables Fixed and Portable "Universal" RFID Reader Applications ...

RFID NordicID Handheld Reader: PL3000

NordicID introduces lightweight mobile handheld RFID reader, model PL3000, to enable retail data collection. ...

... "In coming years, RFID will revolutionise product coding in the retail business in the same way that traditional black and white bar codes did when they were introduced in the 1970s. With RFID, products are identified with special radio tags, which are read by handheld equipment and other devices. When the tags pass through a Radio Frequency (RF) field generated by a compatible reader, they transmit information stored by the tag to the reader, thereby identifying and giving details about the object to which they are attached. With RFID automation of logistics and customer service in retail can be taken into a new level of performance. Nordic ID is one of the first companies to introduce a sophisticated handheld computer designed for this new data collection concept. It is smaller and more light weight than other UHF RFID readers introduced so far. Currently, the handheld supports ISO18000-6 B, UCODE and EPC 1.19 standards. ISO18000-6 A, EPC Class 1 Gen 1 and EPC Class1 Gen 2 versions will be introduced shortly.

Nordic ID's PL3000 weighs only 500g and its level of power consumption and ergonomic design allows it to be used for long periods with a single hand. In the PL3000, Nordic ID has combined powerful data collection, processing and storing capacity with a variety of wireless communication technologies including WLAN and Bluetooth for local environments and GPRS or GSM for remote applications. In addition to the UHF RFID reader, the PL3000 can be equipped with barcode and 2D code readers. All the functionalities are integrated into a highly ergonomic and user friendly, mobile instrument. " ...

RFID NordicID Handheld Reader: PL3000: Via Nordic ID: Nordic ID launches revolutionary handheld computer with UHF RFID reader ...



With major investments planned for the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the retail, warehouse and distribution markets, Nordic ID, the leading Finnish specialist in handheld terminals and data collection, has launched the PL3000 handheld computer for UHF data collection systems. This is believed to be the first device of its type that can be used on European frequency bands and provide truly mobile data collection.

RFID Device Service: Industrial Ethernet Network Capable ...

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

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

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

RFID Application Overview: DigitalAngel CEO ...

Digital Angel CEO provides RFID application overview at upcoming conference. ...

... "Digital Angel Corporation (Amex:DOC), an advanced technology company in the field of rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets, announced that President & CEO Kevin McGrath will present an overview of the Company’s applications in RFID (radio frequency identification) and the RFID technology industry as a member of the luncheon panel at the Raymond James RFID & Barcode Conference on Tuesday, December 13 at the Marriott on Lexington Hotel in New York City located at 525 Lexington Avenue. The panel will be held from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the hotel’s Astor Room. " ...

RFID Application Overview: DigitalAngel CEO: Via Digital Angel: DIGITAL ANGEL CEO KEVIN MCGRATH TO DISCUSS RFID INDUSTRY TRENDS AT THE RAYMOND JAMES RFID & BARCODE CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY ...

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, livestock, poultry and humans 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.

RFID Airline Luggage: Low ROI?

Airlines are not aggressively investing in RFID given their financial situation. ...

... "Radio frequency tags, or RFID, could reduce the losses, but the airlines aren't really using that because of their financial situation, Cantrell said. Delta, which is operating under bankruptcy protection, tested RFID bag-tracking but put off using it in favor of technology projects which return value more quickly than RFID would, Black said. " ...

RFID Airline Luggage: Low ROI?: Via Statesman: Lost luggage lands in Alabama

Via Computerworld: Delta to Test RFID Tags on Luggage: "Delta will give RFID devices a trial run on selected flights from Jacksonville, Fla., to its headquarters hub in Atlanta. It said the 30-day test will involve the use of more than 40,000 disposable RFID tags that operate at 900 MHz and are being made by two vendors: Matrics Inc. in Columbia, Md., and SCS Corp. in San Diego. "

Delta Says RFID Devices Pass First Bag-Tag Test: "The success rate of the RFID technology was far better than the 80% to 85% accuracy rate that's typically provided by bar code scanners, according to officials at Delta and the IT vendors that took part in the test. Pat Rary, manager of baggage strategy at Atlanta-based Delta, said the trial run at the airport in Jacksonville, Fla., also met a key requirement: It was invisible to the airline's check-in agents and required no new training. "

Via Silicon.com: Delta promises end to lost luggage with RFID: "The company announced that it is to spend between $15m and $25m to roll out an RFID system across its American network. When the system is installed, it will be able to track bags from check-in, where RFID tags will be attached, until they are dropped off at the baggage carousel at the customer's destination. "

RFID Cost Analysis ...

