Glucose Sensor RFID Microchip

VeriChip enlists the support of the Diabetes Research Institute to collaborate on the development and commercialization of a glucose-sensing radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip with partner, RECEPTORS LLC. The companies will develop integration of the data with the personal health record via Health Link. ...

... "Robert Pearlman, President and CEO of the DRI Foundation, said, We are pleased to partner with VeriChip on this important initiative to develop a glucose-sensing RFID microchip, which could potentially improve patient care and compliance among individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, we believe access to a personal health record is vital for all patients, but particularly those with chronic illnesses. Our relationship with VeriChip will enable us to provide that access to our patients and study the utility of Health Link and the role it plays within a larger electronic medical record system. " ...

Via VeriChip Corporation: Strategic Partnership with Diabetes Research Institute

RFID Monitors Handwashing Protocols

Are your food service and healthcare providers following their facility's best practices for hand washing and hygiene? The RFID-enabled HandGiene system will ensure that they are. ...

... "The HandGiene Hand Wash Monitoring and Accountability System uses Patented, Proprietary RFID-enabled Cleanser Dispensers and Proprietary miniaturized, Patent-Pending RFID readers to actively and non-invasively assure compliance by all covered personnel and visitors with a facility’s hand wash protocols. The HandGiene System works with equal, unparalleled efficiency in Hospitals and Healthcare facilities and also, Restaurants and Food Preparation Facilities alike. " ...

Via HandGiene: System Provides Full Accountability (PDF)

DOD RFID Compliance Automation

Walmart RFID Compliance Kit

RFID Atex Certification

Syrma Technology RFID tags meet ATEX certification requirements for use in potentially explosive environments, such as use in the LP gas distribution industry. ...

... "The certification confirms that Syrma's RFID transponder products have been found to comply with essential health and safety requirements per Directive 94/9/EC and has been assured by compliance with EN 60079-0:2006 and EN 600079-7:2007. This assures users that the products comply with essential health and safety requirements relating to the design and construction of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. In addition the manufacturing quality systems in the Syrma Chennai facility fully comply with the Annex VII of the Directive. Syrma has demonstrated that they have considered every possible electrical or non-electrical source of ignition, and, at the same time, consider all potentially hazardous environments a product could operate in; the different ways it could be applied and the technical ability of the person using the product. " ...

Via Syrma Technology: ATEX Certification for Application of RFID Transponders in Explosive Environments

NY RFID Driver Licenses

New York state issues RFID driver license. ...

... "On September 16, 2008, NYS began to issue WHTI-Compliant Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) (includes Enhanced learner permits) and Enhanced non-driver photo ID cards (ENDID) to applicants who can prove U.S. citizenship and NYS residency. An EDL or ENDID can be used instead of a passport at U.S. land and sea border crossings between Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. " ...

Via NYS DMV: Enhanced DMV Photo Documents for U.S. Citizens Who are Residents of NYS

SamsClub RFID Compliance Solution Enables Retailer Programs

Acsis introduces RFID tagging application for the consumer product value chain, called ProducTrak Compliance Edition. The solution jump-starts the compliance with retailer RFID requirements, such as Sams Club and Walmart. ...

... "With ProducTrak CE, manufacturers affected by the trading partner requirements for RFID tagged product cases and pallets are able to streamline and simplify the tagging of shipments through the use of RFID tag labeling. Several major retailers including WalMart, Target, Albertson's and most recently, Sam's Club, are calling for suppliers to provide RFID-tagged products to gain better inventory visibility and increase on-shelf product availability, as well as improve security and assure less shrinkage. In January, Sam's Club communicated several new RFID requirements and deadlines to suppliers. With over 580 stores and 47 million members in the US alone, its RFID tagging program will likely impact more locations, consumers, and products than any other initiative currently announced. " ...

Via Acsis: LOW-COST FULFILLMENT OF RETAILER RFID TAG REQUIREMENTS

SamsClub RFID Compliance

With Sams Club suppliers needing a compliance solutions, epcSolutions positions RFIDTagManager as the out of the box solution platform to meet the RFID requirement. ...

... "RFIDTagManager for Sam's Club, built on epcSolutions SensorOS, allows the ability for end users to meet current Sam's Club RFID pallet tagging requirements, as well as, meeting the future case tagging requirement, with a simple out of the box solution requiring no additional software. RFIDTagManager for Sam's Club includes a full SQL database, EPCIS and connectivity to all the RFID hardware. " ...

RFID Compliance Package Released

WalMart RFID Compliance Becomes Company Supply Chain Foundation

Daisy Brands is leveraging its use of RFID technology for Walmart compliance into its broader supply chain. The benefits of a more robust tracking system is the foundation for a higher performance supply chain. This company's supply chain enables the flow of perishable products via a cold chain. ...

... "Daisy says its investment in RFID has been a boon, helping Daisy better manage the flow of its perishable products through WalMart stores and ensure marketing promotions proceed as planned ... " ...

Via Information Week: Dairy Company Leverages Walmart RFID Compliance

Walmart RFID Standards Discussed

The RFID standards at Walmart are discussed at academic laboratory in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. ...

RFID Medical Center Asset Tracking Implementation

Southern Ohio Medical Center implements RFID-enabled asset tracking solution from Radianse, called Reveal. The medical center is realizing the benefits of streamlined equipment inspection processes, quick device recall, improved asset utilization, and enhanced regulatory compliance through quick asset location and better management systems from increased visibility. ...

... "SOMC will use the application to better find and manage 1600 medical devices and equipment across four floors. Moving forward, as part of its $110 million facility expansion, the hospital expects to use additional Radianse Reveal applications to improve patient flow and overall safety from admission to discharge. SOMC is adding more than 100 rooms, a new emergency services area as well as same day surgery and other facility and service additions.

SOMC originally planned to start smaller, but the response was so positive, and the potential so great, it opted to go hospital-wide right away, according to Cooper. The hospital chose a mix of room- and zone-level coverage. With Radianse, room-level accuracy is typically within three feet. " ...

Via Radianse: Southern Ohio Medical Center implements RFID Asset Tracking

Suppliers Benefits Walmart RFID Program Compliance

Walmart supplier, Pacific Coast, sees benefits from compliance with Walmart RFID program, leading to efficiencies across the value chain. ...

... "Pacific Coast is benefiting from WalMart's in-store RFID effort. Data generated shows which stores aren't doing a good job keeping its products on shelves. WalMart and Pacific Coast are using that data ... " ...

Via InformationWeek: Walmart RFID Benefits Suppliers

Metro Supplier RFID Tag Pilot

METRO Group's Tag It Easy! pilot uses Checkpoint RFID labels to manage the inbound supply-side of its supply chain in Asia to Germany. ...

