Medical Center RFID Achieves Benefits and Expands Use

Carolinas Heart and Vascular Institute expands its use of RFID tracking throughout its medical system, as the RFID-enabled process has shown improvements in utilization and accuracy of critical high-value equipment, which translates into financial benefits. ...

... "The cabinet-based system was initially deployed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory suite to store, track, and manage the utilization of high cost items such as Drug-Eluting stents and PTCA balloon catheters. The organization has now expanded its use of the system by deploying twenty-six units to manage those items for additional cardiac catheterization laboratories while also managing pacemakers and ICDs for the electrophysiology laboratories. With these additional units, CHVI will complete a broader deployment of the technology to support efforts to increase charge capture accuracy, eliminate product expiration, and optimize on-hand inventory levels to support organizational improvement initiatives. " ...

Via Mobile Aspects: Carolinas Medical Center

HighGrowth RFID Market Expected

Market study sees RFID technology adoption sustaining high growth rates over the next five years. Various industries are in pilot activity. While other industries are increasing adoption to realize the full benefits. ...

... "The 2007 figure represents a 24% growth over 2006, and the curve to 2012 indicates a compound annual growth rate of 21%. " ...

Via ABI Research: RFID Markets Stay Strong at 21% Annual Growth Through 2012

RFID Product DNA Creates Asset History Through Its Life

HP uses Oatsystems RFID solutions to track printers through their manufacturing process and into the supply chain. HP is recognized for its innovative application of RFID technology. ...

... "HP tracks its printers using OATSystems' Asset Tracking Solution integrated with existing SAP and Baan ERP systems as well as HP's proprietary manufacturing execution system. The system tracks each printer from its origin on the assembly line through critical transition points to its eventual outbound shipment. HP also uses the system to create product DNA, storing unique information on the RFID tag for each printer. By saving information such as install-by dates and testing results, HP tracks and identifies printers returned for repairs under warranty. Having a full record of the printer's history has enabled HP to improve its repair service and allowed it to return printers to customers much more efficiently. HP estimates that RFID-enabling its printer manufacturing operations has reduced the company’s printer inventory by 17 percent by increasing visibility into the location of its products. " ...

Via OatSystems: RFID to Reduce Printer Inventory by 17 Percent

NASCAR RFID: Goodyear Tire Annual Contract for 2008 Season

Advanced ID will supply Goodyear Tire & Rubber embedded RFID tags in its racing tires for the 2008 NASCAR racing season, which includes the NEXTEL Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck series races. ...

... "Providing the potential for extraordinary visibility of the benefits of Advanced ID's tire tags, NASCAR is the #1 spectator sport, holds 17 of the top 20 attended sporting events in the U.S., rates as the #2 rated regular-season sport on television with broadcasts in over 150 countries, and boasts 75 million fans. Advanced ID has worked with Goodyear for over two years to develop an RFID tag that meets the challenging requirements of NASCAR racing and the Goodyear Racing Eagle and Wrangler tires used throughout the 2006 and 2007 NASCAR seasons which have had embedded Advanced ID tire tags. " ...

Annual Contract from Goodyear Tire for NASCAR RFID Tire Tags for 2008 Season

RFID Education to Enable Adoption and Growth

RFID use is growing, but full adoption is nowhere near. Walmart and other companies see benefits. But, for broader adoption across industries, education and awareness must be increased to drive innovative use of the technology. ...

... "The most important issues to address in RFID today are education and ROI (return on investment). RFID is a mystery to many industries at this point. As RFID matures and makes inroads into more industries, it will become easier to implement; " ...

Via CRM News: RFID

OATSystems RFID Solution Tracks Assets and Work-in-Process to Lower Working Capital

OATSystems has implemented its RFID-based Asset Tracking and Work-in-Process Solution at customers, such as Hewlett-Packard Brazil. ...

... "HP Brazil estimates that OAT's new solution has reduced its printer inventory by 17 percent by increasing visibility into the location of its products. Using OATSystems Asset Tracking Solution, HP tracks its printers from their origin on the assembly line through critical transition points to their eventual outbound shipment. HP also uses the system to create product DNA to save unique information on the RFID tag for each printer. By saving information such as install-by dates and testing results, HP tracks and identifies printers returned for repairs under warranty. Having a full record of the printer's history has enabled HP to improve its repair service and allowed it to return printers to customers much more efficiently. Today, the OAT solution is supporting nine RFID-enabled manufacturing and product completion lines producing over three million products annually. " ...

Via OATSystems: HP Brazil Reduces Printer Inventory by 17 Percent

RFID Healthcare Report Sees Growth

Business intelligence firm issues report on the growth of RFID (Radio Frequency Identifications) technology in the healthcare industry. ...

... "RFID Opportunities in Healthcare in the U.S. forecasts an explosive growth over the next five years, reaching more than $3 billion in five years. The report shows that the U.S. healthcare industry are realizing the benefits of RFID, including the better data capacity, better efficiency in terms of offering read-write ability and greater flexibility of design. RFID technologies in general will see growth as awareness of its benefits increases and as common standards and regulations for the adoption of RFID arise. The report concludes that the need for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness is the main factor fueling the adoption of RFID by the healthcare industry. " ...

Via Report Buyer: Healthcare RFID Technologies

Hospital RFID Realizes Patient Benefits

HP and Precision Dynamics implement patient management system based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in Taiwan at the Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH). The hospital CIO sees the hospital realizing benefits through a reduction in medical errors, from root causes such as manual processes, compliance to standard operating procedures, and visibility to real-time patient status and medical process exceptions. The system is architected with PDC's RFID wristbands and HP's mobile and fixed RFID infrastructure. Privacy is managed by storing confidential patient information on the RFID chip rather than printing the information on the wristband. ...

... "CGMH implemented the RFID system in its operating rooms to improve patient safety by verifying and positively identifying patients, gathering real-time data, reducing risk of wrong-site and/or wrong-patient surgery, and ensuring compliance with hospital patient safety procedures or standard operating procedures. Since the implementation, CGMH has achieved 100% accuracy in patient ID in the OR. The new RFID system automates many manual functions of the previous operating room processes. The system helps verify that the five rights of medication safety are met - right patient, medication, dose, time, and route - as well as right surgery and surgical site. Automating patient data verification processes has saved CGMH medical staff an average of 4.3 minutes per patient. Also, automated data collection has helped prevent common manual data entry mistakes, which if gone undetected could lead to medical errors." ...

Via HP: Precision Dynamics Corporation and HP Provide Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with RFID System for Patient Management

Philips RFID: Healthcare Assets

Philips RFID technology is focused on the healthcare market combined with services. The first customer to deploy the Philips asset tracking solution is the University Medical Center (UMC) in Tucson, Ariz. Philips installation at UMC is one of the healthcare industry's largest Wi-Fi-based asset tracking projects. This RFID implementation covers eight floors and a million square feet with 2,300 RFID-tagged assets in use throughout the hospital. The hospital workforce will use the Philips RFID solution to track and manage medical equipment, such as infusion pumps, beds, monitors, wheelchairs and other portable devices. ...

... "Helping hospitals to focus on the patient, Philips' asset tracking solution helps locate hospital assets through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The solution is designed to work within existing wireless infrastructure, allowing hospitals to leverage investments they have already made in wireless technology. Philips' asset tracking solution consists of a suite of services to maximize the solution's benefits, including wireless tags, a location engine and the MobileView user interface. Product tracking information is fed into the location engine and the asset's position can then be portrayed on a map, in a table, or in a report format for any networked hospital user. In addition to pinpointing lost equipment, the information gathered from the asset tracking solution can help improve asset utilization and work flow efficiencies.

