RFID Reader Performance Boost

Sirit releases firmware upgrade for the INfinity 510 UHF RFID reader, that delivers important enhancements that extends its feature set. ...

... "The new version 2.0 firmware includes advancements in Sirit's proprietary tag acquisition algorithms, enhancing tag singulation performance capabilities and reader sensitivity. The Dense Reader Mode interference tolerance has been further improved to new benchmark levels for the industry. The IN510 continues to be the only UHF reader with EPCglobal certification for use under both FCC and ETSI regulations. New features added to the IN510 include support for the EPC Gen 2 custom commands built into NXP's UCODE G2XM and G2XL chips. The custom commands extend the functionality of EPC Gen 2 applications beyond simple compliance tagging and provide extended value for end-users. " ...

Via Sirit: INfinity 510 RFID Reader Performance Enhanced

RFID Drug ePedigree Standards Achieved by IBM

The ePedigree feature in IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center is certified and fully compliant with GS1 EPCglobal's Drug Pedigree Messaging Standard, or DPMS. ...

... "To be certified as DPMS compliant, the IBM WebSphere RFID Information Center's ePedigree feature passed a battery of tests to ensure that it can be used to create, receive, and append drug pedigree documents. Testing was conducted on EPCglobal's behalf by an independent company, MetLabs.

WebSphere RFID Information Center is a proven solution for companies seeking to share product movement information with trading partners using EPCIS or DPMS-compliant solutions. The software includes an optional ePedigree feature that provides all participants in the pharmaceutical supply chain with secure access to historical data on individual bottles of medicine to enable compliance with current and emerging regulations. In the pharmaceutical business, the product will be used successfully by drug distributor AmerisourceBergen in its Sacramento pilot, and by a large global pharmaceutical manufacturer. " ...

Via IBM: EPCIS and Drug Pedigree Messaging Standards

NXP RFID Tags G2X IC Based

UPM Raflatac introduces UHF EPC Class1 Gen2 products that are built on UCODE G2X ICs from NXP. The G2X IC performns over the entire range of UHF frequency and can manage 240 bit EPC numbers. ...

... "It also offers reliable operation across long read ranges and in dense reader environments. G2X ICs are EPCglobal Class1 Gen2 1.2.0 compliant. UPM Raflatac is launching four different products with the G2X IC: Web, Belt, DogBone and ShortDipole. Sample quantities of Web are available immediately; Belt, ShortDipole and DogBone from January 2008 onwards. " ...

Via UPM Raflatac: New RFID tags based on NXP G2XM/L ICs

BlackFriday RFID Retail Pilot Locates Stock

Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID technology will be used on new DVD releases in a pilot test scheduled at select stores around the country. The RFID tags are expected to help retailers locate stock that is in their stores to improve the customer experience. ...

... "The EPC uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to uniquely identify an object. Retailers can use the EPC to ensure that products are kept in stock to meet shopper demand as well as helping shoppers find the right product in the right place inside the store. Over the last few years, the EPC has become a popular way to identify pallets and cases of goods on their way to retail stores. Electronic readers inside the store read the unique serial numbers from EPC labels and relay this information back to store staff. EPC labels do not contain, collect or store any personal information. The EPC label has no power source and can only transmit its unique number when it is less than about 10 feet from a reader that activates the label. The power – or strength – of readers is strictly regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. The actual distance from which an EPC label can be read may be shorter because barriers such as shopping bags and other factors such as the presence of metal materials or nearness of walls or other obstructions weaken a reader’s signal. The labels can be removed after purchase. " ...

Via epcGlobal: SHOPPER BENEFITS (PDF)

LongRange RFID Reader EPC HF Version2 Compatible

TAGSYS launches the Medio L400 long-range HF RFID reader, which delivers self-diagnostic and self-correcting capabilities. This RFID reader will be future compatible with the EPCglobal RFID standard HF Version 2 (V2) using a simple firmware upgrade. ...

... "The Medio L400 uses advances in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and RF Front End technology to achieve an industry-leading signal-to-noise ratio. The result is breakthrough performance in read range and read speed. The Medio L400 has been specifically designed to operate in noisy environments such as manufacturing plants and distribution facilities while maintaining the highest levels of data integrity for item level tracking and tracing, inventory management and security applications. Designed as a network device, the Medio L400 conserves critical network bandwidth by filtering tag data to remove redundancies before sending data to the host. It is available with two or four antenna ports, supports a wide array of TAGSYS antennas and provides connectivity through Ethernet, USB and serial communication modes. An integrated LCD screen allows floor operators to easily configure and maintain the Medio L400 without the use of peripheral equipment such as computers or PDAs. " ...