... "The METRO Group expects that the RFID pilot will optimize efficiency and transparency in the international flow of goods. Access to more-accurate, real-time shipment data will help the retailer improve control over its international supply chain, resulting in lower warehousing costs and reduced out-of-stock situations.

METRO Group has standardized on UHF EPC Gen 2 tags for compliance to all regional requirements: 917 - 922 MHz for China; 920 - 925 MHz for Hong Kong; and 865.6 - 867.6 MHz for Europe. The RFID tags on the labels provided by Checkpoint will store the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), which will be read at several points along the supply chain from Hong Kong to Unna, Germany. The METRO Group will receive an electronic delivery note in advance of the shipment, detailing the container content. The supplier also benefits, by gaining detailed proof of package delivery. The pilot will run for three months, and the METRO Group expects to extend the project to include several other Asian suppliers at a future date if the concept proves to be feasible. " ...

METRO Group and Checkpoint Systems Partner to Help Suppliers Tag it Easy

RFID Exam Security

RFID will secure examination packages from breach of security, such as being opened inadvertently prior to the designated test date. ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an evolving technology enabler for tracking goods and services (i.e. tags on CDs and clothes in shops). A significant number of exam packages (bags) will contain an RFID tag. Exam packages would be scanned out on despatch and can be scanned by Edexcel's Compliance team at any time after delivery to identify the contents and ensure no papers are missing. Edexcel is also able to detect anomalies in exam results for an individual student or group of students. 90% of Edexcel's scripts are scanned, digitised and marked online by examiners using the ePen system. " ...

Via Edexcel: RFID Secures Exam Papers

RFID Filtration: Millipore Integrates Smart Technology

Millipore is collaborating with Tack Smart Filter Technology BV to integrate RFID technology in its filters and filtration apparatuses for biopharmaceutical applications and will use Tagsys RFID technology for tags and reader components. ...

... "By using RFID technology in filtration products, Millipore's customers can increase their speed by quickly and reliably retrieving critical information, such as when and how the product was manufactured. Additionally, when the filters are coupled with sensors, RFID can deliver real-time information about product performance and identify which fluids are present during the manufacturing process. This information will help customers to ensure regulatory compliance and make recording and conveying manufacturing data faster and more reliable. Unlike previous labeling methods such as barcodes, RFID enables customers to automatically document product and process information, eliminates the risk of losing critical information, and provides the ability to rewrite their own information into embedded RFID tags. " ...

Via Millipore: Company to Embed RFID Technology in Filtration Products Used for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

RFID Module Innovation Awarded

SkyeTek wins the EDN 17th Annual Innovation Award in the Computers, Boards, and Buses category for its M9 SkyeModule. The M9 is half the size of a business card and is targeted to item-level inventory, product authentication, and patron management. ...

... "Based on SkyeTek's Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M9 leads the RFID industry in UHF reader price-performance and meets regulatory compliance requirements for the world's major markets including North America, Europe (ETSI 302 208), Korea, and Japan. The M9's ReaderWare Embedded software stack allows application logic, policies, and advanced security to be executed on the reader allowing unprecedented levels of intelligence to be delivered to the products in which the M9 gets embedded. This award is the second distinction for SkyeTek in the past week. On March 29, SkyeTek's customer ADASA was announced the winner of CMP's Excellence in RFID Technology Award for its SkyeTek-enabled PAD3500, a low-cost, wearable mobile encoder that supports the encoding of UHF RFID tags anywhere. " ...

Via SkyeTek: M9 RFID Reader Module Wins Electronic Design News 17th Annual Innovation Award

DOD RFID Programs: New At Summit

Universal Guardian introduces new TAGeasy and TAGstation DoD RFID programs at the United States Department of Defense RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Summit. ...

... "Universal's revolutionary TAGeasy and TAGstation systems provide DoD suppliers with immediate and cost-effective DoD RFID compliant labels for use on items, cases and pallets, and other packaging, at the source anywhere in the world ... all with little or no capital investment. TAGeasy(TM) is a secure, online e-Commerce RFID label fulfillment system that generates DoD approved RFID labels, including a Certificate of Compliance, shipped overnight to DoD suppliers and generates a government approved receiving report (ASN) ... all for only $29.95 per month and $.19 per RFID label with a one-year subscription.

TAGstation(TM) is a secure, online dedicated web-based portal with an on- site RFID printer that produces DoD compliant RFID labels on demand, generates a government approved receiving report (ASN) and a Certificate of Compliance. TAGstation(TM) provides end-to-end order tracking and asset visibility from shipping to receiving ... worldwide. TAGstation(TM) delivers the Department of Defense and its suppliers the complete system including the RFID encoding label printer and Gen 2 RFID labels for only $299 per month and $.17 per label. " ...

Via Universal Guardian: New RFID Programs at Department of Defense (DoD)

WA-State RFID License Border Pilot

Washington will pilot RFID-enabled driver's license for border crossings. ...

... "The alternative license will contain a Radio Frequency Identification chip, commonly known as RFID, which the guard booths will use to scan the license as a traveler or trucker pulls up to the booth. " ...

Via Seattle Post-Intelligencer: RFID Border Pilot

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Washington to launch a pilot program that will enhance the security of state driver's licenses and potentially serve as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States' land and sea borders. The Washington pilot program is one possible compliance alternative to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements. As early as January 2008, U.S. citizens reentering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea, including ferries, may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

The enhanced driver's license will be slightly more expensive than a standard Washington state driver's license and will require proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, as well as contain security features similar to a U.S. passport. "

Shaw Industries RFID Implementation For Supply Chain Value

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. partners with ODIN to implement RFID technology at 37 of its distribution sites around the United States. This implementation brings the total number of RFID-enabled sites to 40 for Shaw. ODIN helped Shaw to pilot RFID for supply chain visibility and retailer compliance in 2006. Shaw understands the ROI of an RFID-enabled supply chain system and is implementing RFID across its US distribution network. Supply chain visibility will drive operational efficiency and improve customer service. ...

... "ODIN technologies is currently deploying an RFID enabled Master Bill of Lading tracking and visibility system that was originally piloted in 2006. With the system, Shaw has real time visibility into the status of trucks and customer orders in its distribution network. This will allow Shaw to be more effective and also provide their customers with accurate feedback on order shipment status. The Master Bill of Lading system will be deployed at an additional seven primary Distribution Centers (DCs) and an additional 30 regional DCs located across the country. ODIN technologies deployed RFID printers and customized secure RFID enclosures. The acceptance testing protocol documented 100% read rates in the pilot and is fully integrated into MQ Series and Shaw’s legacy systems. " ...