The Philips asset tracking solution is designed around each hospital's specific use cases to help solve problems such as productivity, regulation requirements, utilization, theft, and loss. With an understanding of the unique requirements that the healthcare environment demands, Philips has an advanced solution that can enable hospitals to make facility-wide improvement. The Philips asset tracking solution utilizes technology that includes wireless tags, a location engine, and the MobileView user interface. The tags, which can be attached to most mobile assets, transmit to the hospital’s existing 802.11 infrastructure. This information is fed into the location engine and the asset's position can then be portrayed on a map, or in a table or report format for any networked hospital user. " ...

Via Philips: Philips Delivers New Radiology Products At 2006 RSNA That Present Clinicians with a Clear View of Patient Data and a Clear Path to Patient Care

ClipTag RFID: IBM LIcenses

IBM's Clipped RFID Tag gives privacy protection to the consumer through visual confirmation of the tag modification. ...

... "IBM announced it will license its acclaimed Clipped Tag technology to Marnlen RFiD, who will begin production of the tags and offer availability immediately. The Clipped Tag, developed at IBM's Watson Research Center, allows consumers to tear off the majority of an RFID tag's antenna, reducing the tag's read range to just a few inches, ensuring consumer privacy while maintaining the benefits of the technology, such as product authentication or recalls. " ...

Via IBM: IBM Licenses Clipped Tag RFID Technology to Marnlen RFiD ...

RFID Implementation: ROI More Predictable

Research report looks at the increased predictability of RFID implementations and the overall return-on-investment, or ROI. ...

... "the once hidden costs associated with sometimes dramatic organizational changes brought about by (or necessary to) a successful RFID implementation can now be anticipated and managed. As a result, enterprises are enjoying shorter design and pilot phases, scalable solutions, smoother rollout, and less challenging integration tasks. " ...

Via Aberdeen Group: Link

Upcoming Conference will focus on the return on RFID investments ...

5th Annual Global RFID ROI Summit London - The RFID Conference (Radio Frequency Identification) for industry experts: "The Global RFID-ROI Summit 2007, 29 & 30 January 2007, ExCeL Conference Centre - London: the event focuses on achieving real business value from successful RFID implementation. "

RFID implementation must be integrated into business processes in order to realize the full benefits ...

Via Sun Micro: RFID ROI Requires More Than Slap and Ship Deployment: "To really realize ROI from RFID, companies need to see this technology as a way to collect valuable business intelligence that can help them cut costs and increase profits, says Manish Bhuptani, director of market development at Sun Microsystems. "

Companies that drive business change increase the ROI from RFID implementations ...

Via Teradata: The Analytic Value of RFID (PDF): "Companies that take a more functional approach to RFID implementations will often be disappointed, but those companies that see and leverage RFID adoption as an opportunity to drive system-level changes will unlock the ROI in RFID. "

Adoption of RFID technology will ultimately deliver the full benefits of the RFID project. Leading indicators of RFID adoption should be monitored. ...

Deloitte & Touche LLP on RFID: "The high costs of RFID deployment make it hard to see an immediate return on investment. Businesses should not rush in without first knowing the best RFID adoption strategy and how they intend to measure its performance. "

RFID Battery-Assist Passive Tag: Supports Logistics and Manufacturing ...

Intelleflex RFID tags can be used by logistics companies and in manufacturing in long-range, battery-assisted mode for real-time inventory tracking of assemblies in the warehouses. The RFID system can automatically generate a proof of shipment when assemblies are shipped. When used in maintenance operations in passive mode, companies can realize significant benefits from having actionable manufacturing and repair history data in the 64Kb user memory of the RFID tag at the point of use. ...

... "Intelleflex's InfoSure tags and the I-Beam reader are multi-protocol, ensuring global interoperability using EPC standards. InfoSure tags can be used as passive C1G2 tags with any other C1G2 reader or used in the battery-assisted passive mode at long ranges with the I-Beam reader. InfoSure tags offer up to 100-meter read/write range in free space, which translates to 100 percent read/write reliability at standard working ranges in industrial environments. They also offer 64 kb user memory, which is segmented into 1 kb blocks so they can be independently protected for read/write access through passwords. The I-Beam reader can read any EPC C1G2 tag as well as the Class 3 InfoSure tag. Initial product shipments of both the tags and readers are targeted for asset management, yard management, manufacturing and zonal access control applications. " ...

Via Intelleflex Corporation: Intelleflex Announces Availability of its RFID Battery-Assisted Passive Tag and Reader Products ...

DOD RFID Dept of Defense Implementation Enablers

ODIN Technologies shares some of the key ingredients (Accuracy and Implementation Speed) to enabling their successful implementation of RFID technology in the DOD supply chain. The Dept of Defense has strict read rate accuracy requirements that ODIN had to meet with limited technology capabilities at that time. In addition, ODIN perfected an implementation methodology for the DOD that improved the speed of delivery while sustaining performance quality. ...

... "DoD is modernizing its logistics system to better support the warfighter. Passive RFID is at the center of that transformation. It is a core element of the DoD's force transformation initiative designed to create a more agile military. However, if the tags and readers do not communicate reliably, the benefits will not materialize. After years of planning, the DLA needed a highly accurate RFID network established rapidly.

...

Accuracy: DoD expected its RFID system to be an order of magnitude more sophisticated than what was currently being deployed. Boundaries relative to read-rates and performance were strict, unlike many retailers who have toyed with trial-and-error methods. Rather than just attempt to read a single pallet tag, the DoD demanded 20 Gen 1.0 and Gen 2.0 RFID tags be affixed to cases and read as they come through a dock door - 100% accurately. This required scientific precision when designing and configuring the RFID network. Each portal was tested 10 times for that performance criteria. The DoD has shown RFID will reduce costs, increase supply visibility and streamline its entire supply chain, from the factory-to-the-foxhole. However, it can only do this if the RFID system is accurate and reliable.

...

Implementation Methods and Speed: Eighteen facilities spanning the continental U.S. (CONUS) were evaluated, solutions designed, installed and tested to 100% accuracy in under 130 days. " ...

Via ODIN Technologies: DOD Case Study (PDF) ...

Hospital RFID: High Value Asset Management ...

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

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

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

Walmart RFID: Gen2 Tag Implementation ...

Walmart will continue its implementation of RFID technology as it expands the number of targeted stores and plans conversion to Generation 2 tags. ...

... "WalMart Stores, Inc. will bring another 500 stores and clubs online with its RFID (radio frequency identification) initiative by the end of this fiscal year, bringing the total number of its retail locations using the technology to more than 1,000. The company has more than 3,900 locations in the United States.

The benefits of RFID, especially with regard to reducing out-of-stocks, as well as reducing excess inventory, have been documented in a 2005 study by the University of Arkansas. Ford noted that all WalMart installations moving forward would only read Gen 2 tags. As the remaining pallets and cases with Gen 1 tags make their way through the distribution network, WalMart will convert all of its systems to only read Gen 2 tags.

As predicted by industry experts, the cost of the technology continues to fall while performance continues to improve. WalMart expects this trend to continue as users adopt the Gen 2 tags, which, as envisioned, are becoming the industry's global standard thanks to significant work by EPCglobal and its members. Ford said that WalMart continues to work with its next 300 largest suppliers, which are expected to begin shipping test cases in October. These suppliers will go live with their shipments in January 2007, bringing to more than 600 the number of supplier companies using RFID technology in concert with WalMart. " ...