Via TAGSYS RFID: Infrastructure For RFID Networks

Chemical Industry RFID Use

Chemical Industry Data Exchange (CIDX) explores RFID use in its white paper, Chemical eStandards Initiative on Radio Frequency ID. ...

... "An outline of how CIDX will collaborate with EPCGlobal, an RFID industry trade group focused on RFID technologies and standards; A Business Value Model for determining return on investment (ROI) based on common chemical business scenarios; A method for providing input and exchanging critical information that will affect ongoing RFID standards development. " ...

Via CIDX: RFID Use in Chemical Industry

Intel-Reva RFID Reader LLRP Developer Trial

Reva and Intel collaborate to enable equipment vendors to trial LLRP protocol for RFID readers. ...

... "Intel will provide Reva's Low Level RFID Reader Protocol (LLRP) developers' kit and test tool to reader vendors employing Intel's R1000 radio chip. This is in addition to the ongoing LLRP development activities Reva and several leading reader manufacturers started earlier this year. LLRP is an EPCglobal standard for reader control and communications that is paving the way to industry‐wide reader interoperability. Upon completion of a 30‐day prototyping period among reader manufacturers, the Reva LLRP developer's kit, implementation code and supporting documentation will be turned over to an open source project available to any individual or company who wishes to participate." ...

Via Reva Systems: Reva Systems and Intel Collaborate to Drive RFID Reader Standard (PDF) ...

RFID Open-Standards Benefits Container Tracking Per Pilot

Recent active RFID pilot project using Oracle and Savi Technology infrastructure validates the need for common standards to realize benefits in port operations. RFID-enabled seaborne shipping containers provide real-time tracking status in the Asian supply chain tested in the pilot, using EPC Information Services (EPCIS), a draft standard championed by GS1 EPCglobal. The objective of this effort is to enable greater transport visibility across stakeholders, countries and continents. ...

... "The benefits seem clear, but many vendors and end users believe that the prerequisites for greater RFID adoption in this sector are a common nomenclature for RFID data, and a standard framework for the way in which that information is shared via open standards such as EPCIS. The EPCglobal pilot with Savi and Oracle represents a significant step towards the practical realization of a truly useful standard, notes Liard. It is the first real-world demonstration among port operators of the potential created when multiple trading partners and service providers can speak the same language. " ...

Via ABI ResearchContainer Tracking Pilot Highlights the Benefits of RFID Standards in Port Management

RealTime RFID Cargo Tracking Pilot in Asia

Oracle and Savi Technology collaborate to implement real-time the location tracking of cargo containers shipped from Hong Kong to Japan. The pilot project with GS1 EPCglobal has been completed. ...

... "The milestone project was the first time that real-time information generated from active, battery-powered RFID tags on sea containers was exchanged with EPC Information Services (EPCIS), a draft GS1 EPCglobal standard enabling trading partners to communicate in a common computer language on objects moving throughout the supply chain. The communication interface with the EPCIS Server and Repository was enabled through integration of Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, as well as Savi Site Manager operating software and active RFID tag and data collection systems. " ...

Via Oracle: Oracle and Savi Technology Provide Critical Information Link to Track Active RFID-Tagged Containers Shipped from Hong Kong to Japan ...

RFID Technology Enables Asia Logistics for Metro Supply Chain

The METRO Group and Savi Networks will collaborate to implement the Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project. The project will deploy RFID radio frequency identification technology to monitor the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe in real-time through the supply chain. ...

... "The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong (MGB Hong Kong), will utilize SaviTrak(TM), a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC) - compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain. MGB Hong Kong manages METRO Group imports from sourcing to delivery at Distribution Centers in Germany. Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany.



Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information into the SaviTrak information service. As a six-month pilot, the ALA project is designed to evaluate improvements in the visibility, management and security of inventory while it is transported end-to-end. The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance." ...

Via Savi Networks: The METRO Group and Savi Networks Launch Real-Time Information Service on Inventory Shipped From Asia to Europe

EPCGlobal RFID Conference This Week ...

This week: EPCGlobal Conference ...