Via ODIN technologies: Shaw Industries RFID Implementation

Printronix RFID Printer Compatible With Microsoft Biztalk RFID Solution

Printronix collaborates with Microsoft to create turnkey radio frequency identification (RFID) printing solution that is compatible with Microsoft's BizTalk RFID infrastructure. ...

... "Ready to meet global supply chain operators' RFID compliance needs, Printronix's SL4M is the industry's most economical, industrial-grade metal printer/encoder designed for global Class 1 Gen 2 as well as ISO compliant ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID applications. Synchronized with Microsoft's BizTalk RFID technology, it encodes and prints RFID chips and labels to meet retail, government and other supply-chain compliance mandates. It also is ideal for closed-loop UHF applications. Announced in June 2006, BizTalk RFID will incorporate Microsoft's vast technology expertise and developer network to provide an innovative platform solution that is enabling businesses to optimize RFID technology and create greater supply-chain efficiencies. Printronix worked with Microsoft as the company first announced its BizTalk RFID solution to improve greatly the customer's ability to experience all of the benefits of RFID. First to market with a UHF EPC printer, Printronix leveraged its RFID installation experiences with top suppliers to Wal-Mart, the U.S. Department of Defense, Target, Albertsons and Best Buy to create its RFID product and solutions portfolio. Printronix then shared its patented MP2 RFID Smart printing knowledge with the Microsoft development team and contributed SmartLine RFID printers to Microsoft's technology centers in Redmond, Wash.; Paris; Beijing; and Bangalore, India, among other locations. " ...

Via Printronix: Printronix Utilizes Microsoft BizTalk RFID Technology to Deliver Turnkey RFID Printing Solution to Supply Chain Operators Worldwide ...

Robot RFID Asset Management for Hospitals

Aethon Inc makes availabile its mobile RFID-enabled solution that locates, delivers and recovers hospital assets. The solution performs automated transportation featuring an RFID-based asset tracking system and a robotic asset delivery and recovery system. The solution helps hospitals to improve efficiency and patient satisfaction, increase utilization of assets, and improve regulatory compliance. ...

... "HOMER's unique asset tracking capabilities are an outgrowth of technology made possible by TUG, the most successful automated courier system for the delivery and recovery of hospital goods and supplies. Leveraging the TUG platform, HOMER employs a single mobile antenna that eliminates the typical infrastructure hurdles of competitors’ systems. This translates into more efficient organization and location of pumps, wheelchairs, monitors, respirators, beds and virtually any other assets hospitals are interested in tracking. A cost-effective and comprehensive solution, HOMER can seamlessly merge with existing hospital systems and requires minimal installation. HOMER works with active RFID tags (unique identifiers). Because it can use any third-party tag, HOMER is tag independent. Furthermore, HOMER can be integrated into existing asset management software. Aethon provides installation, tag selection and setup, software integration, training and support. TUG is an autonomous mobile robot that requires no extra infrastructure investment, is simple to install and has many applications such as central supply, dietary, pharmacy, laboratory, medical records, nursing and linens. Currently, the TUG delivery and recovery system is being used in hospitals across 75 sites. Many hospitals have deployed multiple TUGs to save time and money, while increasing staff and patient satisfaction. " ...

Via Aethon: Aethon Redefines Hospital Asset Utilization ...

Schiff RFID Pilot Tests Technology Across Value Chain

Schiff Nutrition tests RFID technology in a pilot phase, with intention to realize benefits across its value chain with partners and customers. ...

... "Schiff Nutrition International, a U.S.-based manufacturer of vitamins and nutritional supplements, and IBM announced a new Radio Frequency Identification pilot to better anticipate current and future customer needs and improve efficiency. This makes Schiff the first mid-size manufacturer to execute such a program, giving it a competitive advantage in the market and illustrating that RFID is sustainable for small- and medium-sized businesses. After researching RFID technology, Schiff turned to IBM Global Services and Business Partner, OATSystems, for the initial design, testing and implementation of their RFID infrastructure. Remaining compliant with retailer mandates while also having a strategic vision of extended uses of the technology, Schiff required an RFID partner with deep expertise in integration and open standards. " ...

Via IBM: IBM Wins First of a Kind RFID Project for SMB, Schiff Nutrition ...

RFID Readiness Assessments: Tagging Objects

Avnet Technology Solutions and Stratum Global create partnership to focus on enterprise mobility solutions incorporating the RFID capabilities of TagNet. TagNet enables tracking of RFID-tagged objects (products, assets, or individuals). ...

... "The Avnet Enterprise Mobility team leverages its technical expertise and market experience to help partners develop and implement complete, custom enterprise mobility solutions encompassing hardware, software and services. The new relationship with Stratum Global complements Avnet's Enterprise Mobility initiative by providing RFID solutions for access control, asset management, compliance, high-volume conveyor tagging and closed-loop inventory location management. Stratum Global's TagNet RFID solution suite supports a variety of vertical industries, including defense, education, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing. TagNet seamlessly integrates with most enterprise resource planning and business intelligence applications for complete end-to-end RFID event management.

As part of the new relationship between Avnet and Stratum Global, participating Avnet partners will be trained and certified to perform comprehensive RFID readiness assessments. The readiness assessments include an in-depth business analysis for end customers and the creation of a roadmap for developing and implementing RFID solutions. By working with Avnet and Stratum Global, channel partners can design and implement custom, integrated RFID hardware and software solutions for their customers, as well as establish plans for long-term scaleable end solutions. " ...

Via Avnet Inc.: Enterprise Mobility RFID Solutions

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

WalMart RFID Compliance: Shaw Implements ODIN Tech ...

Shaw will implement ODIN's RFID technology solutions to comply with Walmart's RFID requirements. ODIN technologies is a leader in the physics of RFID solution design, deployment, and installation optimization software. ...

... "Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the world's largest supplier of carpets and rugs, selected ODIN technologies, the leader in the physics of RFID deployments, testing, and optimization software to design, and install an RFID system for supply chain optimization and to also comply with WalMart's mandate. Shaw is part of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio and plans on leveraging RFID technology to solve multiple business issues. ODIN will be designing and deploying two RFID systems which will provide Shaw with supply chain visibility, efficiency and WalMart compliance. The initial deployment will take place in 3 facilities. " ...

Via ODIN Tech: Shaw Industries Selects ODIN for RFID Supply Chain and Compliance Pilots ...

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

RFID Enterprise Service Upgrade ...

BEA WebLogic RFID product family is a component of the BEA's service oriented architecture. RFID Enterprise Server 2.0 is available for download. The RFID system's event repository is interoperable with the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) standards. ...