Via Walmart Stores: WalMart Continues RFID Expansion

UWB RFID Hospital Tracking System ...

Parco Wireless plans next-generation of RFID ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking system targeted for healthcare environments. ...

... "Precis incorporates Time Domain Corporation's Pulson ultra-wideband technologies in its design. The new line will include a full suite of products that include assets tags, patient wristbands, personnel badges and two design type readers. According to company leadership, the new Precis tags and receivers will help dispel all misconceptions about the higher cost of implementing a UWB tracking system. While the cost of UWB tracking technologies were historically higher when compared to competing technologies such as Infrared (IR) or WiFi systems, many hospitals felt compelled to hold off on implementing a UWB active RFID tracking system despite the superior benefits UWB systems offered.

The locations of the tags are tracked by UWB readers installed at fixed locations within a medical facility providing the location of patients, caregivers, and equipment within accuracy of 1.5 feet. The tags use extremely low-power as evidenced by their average life of over four years using a single 3 volt battery. " ...

Via Parco Wireless: Parco Wireless Set to Release World Class Tracking System ...

RFID Supply Chain Webinar Upcoming ...

Upcoming web seminar focuses on RFID in the supply chain ...

... "Understanding the role and benefits of RFID for your supply chain: Webinar: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time; This informative and interactive webinar series featuring Winson Woo, 1SYNC-Certified Consultant from Cactus Commerce, focuses on the key concepts of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and explains the role of Global Data Synchronization (GDS) in the context of successful RFID deployments. " ...

Cactus Commerce: Webinar

RFID Retail: Growth Plans: AbsoluteSKY ...

RFID solutions provider expects solid growth prospects for retail RFID applications. ...

... "AbsoluteSKY, Inc., developer of RFID-based inventory tracking systems for specialty retail, provides additional details on its business targets for the next 18 months. Buoyed by strong reaction to its intelliTRACKER product suite, positive channel feedback and continued overall market growth, the Company is projecting initial installations of its product suite with four national retailers within the next few months. Revenues of $25M, with a booking backlog of $60M, are in the Company's forecast for 2007. Professional research firms are projecting continued double-digit growth for retail RFID, with global spending rising to $3 billion by 2010 - a six-fold increase from 2005.



Other researchers post even more aggressive figures, estimating the size of the RFID market in North America alone to be $2.7 billion, and $6.1 billion worldwide! AbsoluteSKY's intelliTRACKER product suite ties together multiple technologies to provide retailers with real-time item-level inventory tracking. Its extensive benefits include the ability to increase inventory turns, virtually eliminate missed sales and gain extensive real-time control over loss prevention." ...

RFID Retail: Growth Plans: AbsoluteSKY Anticipates Fast Growth for its Retail RFID Business ...

RFID Europe Bridge Project ...

Europe organizes to leverage research in RFID technology. ...

... "The BRIDGE project will focus on business-based research, provision of information services and hardware (sensors, tags) and software development. This will lead to pilots, deployment and comprehensive training materials in the use of RFID in a variety of business sectors. The BRIDGE project will help make this happen by contributing to the development of new solutions for all businesses, from small to large. Improving skills and expertise on RFID technology and network information sharing will lead to enhanced competitiveness of European companies and to benefits to customer and citizen.

The BRIDGE project is funded under the FP6 Information Society Technologies (IST) work programme supporting research into the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Networked Businesses. The strategic objectives of FP6 are to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of industry and encourage its international competitiveness while promoting research activities in support of other EU policies. " ...

RFID Europe Bridge Project: A Consortium of 31 global organisations supported by the European Commission launches a three year project in RFID application research and development ...

RFID Item Level Tag Growth ...

RFID-enabled item level tagging sees higher growth rates as applications increase in multiple industries ...

... "IDTechEx has recently upped its forecasts of item level tagging based on faster than anticipated progress, where the benefits are greater and the income is more equitably spread through the RFID and consumer goods value chains. " ...

2000 RFID Case Studies Reveal Surprises: Via IDTechEx ...

RFID Tag Acquisition Network TAN ...

Reva Systems launches open-standards-based enterprise network architecture to support RFID implementation. Reva's approach to RFID architecture is compatible with those network intelligence standards that support LANs, WLANs, SANs, etc. ...

... "Reva Systems, an emerging company focused on delivering the industry's first network-centric architecture for growing radiofrequency identification (RFID) implementations, announced its open, standards-based Tag Acquisition Network (TAN) architecture. Until today, RFID deployments have been limited to small groups of proprietary readers connected to servers running RFID software. With today's announcement, Reva introduces the TAN as the catalyst that enables RFID pilots to advance to scalable, repeatable, and reliable enterprise‐wide rollouts. The proliferation of RFID is inevitable as the promise of commercial benefits across industries is realized. With the number of network‐connected readers deployed globally projected to grow beyond 100 million within the next decade, the RFID reader is poised to become the most numerous and densely deployed device in the enterprise networks of leading corporations including retailers, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and entertainment venues around the world. To date, RFID pilots have typically been limited in scale and require custom implementation. As RFID moves into multiple-application, enterprisewide deployments, the ability to scale rollouts is critical. " ...

RFID Tag Acquisition Network: Via Reva Systems: Reva Systems Announces the Tag Acquisition Network (TAN)to Accelerate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Deployments: Network-Centric Architecture Applies Proven Networking Concepts to RFID ...

RFID Concerns Issues Addressed by AIM ...

AIM president addresses RFID privacy issues ...

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

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

RFID Software Platform: Asset Location Services ...

PanGo Networks introduces enhancement to its software platform that acquires location information from active and passive RFID sources. The RFID platform provides a services-based interface for higher level systems to consume asset location information. ...

... "Now, for the first time, applications used by hospitals, manufacturers and third-party solution providers can tap standards-based active and passive RFID technologies from a single platform, thereby dramatically increasing the number of assets that can be tracked and eliminating the need for proprietary choke point or portal solutions that add complexity and cost to corporate networks. This aggregation and refinement of location from multiple standards-based sources gives users unprecedented flexibility to apply the appropriate mix of RFID-tracking technologies to best match their unique and varying needs. Through presence detection, real-time location and high-resolution choke-point visibility, the PanOS Platform allows customers and application vendors to benefit from the most timely and accurate tracking of assets and inventory possible, while capitalizing on the pervasive adoption of WLAN and RFID technology. Wi-Fi-based RTLS and RFID sensory networks are transformational technologies that are delivering business benefits and driving change within IT organizations across many markets. " ...

RFID Software Platform: Asset Location Services: Via PanGo Networks: PanGo Integrates Active and Passive RFID to Deliver Industry’s Most Advanced Location Management Platform ...

RFID Peel and Apply Solution: NCR ...

NCR provides peel-and-apply RFID technology solution. ...

... "The NCR TagWorks solution provides a turnkey offering to meet EPCglobal standards and major manufacturer, distributor and retailer guidelines. The cost-effective solution addresses the need for businesses to readily access the benefits of RFID-enabled inventory tracking and supply-chain visibility. NCR makes the transition toward RFID more manageable by offering a complete end-to-end solution including tags, hardware, software and services allowing companies to quickly and efficiently begin tagging cases and pallets of product. Touching industries around the world, the NCR TransitionWork portfolio of global RFID solutions encompasses thoughtware, hardware, tags, services and software, including Teradata data warehouse solutions, to help customers solve real business problems.