Cost analysis for an animal RFID application. ...

... "In one example, a 62-animal herd equipped with RFID and all the herd recordkeeping equipment could cost $24.10 per animal per year, while a 1,250-animal herd would have a $3.43 per animal per year cost. In the latter example, the ear tag itself is the most expensive part because all cattle share expense of the recordkeeping equipment. " ...

RFID Cost Analysis : Via Capital Press: Ranchers sort through choices of ID programs

"Animal RFID Electronic Identification": "Study the implementation constraints of the electronic identification system from the technical and organizational levels. Cost-benefit analysis of an electronic identification system. "

Farnam Livestock Tracking Systems: "Fixed costs are those associated with the various components (e.g., hardware, software, management, etc.) that are constant, regardless of the number of animals. These costs will vary tremendously across operations due to variability in herd size. Economies of size exist with regard to the fixed cost components of an RFID system such that the per-unit costs will be lower for larger operations."

Automatic Identification: When to Use RFID | Fall 2004 Perspectives | ICF Consulting: "RFID, which allows passive data collection technology, would have minimal impact on operations. While the cost for RFID tags and infrastructure are higher than barcode, its impact is less severe since only nine million containers and pallets are in circulation, and tags will be reused many times before replacement."

RFID Transformation Underway ...

Stephanie Irwin explores the transformation that is underway as the tiny RFID chip is adopted in industry by companies, such as Walmart. ...

RFID Transformation Underway: Via Dayton Daily News: Chip off the new block ...

... "Retailers like WalMart have laid out a road map for RFID, the track-and-trace technology that has turned into a hot research field. RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is considered by retailers and their supply chain to be the biggest retail revolution since the first UPC bar code was scanned in a Marsh Supermarket in Troy in June 1974. " ...

RFID Supply Chain: Location Aware ...

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

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

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

Pharma RFID Dispensing Authentication ...

Aegate is commercializing RFID-enabled authentication solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, which focuses on controls at the point of drug dispensing. ...

Pharma RFID Dispensing Authentication: Via Aegate: Aegate Moves Forward into Commercialisation Phase and Appoints Gary Noon as CEO ...

... "Aegate, a wholly owned subsidiary and specialist venture company for PA Consulting Group, has developed a commercially viable solution to combat one of the pharmaceutical industry's biggest and growing patient safety issues -- the trade in counterfeit and fake drugs. Authentication at the point of dispensing enables investment in mass serialisation security technologies such as bar code and RFID to be effectively leveraged as a brand protection mechanism. Sales of counterfeit prescription medicines are forecast to reach $75 billion by the end of the decade, nearly doubling current levels and outgrowing the annual growth rate of legitimate pharmaceutical sales. Following the outstanding success of Aegate's pilot programme in the UK, the company is now in the planning phase for commercial launch and roll-out in the USA, UK and Belgium during 2006. " ...

Ruggedized RFID Reader System: DOD Applications Active RFID ...

Savi and Intermec collaborate to deliver a light-weight, small, and highly-capable active RFID reader system for military applications, such as supply chain visibility. ...

Via Savi Technology: Savi and Intermec Introduce Enhanced Active RFID Reader System to Track In-Transit and RFID-Tagged Military Supplies: Provides more powerful and agile capabilities for real-time supply chain visibility in military operations ...