... "A core component of the BEA WebLogic RFID product family, BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server is designed to help enable central management of RFID data collected at the edge of an enterprise, i.e. inside a retail store, warehouse or data center. With enhanced support for industry standards and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the 2.0 release of BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server provides a suite of six services that can help manage and coordinate RFID data and edge operations globally. BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server 2.0 complements the BEA WebLogic Edge Server and BEA WebLogic Compliance Express products, and is designed to make it easier to bridge the gaps between people, processes, applications and systems across enterprise and trading partners. BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server 2.0 can provide customers unprecedented visibility into product movement data, and is designed to help enable them to derive business value more quickly from RFID data collected at the edge. " ...

Via BEA Systems: BEA Strengthens RFID Infrastructure Software for Enterprise-Grade Deployments ...

RFID Case Tracking: BestBuy Compliance ...

NetGear complies with BestBuy RFID mandate through services of APL Logistics. ...

... "Global supply chain management leader APL Logistics has won the RFID tagging solution business of Silicon Valley-based NETGEAR, a leading provider of wireless networking equipment. Under terms of the agreement, APL Logistics will affix Radio Frequency Identification tags to cases of NETGEAR product sent to selected Best Buy stores in the U.S. The deal highlights a growing trend among major retailers who mandate that their suppliers use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on shipments. It also confirms APL Logistics' role as an innovative provider of the technology for supply chain management. " ...

Via APL Logistics: NETGEAR Turns to APL Logistics for RFID Mandate

Monza RFID Tag Readers Gen2 Interoperable ...

Impinj's Monza RFID chip and Speedway readers are certified for Generation-2 interoperability. ...

... "Leading Gen 2 RFID solution provider, Impinj, Inc., announced that EPCglobal Inc., the not-for-profit standards organization dedicated to driving global adoption of the Electronic Product Code (EPC) for supply chain excellence, has awarded interoperability marks to Monza tag chips and Speedway readers, certifying that these Impinj products comply with EPCglobal's Gen 2 standard and interoperate with other certified devices. Third-party testing firm MET Laboratories conducted EPCglobal's product interoperability testing as part of an extensive hardware certification and standards compliance program for RFID chips, tags, readers, and printers. MET Laboratories also performed EPCglobal's RFID Gen 2 compliance testing in September 2005, awarding Gen 2 compliance certification marks to Impinj's Monza chip and Speedway reader at that time.

Impinj is the only company to have earned Gen 2 interoperability certification for both tag chips and readers. Monza chips and Speedway readers enable Powered by Impinj solutions available from a variety of RFID vendors and are key components of recent RFID deployments. Impinj has shipped Monza chips in high volume to the industry's leading RFID tag and inlay vendors worldwide since the Fall of 2005. " ...

Via Impinj: Impinj’s Gen 2 RFID Monza Tag Chips and Speedway Readers Earn EPCglobal Interoperability Certification ...

RFID Wireless Communications Enables Distribution Visibility ...

Food distibutors implement RFID wireless communications system to support supply chain visibility to temperature compliance. ...

... "Two Los Angeles-area food distributors have recently purchased and deployed the new ReeferTrak Scout units and base stations at their distribution centers. ReeferTrak Scout is an RFID wireless communications system that gives users full two-way command and control capability of their refrigerated truck and trailer fleets when the units are within a several mile range of a base station-equipped distribution center. When the reefers are operating out of range of the distribution center, the Scout unit logs GPS, trip and refrigeration unit performance data and automatically downloads the information to StarTrak's central data center via the local base station upon return to the center. Customers use the data to immediately confirm temperature compliance of the shipment from origin to destination. The base stations' several mile RFID range provides excellent coverage of distribution facilities, allowing customers to achieve significant savings in yard operations, fuel usage and product quality. " ...

Alanco Technologies: Alanco's StarTrak Announces New ReeferTrak Scout RFID Product Line For Local Refrigerated Food Distribution ...

SAP RFID Solution: Acsis Link ...

SAP and Acsis deliver offering to help customers comply with RFID mandates, while creating a scalable end-to-end RFID architecture for the enterprise. ...

... "Utilizing the SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, built on SAP NetWeaver, and Acsis Data-Link Enterprise platforms, a Certified for SAP NetWeaver solution, these two leaders in RFID and supply chain solutions provide a complete package for both SAP and non-SAP customers. Further, their integrated solution provides the foundation needed to quickly scale and derive value as mandates expand. With the End to End approach, Acsis and SAP will combine Acsis's Tag/Reader recommendation for hardware, Acsis and SAP process design, software, and complete implementation in 30 days to help customers achieve their immediate compliance needs. The offering can be delivered either fully integrated with SAP back office systems or as a completely standalone system. Further, the offering can be integrated with any ERP and WMS solution using SAP's Exchange Infrastructure and Acsis Data-Link Enterprise integration capabilities. The integrated offering provides complete device orchestration, data collection, and the transformation of RFID data into business context for commissioning, packing, loading, shipping, tracking, and analytics for RFID. " ...

SAP RFID Solution: Acsis Link: Via Acsis: ACSIS and SAP LAUNCH END TO END OFFERING FOR RFID COMPLIANCE ...

Oracle RFID Middleware Upgrade ...

Oracle upgrades its RFID middleware suite of solutions. ...

... "The latest version of Oracle Sensor Edge Server provides several new features for customers investing in RFID technology including: out-of-the-box integration with a variety of market leading RFID devices; device management for the industry's leading RFID tag readers, antenna, tag printers and response systems, which helps customers reduce deployment time and costs; significantly enhanced user management capabilities, including a task-oriented user interface; enhanced RFID compliance workspace; and the ability to provide valuable insight into the status of items in the RFID and sensor network through a larger number of out-of-the-box reports. Customers benefit from scalability and ease of administration via consolidated views and management of devices on the network.

Oracle Sensor Edge Server is also integrated with Oracle Fusion Middleware to provide customers with enhanced features such as: RFID-driven business process management and workflows through integration with Oracle Enterprise Service Bus and Oracle BPEL Process Manager; Oracle RFID Event Monitoring and Oracle Business Activity Monitoring to help optimize supply chain management with RFID; and pre-packaged business analytics on RFID events. The Oracle Sensor Edge Server and Oracle Fusion Middleware are also integrated with Oracle's business applications to provide customers with an end-to-end RFID-enabled offering for supply chain management, order management and industry-specific solutions. " ...

Oracle RFID Middleware Upgrade: Via Oracle: Oracle Delivers Enhanced RFID Technology in Oracle Fusion Middleware ...