NCR TagWorks is a stand-alone, fully integrated, peel-and-apply solution including tags, readers, servers, printers and NCR software. NCR installation, training and support services help ensure reliability and disruption-free environments. Because NCR serves as the single point of contact, businesses can avoid the hassle and confusion of dealing with multiple vendors for their RFID solutions. NCR also makes it simple to expand and customize the NCR TagWorks solution by providing a range of additional products and services. As their business grows, customers have the option to incorporate other advanced features such as handheld RFID scanners, conveyor installations, a selection of tag sizes and inlays, and enterprise system integration. " ...

RFID Peel and Apply Solution: NCR: Via NCR: NCR TagWork Provides Essentials for Rapid RFID Implementation ...

RFID Printer SAP AutoID Certified ...

Printronix RFID print solution achieves AutoID certification with SAP infrastructure. ...

... "Printronix Inc., the leading integrated supply-chain printing solutions manufacturer, announced that its radio frequency identification (RFID) label printing solution has achieved SAP certified integration. SAP has certified the Printronix XML Forms Module 1.0 for integration with the Device Controller Interface of SAP(R) Auto-ID Infrastructure Release 2.1 and the SAP NetWeaver(R) platform in Printronix's 5r Multi-Technology Thermal Printing Platform. With this certified solution, Printronix customers can expect low-cost, rapid integration of RFID label printing into SAP solution-based environments. The pre-designed label templates, XML test files and label-design software yield the dual benefits of lower maintenance and increased reliability. This scalable solution grows with users' information-processing needs, eliminating need for costly middleware. SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure 2.1 enables RFID-based supply chain management (SCM) and supply chain execution processes across the enterprise. Printronix worked with SAP to enable smart label creation within SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure 2.1 on the industry's best-selling RFID printers and encoders. " ...

RFID Printer SAP AutoID Certified: Via Printronix Printers: Printronix RFID Label Printing Solution Achieves SAP Certified Integration ...

RFID Analytics Software ...

Xterprise releases analytics software to support RFID technology. ...

... "Xterprise Incorporated, an industry leading Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Enabled Supply Chain solutions provider and the leader in RFID source tagging solutions, has extended its solution offering with the commercial release of AnalytiX. AnalytiX is a data analytics product targeted to assist retail suppliers shipping RFID products to Wal-Mart and other retailers by monitoring and quantifying the benefits of using RFID within retail supply chains. Unlike other RFID analytics offerings in the market, Xterprise’s AnalytiX product provides the most innovative user interface, the richest retail RFID analytics available in the market and the first of its kind monitoring of production source tagging solution performance. The product is fully compatible with WalMart's Retail Link as well as many Enterprise Systems data interfaces such as SAP. Xterprise is currently working with members of the Wal-Mart top100 in pilots and will demonstrate the product at both the EPC Technology Expo/Wal-Mart supplier forum (Dallas, April 25-26) and RFID Journal Live (Las Vegas, May 1-3). " ...

Via Xterprise: Xterprise Announces Most Comprehensive RFID AnalytiX Product in the Market ...

Walmart RFID Commitment ReAffirmed by New CIO ...

Walmart CIO, Rollin Ford, reaffirms committment to the Walmart RFID program, praising company innovations and the efforts of Linda Dillman. ...

... "The pioneering work at WalMart to mine the supply chain benefits of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will continue unabated under the Wal-Mart Information Systems Division's new leader. Rollin Ford, WalMart's new executive vice president and chief information officer, who previously served as the company's executive vice president of logistics and supply chain, strongly endorsed RFID technology at the biannual CIO summit, hosted by WalMart on Wednesday in Bentonville. Ford told the audience of CIOs he was thrilled to be in his new position and that both logistics and information systems were at the center of WalMart's competitive advantage. Ford said he intended to build on the success of his predecessor, Linda Dillman, who was named executive vice president of risk management and benefits administration at Wal-Mart. " ...

Walmart RFID Commitment ReAffirmed by New CIO: Via WalMart Stores: New CIO Confirms Wal-Mart Commitment to RFID ...:

Walmart RFID: Dillman Transfers ...

Linda Dillman changes positions for WalMart ...

... "WalMart isn't about to abandon RFID technology, but Linda Dillman is taking a step back from the world of RFID. Dillman, the force behind WalMart's initial RFID mandates, is leaving her position as executive vice president and chief information officer to oversee risk management and benefits administration for the giant retailer. " ...

Walmart RFID: Dillman Transfers: Via John R. Johnson's RFID Watch Weekly: WalMart shuffles RFID management team ...

Via WalMart Stores: WalMart Names Lawrence Jackson President and CEO of Global Procurement: Other senior leadership changes spread talent across the organization: "Linda Dillman, previously executive vice president and chief information officer, will become executive vice president of risk management and benefits administration. She will also lead the company's sustainability efforts. Last fall, Wal-Mart announced aggressive sustainability goals and has recently increased its offerings of organic products. Rollin Ford, previously executive vice president of logistics and supply chain, will become executive vice president and chief information officer, responsible for leading the company's global information systems division. "

RFID Rapid Start Program ...

Datalogic becomes part of the Intermec intellectual property RFID Rapid Start program through acquisition. ...

... "Datalogic joins 19 of the RFID industry's leading innovators that elected to license various portfolios of Intermec RFID patents made available to Rapid Start licensees. This community is already providing the market with state-of-the-art RFID equipment that is bringing the business benefits of RFID to supply chain operations around the world. " ...

RFID Rapid Start Program: Via Datalogic: Datalogic Becomes Intermec RFID Rapid Start Participant With the Acquisition of PSC

RFID Real-Time Demand Insight

Blue Agave partners to provide RFID-enabled real-time insight into product demand. ...

... "Blue Agave Software, Inc., a provider of software solutions for improving replenishment, demand management and fulfillment execution, and VeriSign, the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks announced a strategic relationship to promote the benefits of integrating real-time RFID product movement data and Point-of-Sale (POS) data from VeriSign's Intelligent Supply Chain Services platform into Blue Agave's Retail Channel Execution applications. The combined solution can provide consumer goods manufacturers with real-time insight into actual consumer demand down to the most granular levels of store and product (SKU) sales, along with the predictive execution capabilities necessary to respond effectively to variability in consumer demand. In the $800 billion retail marketplace, consumer goods manufacturers are continuously seeking to improve visibility and collaboration around critical sales and operational processes. Advancements in technology are driving new levels of information availability to both consumer goods companies and their retail partners, including product movement data from RFID and POS data. Retail Channel Execution applications make this data actionable, enabling decision-makers to respond rapidly to changes in consumer demand in order to preempt revenue-impacting issues like out of stock, excess inventories, forecast variances, promotion variances, and store-level anomalies. " ...

Via Blue Agave Software: Blue Agave Software and Retail Solutions Team Up ...

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate ...

Sun and SAP collaborate to enable seamless RFID solutions ...

... "Sun Microsystems, Inc. expanded its relationship with SAP AG to integrate and standardize RFID technology based on the SAP(R) Auto-ID Infrastructure component of SAP NetWeaver(R) and the Sun Java System RFID Software. This collaboration will enable RFID data network communication between Sun and SAP RFID technology (part of the mySAP Business Suite solutions), allowing for seamless data flow from any RFID-enabled device to the mySAP Business Suite. The technology integration has been tested and certified by SAP. Customers in a broad range of industries, including retail and manufacturing, are looking to RFID technology to help them gain insight into multiple facets of the logistics process, including maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, improving customer service and tracking orders. The collaboration between SAP and Sun will help speed time to deployment for customers looking to integrate RFID data into their back-end systems. The Sun Java System RFID Software provides centralized monitoring and management capabilities for large numbers of distributed RFID devices and delivers Jini technology-based dynamic networking capabilities, which help ensure that RFID data can continue to be transmitted to the SAP applications under demanding production environments. " ...