... "Savi Technology and Intermec Technologies Corporation, two long-time, leading providers of real-time supply chain solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), introduced a new active RFID reader system designed specifically to read bar codes and active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The lightweight, highly functional RFID reader system enhances the ability of DoD logistics personnel to identify and keep track of in-transit military supplies marked with bar code and active RFID technologies. First orders and shipments of the dual-frequency reader system already have been made to the U.S. Department of Defense. Drawing on a combined 30 years of DoD experience, the ruggedized reader system includes additional functionality and is lighter, smaller and more robust than previous generations of similar devices. It is able to read from and write to Savi's active, data-rich RFID tags and also can scan and process data from standard linear, matrix, stacked and composite bar codes. " ...

RFID Patient Wristbands: Effieicnt European Hospital Care: Instant Information Availability ...

Zebra Technologies Europe Ltd launches RFID patient identification wristbands in Europe that will enable nursing staff efficiency gains in hospitals by enabling immediate access to information. ...

RFID Patient Wristbands: Effieicnt European Hospital Care: Instant Information Availability; Via Zebra: Next-generation patient wristbands to improve hospital care: Nursing staff use intelligent tagging to verify patient needs quickly and easily

... "Scanning a barcode or RFID tag in a patient’s wristband will quickly retrieve a range of information assigned to the individual patient, whether they are receiving medication, having a blood transfusion or giving a sample. As a result, nursing staff will immediately have bedside access to patient details and exact prescriptions without having to interpret a doctor’s handwriting or search hospital records to clarify medication instructions. Zebra believes that the wristbands will dramatically reduce the 200,000 medication errors each year in the NHS2. In addition, patient identification is rising up the agenda of UK hospitals as they are now legally required to comply with the EU Directive 2002/98/EC, which sets standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human blood and blood components. Zebra’s wristband and printer range deliver a simple means of identifying patients throughout the blood transfusion process. " ...

RFID Technology ISO9001:2000 Certification ...

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

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

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

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

Healthcare RFID: Zebra ProductLine Agreement ...

Zebra inks product-line agreement to serve the healthcare supply chain with RFID printing and other identification technology. Zebra's partner, MedAssets, leverages technology into the healthcare supply chain through best-of-breed solutions. ...

Healthcare RFID: Zebra ProductLine Agreement: Via Zebra Technologies: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES AND MEDASSETS ANNOUNCE NEW 3-YEAR AGREEMENT: Zebra to provide MedAssets customers with full line of bar code, card and RFID printers, supplies and services ...

... "Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand specialty printing solutions for business and process improvement, has signed a new three-year full product line agreement with MedAssets Supply Chain Systems, a leading healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO) and supply chain services company. The full line agreement makes Zebra’s bar code, card and RFID printers as well as its supplies and service agreements available to MedAssets' customers for a wide range of identification, tracking and access control applications. " ...

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, “smart” label, receipt and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs and better customer service. The company has sold more than four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

MedAssets, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, improves healthcare providers’ margins and cash flow through revenue cycle and supply chain initiatives. As a strategic business partner, MedAssets can replace multiple vendors and decrease supply costs by 3% to 10% and increase net patient revenue by 1% to 3%. Proprietary information technology is used to work with and improve existing IT assets and work processes. MedAssets, through its revenue cycle subsidiary MedAssets Net Revenue Systems, provides best-of-breed revenue solutions, including strategic pricing, pre-bill charge capturing and ongoing chargemaster management tools, all of which have been peer reviewed by the Healthcare Financial Management Association. In addition, MedAssets offers the only technology enabled systems that manage claim denials and link supply cost data with charge data to ensure accurate charges and defendable markups for all patient identifiable supplies, including costly medical devices. MedAssets, through its supply chain subsidiary MedAssets Supply Chain Systems, operates the fastest growing group purchasing organization and supply chain services company in the U.S. and builds customized solutions encompassing procurement of common medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, physician preference supplies, food and nutrition items, and capital equipment.

RFID Card Monthly Train Passess: SNCF ...

RFID Card Monthly Train Passess: SNCF: Via Psion Teklogix: PSION PLC: Major contract win ...

... "The WORKABOUT PRO configuration includes: a Symagery 2D Imager to read an encrypted barcode on the passenger's ticket; an RFID reader to read RFID cards (monthly passes); radio card for data synchronization when the train enters the main stations; and a Bluetooth connection to a portable printer. After 4 weeks of live testing with 120 controllers and several products, SNCF has agreed this contract with Psion Teklogix. SNCF has selected the WORKABOUT PRO mobile computer for its features in terms of ergonomics, battery life and data capture performance for both barcode and RFID. " ...