RFID Supply Chain Pilot: China EPC Initiative ...

VTech implements RFID supply chain pilot to enable Walmert compliance ...

... "Cisco Systems and Intel Corporation announced that VTech (Telecommunications division), a leading supplier of corded and cordless telephones, has selected a radio frequency identification (RFID) solution from Cisco and Intel for its pilot participation in the Hong Kong EPCnetwork initiative directed by EPCglobal Hong Kong. Upon completion, VTech will be able to comply with Wal-Mart's RFID request requiring key suppliers and business partners to become RFID-compliant. This will also help VTech improve the efficiency of warehouse operations and management through automation, as well as serving to enhance visibility throughout the supply chain.

VTech's pilot participation demonstrates that the Hong Kong EPCnetwork of EPCglobal Hong Kong has made significant strides since its launch last year. The Hong Kong EPCnetwork initiative aims to bring end-to-end supply chain visibility to the Pan Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region through the use of a common, standards-based data exchange allowing easy, secure, real-time communication between manufacturers, logistics companies and retailers. Manufacturers and logistics companies in the PPRD can expect to enhance their connections and relationships with retailers worldwide through the EPCnetwork initiative.

The RFID solution, comprising Cisco AON for RFID and Cisco Services for RFID, is based on platforms powered by Intel technologies including Intel Xeon-based servers, RFID readers and PCs. The solution delivers integrated and intelligent RFID capabilities that connect the VTech and Wal-Mart RFID systems. The Hong Kong EPCnetwork project will enable VTech to take advantage of next generation RFID technology to track telecommunications products from the Dongguan factory to Wal-Mart distribution centers in the US. " ...

RFID Supply Chain Pilot: China EPC Initiative: Via Cisco: VTech Selects Cisco and Intel RFID Solution for Supply Chain Pilot ...

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers ...

Zebra offers guidance on Walmart RFID compliance to the next 300 suppliers ...

... "To help the next 300 companies with their compliance mandates, Zebra offers the following article outlining the top 10 best practices based on successful RFID implementations featuring WalMart suppliers Pacific Cycle, the largest bicycle supplier in North America; Victory Land Group, a large furniture importer; and Beaver Street Fisheries, a distributor of fish and seafood products. " ...

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers: Via Zebra: RFID Top Ten Best Practices

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. "

RFID Generation 2 Technology Standards ...

Manhattan Assoc supports compliance with the Generation 2 RFID Technology Standards ...

... "This latest evolution in RFID technology and standards, commonly referred to as Generation 2, is being adopted by Wal*Mart and Target. The two retailers plan to have their suppliers begin using these new standards to move goods through their supply chains. Suppliers to the two companies are expected to make this transition by mid-year. Manhattan Associates supports the migration to these latest RFID standards and can help companies with new RFID deployment. Generation 2's major goal is to ensure interoperability between all EPC Global Generation 2-compliant devices and tags. " ...

RFID Generation 2 Technology Standards: Via Manhattan Associates: Manhattan Associates Helps Companies Achieve Compliance with Class 1 Generation 2 RFID Technology Standards ...

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 Technology Strategy for Compliance ...

Suppliers must be ready to satisfy customer requirements for RFID technology ...

... "As the WalMarts and Metros of the world implement new RFID requirements, suppliers, in their efforts to comply, must be prepared to execute the right technology strategy to serve their own business. " ...

RFID Technology Strategy for Compliance: Via Ferret: Manhattan Associates - RFID myths debunked

RFID Development Lab Kits ...

Learn how to track your beans ... BlueBean offers RFID development lab kits for smaller-scale implementations. David Sims provides update on BlueBeans ...

... "BlueBean, LLC, is now offering what the company describes as complete RFID development lab kits for anyone who needs a smaller-scale RFID portal product. " ...

RFID Development Lab Kits: Via TMCnet: BlueBean's DIY RFID: Don't Try This At Home, Kids

BlueBean RFID Company Description: "RFID compliance, in its most basic form, means meeting your client's specifications which allows them to identify and track your beans throughout their entire supply chain. They must be able to know at any given moment exactly where your beans are. "

BlueBean EasyInbound: "BlueBean EasyInBound RFID receiving line only allows one case in the RFID read zone to ensure read accuracy. Your solution is set up for off-site testing and sign off. It is shipped as an assembled kit for easy on-site installation. "

Roadmap to Compliance: "BlueBean follows a strict and proven methodology in creating a Roadmap to Compliance strategy for it clients. The Roadmap provides a compliance scorecard, budgetary costs, technology selection, timetable, software and hardware requirements, high level physical layout and short vs. long term strategies. "

Use Gen2 RFID for Pilots Starting Now ...

With EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 radio frequency identification (RFID) products reaching the market, Zebra Technologies shares its experience as a ten-year veteran of RFID innovation with Gen 2 do’s and don'ts to help companies avoid potential implementation issues. ...

... "Do go straight to Gen 2 if you are starting RFID pilots now: Gen 2 protocols offer significant performance enhancements over the first generation of EPCglobal UHF protocols, including superior tag throughput, improved accuracy and compliance with global spectrum regulations. Many new vendors have committed to supporting EPC Generation 2, allowing users to leverage standards-based interoperability among tags, interrogators, printer/encoders, etc. as well as aggressive pricing spawned by competition. " ...

Use Gen2 RFID for Pilots Starting Now: Via Zebra: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES REVEALS TOP 5 RFID GEN 2 DOs and DON'Ts ...

Retail RFID: View Product Movement in Supply Chain ...

BEA has released the software solution, AquaLogic High-Performance (HiPer) Workspace for Retail, which is a closed-loop notification and task management product for improving store operations. Using RFID technology, AquaLogic HiPer Workspace for Retail allows retail store managers to consistently execute company objectives at the highest quality, communicate their store performance and share best practices. ...

... "Deployed along with BEA's WebLogic RFID Edge Server and WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server, the AquaLogic HiPer Workspace for Retail provides corporate headquarters and field and store managers with a central view of product movement throughout the supply chain as well as notifications of critical activity occurring within that supply chain. As a result, retailers are better able to identify bottlenecks and share information with key trading partners. Combined, the two technologies illustrate an innovative end-to-end retail product that integrates the supply chain through to the store floor. The BEA RFID products and solutions rapidly turn raw RFID data into business relevant information, which help address several industry challenges such as reducing out-of-stocks for major retailers; improving public safety through targeted product recalls and reduced product counterfeiting; mobile asset tracking for high value goods; and enabling compliance for both retail and defense mandates. " ...