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate: Via Sun: Sun and SAP Collaborate to Simplify Deployment of RFID Solutions on SAP NetWeaver ...

Additional references on SAP and RFID ...

Via SAP - Components & Tools of SAP NetWeaver: SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure: "SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, the key component of SAP NetWeaver that provides RFID capabilities, provides SAP applications with a gateway into RFID data. "

Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: "SAP NetWeaver provides companies with a powerful platform to manage, integrate and leverage RFID data within their SAP and non-SAP business applications. By integrating a combination of SAP NetWeaver components with core business applications, such as enterprise resource planning or supply chain management, customers can RFID-enable their business processes. The implementation of SAP RFID technology was facilitated by Annin's implementation partner CIBER Novasoft. The integration of SAP RFID technology and the pre-existing SAP IT infrastructure means information captured from the RFID tags for the more than 500,000 master cartons shipped annually can be accessed directly in the enterprise SAP system. Retailers can track and report on the movement of Annin's inventory tagged with RFID through warehouses and stores. By creating this real-world aware network, Annin has laid the groundwork for shipping items using RFID and developing an integrated and scalable approach to the technology, providing benefits beyond merely meeting the Wal-Mart requirement. "

Via SAP: SAP Forges Next Generation of RFID-Enabled Business Solutions with Kimberly-Clark: "SAP and Kimberly-Clark will continue to leverage EPCglobal efforts to promote standards based solutions to the marketplace. SAP is bringing to bear the state-of-the-art Auto-ID, analytical and event-driven technologies provided by the SAP NetWeaver platform to collect, analyze and act on EPC (electronic product code) data shared among Kimberly-Clark and its trading partners. Kimberly-Clark has already deployed SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure as the system of record of enterprise-wide EPC information and as the interface that controls all EPC information flowing into mySAP ERP. "

Via SAP: SAP Enables Fraport AG to Reduce Maintenance Costs and Increase Safety at Frankfurt Airport with Mobile Asset Management: "Before the mobile deployment, service engineers had to fill out lengthy forms during equipment checks, then enter the data manually into the central ERP software. Service technicians now use PDAs to access daily maintenance plans and carry out work orders. The PDAs read maintenance-relevant information from the RFID tags installed on ventilation shutters and act as clients to the ERP software for reporting and archiving. Because the PDAs can read tags only at a distance of three centimeters or less, the mobile scenario confirms that service technicians duly checked each vent on their work orders. In addition to safeguarding maintenance processes and generating reports in compliance with federal regulations, the solution helps the company maintain a complete view across the entire asset life cycle and more quickly locate reoccurring faults. "

IBM RFID: New Services Software ...

IBM continues to expand its RFID capabilities ...

... "IBM announced the addition of new radio frequency identification (RFID) services and software to its expansive RFID portfolio. IBM announced a new RFID service for asset tracking. The IBM RFID Solution for Asset Tracking can aid companies in their critical resource tracking and security endeavors, and in their efforts to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Its benefits range from tracking military equipment in the field to transporting hazardous materials. Also announced is an upgrade to its IBM WebSphere Premises Server for companies with heavy tagging traffic and high-value items. This high-performance software enables tagging items at manufacturing line speeds. " ...

IBM RFID: New Services Software: Via IBM: IBM Adds New RFID Services and Software to Its RFID Portfolio ...

Hospital RFID Asset Tracking ...

Infologix implements RFID asset tracking for hospitals ...

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

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

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

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 Program: P&G EPC

P&G electronic product code (EPC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) program is focused on the opportunities in the supply chain and is sensitive to privacy concerns that consumers may have. ...

... "The Procter & Gamble Company is pursuing the use of EPC (Electronic Product Coding) to create efficiencies in the supply chain, to manage inventory, prevent theft and counterfeiting, and reduce out-of-stock levels, via case and pallet-level EPC. Down the road as we learn more about the technology, there may be opportunities to save costs and generate additional benefits for the supply chain and consumers via item-level EPC. " ...

References on P&G's RFID program ...

RFID Program: P&G EPC: Via P&G: P&G Position on Electronic Product Coding (EPC) ...

Via SAP: SAP Launches First RFID Solution to Help Customers Automate RFID-Enabled Business Processes: "Drawing upon experience from customer projects with leading companies like Procter & Gamble and the METRO Group, as well as six years of RFID research and involvement in RFID standards organizations, SAP has developed technology that will dramatically change supply chain management in the retail and consumer product industries. "

Via RFID Journal: P&G Teams With T3Ci for RFID Apps: "Procter & Gamble has signed a five-year agreement with T3Ci, a Mountain View, Calif.-based startup that has created software for analyzing Electronic Product Code (EPC) data from radio frequency identification systems. "

Via Computerworld: Early Adopters Send Mixed Messages About RFID: "Flannery said the justification is more apparent in P&G's pharmaceutical business, where RFID is viewed as a technology that can help curb counterfeit drugs and bolster consumer safety. "

RFID Mobile Asset Management

IBSS introduces RFID-enabled mobile asset management solution to create a real-time view of assets and their movements. Benefits are lowering asset shrinkage and accelerating asset location. Active RFID enables the identification of mobile assets. ...

... "Integrated Business Systems and Services, Inc. (IBSS) announced its new offering, the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system , a new product created for organizations seeking more efficient asset utilization by the use of RFID and wireless technologies. Simultaneously, IBSS also announced an agreement establishing IDENTEC SOLUTIONS as a certified Value Added Reseller of SynTrack Mobile Asset Management. Today, organizations spend millions of dollars on expensive equipment only to have it lost or stolen. Annual losses can range from thousands to millions of dollars. By having a real time view of where these assets are, when and where they move, and how they are managed, companies can significantly reduce these losses as well as improve worker efficiency in locating critical equipment.

SynTrack Mobile Asset Management is IBSS' application for real time, dynamic tracking and management of assets and personnel. It allows organizations to locate, track and manage expensive, important equipment utilizing active RFID technology. Developed on IBSS' proprietary Synapse platform, the system is quickly and easily configurable to nearly any asset tracking application across commercial vertical markets. SynTrack Mobile Asset Management is ideally suited for applications in Energy, Government, Manufacturing, Security, and many other industries. Installation is quick and easy. The system is configured intuitively by defining a hierarchy of zones, tags and tag groups so assets can be quickly located. Important assets and/or desired personnel are equipped with RFID tags. These tags are sensed by strategically placed RFID readers and antennas that communicate with the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system as a tagged object passes through a geographically defined zone. " ...

RFID Mobile Asset Management: Via IBSS: IBSS INTRODUCES SynTrack MOBILE ASSET MANAGEMENT ...

RFID People Chipping ...

RFID chipping of people is not very far away. Consumer items, passports, drugs, and other objects will have RFID tags and could serve as a mechanism for tracking and tracing people. In the references below, there are many examples where people RFID chipping is beginning. Mark Long explores the benefits and privacy concerns of RFID technology as adoption increases to solve various problems in society. ...

... "Nevertheless, the chipping of Americans may not be as far away as some people think. For one thing, RFID tags are likely to play a pivotal role in securing the next generation of American identity documents, said Bob McCullough, an analyst at The Yankee Group. " ...