Psion (PON.L) is listed on the London stock market. Its operational business, Psion Teklogix, is a global provider of solutions for mobile computing and wireless data collection. The company’s fully integrated mobile computing solutions include rugged hardware; secure wireless networks, robust software, professional services, and exceptional support programs. Psion Teklogix is committed to helping its customers reap the benefits of new and emerging technologies, including image capture and RFID. With over three decades of industry experience, Psion Teklogix has customers in more than 80 countries around the world, and over 36 sales and support offices in 17 countries.

RFID China Partnership: Printing Solutions

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

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

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

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

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, smart label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold nearly five million printers, including wireless/mobile solutions and RFID printer/encoders, and also offers software, connectivity solutions, and printing supplies.

RFID Tag Production: Dominant Semicon ...

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

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

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

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

RFID Innovation: Grocery Industry ...

Partnership aims to sustain RFID innovation in Canadian grocery industry ...

RFID Innovation: Grocery Industry: Via Grocery Innovations Canada 2005: Global Standards Organization GS1 Canada Joins Grocery Innovations Canada ...

... "John F.T. Scott, President of CFIG said, CFIG’s partnership with GS1 Canada, who is responsible for EPC/RFID standards in Canada, sends a clear signal to the industry that GIC continues to grow and remains the place for the grocery industry to converge and learn about the very latest in technology, new product development, innovative retail strategies and upcoming trends that influence and impact the grocer’s day-to-day business. " ...

Grocery Innovations Canada 2005 (GIC), is Canada’s premier grocery industry exposition and conference. The event is considered a must-attend by key industry players and attracts more than 6,000 industry attendees. GIC runs October 24 through 25 at the Toronto Congress Centre. GIC 2005 is produced in partnership by Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG); with the Food and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC); and the Canadian Association of Sales and Marketing (CASMA) with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Grocer. These organizations represent the strength, innovations and leadership behind Canada’s $70.1 billion grocery industry.

GS1 Canada is a not-for-profit organization that promotes and maintains global standards for the identification of goods, locations and related e-commerce communication, such as bar code issuance and maintenance. GS1 Canada is the only authorized source for globally unique company prefixes in Canada, a standard term and condition of trade globally. It provides a range of educational opportunities, maintains ECCnet Registry, Canada’s national product registry, and offers one-stop access to product images and dimensions. As technologies like Electronic Product Codes (EPC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) continue to drive the e-commerce revolution, GS1 Canada will provide the leadership to help ensure that Canadian companies can participate competitively.

RFID Chips: People Applications

Daren Fonda explores use of RFID chips in people applications, such as security, access control, and healthcare ...

RFID Chips: People Applications: Via TIME: Biochips for Everyone! ...

... "A radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder the size of a grain of rice, the VeriChip contains a 16-digit personal ID number that can be scanned like a bar code, providing health-care workers access to your medical records online. " ...

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update

Linda Dillman shares interim results on the Walmart RFID program ...

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update: Via WalMart Stores, Inc.: WalMart Improves On-Shelf Availability Through the Use of Electronic Product Codes

... "WalMart customers found items they wanted in stock more often due to the retailer's use of electronic product codes (EPCs) powered by radio frequency identification (RFID) technology when compared to control stores. This is according to an independent University of Arkansas study's initial findings. Researchers at the University of Arkansas found a 16 percent reduction in out-of-stocks. Additionally, the study also showed that out-of-stock items with EPCs were replenished three times faster than comparable items using standard bar code technology. Equally important, WalMart experienced a meaningful reduction in manual orders resulting in a reduction of excess inventory. This is no longer a take-it-on-faith initiative, said Linda Dillman, executive vice president and CIO for Wal-Mart. This study provides conclusive evidence that EPCs increase how often we put products in the hands of customers who want to buy them, making it a win for shoppers, suppliers and retailers. ...