Retail RFID: View Product Movement in Supply Chain: Via BEA: BEA Helps Companies Streamline Store Operations, Improve Real-Time Communication and Automate Business Processes with the Release of AquaLogic High-Performance Workspace for Retailers ...

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience

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

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

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

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

Cognio RFID Spectrum Analysis: Wireless Management ...

Cognio expands its technology for spectrum analysis to support wireless management of RFID devices. ...

... "The unlicensed bands are becoming increasingly congested as more devices, and types of devices, are now available and in use. Wireless networks are also proliferating at a staggering rate, with the leading networks leveraging the unlicensed band for RFID and WiFi. This makes managing these networks and devices challenging for wireless IT managers as they operate in the most difficult spectrum to control -- the unlicensed spectrum, where these networks must compete for resources with other devices that use these frequencies. To combat the growing problem, network professionals need tools that can quickly troubleshoot the physical layer. For RFID networks, the need is to be able to determine whether there are interfering devices and to test to verify the power transmitting from RFID readers as either can significantly undermine network availability and reliability. For WiFi, the problem is to ensure that connectivity problems are not being caused by physical layer problems. In both cases, Spectrum Expert solves these problems by enabling wireless IT manager to identify and locate interfering devices quickly before they can bring down or impact the network. " ...

Cognio RFID Spectrum Analysis: Wireless Management: Via Cognio: Cognio Expands Spectrum Expert Product Family to Include RFID Product ...

Additional resources on RFID spectrum analysis:

Tektronix: Applications > RF > RFID: "The main purpose of this application note is to demonstrate using a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer to evaluate an RFID system's compliance to ISO/IEC standards as well as government regulations regarding intentional transmitters (i.e. FCC 47 part 15, ARIB STD-T82, and EN 300 330)."

Real-Time Spectrum Analysis In RFID Testing About RFID Transmission protocols Real time spectrum analysis: "The testing requirements for RFID signals cover not only the traditional RF measurements of frequency, spectral emissions, power and power versus time (because of the time-varying nature of the signal) but also analysis of the short bursts of modulation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that signals are present only for a short time, have vastly differing power levels and could even be frequency-hopping."

Spectrum Analyzer measures 3 distinct frequency bands., Berkeley Varitronics System: "Interfacing with iPAQ PocketPC, RF-calibrated BumbleBee measures 2.400-2.500 GHz, 5.150-5.900 GHz, and FCC designated Public Safety band of 4.940-4.990 GHz. Spectrum analysis features include 3 waveform traces, peak hold, peak search, and user-selectable packet/interference triggers. Unit allows on-the-fly switching of bands for real-time spectral analysis of wireless standards including RFID, VoIP, 802.11, cordless phones/ video, and broadband public safety data networks."

RFID in the Fresh Produce Landscape ...

Challenging environment is expected for the fresh produce industry, where the lead retailers are driving RFID compliance. ...

Via Freshinfo: Tough times ahead for fresh produce players ...

... "Stretched margins, pressure from overseas competitors, an increased level of scrutiny on food safety, legislation, new standards in the form of RFID and less than perfect economic conditions are all taking their toll. " ...

RFID Reader EPC Hardware Certification: Samsys ...

RFID Reader EPC Hardware Certification: Samsys: Via SAMSys: SAMSys’ Market-Leading UHF RFID Reader Module Receives EPCglobal Hardware Certification for Gen 2 Compliance ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader solutions, announced that its MP9311 UHF RFID reader module has received EPCglobal Hardware Certification ensuring conformance with the EPCglobal Gen 2 standard for RFID products. The MP9311 is the leading module in its class, with adoption by major printer manufacturers including Datamax, Paxar, Sato and others for use in their respective RFID smart label printer/encoders. The EPCglobal certification verifies that the MP9311 module complies with the EPCglobal UHF Generation 2 Air Interface Protocol Standard. The EPCglobal Hardware Certification Program was designed to enable end users and OEMs to quickly identify EPC-compliant RFID hardware that will work predictably, thereby eliminating the need for IT staff to spend time evaluating hardware components when planning RFID pilots or implementations. " ...

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M

3M expands its HighJump software, used in RFID applications, for MES applications in its plants. ...

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M: Via 3M: 3M Selects HighJump's Manufacturing Advantage Software to Standardize Plant Systems Worldwide ...

... "3M announced it will implement HighJump Software's manufacturing execution system (MES), Manufacturing Advantage, as part of its ongoing global initiative to standardize manufacturing systems. 3M will use the Manufacturing Advantage software at 70 locations worldwide to improve management of shop floor activities, thereby enabling more efficient production. 3M is continuously striving toward a demand-driven, lean supply chain where its industry-leading products are manufactured based on customer demand. To this aim, the HighJump MES system will help 3M build its products just in time, in the right quantities, and according to the highest standards for quality and turnaround. Since Manufacturing Advantage is part of HighJump's adaptable Advantage suite, 3M will be able to configure its applications quickly and cost-effectively. This will allow the company to carry out its goal of supporting a diverse set of plant-specific requirements without supporting a diverse set of systems. HighJump has already provided supply chain solutions for 3M in the areas of RFID compliance and data collection. The success of these projects influenced the MES selection. " ...

RFID Germany ePass: US Passport Compliance ...

Germany is the first European country to comply with the US RFID passport requirements. Teresa Küchler explores the new German passport, the ePass, which includes RFID technology. ...

RFID Germany ePass: US Passport Compliance: Via EUobserver: Germany introduces US-required biometric passport ...

... "The updated German passport comes with a concealed radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores personal information such as name and date of birth, as well as a digital facial image of the holder. " ...

RFID Technology WEEE Compliance

RFID technology may have a role to play in tracking products through their lifecycle in support of WEEE compliance. ...

RFID Technology WEEE Compliance: Via Process and Control Technology: WEEE Compliance: IS RFID Tagging the Answer? ...

... "The breadth of data required by the new Directive has led many companies to consider RFID tagging as the best means of documenting the entire life cycle of products. However, for this to be successful, waste treatment facilities must also buy into the technology and standardise on a particular tag type and tag frequency. " ...

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 ... " ...

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking

On Novermber 14, the next wave of DOD RFID compliance goes into effect for suppliers. John Johnson explores the success of RFID technology implementation in the DOD to track supplies, reduce inventory, and increase fill-rates. ...

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking: Via John R. Johnson's RFID Watch Weekly: DOD: RFID reduces costs, gets supplies to troops in Iraq faster ...

... "On Nov. 14, new contracts going out to bid require that certain DOD suppliers, like those for WalMart, start shipping cases and pallets of selected products to the DOD with RFID tags. " ...

RFID Interchange: Tibco MasterData Integration

Tibco expands capabilities in RFID master data integration through technology acquisition. ...

RFID Interchange: Tibco MasterData Integration: TIBCO adds Master Data Management Capabilities and Expands Focus on Consumer Markets: Technology Acquisition Strengthens Enterprise Software Portfolio with Industry Leading Platform; Drives Customer Success with Process-centric Master Data Management ...

... "Master data management is a strategic component of TIBCO’s industry-leading supply chain optimization and RFID offerings (refer to TIBCO’s July 25, 2005 RFID Interchange announcement). TIBCO defines a unique and comprehensive approach with out-of-the box information management processes and flexible data modeling capabilities. In addition to helping TIBCO customers gain competitive advantage, this new approach provides real-time access to accurate product information; enables the removal of value chain inefficiencies by eradicating duplications and errors in product and related information and by automating the processes required to maintain this dynamic information; and provides an ordered framework for the people, processes and systems that impact product information, both internally and amongst trading partners. " ...

TIBCO RFID Interchange is a non-intrusive solution that seamlessly incorporates RFID event data into business processes and provides business context to aid decision making across the supply chain. TIBCO RFID Interchange supports EPC Global’s Application Level Event (ALE) specifications and real-time streaming of information from RFID Edge devices. It also supports leading readers and printers, is fast and easy to deploy and enables centralized configuration and management of devices. TIBCO RFID Interchange’s browser and GUI-based, slap-and-ship business process templates are configurable to meet the unique distribution processes and various retail compliance mandates.

Speed RFID Adoption: Compliance Software

Speed RFID Adoption: Compliance Software: Via IDVelocity: IDVelocity Makes Dramatic Move to Speed RFID Adoption: Company Licensing RFID Compliancy Software Effectively Free ...

... "IDVelocity, in a bold move to lower the costs of complying with RFID mandates from Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, and the Department of Defense, is offering its ComplianceNow software effectively free. For the same cost as IDVelocity originally charged for one year of maintenance and support, companies can license the software and receive their first year of maintenance and support to meet their mandates. The price is $5,500 per instance of software with no limit to the number of devices or users attached to the instance of software. In addition, the software is double byte enabled allowing the ComplianceNow software to be deployed in any single byte or double byte language, a tremendous advantage as organizations begin to push the tagging requirements to the point of manufacture. " ...

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. " ...

RFID Industry Consolidation: BEA Acquisition

RFID middleware and service oriented architectures SOA are an enabling infrastructure for the RFID future. Consolidation in the RFID industry continues, as BEA Systems acquires ConnecTerra, a leading RFID middleware technology provider, to drive their SOA vision to the edge ...

RFID Industry Consolidation: BEA Acquisition: Via BEA Systems: BEA Acquires Pioneering Provider of RFID Infrastructure Software; Extends Infrastructure Offering to the Edge: ConnecTerra Adds World-Class RFID Expertise and Products to the BEA Infrastructure Portfolio; Can Help Companies Integrate Growing Volumes of Supply Chain Data Using SOA ...

... "BEA Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAS), today announced the acquisition of ConnecTerra, a privately-held pioneer in RFID middleware technology based in Cambridge, Mass. The acquisition is designed to immediately extend the range of the BEA infrastructure portfolio to easily integrate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other device data as liquid assets available across a company's business units, applications and processes. The acquisition can help customers address the growing amount of RFID data captured across supply chains. ... ConnecTerra's RFID infrastructure software is designed to provide the core communications, security, policy and device management services which can be used to integrate devices into a wide range of applications. This includes software at the edge for filtering and device management at the local store, manufacturing plant or distribution center level; enterprise level software for centralized RFID data management; and compliance software to address RFID retail and defense mandates. BEA can augment ConnecTerra’s RFID software with its industry-leading infrastructure components to help provide a complete solution for customers looking to build new RFID enabled business processes. ConnecTerra and BEA have already worked together successfully over the past year with key customers to create market-specific solution bundles for pallet and case tracking applications in retail as well as mobile asset tracking in transportation. " ...

Microsoft on RFID

Microsoft and its partners have a vibrant RFID program underway. Much of Microsoft's focus is on the mid-market: small and medium sized businesses. They are developing an RFID services architecture and have multiple pilots underway to build their competence in the RFID marketplace.

Via Microsoft Business Solutions: The Little Chip That Will Change Your Supply Chain Forever: Microsoft Business Solutions recently announced that it was expanding the scope of its RFID initiative to help small and midmarket businesses meet RFID technology compliance mandates from large trading partners and drive efficiencies in internal operations. For example, Microsoft and several partners recently are collaborating to assist a U.S.-based midmarket snack manufacturer in their RFID implementation.

Microsoft RFID Architecture: Microsoft Architecture for RFID: The fully integrated Microsoft architecture for RFID embraces a vision for increased operational efficiency and reduced costs. It provides a framework for enabling the exchange of RFID related data in near real time across disparate systems and corporate boundaries. It also supports standards for global data synchronisation and interoperability with EPC.

Reference materials on Microsoft RFID Technology:

Microsoft Unwraps Technology at TechEd 2005 to Spark Greater Adoption of RFID: Microsoft's RFID infrastructure taps the power of the .NET Framework, SQL Server and Visual Studio .NET to make integration and deployment of RFID easier and less cost: Businesses around the world are evaluating how RFID technologies can enable them to streamline business processes and provide real-time visibility into their supply chain. However, adoption of RFID is hindered by many factors, including complexity of device management, lack of standards, limited solutions to cleanse volumes of data, and costly integration with existing business applications. Microsoft Corp.'s RFID infrastructure is intended to address these pain points and stimulate faster adoption of RFID. Built on top of the .NET Framework, Microsoft's RFID technology can be embedded within third-party applications or used on its own to capture and interpret data from sensors and manage business events in an easy-to-deploy, user-friendly environment. Companies may use RFID technology to enhance business processes, saving them time and money and improving their visibility into key business performance metrics.

Microsoft plans RFID software in 2006: Via CNET News.com: Microsoft plans early next year to release the RFID Services Platform, a middleware product that connects the hardware that monitors RFID signals with the business software that can make sense of the information.

Microsoft offers RFID system for postal services: Via InfoWorld: Microsoft is marketing an RFID (radio frequency identification device) package for postal services at a stamp exhibition in Taiwan, hoping to woo the government's post office and potentially forge a new line of business for the software maker.

RFID Tags: Active Passive SemiActive ...

RFID Tags: Active Passive SemiActive: Via Compliance Policy Guides: Radiofrequency Identification Feasibility Studies and Pilot Programs for Drugs

... "A passive tag draws all of its power from the radio waves transmitted by an RFID reader. A semi-active tag uses a battery to run the microchip's circuitry, but not to communicate with the RFID reader. An active tag is powered entirely by battery to send and receive RFID information. " ...