RFID People Chipping: Tracked by a Tiny Chip: The Promise and Peril of RFID - Via Tech Trends - NewsFactor Network

Additional resources on the chipping of people with RFID:

Feds approve human RFID implants | Via The Register: "The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a gimmick from Florida-based Applied Digital Solutions to chip people with RFID implants - previously confined to tracking animals - thereby making it easy to access their medical records, even when they cannot, or would rather not, cooperate."

EPIC RFID Privacy Page: "In comments to the Article 29 Working Group, an association of leading European privacy officials, EPIC has recommended strong safeguards for RFIDs and techniques to track the use of digital works. EPIC's Comments on RFID (pdf) recommend a prohibition on chipping people and warn that unencrypted RFID passports pose significant security risks. "

Japan: Schoolkids to be tagged with RFID chips - Hardware - News - Via ZDNet Asia: "The rights and wrongs of RFID-chipping human beings have been debated since the tracking tags reached the technological mainstream. Now, school authorities in the Japanese city of Osaka have decided the benefits outweigh the disadvantages and will now be chipping children in one primary school. "

ItemLevel RFID: Manage StockOuts Shrinkage ...

Vue and Symbol collaborate to develop RFID solutions that minimize retail stock-outs and inventory shrinkage. ...

... "Vue Technology, a leading provider of item-level RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, and Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, announced that they will jointly develop and deliver integrated item-level RFID solutions for retailers and manufacturers. The integrated item-level RFID solutions will offer visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity, resulting in significant reductions in out-of-stocks, shrinkage and labor costs. The TrueVUE RFID Platform is an ROI-driven solution that supports end-to-end item level RFID, enabling manufacturers and retailers to streamline the tracking of individual items throughout the supply chain. Vue Technology will combine their patent-pending RF Networking technology and EPC management software with Symbol's RFID fixed and handheld readers, tags and peripheral devices to deliver a cost-effective platform, enabling customers to reap the benefits of item-level RFID. The joint item-level RFID solutions will expand the reach of RFID from traditional pallet and case-level distribution applications that focus on broad supply chain visibility to in-store applications which focus on achieving enhanced on-shelf availability and sales for specific product categories. " ...

ItemLevel RFID: Manage StockOuts Shrinkage: Via Vue Technology: VUE TECHNOLOGY AND SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES TO DELIVER ITEM-LEVEL RFID SOLUTIONS TO RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: Integrated Solutions Will Reduce Out-of-Stocks, Shrinkage and Labor Costs ...

Vue Technology is the leading provider of item level RFID, delivering breakthrough technology that provides the most scalable, reliable, and ROI-driven solutions on the market. With patent-pending technologies, VUE allows standard RFID readers to network across thousands of antennas, exponentially increasing the number of zones a typical reader can support. Vue provides customers unprecedented visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity while eliminating the prohibitive cost barriers previously associated with item-level RFID roll-outs. With its TrueVUE™ RFID Platform, Vue offers the most complete suite of integrated RF networking hardware and EPC management software for item-level RFID, maximizing the benefits to our customers while minimizing implementation risks – at the lowest TCO.

RFID Emergency Card: Enables Electronic Health Record ...

MedicAlert will show its RFID-enabled smart-card for enabling emergency medical care through the use of identification and electronic health records. ...

... "MedicAlert will be showcasing technology products - the MedicAlert® E-HealthKEY, the Health Enhancement System (HES), and the RFID Emergency Card in response to the federal government’s goal to give all Americans electronic medical records in the coming years. Within a few years, one-third of all Americans will be elderly – about 77 million people – the single biggest demographic group in the country. Globally, the U.S. will have the largest population of elderly people in the history of the world. " ...

RFID Emergency Card: Enables Electronic Health Record: Via MedicAlert: MedicAlert® to showcase technology at the White House Conference on Aging ...

MedicAlert® is committed to providing technology-based solutions and is an active member and a leader in developing interoperability standards with all the major Healthcare IT standards organizations. The MedicAlert® repository uses Web service interfaces to support standard Electronic Health Records (EHRs), including electronic drug prescriptions and for patient record interoperability. These activities will ensure the rapid development and deployment of standards to improve the quality of care, lower healthcare costs while increasing patient safety. MedicAlert® is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1956 with a mission to protect and save lives, is headquartered in the United States and has international affiliates in nine countries.

Additional resources on uses of RFID to support emergency health care or electronic health care identification:

Health Care CIO Runs Internal RFID Test - Computerworld: "Halamka said this month that when the chip is scanned by an RFID reader, an identifying number directs physicians to his medical records, which are stored electronically at CareGroup's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. "

VeriChip launches secure database to consult health care data stored on implantable RFID chips: "VeriChip is a miniaturised, implantable, radio frequency identification device (RFID) which can be used in a variety of security, emergency, and health care applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip is composed of FDA-accepted materials and contains a unique verification number which can seamlessly integrate to the GVS Registry."

RFID can be a matter of life and death in the medical world | WTN: "Radio frequency identification technology is often touted as a way to improve supply chain management. But in the health care world, the technology is bringing other, perhaps more important benefits: safety and security."

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 Inlay Acquisition By Sokymat

RFID Inlay Acquisition By Sokymat: Via Sokymat: Sokymat acquires IMASYS ...

... "Sokymat SA, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, announces today that it has acquired IMASYS, a leading German supplier of RFID inlay manufacturing equipment based in Pfronten, which joined the Sokymat Group effective November 1st, 2005. IMASYS is a designer and manufacturer of high frequency (HF) transponder inlay production machines based on the wire-embedding process. IMASYS current goal is to significantly increase the production capacity of its 13.56 MHz RFID inlay manufacturing machines, in order to respond to the tremendous growth of the markets for e-passports and contactless payment cards. " ...

Sokymat, the world’s leading supplier of RFID transponders, is present in all major market segments that express a strong interest in the benefits of RFID technology, namely access control and security, industrial automation and supply chain management as well as animal identification. Thanks to its 15 years of experience in transponder manufacturing technology and its know-how in packaging technology, Sokymat can design and manufacture virtually any type of custom-made transponder suited to the specific operating environment and packaging material requested by the customer – including metal. Alongside with its expertise in 125/134.2 kHz and UHF RFID technology, Sokymat boasts the most complete know-how in 13.56 MHz technology and serves fast growing industry segments such as the emerging market for government-issued electronic passports and travel documents. The group employs more than 300 people worldwide, has both research and development centers and manufacturing plants in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia.

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 Compliance Seminar Upcoming ...

RFID Compliance Seminar Upcoming: Via RSI ID Tech: RFID Compliance & Implementation Seminar ...

... "RFID Compliance & Implementation Seminar, November 30, 2005 8:00am to 3:00 pm, La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, CA, Retail Suppliers, Department of Defense Suppliers, & Organizations looking to learn about the benefits and the keys to implementing RFID ... " ...

WalMart RFID Implementation: 500 Stores ...

Walmart predicts significant RFID implementation accomplished by end of this month (500 stores). ...

Via MSNBC: WalMart boasts of radio tag benefits ...

... "As of Oct. 31, WalMart expects that 500 stores will be using RFID tags, Dillman said. " ...

Toyota RFID Project: Accelerated Processes ...

Toyota project will implement Alien RFID technology to drive accelerated supply chain processes. Anticipated benefits exceed the RFID project's capex investment. ...

Toyota RFID Project: Accelerated Processes: Via Alien Technology: Toyota South Africa Motors Ltd. Selects Alien Technology® RFID Solution for Vehicle Identification: Automated vehicle tracking will accelerate throughput of produced assets in the supply chain, resulting in reduction of time to invoice dealers and thus time-to-cash ...