As part of its standard processes, WalMart has focused on driving improved product availability for its customers through a series of initiatives unrelated to RFID technology. The research was structured to isolate the impact of RFID to be able show the improvements directly attributable to the RFID process improvements. The study showed RFID-enabled stores were 63 percent more effective in replenishing out-of-stocks than the control stores, Dillman said. The WalMart RFID team knew that this technology would have a huge impact on out-of-stocks. Now we have an independent study that confirms RFID has a significant impact in retailing, Dillman continued. However, we are not stopping there. This is only one of many changes that RFID will bring. We are already working on initiatives and enhancements that will build on this success. The 16 percent reduction in merchandise out-of-stocks was determined by physically scanning out-of-stocks at the shelf every day. A baseline was established and this was then compared to the number of out-of-stocks in both sets of stores once the RFID technology was enabled in the pilot stores, explained Hardgrave. The net result of the impact of RFID, removing any other influences, was a reduction of 16 percent in the occurrences of products being out-of-stock on the shelf. " ...

WalMart RFID Program Benefits ...

Walmart is beginning to accrue benefits from its investment in RFID technology. Laurie Sullivan provides update on Walmart's RFID-enabled stores and the inventory management benefits that they are measuring, which includes significant improvements in stock-outs ...

WalMart RFID Program Benefits: Via InformationWeek: WalMart RFID Trial: WalMart RFID Trial Shows 16% Reduction In Product Stock-Outs ...

... "Researchers found a 16% reduction in out-of-stock merchandise at WalMart stores equipped with RFID labels using EPC codes. The study also shows that out-of-stock items with RFID were replenished three times faster than items using standard bar-code technology. " ...

RFID Education Training Platform ...

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

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

... "GlobeRanger’s iMotion platform allows unprecedented flexibility for Ohio University to leverage in studying how RFID, barcode and mobility applications can easily be developed and deployed while looking at the management of edge processes. As the use of AIDC continues to increase, the Center for Automatic Identification helps meet the educational and research needs of clients through its workshops, R&D work, standards comparisons and independent verification of customized research results. Past research includes two very comprehensive bar code symbology tests to establish base line reliability data for the first two-dimensional bar code symbologies (Code 16K and Code 49 Data Integrity Test) and to evaluate the robustness of those two high data capacity symbologies (Code 16K and Code 49 Data Integrity Test). " ...

The Ohio University Center for Automatic Identification is the nation's first university-based research center devoted solely to the study of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). AIDC includes the technologies of bar coding, magnetic stripe and radio frequency identification, voice data entry. The Center was established in 1988 to provide a focused, unbiased, non-profit organization in recognition of the increasing uses of bar coding and other AIDC technologies.

GlobeRanger is the leading provider of RFID and mobility software solutions. Its innovative Edgeware™ platform, iMotion™, provides the critical infrastructure layer for managing devices, networks, data, and processes at the edge of the enterprise, enabling real-time response. iMotion serves as the foundation for GlobeRanger and its partners to rapidly develop, deploy, and manage RFID and mobile solutions. Founded in 1999, GlobeRanger is headquartered in Richardson, Texas.

Boeing RFID 787 Dreamliner ...

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

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

CDOTech RFID SupplyChain Operations ...

Via Dayton DailyNews: CDOTech RFID SupplyChain Operations: Via Dayton DailyNews: CDO's tagging success ...

Timothy R. Gaffney writes about CDO Technologies Inc. in Dayton and its use of automated identification technology, such as RFID, to support supply chain operations ...

... "The agreement covered a range of government needs but focused on a new data-gathering technology called RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification. The use of tiny transmitters to provide bar code-like information is growing rapidly. " ...

RFID Anywhere Development Deployment ...

RFID Anywhere Development Deployment: Via iAnywhere.com: Latest Release Of RFID Anywhere From iAnywhere Brings Enterprise-Class Management And Security To RFID Deployments ...