... "The EPCglobal US Conference 2006 will be held October 17-19 in Los Angeles, California at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year's three-day event will feature interactive workshops, an expanded tradeshow floor, live technology provider demonstrations and the opportunity to problem solve and network with global thought leaders and experts. " ...

Via EPCGlobal: 2006 Conference: Industry-leading EPC/RFID event to be held October 17-19 in Los Angeles, California ...

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 ...

RFID Cargo Terminal Operational: Chain of Custody ...

Savi implements RFID-enabled chain of custody process at the Port of Felixstowe (PFL) in the UK. The system, called SaviTrak, automates the tracking of cargo as it is processed through the supply chain, while monitoring security. ...

... "Network infrastructure, including SaviTrak software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, are now installed and operational at PFL's Trinity Terminal, the largest cargo-handling facility in the United Kingdom. The readers, which are placed on dockside cranes and at entry and exit gates, automatically capture chain of custody handoff points for containers equipped with international standards-based RFID tags. The real-time data is routed to the web-based network software, which transforms it into actionable information that enables SaviTrak customers to make better supply chain decisions. The SaviTrak information service is offered via an open technology platform, which accommodates multiple and interoperable Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive and active RFID technologies, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to track ships and trucks that transport ocean containers. Active RFID technologies used are compatible with the ISO 18000-7 standard, and sensor seals are compatible with the ISO 18185 draft standard. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS SAVITRAK REAL-TIME INFORMATION NETWORK TO UNITED KINGDOM'S PORT OF FELIXSTOWE ...

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 ...

Omron RFID Inlay: Single Tag Design ...

Omron develops single RFID tag design to support international markets, perform under challenging configurations, and with varying materials and radio frequencies. ...

... "Omron RFID announced availability of the Gen2 Global Loop inlay which can be used under North American, European and Japanese radio frequency bands in a single tag design. The Gen2 Loop is optimized to ensure robust read performance when the tag is applied to items containing materials unfriendly to RFID, including electronics equipment and products with high moisture content. The Loop tag also delivers reliable read ranges when the orientation on the product is not fixed or could change after application. As a direct result, the Loop inlay can improve pallet tag read rates. Because it has dimensions of 68m x 70 mm, the Loop inlay will fit 3-in. x 3-in., 4-in. x 3-in. and 4-in. x 6-in. spaces. Omron's Gen2 Loop inlays can be used with all international UHF RFID frequencies from 860 to 960MHz with little or no performance degradation. The addition of the inlay to the already announced Wave tag expands Omron's ability to meet a wide range of applications for today's international supply chain needs. " ...

Omron RFID Inlay: Single Tag Design: Via Omron: OMRON Introduces EPC Gen2 Global Loop Inlay ...

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data ...

Unilever collaborates with IBM and T3Ci to test interoperability of the emerging EPCIS RFID data standard. The standard focuses on the efficient use of real-time data among partners in the supply chain. ...

... "The standard is designed to help better enable retailers, manufacturers and organizations throughout the supply chain to overcome information overload and share information to improve business processes. This milestone marks the first step toward delivering interoperability based on the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) for exchange and query of RFID data. IBM and T3CI are the co-chairs of the EPCglobal EPCIS Working Group. The objective of the Working Group is to create common interfaces among RFID software, allowing organizations to exchange and leverage RFID data independent of the applications in which data is created or stored. For organizations throughout the supply chain, this will deliver greater value by allowing them to inexpensively capture large volumes of detailed data at each stage of the supply chain and share that data among trading partners. While retailers today can provide manufacturers with large amounts of data about RFIDtagged products, until now there has been no simple and standardized way for manufacturers to sort through the volumes of raw data and perform queries to use it to improve product introductions, promotions and distribution of new products.



The new EPCIS standards-based ability to query RFID data will provide organizations with near real-time RFID data from their trading partners, for the first time giving manufacturers access to the precise information they need. Unilever North America, a global manufacturer of foods, home care and personal care products, also announced today its plans to pioneer use of the EPCIS standard to query RFID data provided by retailers. Unilever will conduct a trial using IBM's EPCIS implementation to collect and access information from within the company's manufacturing environment and from trading partners. By leveraging IBM and T3Ci reports and analysis, Unilever is looking to create additional business value in the areas of promotion management, supply chain visibility and metrics, as well as RFID readability. " ...

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data: Via T3Ci: IBM and T3Ci Successfully Pilot Open Standard to Enable Manufacturers to Leverage RFID Data and Improve Supply Chain Processes: Unilever Among First Manufacturers to Pioneer New Interface to Connect Data Among Trading Partners ...