... "Traditionally, RFID-based vehicle tracking applications have been hampered by the use of costly microwave systems and proprietary RFID protocols. Toyota's application will benefit from the use of open, global-standard EPC RFID technology that combines consistent reads, even in a heavy metallic environment, with the ability to leverage extremely low-cost RFID tags. In Toyota's implementation, an Alien RFID tag will be applied to each vehicle during production. The tags will then be accurately read by field-proven Alien ALR-9780 readers at ranges exceeding six meters as the vehicle is tracked from within the Assembly Plant, through the Plant Exit, into, through and out of the Vehicle Distribution Yard. The resulting precision tracking will enable Toyota to both streamline and accelerate its vehicle shipping and invoicing processes, and thus its time-to-cash. According to Stoop, the anticipated savings on interest for the targeted reduction of Stock (vehicles-on rubber) of one day is expected to more than off-set the CAPEX for this RFID Project. " ...

Toyota South Africa, established in 1961, has been the overall market leader in terms of domestic vehicle sales for more than 25 consecutive years. The company has now been integrated into the global supplier network of Toyota Motor Corporation after TMC took a 75% majority shareholding in the company in 2002. The current production capacity of Toyota SA’s plant in Durban is in excess of 100 000 vehicles annually. This is set to expand to 220 000 units per annum by 2008. The South African operation now exports built up units to both Australia and Europe.

Alien Technology Corporation is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products for global customers in government, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and other industries. Using its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®), Alien manufactures EPC tags in very high-volumes and at low cost. The company provides a family of RFID readers for a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics, and anti-counterfeiting, to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs. Alien is an active member of EPCglobal.

RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers ...

Walmart plans shift to EPC Generation2 RFID tags in January 2006, when it will expand RFID-compliance suppliers. Shea Van Hoy explores the realization of RFID technology benefits at Walmart and the next phase of suppliers, faced with RFID compliance in Jan 2006 ...

RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers: Via The Morning News: UA Says RFID Working For WalMart Study: Out-Of-Stock Items Drop 16 Percent At RFID Stores ...

... "WalMart will begin accepting Generation 2 tags in January at RFID-networked stores and distribution centers, the company said. That month, the company plans to add 200 more suppliers shipping products with RFID tags to its current roster of 100. " ...

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 Technology: Strategic Value

RFID can provide tangible ROI in the business processes where traditional automated identification technology provides returns: supply chain operations, inventory working capital, and so on. However, the additional strategic value of RFID technology may be in increased visibility and faster speed of decision making which yields a higher degree of agility in the marketplace, a potential competitive advantage. Marlo Brooke and James Williams, Avatar Partners, discuss the business benefits of RFID technology ...

RFID Technology: Strategic Value: Via IT Business Edge: Getting a Return from RFID: Maximizing IT Investments ...

... "Are companies focused too strongly on the ROI of RFID - perhaps so much so that they neglect to see the possible strategic value of the technology? " ...

RFID Innovation Center: Supply Chain Visibility

RFID Innovation Center: Supply Chain Visibility: RedPrairie RFID Solution Powers CHEP Innovation Center with End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility: CHEP implements RedPrairie Solution to demonstrate RFID usage and benefits for customers ...

Innovation center uses RFID technology to demonstrate the value of supply chain visibility ...

... "CHEP, the global leader in pallet and container pooling services, is utilizing its Innovation Center to demonstrate usage and benefits of RFID for customers and prospects as well as representatives of the supply chains where CHEP participates. CHEP recently expanded the RFID capabilities of the Innovation Center to showcase end-to-end tracking of pallets, cases and items from receiving and put-away, to inventory management and shipping. RedPrairie provides the warehousing management solution and visibility to all supply chain participants involved in the movement of goods – including the manufacturer, transporter, distribution center and retailer for this demonstration. " ...

CHEP is the global leader in pallet and plastic container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. With Americas headquarters based in Orlando, the company has more than 7,700 employees in 42 countries. Combining superior technology, over five decades of experience and an asset base of more than 265 million pallets and containers, CHEP handles pallet and container supply chain logistics for customers in the consumer goods, produce, meat, home improvement, beverage, raw materials and automotive industries.

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.

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility: Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS LAUNCHES SAVITRAK WITH 1ST RFID-TAGGED CONTAINERS FOR MAJOR SUPPLIER OF CONSUMER GOODS FROM ASIA TO THE U.S. : Network-Enabled Active RFID Container Tags and EPC Compliant Carton Tags Offer Japanese CPG Manufacturer Source Tagging and Nested Visibility: Network Solution Designed to Help Major Consumer Goods Supplier Meet and Exceed RFID Mandates While Providing Logistics and Security Value ...

SaviTrak enables RFID compliance while adding value through source tagging and nested visibility of intransit container shipment ...

... "Savi Networks LLC, a provider of RFID-enhanced information services for global container shipments, today announced the operational launch of its SaviTrak information network with the first commercial shipments of consumer product goods from a factory in China to a distribution center in Southern California. Savi Networks and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. (Mitsui USA) are providing real-time information and logistics services within the Network to a large Japan-based supplier of consumer goods to major U.S. retailers, including Wal-Mart. The shipments, currently on the water, are proving the commercial benefits the Network brings to major consumer goods suppliers in meeting and exceeding Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) compliance mandates while improving security, logistics data accuracy, visibility, and the operating metrics of containers and their contents. The information services, called SaviTrak, are provided on a per-container trip basis. " ...

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits: Via The Morning News: More Than Meets The Eye: Automation Transforms Chicken Industry Quality, Safety, Efficiency ...

Shea Van Hoy writes about the benefits of automation, through technologies such as RFID ...

... "Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, has its top suppliers, including Tyson, implementing RFID technology at some of its distribution centers and stores. " ...

Forklift RFID Reader: Next Generation ...

RFID Forklift RFID Reader: Next Generation: LXE to Unveil Ground-Breaking RX1 Rugged Forklift-Mounted RFID Reader at EPCglobal U.S. Conference in Atlanta ...

LXE unveils its next-generation RFID reader for forklifts to enable automated shipping and receiving in the warehouse ...

... "LXE Inc., a leading developer of rugged mobile computing solutions, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its ground-breaking RX1 rugged mobile, forklift-mounted, RFID reader at EPCglobal U.S. Conference, booth 422, in Atlanta, September 13 - 14. The RX1 is the result of a collaboration, being led by LXE, that includes Sirit Technologies and its RFID reader module components, and Intel and its IXP4XX line of network processors. The objective of the collaboration is to design and build a forklift mounted RFID reader that is tough enough to survive the continuous shocks and jolts of the forklift yet versatile enough to provide the benefits of RFID to customers beyond shipping and receiving, by RFID-enabling processes deep within the warehouse such as picks, put-aways, and other material moves. " ...

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 35 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support – LXE’s easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them. Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELMG), and has offices worldwide.

RFID Technology Perspectives ...

RFID Technology Perspectives: Via Opening Remarks by Phillip J. Bond Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, RFID In 2005: Technology and Industry Perspectives Workshop, April 6, 2005, Speech, Department of Commerce (DOC), Speech

... "Introduction of RFID technology into the marketplace requires an explanation of the benefits of the technology and discussions about actual and perceived challenges.
It is our hope that in the process of today's program we will see some patterns emerge regarding what RFID is, what this technology can do, the benefits it promises to deliver straight on up from improving the supply chain process to increasing business process efficiencies. " ...