RFID Chemical ChainofCustody: DowChemical ...

RFID Chemical ChainofCustody: DowChemical: Savi Technology: SAVI TECHNOLOGY’S CHEMICAL CHAIN OF CUSTODY SOLUTION SELECTED TO TRACK AND ACCOUNT FOR PRODUCT SHIPMENTS: Savi’s Enterprise-Wide Solution Platform designated as Most Effective Technology by Dow Chemical to Manage Mobile Assets Such as Totes, Cylinders, Trucks and Rail Cars ...

... "This contract with Savi followed an extensive selection process based on Six Sigma measurement standards. The Savi Chemical Chain of Custody Solution is now live at Dow AgroSciences, tracking selected products and containers from origin to customer and back. The Dow Chemical Company, which serves customers in 175 countries in a wide range of markets, chose the Savi Chemical Chain of Custody Solution to further enhance Dow's product stewardship. The solution also reduces risk associated with theft, diversion, product contamination and tampering, spilling and other dangers, in keeping with compliance of all government requirements. " ...

At heart of Chemical Custody Supply Chain Solution is the SmartChain Asset Management System (AMS), a full-featured web-based application with continuous on-line tracking, security monitoring and management of hazardous material containers and their contents from point of origin to destination. The solution leverages the Savi SmartChain® Enterprise Platform, which aggregates and consolidates data from different nodes and integrates with current enterprise and supply chain systems, and offers unique flexibility to support all types of AIDC technologies to track all types of containers. SmartChain also can match the physical location of a container and its hazardous contents with shipment documents, inventory records, expected routes and destinations, and other pertinent information. Using alerts, SmartChain detects when a product has not arrived at a specific location where it is expected, if it is in the wrong location or if it was handled by someone without the right authority.

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.

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. " ...

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.

RFID Software Service Leadership ...

Via Manhattan Associates: Manhattan Associates Secures RFID Leadership Position with 31.3% Market Share ...

Manhattan Associates emerges as an RFID software and services market leader, per ARC ...

... "ARC Advisory Group's recent Warehouse Management System Worldwide Outlook Summary listed supply chain solutions provider Manhattan Associates as the leading supplier of RFID, based on software and services, with 31.3% of market share. Leading supply chain solutions provider, Manhattan Associates, has provided RFID solutions for more than 60 companies in the consumer goods, life sciences, food and grocery, retail, logistics service providers and technology industries. Shire Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, sought an RFID solution that would enable compliance with WalMart requirements. The company selected Manhattan Associates' RFID solutions. " ...

Walmart RFID Compliance Using SAP Netweaver Platform ...

Walmart RFID Compliance Using SAP Netweaver Platform: Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: Annin & Co. Gears up for Wal-Mart Requirement Within Three Months and Sets Cost-Cutting Course to Master Retail Market Challenges ...

SAP Netweaver Platform enables Walmart RFID Compliance for flag manufacturer ...

... "SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Annin & Co., the world's oldest and largest flag manufacturer, has implemented the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology within the SAP NetWeaver platform to meet WalMart's RFID requirement for key vendors. Annin, a midsize enterprise that manufactures more than 10,000 different flags and flag accessories, implemented the pilot project within three months, which will allow the company to achieve Wal-Mart compliance by January 2006. Annin also anticipates that its investment in RFID technology from SAP will bring significant cost savings. The announcement was made at the EPCglobal U.S. Conference 2005, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, September 13 - 15. " ...

Annin & Co is the world’s oldest and largest flag manufacturer. Starting from a sail loft in downtown New York City making signal flags for sailing ships in the 1820’s, Annin incorporated in 1847 and has since grown to four manufacturing locations. Annin now has worldwide distribution. As the official flag manufacturer to the United Nations, Annin’s international flags are the standards for exactness, followed by the rest of the world.

Hosted RFID Compliance Program Expands ...

Hosted RFID Compliance Program Expands: SEEBURGER Announces Partners for IDnet Hosted RFID Compliance Service; Printronix, NCR & Venture Research To Participate ...

Seeburger expands its partner ecosystem for hosted RFID compliance ...

... "SEEBURGER Inc. announced that Printronix Inc., NCR Corporation’s Systemedia Division, and Venture Research Inc. have agreed to provide products and services as a part of IDnet, SEEBURGER’s first-of-its-kind hosted solution for implementing an RFID program to comply with mandates from major retailers and government agencies. IDnet pricing ranges from $350 to $500 a month and will now include specially configured printers and labels with optional tag placement services, enabling SEEBURGER to equip companies with a fast, cost-effective and turnkey online solution. " ...

SEEBURGER is a leading provider of global business integration solutions designed to optimize transactions throughout the extended enterprise by automating trading relationships with all partners regardless of their size and technical resources. Launched in 1986 to provide integration solutions to the automotive industry in Germany, the company today is ranked among the top business-to-business gateway providers by industry analysts, and serves more than 6,500 customers in 35 countries and more than 15 industries through its flagship B2B Gateway and related products and services. SEEBURGER has global offices in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America, including a U.S. office that opened in 1998.

Target RFID Compliance Enabled By Partnership

Via GlobeRanger: Nordic Ware: SoftBrands Partners with GlobeRanger for RFID; Implements Compliance Solution for Target Stores Supplier Nordic Ware: SoftBrands OEMs GlobeRanger technology for building integrated RFID solutionsfor the manufacturing ...

Target RFID compliance achieved through GlobeRanger, Softbrand partnership ...

... "GlobeRanger, the leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based software solutions, and SoftBrands, a global leader in next-generation enterprise software for manufacturing and hospitality businesses, today announced an OEM partnership for RFID solutions. SoftBrands has leveraged Globe Ranger's iMotion edgeware platform to rapidly extend its existing solutions for RFID. Nordic Ware is the first SoftBrands customer to implement an RFID compliance solution based on the iMotion platform. Nordic Ware is a family-owned, American manufacturer of kitchenware products including the original Bundt pan and the Micro-go-round. Nordic Ware installed this RFID solution at its distribution center in Minneapolis, Minn. in August 2005 to meet Target Stores compliance deadlines. " ...

SoftBrands, Inc. is a global leader in providing solutions for small to medium-sized businesses worldwide, currently focused on the hospitality and manufacturing industries. With more than 4,000 customers in over 60 countries now actively using its manufacturing and hospitality products, SoftBrands has established a worldwide infrastructure for distribution, development and support of enterprise software. The company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has over 500 employees with branch offices in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.