EPCIS standard ...

Software Action Group: "EPC Information Services (EPCIS) Phase 2: Create one or more normative technical specifications that will facilitate the development of interoperable EPCIS systems. "

Background on Unilever ...

Unilever awards HR outsourcing contract to Accenture: "Unilever's mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong local roots in more than 100 countries across the globe. Its portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most loved brands including twelve EUR1 billion brands and global leadership in many categories in which the company operates. The portfolio features brand icons such as: Knorr, Hellmann's, Flora, Bertolli, Dove, Lux, Pond's, Lynx, Sunsilk, Persil, Cif and Domestos. Unilever has around 206 000 employees in approaching 100 countries and generated annual sales of EUR40 billion in 2005. "

Info on T3Ci ...

T3Ci: The RFID Analytics and Applications Company: "T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, offers a broad range of RFID software and services, representing the most comprehensive RFID vision in the industry. T3Ci develops software and provides enterprise-class solutions for managers of RFID initiatives who are responsible for delivering business value from their company's RFID investment. T3Ci's enterprise-class solutions include RFID analytics as well as a suite of high-value applications for retail suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and major retailers. Applications include Out-of-Stock Management, Promotions Execution Management, Deductions Management, and Product Authentication. "

RFID 3Gen Reader Chipset ...

Anadigm introduces 3rd generation RFID reader chipset, that can be leveraged in high and ultra-high frequency applications and RFID tag types. ...

.... "Anadigm announced the immediate availability of RangeMaster5, the company's third-generation RFID reader 3.3 volt chip set solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single combination HF and UHF reader. The Rangemaster5-based system can be customized to read different radio frequency identification (RFID) tag types, with different modulation types and frequencies. RangeMaster5 also fully supports current HF standards as well as the newer standards under study by EPC (Electronic Product Code) Global, Inc. Like previous RangeMaster devices, RangeMaster5 will support UHF protocols- EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) as well as ISO18000-6 standards. RangeMaster5 is the third in a family of RFID reader solutions that Anadigm is developing for the rapidly expanding RFID markets. RFID technology is revolutionizing markets as diverse as retail sales - by managing inventory and electronic payments via mobile phones - to medical applications by ensuring that hospital patients receive the correct treatments and medications.

RangeMaster5 is a three-chip set comprised of two dynamically programmable analog signal processors (dpASP) in conjunction with an RFID State Machine. This enables system designers to develop universal RFID readers that can support both HF and UHF, changing between HF and UHF baseband frequencies dynamically, in a few microseconds. RangeMaster5 also features the ability to dynamically change between protocols and frequencies allowing for optimized RFID tag reading. By allowing standardization around a single printed circuit board to support multiple end products and markets, RangeMaster5 simplifies and improves product development. This next generation of RangeMaster not only reduces development time and ownership costs of fixed systems, but also enables portable designs by reducing supply voltage requirements and power consumption. " ...

RFID 3Gen Reader Chipset: Via Anadigm: Anadigm Reveals Third Generation Chipset for Combination HF and UHF RFID Readers ...

Rugged RFID Tag: Reuse ...

Intermec launches RFID tag that is reusable and performs well in extreme, rugged environments. ...

... "Because the Intermec RFID LR Tag is reusable, each use of the tag costs only fractions of a cent. The tag can be rewritten thousands of times, providing lower cost per use on reusable assets than even disposable labels. And because of its ability to function in demanding industrial environments and to provide reliable performance on multiple materials, enterprises can use a single tag to identify and track items such as subassemblies, work-in-process components, finished goods, material handling equipment and logistics containers through production, supply chain and asset management operations. The Intermec RFID LR Tag measures 3.2 cm x 14.27 cm (1.26 in x 6.1 in). Its rugged impact-resistant plastic packaging survives hazardous chemical exposure and withstands temperatures from -40 to 250F, -40 to 121C. The tag is compatible and interoperable with RFID readers that support EPC Gen 2 or ISO 18000-6B standards. Organizations that already have EPC- or ISO 18000-6B-based standard systems in place can conveniently and cost effectively introduce the Intermec LR tag for a variety of industrial, material handling and asset management applications. " ...

Rugged RFID Tag: Reuse: Via Intermec: New Rugged, Reusable Intermec RFID Tag Withstands Temperature Extremes and Hazardous Exposures for True Global Industrial and Logistics Tracking ...