RFID Reader Printer Integration ...

RFID Reader Printer Integration: TOSHIBA TEC Europe and TAGSYS Collaborate As Leaders in RFID- Bar Code Printing: Integrated Solution Delivers TAGSYS’ Item-Level RFID Features to TOSHIBA TEC Bar Code Printers ...

... "TOSHIBA TEC Europe, a leading retail and industrial automation solutions provider, today announced it has entered into an agreement with TAGSYS, the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure, to integrate TAGSYS’ MEDIO™ S003 RFID readers into TOSHIBA TEC’s B-SX bar code printer portfolio. Available immediately, the integrated solution aims to reduce the total cost of ownership for enterprise ICT management infrastructure and guarantees faster time-to-market for bar code printing assets. The collaboration brings together TOSHIBA TEC’s innovative leadership in the bar code printer market and TAGSYS’ proven track record of delivering Reliable, Accurate and Secure (RAS) item-level RFID systems and tags that automate labor-intensive processes, authenticate and safeguard goods, and enable real-time inventory and asset visibility. The integrated solution follows testing for product stability, ease of use and compatibility. " ...

TAGSYS is the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure. TAGSYS RFID provides RFID systems and tags for end-to-end item-level tracking that automates labor-intensive processes, authenticates and safeguards goods, and enables real-time inventory and asset visibility. With a proven track record of delivering Reliable, Accurate and Secure (RAS) RFID systems and tags, TAGSYS has deployed over 50 million tags and 50,000 reader systems to over 500 customers in more than 40 countries. TAGSYS RFID solutions are currently being deployed in a range of highly specialized vertical markets that include pharmaceutical, fashion apparel, libraries, and textile rental. The company is headquartered in France’s Smart Valley with offices in the USA (Doylestown, Pennsylvania) and Asia (Hong Kong).

TOSHIBA TEC Europe has earned a reputation as a leading manufacturer of retail and industrial information systems through product development that aims to anticipate and uncover potential customer needs, resulting in products that provide real value and benefits to the user. As a total solution provider, TOSHIBA TEC Europe offers a complete package from consulting and system design to system installation, operation and maintenance of point of sale systems, cash registers, scales, barcode printers, peripherals and software information systems. TOSHIBA TEC Corporation has a global turnover of 355 billion yen through 58 offices, employing over 13.000 people. TOSHIBA TEC's majority shareholder is the TOSHIBA Corporation, which provides TOSHIBA TEC with the support of an unrivalled worldwide organisation with a strong presence in four continents.

RFID Security Solutions ...

SECURITY SOLUTIONS

... "Intelligent packaging has its limitations and certainly its benefits. RFID used in tags, tickets, ID cards and even security labels affords the user the ability to carry unique data, with the product for a multitude of applications. Real estate on many pharmaceutical labels is limited, however through the use of RFID; information can be brought to users when and where needed with little change to the cosmetic appearance of the label itself. The use of RFID on inserts and outserts provides manufacturers the ability to track and trace products and to identify them for any reason. Reducing mistakes, increasing throughput speed make RFID technology the cutting edge in roll form label applications. " ...

Singapore RFID Test Facility: Advanced Technology Center ...

Singapore RFID Test Facility: Advanced Technology Center: NOL GROUP AND SUN MICROSYSTEMS LAUNCH RFID TEST CENTRE IN SINGAPORE: Advanced technology facility a first for Southeast Asia ...

... "Leading global transportation and logistics company, NOL, launched an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) test centre in Singapore focused on helping companies drive the benefits of this revolutionary technology in their supply chains. Developed in partnership with Sun Microsystems, with support from Singapore's Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), the S$2.7 million NOL-Sun Advanced Technology Centre features the latest testing facilities for evaluating RFID technologies and applications in a live supply-chain environment. " ...

Neptune Orient Lines is a Singapore-based global cargo transportation and logistics company. Its container transportation arm, APL, provides customers around the world with services that combine high quality inter-modal operations with state-of-the-art information technology. Its supply-chain services arm, APL Logistics, provides international, end-to-end logistics services, employing the latest IT and data connectivity for maximum supply chain visibility and control.

A singular vision – The Network Is The Computer – guides Sun in the development of technologies that power the world’s most important markets. Sun’s philosophy of sharing innovation and building communities is at the forefront of the next wave of computing: the Participation Age.

RFID Integrated Value Network

RFID Integrated Value Network: RFID Business Process Enablement: The most flexible approach to RFID-enabled supply chain business processes ...

... "Select and tune the processes that will benefit from RFID. Rather than starting your foray into RFID with a slap and ship program or tag and reader testing, you will start by creating RFID-ready processes. ... Share the cost, risks and benefits of an RFID pilot project with your supply network partners. The low initial cost, speed of deployment and shared risk make the hosted approach to RFID services appealing. " ...

One Network enables unified management of orders, inventory, shipments and forecasts in collaborative demand-driven supply network.

RFID Tags Mobile Assets Beer Distribution

RFID Tags Mobile Assets Beer Distribution: Sokymat - Sokymat Supplying RFID Tags to TrenStar

... "Sokymat, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, is supplying RFID tags to mobile asset management company TrenStar Inc. to track beer kegs for clients in the U.K. including Coors. " ...

Sokymat, the world’s leading supplier of RFID transponders, is present in all major market segments that express a strong interest in the benefits of RFID technology, namely access control and security, industrial automation and supply chain management as well as animal identification. Thanks to its 15 years of experience in transponder manufacturing technology and its know-how in packaging technology, Sokymat can design and manufacture virtually any type of custom-made transponder suited to the specific operating environment and packaging material requested by the customer – including metal. Alongside with its expertise in 125/134.2 kHz and UHF RFID technology, Sokymat boasts the most complete know-how in 13.56 MHz technology and serves fast growing industry segments such as the emerging market for government-issued electronic passports and travel documents. The group employs more than 300 people worldwide, has both research and development centers and manufacturing plants in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia.

TrenStar is the first company to offer mobile asset management. From the start in 2001, TrenStar’s singular mission has been to buy, track and manage high-value containers for customers throughout asset-intensive industries. TrenStar offers one complete outsourced solution that combines asset acquisition, tracking technology and management services all for a per-use fee, so customers, and eventually entire industries, reduce operating expenses, improve customer service and manage assets and their contents effectively. TrenStar's clients include Carlsberg UK, Coors Brewers Limited, Kraft and Goodyear. Consistently ranked one of the top software developers in the Denver area and named a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Rising Star in North America in 2004, TrenStar has offices in Denver, the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. TrenStar is privately held, and the primary shareholders are Trencor Limited, The Carlyle Group and the Leede Companies.

RFID Strategy Alliance Network ...

RFID Strategy Alliance Network: Psion Teklogix Launches New Strategic Alliance Partner Program: Leading Technology Enterprises Offered Incentives to Help Strengthen Business Relationships ...

PsionTek creates a network of strategic alliances to drive innovation ...

... "Psion Teklogix, (LSE: PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing, wireless data collection, imaging and RFID, is launching a new Strategic Alliance Partner Program for its Americas business of operation. The Psion Teklogix Strategic Alliance Partner Program is designed to promote collaboration between Psion Teklogix and other technology leaders to help create innovative technology solutions that will meet the expanding mobile computing needs of the supply chain and mobility markets. There are six different classifications of partner types in the Strategic Alliance Partner Program and they include: Systems Integrators/Consultants, Technology Partners, ISV Partners, Carrier Partners, Association Partners and RFID Partners. " ...

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.