... "As RFID technology has evolved, a major hurdle for early adopters has been the proliferation of various standards and protocols. RFID Anywhere 2.0 allows for multiple data protocols in a single network, including standards-based RFID and barcode protocols in the ISO and EPC families, as well as customized tag formats required by certain applications. Most notably, the EPCglobal Generation 2 (GEN 2) standard is fully supported within the product. At the heart of the solution is the new Data Protocol Processor, which operates as a universal translator for handling the broad variety of protocols and tag formats. ... RFID Anywhere continues to make extensive use of industry standards, such as Web Services for Management and Web Services for Security in delivering enterprise-class capabilities for operating RFID networks. " ...

iAnywhere provides software solutions that enable applications used on the front lines of business to be just as reliable, secure and available as those at headquarters. The company holds worldwide market leadership positions in mobile and embedded databases, mobile device management and security, and mobile middleware. Millions of subscribers, 15,000 customers and 1,000 partners rely on the company's award-winning technologies, including SQL Anywhere®, Afaria®, and the AvantGo® mobile Internet service. iAnywhere is a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc.

HP RFID Healthcare IT Solutions ...

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

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

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

Continued RFID Sales Growth: Gen2 Products

Continued RFID Sales Growth: Gen2 Products: Via Printronix: Printronix Provides Outlook for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2006 ...

... "In addition, increased revenue is expected from the recently launched P7000 line matrix product line, the continuing growth of RFID sales as Gen2 products become available, increased momentum from teaming with IBM worldwide and the results of channel expansion. " ...

Since 1974, Printronix, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTNX) has created innovative printing solutions for the industrial marketplace and supply chain. The company is the worldwide market leader in enterprise solutions for line matrix printing and has earned an outstanding reputation for its high-performance thermal and fanfold laser printing solutions. Printronix also has become an established leader in pioneering technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) printing, bar code compliance and networked printer management. Printronix is headquartered in Irvine, California.

RFID MultiProtocol Tracking Systems

RFID MultiProtocol Tracking Systems: Accu-Sort® Partners with ThingMagic To Expand its RFID Product Line ...

... "Accu-Sort Systems Inc. announced it is partnering with ThingMagic to expand its RFID product line offering for use in warehouse and distribution centers. Accu-Sort specializes in developing over the conveyor (OTC) RFID tracking systems for providing enhanced non-line-of-sight asset visibility within the supply chain. Accu-Sort has deployed these systems extensively, including an installation at one of the major retailer distribution centers, where every inbound RFID carton traveling over the conveyor passes through its RFID multi-protocol tracking systems. These systems are the industry’s first and only to singulate between boxes at high speeds, made possible through a combination of Accu-Sort patented software and antenna designs. The partnership with ThingMagic will further enhance Accu-Sort’s product portfolio for similar applications. " ...

Accu-Sort Systems is a pioneer in reliable auto ID 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 50 RFID installations.

ThingMagic is a privately held company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in RFID readers, sensors and other embedded and low cost computing technologies.

Intermec Metrologic RFID CrossLicense ...

Intermec Metrologic RFID CrossLicense: Metrologic Joins Intermec RFID Rapid Start Licensing Program: Cross-licensing agreement promises continued RFID innovation ...

Intermec and Metrologic cross-license RFID technology ...

... "In a move to drive continued development and deployment of state-of-the-art RFID systems and to accelerate adoption of RFID, Intermec Technologies Corp. and Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ-NMS:MTLG) today announced an agreement to cross-license portions of their RFID intellectual property portfolios. Metrologic also has joined Intermec’s Rapid Start Licensing Program, gaining full access to a number of Intermec portfolios of patented RFID technology, including RFID tags, fixed and portable readers, and fixed and portable printers, along with the ability to manufacture products with the RFID capabilities and functionality end-user customers most demand. Through the cross-license agreement, Intermec will have access to Metrologic’s patented technology related to RFID. " ...

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (“Metrologic”) is a global supplier of choice for data capture and collection hardware, optical solutions, and image processing software. Metrologic has been delivering innovative, quality products that are cost effective, reliable and supported by the highest level of personal service for nearly 40 years. Metrologic products are sold worldwide through Metrologic's sales, service and distribution offices located in The Americas, EMEA and Asia/Pacific. Metrologic provides its customers not only with a great deal, but a great deal more.

Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include Intellitag® RFID, mobile computing systems, bar code printers and label media. The company’s products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations.