Robotic RFID Reading

Cool RFID Network Lab

The University of Arkansas RFID Research Center makes the Network World top ten cool university networking labs. ...

... "Network World said that the RFID Research Center is cool because it is not only used by engineering students and faculty, but is also staffed by students from every college on campus. That speaks to the many applications RFID has and will have, including loss prevention, inventory accuracy. The Center consists of a 10,000-square-foot lab at Hanna’s Candle Co., plus 4,500-square-foot lab in a cold storage facility. The labs feature conveyors, forklifts and other things you’d find in stores and warehouses that use RFID for their supply chains, asset tracking and such. Big name companies such as J.B. Hunt, Dillard’s and WalMart are among more than 50 supporting work at the lab. The center is a founding member of the Global RF Lab Alliance. " ...

Via University of Arkansas: RFID Research Center

RFID Ink Tattoo

Somark is a technology company located at the Center for Emerging Technologies and is
developing a proprietary ID system based on a biocompatible ink with chipless RFID functionality. The company has successfully tested RFID ink in animals, which proves that ink can be delivered and read. The primary application of the RFID ink is animal tracking in the livestock industry. ...

... "Somark announces the successful testing of Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink in cattle and laboratory rats. The test proved the efficacy of injecting and reading a Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink tattoo within the skin of animals. The technology will be initially leveraged to the livestock industry to help identify / track cattle and thus mitigate export trade loss from BSE (a.k.a. Mad Cow Disease) scares. Secondary target markets include laboratory animals, dogs & cats, prime cuts of meat, and military personnel. The company, which is currently raising a Series A equity financing, will license the technology to secondary target markets." ...

Via Somark Innovations: Somark Innovations Announces Successful Live Animal Tests of Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink in Cattle and Laboratory Rats

Healthcare RFID MayoClinic

3M and Mayo Clinic demonstrate pilot installation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Mayo Clinic's endoscopy surgical suites for management of the collection and tracking of patient tissue samples. 3M RFID system was configured to enable Mayo Clinic's business processes for specimen management. ...

... "Utilizing 3M Track and Trace Technology, this RFID system enhances Mayo Clinic's ability to manage specimen and tissue samples from the collection stage to the pathology laboratory. Collecting and analyzing patient tissue is a crucial medical procedure. Mayo Clinic continues to take a leadership role in health care's effort focused on patient safety and care. Multiple 3M technologies were brought forward during the five-month pilot project at Mayo Clinic. Results demonstrated quantifiable operational efficiencies in the specimen-management process, accurate communication of data, and verification of information. Expansion of the Track and Trace system within the endoscopy practice will take place in planned, controlled phases. 3M and Mayo Clinic expect this rollout to be completed in early 2007. " ...

Via 3M: Two Minnesota Institutions Advance RFID Technologies in Health Care

RFID Research: Sensor Networks: IBM Consortium ...

IBM consortium wins contract to support the research and development of RFID wireless sensor networks to enable military operations. ...

... "The United States Army Research Laboratory and United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have selected an IBM-led consortium, the newly formed International Technology Alliance (ITA) in Network and Information Sciences, to undertake a research program exploring advanced technology for secure wireless and sensor networks to support future coalition operations, over a potential 10 year period, with a value of up to $135.8 million. Successful future military operations will depend on the capability of coalition forces to quickly gather, interpret and share battlefield information to coordinate actions, so the research will enable interoperability and communications across disparate military units, allowing them to operate more effectively. This Alliance represents a new way of conducting collaborative research by fostering close partnerships among government, academic, and industry researchers in both countries. The ITA creates a critical mass of private sector and government researchers focused on solving military technology challenges central to future coalition military operations; enabling staff rotations among all organizations in the Alliance; and facilitating rapid and affordable transition of technologies with an innovative transition model. " ...

Via IBM: IBM-Led Consortium Wins Ground-Breaking Transatlantic Defense Research Agreement ...

RFID Japan Lab Test ...

ODIN completes laboratory testing of RFID technology slated for Japan supply chain market. ...

... "ODIN technologies announces that they have completed lab testing with NI+C at its Dulles, VA facilities. NI+C's goal was to test RFID equipment for use in the global supply chain. Kevin MacDonald, ODIN technologies VP of Client Architecture commented that NI+C is one of the leading players in the Japanese RFID market. Its innovative work on new and emerging technology is paving the way for more widespread adoption of RFID in Japan. The lab testing work conducted in the US helped to determine how well RFID will perform in Japan when standards are finalized and throughout supply chains worldwide. ODIN's FCC license enables global testing to be conducted at one convenient location. " ...

RFID Japan Lab Test: Via ODIN Technologies: NI+C (of Japan) Selects ODIN technologies for Scientific RFID Testing: NI+C is a Joint Venture between NTT and IBM Japan ...

RFID Lab Retail Analytics ...

Teradata creates RFID laboratory to focus on analytics in retail applications. ...

... "Teradata, a division of NCR Corporation, has established an advanced analytics lab specifically for retailers and consumer goods companies where information on the most important facets of their operations can be discovered. The lab also analyzes data captured by radio frequency identification (RFID) applications across the supply chain. The new Retail Advanced Business Analytics & RFID Lab is housed at the Teradata Benchmark Center in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. The lab demonstrates to retailers and consumer goods companies how their data can be used in innovative ways to derive incremental business value. Focal points at the lab include deep analytics, predictive modeling, data mining, and RFID data analysis. Analytical results are presented using data visualization technologies. " ...

RFID Lab Retail Analytics: Via Teradata: New Teradata Retail Advanced Business Analytics & RFID Lab Delivers Insight from Enterprise or RFID Data

RFID Research Pharma Industry Frequency for ePedigree ...

Unisys and ODIN Tech collaborate on RFID frequency research for pharmaceutical industry ePedigree applications ...

... "Sponsored by Unisys, who collaborated with ODIN in the design of testing protocols and use cases, the benchmark addresses the industry's heated debate over which frequency, high (HF) or ultra-high (UHF) works best for item-level pharmaceutical tracking and authentication. The testing focused on scientific evaluation of various tags and then pinpointed several popular applications or use-case testing scenarios. Significant collaboration with pharmaceutical clients and partners, including manufacturers and distributors, made the tests particularly salient to a broad audience in the pharmaceutical world. All of the testing was conducted with hardware and tags that are available in production quantities to end-users today. No prototype or hand-built artifacts were allowed in the research as they are untested in production environments and prototype demonstrations are often misleading.

After completing scientific tag testing, ODIN technologies and Unisys extended this study to include RFID use cases typical in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The team used standard pill bottles, liquid filled bottles and blister packs for the testing. These use cases uncover the core requirements of RFID as an e-Pedigree and product authentication tool in the pharmaceutical supply chain. This step goes beyond mere demonstration or theoretical analysis to provide direct evidence of HF and UHF RFID performance in a real world setting. Since there is a wide variety in RFID tag and reader performance, multiple UHF and HF tags and readers were utilized throughout the process. The final performance analysis was based on the best performing reader and tag combinations in each frequency. " ...

RFID Research Pharma Industry Frequency for ePedigree: Via Unisys: Unisys & ODIN technologies' Research Reveals RFID High- vs. Ultra-high Frequency Leader for Pharmaceutical Industry

ODIN technologies is the leader in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing, deployment and software. ODIN technologies leverages its team of RF engineers, physicists and software developers combined with its laboratory facilities to provide RFID consulting services to major retailers, pharmaceutical companies, consumer goods manufacturers, United States government agencies and other RFID adopters. In addition to client deployment services, ODIN technologies is also the publisher of the RFID Benchmark Series, the industry's first and most referenced head to head performance analysis of leading RFID components. ODIN's President and CEO, Patrick J. Sweeney II is also author of RFID for Dummies published by John Wiley & Sons. ODIN technologies is privately held and has labs and offices in Dulles, VA.

RFID Drives Supply Chain Efficiency ...

RFID implementation will drive supply chain efficiency for pharmaceutical manufacturer ...

... "Roex Inc. and Pro-X Pharmaceuticals announced that they have engaged ODIN technologies to deploy RFID to enable greater supply chain efficiency and quality control in its manufacturing processes. Led by the innovations of founder Rod Burreson, Roex Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality nutritional supplements. Pro-X Pharmaceuticals, a division of Roex Inc., is an independent contract manufacturer that produces Roex products and also provides manufacturing and packaging services for other leading nutritional companies. " ...

RFID Drives Supply Chain Efficiency: Via ODIN Technologies: Roex / Pro-X Select ODIN technologies for RFID Deployment: Roex Inc. and Pro-X Pharmaceuticals to leverage RFID to drive Supply Chain Efficiency and Quality Control ...

ODIN technologies is the leader in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing, deployment and certification. ODIN technologies leverages its team of RF engineers, physicists and software developers combined with its laboratory facilities to provide RFID consulting services to major retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, United States government agencies and other RFID early adopters. In addition to client deployment services, ODIN technologies is also the publisher of the RFID Benchmark Series, the industry’s first and most referenced head to head performance analysis of leading RFID tags and readers. ODIN’s President and CEO, Patrick J. Sweeney II is also author of RFID for Dummies published by John Wiley & Sons. ODIN technologies is privately held and has labs and offices in Dulles, Virginia.

RFID Company: ThingMagic Financing ...

ThingMagic secures financing to support continuing operations. ...

... "ThingMagic, Inc., a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, announced it has received additional funding. New investors include Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, and Nicholas Negroponte, Wiesner Professor of Media Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and founding chairman of MIT's Media Laboratory. ThingMagic's private financing totals $21 million, including a line of credit from Silicon Valley Bank. " ...

RFID Company: ThingMagic Financing: Via ThingMagic: ThingMagic Adds Cisco, Others to Close $21M Financing ...

RFID Lab Provides Hands-On Classroom Experience ...

Stratum Global will provide the RFID technology foundation for the hands-on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) lab in Illinois at Oakton Community College, serving fourteen northern Chicago suburbs.

... "The Community College RFID lab will be located at Oakton’s new Art, Science, and Technology Pavilion in Skokie. Stratum Global, William Frick, Intel and Intermec Technologies Corp. are providing Oakton with the tools required to develop an RFID lab and curriculum that will give students the opportunity to study the dynamics of how RFID infrastructure, readers, tags, and software logic solve business problems.

Stratum Global’s TagNet RFID solution suite will serve as the software application foundation for understanding the integration components and the dynamics between the infrastructure, tags and readers. Students will use the software to manage and configure readers, conduct remote diagnostics, commission and interrogate tags, verify tag reads against existing enterprise data and create rules to establish application level events. William Frick, based in Libertyville, IL, specializes in tag and labeling solution offerings. Frick will assist in developing the tag curriculum as it relates to tag materials, tags for high impact or rugged environments, application of active or passive tags, high visibility tags as well as tagging location. Frick will provide the lab with a variety of tag types for the students to work with on different materials, in multiple scenarios. Students will have a firm understanding of the differences between tags types, where those types are applicable and how to effectively construct a tagging methodology. Enterprise data will reside on an Intel based P4 and Xeon Server infrastructure. Data will be used to commission tags, construct work rules and manage events. Stratum Global’s TagNet® will ensure a seamless flow of data within the RFID environment, between the Intermec Readers, antennas, tags and the Intel platform.

RFID hardware will be provided by Intermec and will include Intermec’s IF5 fixed readers, IP3® portable readers, and a combination of Intermec Intellitag antennas. Students will use the hardware to understand how physical readers, handhelds and antennas are used to develop portals, and how portal development impacts read rates and the dynamics of hardware configuration. The hardware and curriculum will prepare students for careers in RFID, with a firm understanding of the technology required for a successful implementation and how that implementation can bring continuous process improvement to the business. " ...

Via Stratum Global: Hands-On RFID Lab at Oakton Community College: Industry leaders collaborate to develop lab and curriculum ...

Additional resources on university RFID labs:

Via Cal Poly: RFID HIGHLIGHTS: "Fred Abler, Tali Freed visited Sun Microsystems in Menlo Park, CA for a day of meetings to present the Cal Poly RFID Research and Testing Lab to a team of SUN executives. The meeting was arranged by Sema Alptekin, a Cal Poly IME professor currently on sabbatical at UC Berkeley. During the day-long series of meetings, the directors presented their vision for RFID Research at CAL POLY, resulting in the RFID Research and Testing Lab being nominated to become the SUN Center of Excellence for RFID."

Via University of Wisconsin: Headlines for March 21, 2005: "The RFID laboratory on the UW-Madison campus enables RFID workgroup members to conduct structured experiments ranging from tag placement to antenna design. "

Via University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines: "The University of Arkansas RFID Research Center laboratory has passed accreditation criteria established by EPCglobal Inc., a global not-for-profit standards organization commercializing the Electronic Product CodeT (EPC) and RFID worldwide. The UA lab is one of the first EPC/RFID research laboratories worldwide to receive the EPCglobal Performance Test Center accreditation. The RFID Research Center, a subunit of the Information Technology Research Institute, housed in the university's Sam M. Walton College of Business."

RFID Lab Teaches University Students ...

Manhattan and IU collaborate to create learning environment that teaches University students in a state-of-the-art RFID laboratory. ...

... "Indiana University is one of the first business schools to decide to build a working model of a RFID environment. Davison Schopmeyer, senior director of RFID Professional Services at Manhattan Associates, invited Venkataramanan, Ashok Soni, chairperson of the Operations and Decision Technologies Department, and Daniel Conway, a Kelley School professor, to tour Manhattan Associates' RFID Lab in Atlanta earlier this year. The professors have created an RFID lab that is used to teach RFID to the university's graduate and undergraduate classes. This lab uses miniature train sets and radio-controlled trucks, RFID tags, readers and antennae to create a scale model of how goods flow through the supply chain-from manufacturer to warehouse to retailer. The trains and trucks carry goods with product names and equipped with tags. Antennae read the tags as the miniature carriers pass by. The students track how the tags are read, collected and presented on a computer. The school will continue to move ahead with RFID as an important part of its curriculum. " ...

RFID Lab Teaches University Students: Via Manhattan Associates: Indiana University and Manhattan Associates Bring RFID to the Classroom ...

FCC Enables RFID Odin Tech ...

Odin Tech receives permission from FCC to test RFID at a full range of global frequencies. ...

FCC Enables RFID Odin Tech: Via ODIN Technologies: FCC Grants ODIN technologies Restricted RFID Testing: ODIN's US lab will test Global Frequencies for multinationals ...

... "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted ODIN technologies broad ranging licenses to test RFID equipment in frequencies that are restricted in the United States. The FCC regulates the maximum power of unlicensed frequencies in the U.S. (such as the UHF ISM band used by most RFID systems) to one watt per cannel and does not allow operation in frequencies required for RFID use in Europe and Japan. However, ODIN technologies laboratory is no longer under these restrictions. With the new site licenses ODIN is permitted to test in frequencies ranging from 864 MHz up to 956 MHz spectrum utilizing up to 8 watts of power. " ...

RFID Laboratory and Program Planned

RFID program will launch, including a radio frequency identification equipped laboratory, at Middlesex Community College. Tom Spoth reports on the exploration of RFID at MCC. ...

Founded in 1966 as a branch campus of Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College became an independent member of the Community College System in 1968. In 1973, the college moved to its present 38-acre campus, which overlooks the scenic Connecticut River and the City of Middletown. Middlesex Community College is conveniently located in Central Connecticut and is easily accessible via major interstates.

RFID Laboratory and Program Planned: Via Lowell Sun Online: Grant allows MCC to launch RFID program ...

... "Using a grant of more than $850,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor, Middlesex Community College plans to establish a radio frequency identification program at its Lowell campus. ... " ...

Additional references on RFID at university research laboratories:

A popular radio-frequency ID system that is used to deter car thefts and as a convenience device for the purchase of gasoline can be defeated with low-cost technology, computer scientists from The Johns Hopkins University and RSA Laboratories have determined. ...

The University of Arkansas RFID Research Center laboratory has passed accreditation criteria established by EPCglobal Inc., a global not-for-profit standards organization commercializing the Electronic Product CodeT (EPC) and RFID worldwide. The UA lab is one of the first EPC/RFID research laboratories worldwide to receive the EPCglobal Performance Test Center accreditation. The RFID Research Center, a subunit of the Information Technology Research Institute, housed in the university's Sam M. Walton College of Business. ...

The University of Wisconsin-Madison unveiled its new radio-frequency identification test laboratory Friday, which will help Wisconsin businesses find ways to use the technology in their operations. ...

RFID Future Shopping Experience ...

RFID Future Shopping Experience: Via NBC5.com: RFID Technology: Futuristic Shopping In The Works At Chicago Lab

Article about the Accenture RFID technology laboratory in Chicago ...

... "Suppose I went to store in a couple of years and bought this jacket. This jacket will probably have an RFID tag, which is a Radio Frequency Identification Tag, in the label, said lab tech Anatole Gershman. Now, I can ask the store to zap it, just destroy it. ... " ...

RFID Tag Acquisition Network Interoperability

RFID Tag Acquisition Network Interoperability: Via Reva Systems: Reva Systems Launches Worldwide Network‐Intelligent RFID Interoperability Program: Successfully Completes Integration Testing with SAP, the Leading Provider of Business Software Solutions ...

... "Reva Systems, an emerging company focused on delivering network‐intelligent enterprise architecture for radio frequency identification (RFID) installations, announced the launch of its TAN Interoperability Program (TIP). Reva’s TIP is a pioneering partner program allowing enterprise solution providers to validate interoperability with Reva‐owered Tag Acquisition Networks (TANs). Reva also announced that Walldorf, Germany-based SAP AG (NYSE: SAP), the leading provider of business software solutions, has successfully completed its Reva TIP testing at SAP’s RFID laboratory in Palo Alto, Calif. Reva’s TIP program provides a powerful platform for Reva partners to respond to increasing customer demands that RFID data be made directly and flexibly accessible to existing enterprise IT infrastructures and business processes. " ...

Reva Systems develops network‐intelligent products for the emerging radio frequency identification (RFID) market. Eliminating the proprietary design and scalability problems of first‐generation RFID solutions, Reva’s Tag Acquisition Network (TAN) architecture uses proven networking concepts to enable more scalable, repeatable, and reliable enterprise‐wide RFID reader deployments. Founded in 2004, and headquartered in Chelmsford, Mass., Reva is backed by Charles River Ventures and North Bridge Venture Partners.

Sybase Unwired Strategy: RFID Enabled ...

Via Sybase Inc: Sybase Fortifies Unwired Enterprise Vision with Updates to Unwired Accelerator and Unwired Orchestrator ...

... "ProPath Laboratory, a leading pathology laboratory, is utilized by multiple hospitals and health care organizations to analyze patient tissue samples. ProPath selected the Sybase solution because it will provide us with the ability to manage the large amount of mission-critical RFID information we are collecting, integrate it with pathology records and our legacy systems, and quickly and easily provide this information to the doctors, patients, insurance companies and other health care partners as required, said Mel Lively, Director of Information Technology, ProPath Laboratory. " ...

Sybase is the largest global enterprise software company exclusively focused on managing and mobilizing information from the data center to the point of action. Sybase provides open, cross-platform solutions that securely deliver information anytime, anywhere, enabling customers to create an information edge. The world’s most critical data in commerce, communications, finance, government and healthcare runs on Sybase.

RFID CyberInfrastructure Center: Purdue Univ

Via Purdue University: New Purdue cyberinfrastructure center to speed innovation ...

... "Our vision is that world-class cyberinfrastructure is the foundation for rapid growth in 21st century economies, said Kim, an expert on cyberinfrastructure whose research includes work to improve radio frequency identification tags, known as RFID. This new initiative can be viewed as a bold and visionary experiment on the driving role of cyberinfrastructure, with Purdue as the laboratory, the state of Indiana as the pilot plant and the national economy as the full-scale system. " ...

Smart Badges RFID Microchips ...

Smart Badges RFID Microchips: Via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology – Where Is It Headed: Agenda

... "Two years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee announces its new RFID-based building evacuation solution, called Evacuation Monitoring and Accountability System, or EMAS. The system uses smart badges plastic ID cards containing RFID microchips worn by building employees and visitors. Installed RFID readers at building entrances automatically track when a person enters or leaves the building and transmit that information to an offsite database. " ...

RFID Test Lab: Integration Simulation

RFID Test Lab: Integration Simulation: PEAK Opens Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Test and Integration Laboratory ...

Peak has created an RFID test and integration lab to support RFID business process simulation ...

... "PEAK Technologies, an RR Donnelley company (NYSE: RRD), announced that it has opened a new Radio Frequency Identification Test and Integration Laboratory at the company’s headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. The new state-of-the art RFID Test Lab is located within PEAK’s existing 20,000 square-foot warehouse in Columbia, providing an application environment that simulates a warehouse/distribution center for testing RFID technology. PEAK’s RFID Test and Integration Lab allows customers to understand the best ways to utilize the technology through a detailed lab process that includes testing packaging composition in terms of RFID signal propagation; tag placement and orientation; read range validation and antenna selection; portal and product-conveyor performance; and a host of other best-fit solutions. " ...

PEAK Technologies, an RR Donnelley company, is an international provider of automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) systems, enterprise mobility solutions and ongoing service and support. PEAK's primary applications include solutions for warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and field-based operations. PEAK's market leadership and strong financial management provide stability and assurance that solutions are delivered with long-term support. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland (USA), PEAK Technologies has more than 800 employees with locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Scansource Enhances RFIDEdge Program ...

Scansource Enhances RFIDEdge Program: SCANSOURCE® RFID EDGE™ PROGRAM GOES FULL THROTTLE: Program includes comprehensive training, strategic partnerships, support ...

ScanSource make enhancements to their RFIDEdge program to support the RFID solution lifecycle and the ecosystem of RFID intellectual capital needed to enable success ...

... "ScanSource, Inc., (Nasdaq: SCSC), a leading international value-added distributor of specialty technology products, has announced major additions and enhancements to its RFID Edge program designed to help solution providers be successful in selling, installing and supporting RFID solutions. In addition to the RFID Edge website, an online RFID educational resource introduced in October 2004 and located at www.scansource.com/rfidedge, the program now includes a hands-on RFID qualification course, an RFID laboratory and demonstration center, the RFID Solution Partner Program, RFID Professional Services, an RFID Solutions Engineering Team, and a dedicated RFID Help Desk. As a result, solution providers can now receive assistance in every phase of the RFID process, from the beginning stages of learning about RFID all the way through actual RFID system installations and post-sale support. " ...

ScanSource, Inc. is a leading international distributor of specialty technology products, including automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) and point-of-sale (POS) products through its ScanSource sales unit; Avaya communications products through its Catalyst Telecom sales unit; communications products from Intel and NEC through its Paracon sales unit; and electronic security products through its ScanSource Security Distribution unit. The Company serves the North America marketplace and has an international segment, which sells AIDC and POS products in Latin America and Europe. Founded in 1992, the Company markets products from more than 100 technology manufacturers to over 16,000 value-added technology resellers and is committed to empowering them with tools and services designed to help them grow.

RFID Hospital Laboratory Tracking ...

RFID Hospital Laboratory Tracking: iAnywhere.com - RFID Anywhere FAQ

... "ProPath, a premier provider of pathology services to physicians and hospitals, has selected RFID Anywhere to follow biopsies and pathology specimens as they are processed and analyzed in their laboratory. An RFID tag assigned to each specimen upon entering the lab contains information that identifies the appropriate preparation and analysis procedure based on tissue type and test requests. Throughout the diagnostic process, RFID readers track and monitor each specimen, providing laboratory management with data needed to improve operations and provide critical status information to doctors and hospitals. " ...

RFID Global Security ...

RFID Global Security: The Office of Science - The Federal Laboratory Consortium Excellence in Technology Transfer Awards

... "Current global security concerns will likely increase the demand for products such as the RFID system. The ability to track and deactivate items such as military equipment and weapons may become extremely important in the war against terrorism. This technology, with its ability to be easily attached to anything that needs to be monitored or located, such as airplanes or ships, will prove to be a vital element of providing protection against terrorist acts. " ...

RFID Testing Future Business Processes ...

RFID Testing Future Business Processes: Satyam helps Businesses Create and Simulate their Future; Launches FUTURUS: A state-of-the-art Business Solutions laboratory that gives clients a peek into their future business environment and cuts risks significantly while making business or technology decisions ...

... "Emerging technologies and methodologies like RFID, SOA and Composite Applications can be combined with established enterprise class applications such as ERP, CRM and SCM to simulate future scenarios while considering business trends like mergers, acquisitions and large scale business process changes. Many technology partners such as Adobe Systems Inc., Cast Iron Systems, G-LOG, and Pegasystems Inc. have already confirmed their intent to participate in Futurus. More partners are expected to participate in the near future. " ...

Futurus is an initiative of the Enterprise Business Solutions unit of Satyam. Satyam has established itself as a leader in Enterprise Business Solutions with nearly 35% of its revenues derived from this space.

RFID DNA Laboratory Application Research ...

RFID DNA Laboratory Application Research: MIDWEST FORENSICS RESOURCE CENTER TO RECEIVE $1.5 MILLION

... "A TIMI project will evaluate the use of Radio Frequency Identification tagging, or RFID, in crime laboratories for evidence management, in particular for process management in a section such as a DNA laboratory where forensics experts need to know how long samples need to stay at certain stages and make sure they don't go to the wrong department at the wrong time. Using RFID tagging, you can track where evidence is supposed to be on a day-by-day basis and whose handled it, says Baldwin. This is critically important. " ...

Small Versatile RFID Tags

Small Versatile RFID Tags: RFID with Tagsys: Smallest RFID Tag on the Market Allows for Virtually 100% Readability and Scanning Efficiency in Extreme Research Laboratory Environments ...

TAGSys offers one of the smallest RFID tags and is flexible in a wide range of environmental conditions ...

... "The ARIO SDM is amongst the smallest and most versatile RFID tags available on the market today, based on a tag measuring just 8.9mm in diameter. Unlike larger and less resilient tags that have been used in the industry, ARIO SDM is small enough to be embedded into the tops of test tubes. These robustly designed tags are fully functional and readable when subjected to wide and precipitous temperature variations typically found in medical research labs. " ...

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

RFID Network Infrastructure Maintenance: Track and Trace

RFID Network Infrastructure: Track and Trace: Unisys: ODIN technologies Deliver an RFID Industry First for Thomasville Furniture

... "Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) and ODIN technologies announced that they have been chosen by Thomasville Furniture Industries Creative Interiors Division, a full-line furniture manufacturer, to maintain its entire Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) network and infrastructure. The RFID network and infrastructure provides track and trace capabilities for products sent to Thomasville's large retail customers. " ...

ODIN technologies is the leader in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing, deployment and certification. ODIN technologies leverages its team of RF engineers, physicists and software developers combined with its laboratory facilities to provide RFID consulting services to major retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, United States government agencies and other RFID early adopters. ODIN technologies is privately held and has labs and offices in Northern Virginia and a systems development office in Dublin, Ireland.

Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Our people combine expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients, in more than 100 countries, quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantage.

Thomasville Furniture Industries, a division of Furniture Brands International (NYSE: FBN), is a full-line furniture manufacturer founded in Thomasville, North Carolina, in 1904. Furniture Brands International is the largest furniture manufacturer in the United States. Other FBN brands include: Broyhill, Drexel Heritage, Henredon, Lane, & Maitland – Smith.

RFID2 Laboratory: Education, Research, Development ...

RFID2 Laboratory: Education, Research, Development: GlobeRanger, Texas A&M Partner for RFID Education, Research and Development ...

... "GlobeRanger, the leading provider of RFID, mobility and sensor-based solution, has partnered with Texas A&M University in support of their RFID education, research and development programs. As part of the agreement, GlobeRanger has provided its iMotion platform to the new Texas A&M RFiD2 Laboratory for students to learn about RFID as well as gain hands-on training with the software infrastructure needed for applying RFID in a real-world environment. Texas A&M offers one of the largest and most respected programs in Industrial Distribution and has recently announced the opening of the RFID lab where they are providing a test-bed for the planning and implementation research of leading edge RFID solutions. " ...

For those companies seeking to take advantage of the labor-savings and data accuracy benefits of RFID-based distribution operations and meet RFID deployment mandates in both private and public retail sector, RFiD2 Lab offers a test-bed to plan, implement and test-drive pilot programs, along with hardware-software interface with existing information systems in receiving, picking and shipping operations.

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

University RFID Research Center

University RFID Research Center: University of Arkansas Opens RFID Research Laboratory: University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines

... "Fifty-year-old technologies rarely have the potential to transform the business landscape. The University of Arkansas and 24 industry-leading companies believe one technology - Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - can do just that; they have joined forces to support a multidisciplinary neutral, third-party research and testing facility, the newly formed RFID Research Center, a subunit of the Information Technology Research Institute in the university's Sam M. Walton College of Business. The RFID Research Center officially opened its laboratory, located in the Fayetteville Industrial Park, today. " ...

Bill Hardgrave, associate professor, Edwin and Karlee Bradberry Chair Director, RFID Research Center, Executive director, Information Technology Research Institute, Sam M. Walton College of Business, (479) 575-6099.

Alliance Delivers RFID Solutions: Event-Driven ESB Enterprise Service Bus

Alliance Delivers RFID Solutions: CORDYS AND TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES ANNOUNCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCE: Collaboration Increases TCS' Focus on the Development and Implementation of Specific ESB-based Solutions ...

... "The joint laboratory is already developing a number of ESB-based solutions that will be introduced to the market in the coming months. These include vertical solutions around RFID, as well as solutions that address Compliance Lifecycle Management, Single Customer View and Flow through Provisioning. " ...

Cordys (www.cordys.com) helps companies to create more efficient and collaborative business environments by enabling IT systems to be integrated with new business processes, using Web-services. Cordys uses an event-driven ESB to simplify IT structure while providing an integrated platform within which new functionality can be readily created and deployed. This enables IT systems to rapidly respond to changes in business processes and to new business initiatives. Cordys makes existing IT systems future-proof, at acceptable costs and at a company's own pace. Cordys is a global software company headquartered in Putten, the Netherlands, which employs over 575 people in offices across the Americas, Europe, China and India.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is the world-leading information technology consulting, services, and business process outsourcing organization that envisioned and pioneered the adoption of the flexible global business practices that today enable companies to operate more efficiently and produce more value. TCS achieved this by creating and perfecting a unique method of global deployment and delivery of high quality, high value services and products in IT consulting and business process outsourcing. Known as the "Global Delivery Model," this strategic services delivery concept has reshaped the IT services industry. More than 90% of TCS customers reward the company's reliability, passion, creativity, and unique ability to handle the broadest range of their IT needs by continually extending and deepening their partnerships with TCS. With more than 43,000 of the world's best trained IT consultants located in 32 countries, TCS is uniquely positioned to deliver its flexible world class services seamlessly to any location.

Walmart EPC RFID Compliance Solutions ...

Walmart EPC RFID Compliance Solutions: Deluxe Media Services Achieves Operational Flexibility and Retail Compliance with Manhattan Associates' RFID Solution ...

Deluxe achieve Walmart RFID compliance using Manhattan's EPC-standard supply chain solutions that integrate RFID capabilities ...

... "Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions, and Deluxe Media Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank Group, plc (Nasdaq: RANKY) and a world leader in technology and media services for filmed and home entertainment, completed implementation of Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID. With this solution-the heart of Manhattan Associates' award-winning RFID in a Box-Deluxe now meets EPC compliance guidelines for the top U.S. retailers such as Wal*Mart and Best Buy. Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID integrates with Deluxe's existing ERP software, eliminating much of the time and custom development typically required for integration of RFID. " ...

Deluxe is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank Group, plc (Nasdaq: RANKY), offering a broad range of entertainment industry services and technologies to an international client base. Services include DVD software and content production, large volume DVD and videocassette manufacturing and packaging, physical and digital asset management, content repurposing and conversion, digital intermediate production, film laboratory services and release printing and worldwide distribution and fulfillment services.

Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimisation solutions. It enables operational excellence through its warehouse, transportation, distributed order management, reverse logistics and trading partner management applications, as well as its RFID, performance management and event management capabilities. These Integrated Logistics Solutions™ leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

RFID Chemical Monitoring: Smart Cabinet ...

ORNL > Newsroom > Story Tips

... "The smart cabinet will track the placement of laboratory chemicals used in a typical research environment inside a small enclosed storage area. The cabinet uses special shelves that have radio frequency reader capability for constant monitoring of placement and removal of chemicals. Changes are recorded in a computer database, and discrepancies are reported to designated personnel through electronic mail or pager. This eliminates the need for physical inventories. [Contact: Fred Strohl; 865.574.4165; strohlhf@ornl.gov] " ...

RFID LabAutomation Specimen Identification

NCCLS

... "Laboratory Automation: Specimen Identification. This document is intended to address issues to insure that the specimen bar-code identification method will be useful in automated systems. In addition, a number of emerging technologies that may replace the current linear bar-code method, such as two-dimensional bar-codes and radio frequency tagging will be considered. Points to be addressed include, but are not limited to: bar-code label characteristics; scanner characteristics; label placement tolerance; manufacturer-supplied bar-code labeled tubes; method to identify specimen type; and relationships between specimen, container, and carrier. " ...

Contact
John J. Zlockie, M.T., M.B.A.
Senior Assistant Executive Director for Standards
NCCLS
940 West Valley Road, Suite 1400
Wayne, PA 19087-1898
Phone: 610.688.0100 ext. 122
Fax: 610.688.0700
E-mail: jzlockie@nccls.org

RFID Laboratory Information Management System ...

Audit Report: Follow-up Audit of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Laboratory Operations ...

... "The DEA has begun a project to integrate its information management systems for tracking exhibits. The new Laboratory Information Management System will use radio frequency identification tags and scanners to track the movement of exhibits into, exiting, and throughout the laboratory. This capability should ensure that the location of any exhibit at any time can be determined, and that no exhibit in a laboratory is lost or destroyed inadvertently. If designed and implemented properly, the integrated system should greatly improve the efficiency of control and accountability." ...

RFID Tracking Evidence Management ...

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin has announced $1.5 million in federal funding for the Midwest Forensics Resource Center at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University ...

... "A fourth part of the MFRC mission is development of technical innovations in management and infrastructure, or TIMI. TIMI looks at how information, engineering and communication technologies can be implemented in crime laboratories to make the labs work more efficiently with existing resources. A TIMI project will evaluate the use of Radio Frequency Identification tagging, or RFID, in crime laboratories for evidence management, in particular for process management in a section such as a DNA laboratory where forensics experts need to know how long samples need to stay at certain stages and make sure they don�t go to the wrong department at the wrong time. " ...

Hazardous Materials RFID Tracking ...

Advanced Supply Chain Management Laboratory - NTRC

... "Advanced Hazardous Materials Rapid Identification, Sorting, and Tracking (AHRIST) supports Microchip Logistics by evaluating RFID technologies. AHRIST is evaluating the use of RFID tags by vendors, DLA distribution centers, and the entities that receive the materials. Shipment information is encoded on RFID tags that accompany the goods. The tags are read at portals in the Department of Defense supply chain, and the information encoded on the tags is conveyed via the AHRIST automated information system (AIS) to the AISs of the vendors and DOD." ...

RFID Patent Recognition ...

EMSL: Monthly Report - July/August 2004 - Awards

... "Patent for Multi-Level RF Identification. Instrument Development Laboratory staff Kerry Steele and Gordon Anderson, along with Ronald W. Gilbert, were awarded U.S. Patent 6,765,476, Multi-Level RF Identification. This newly patented technology is one part of PNNL's ongoing research to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in developing RF identification system technologies. It uses discrete frequencies to interrogate and obtain response from individual or groups of tags, versus using an embedded microprocessor to encode and decode messages." ...

RFID Patent Recognition ...

EMSL: Monthly Report - July/August 2004 - Awards

... "Patent for Multi-Level RF Identification. Instrument Development Laboratory staff Kerry Steele and Gordon Anderson, along with Ronald W. Gilbert, were awarded U.S. Patent 6,765,476, Multi-Level RF Identification. This newly patented technology is one part of PNNL's ongoing research to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in developing RF identification system technologies. It uses discrete frequencies to interrogate and obtain response from individual or groups of tags, versus using an embedded microprocessor to encode and decode messages." ...

RFID Environmental Testing ...

Advanced Supply Chain Management Laboratory - NTRC

... "Advanced Hazardous Materials Rapid Identification, Sorting, and Tracking (AHRIST) supports Microchip Logistics by evaluating RFID technologies. AHRIST is evaluating the use of RFID tags by vendors, DLA distribution centers, and the entities that receive the materials. Shipment information is encoded on RFID tags that accompany the goods. The tags are read at portals in the Department of Defense supply chain, and the information encoded on the tags is conveyed via the AHRIST automated information system (AIS) to the AISs of the vendors and DOD. AHRIST is conducting major series of validation tests for RFID intelligent tag products: Environmental tests will evaluate the performance of RFID tags exposed to various environmental conditions (temperature extremes, electromagnetic interference, and RF emissions)." ...

RFID Speciman Testing Management Increases Laboratory Efficiency ...

RFID Speciman Testing Management: ProPath Deploys Sybase Technology to Streamline Laboratory ...

Propath is using RFID solution from Sybase IAnywhere to improve laboratory processing and accelerate cycle time reduction for specimen testing and management ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... to physicians and hospitals, is implementing two Sybase software solutions -- the Sybase(R) Provider Kiosk and RFID Anywhere from Sybase subsidiary iAnywhere ...

... Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, today announced that ProPath, a leader in pathology services to physicians and hospitals, is implementing two Sybase software solutions -- the Sybase(R) Provider Kiosk and RFID Anywhere from Sybase subsidiary iAnywhere Solutions(R) -- to better manage specimen testing. Designed to increase the efficiency and precision of ProPath's internal operations, the implementations will accelerate sample processing and improve records management, while dramatically reducing the possibility of the "human error" factor. ...

ProPath, founded in 1966, is a leader in providing pathology services to clinicians and medical facilities nationwide. As a physician-owned organization, ProPath remains devoted to comprehensive, high-quality laboratory testing for unparalleled patient care. ProPath's team of 26 board certified pathologists offers subspecialty expertise in dermatopathology, podiatric pathology, gastrointestinal pathology, hematopathology, cytopathology immunohistochemistry, and breast pathology.

RFID Company Growth through Innovation ...

RFID Company Growth through Innovation: Spectrum Signal Processing Reports Fourth Quarter and 2004 Year ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators under three ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) today announced its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Spectrum reports all results in US dollars and in accordance with US GAAP. Fourth quarter financial highlights include: Revenue of $4.6 million; Gross margins of $2.8 million, or 61% of revenue; Net operating expenses of $2.5 million; Net earnings of $294,000, or $0.02 per share; ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (NASDAQ: SSPI / TSX: SSY) is a leading supplier of software defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies and its prime contractors.

RFID Demonstrated in the Automated Laboratory

RFID in the Automated Laboratory: Maxell Partners with ABgene and Micronic at Lab Automation 2005 to ...

Sample tracking, a routine practice in the laboratory, may be better enabled through the innovative application of RFID technology. Leading laboratory suppliers see RFID as a key strategic enabler ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... of America, a subsidiary of Hitachi Maxell Ltd., today announced the first public demonstration of its Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) embedded sample ...

... Maxell Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Hitachi Maxell Ltd., today announced the first public demonstration of its Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) embedded sample storage tube products at Lab Automation 2005. Maxell is demonstrating its technology in partnership with exhibitors ABgene and Micronic to showcase the benefits of utilizing RFID for automated sample tracking. The RFID demo has been developed by Maxell jointly with Kobe Bio Robotix and Tsubakimoto Chain in Japan. ABgene, a supplier of molecular biology reagents, specialist plastic consumables and instruments for the life sciences and medical research industries, and Micronic, an innovator in sample storage technologies, have each identified RFID as a potential strategic, next-generation technology for improved laboratory automation. ...

Maxell Corporation of America was founded in 1964 and is a subsidiary of Hitachi Maxell Ltd., a world leader in memory, storage and security technologies. The company is dedicated to advancing the ever-changing world of electronics by harnessing advancing technology to develop economical RFID solutions. As part of its mission to reinforce the areas of memory and mobility, Maxell supports the multimedia arena with a wide range of media products from DLT tape to CD and DVD disks. Maxell is also a leader in industrial batteries.

RFID and Network Performance Certification ...

RFID and Network Performance Certification: WiMAX Forum(TM) Selects Cetecom Spain to Begin Certification ...

From Market Wire (press release) ... SA (CETECOM Spain) is a global supplier of Testing Solutions for wired and wireless technologies (GSM/GPRS, EDGE; W-CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, DECT and PSTN ...

... The WiMAX Forum™ has selected its standardization test lab and announces a certification roadmap that marks July 2005 for the launch of the WiMAX Forum Certified™ program. The WiMAX Forum selected Cetecom Spain as its official certification laboratory, achieving a critical milestone toward enabling the commercial availability of WiMAX Forum Certified™ products. Acting as an independent body, Cetecom will test and certify WiMAX Forum member companies' products to ensure they meet WiMAX Forum conformance and interoperability standards. ...

The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, non-profit corporation formed to help promote and certify the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products using the IEEE 802.16 and ETSI HiperMAN wireless MAN specifications. The forum's goal is to accelerate the introduction of these devices into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified™ products will be fully interoperable and support Metropolitan Broadband Fixed, Portable and Mobile Applications. Centro de Tecnología de las Comunicaciones, S.A. (CETECOM Spain) is a global supplier of Testing Solutions for wired and wireless technologies (GSM/GPRS, EDGE; W-CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, DECT and PSTN). It services portfolio ranges from conformance, regulatory and interoperability testing services to test systems development, international type approval handling, training and consulting.

Achieve Visa PED Class B Security for Smart Cards ...

Visa PED Class B Security for Smart Cards: Lipman Receives Visa PED Class B Approval for NURIT 8100 ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... 8100 secure multifunction Point-of-Sale terminals received Visa PED Class B PIN entry security approval for Online debit and Offline smart card transactions. ...

... Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd. (Nasdaq:LPMA) (TASE:LPMA) today announced that its NURIT 8100 secure multifunction Point-of-Sale terminals received Visa PED Class B PIN entry security approval for Online debit and Offline smart card transactions. Class B approval addresses the market need for flexibility by allowing banks to install their own or third party payment and value-added applications, such as loyalty programs, without the need for individual applications to undergo costly, time-consuming laboratory inspection prior to deployment at merchant locations. The NURIT 8100 is the only fully programmable all-in-one terminal listed by Visa International as meeting the Class B requirements. ...

Lipman is a leading worldwide provider of electronic payment systems. Lipman develops, manufactures and markets a variety of handheld, wireless and landline POS terminals, electronic cash registers, retail ATM units, PIN pads and smart card readers, as well as integrated PIN and smart card ("Chip & PIN") solutions. In addition, Lipman develops technologically advanced software platforms that offer comprehensive and customized transaction processing solutions for its customers, as well as managed professional services such as on-site and call-center support with remote terminal management. Lipman's corporate headquarters and R&D facilities are located in Israel. Lipman also maintains offices in the US, United Kingdom, Turkey, China, Spain, Finland, Russia, Italy, Canada and Latin America.

Additional resources on Visa PED Class B Security for Smart Cards ...

Visa PIN Entry Device Approval List - Visa: Axalto. Visa Approved PIN Entry Device (PED) Identifier 1 with ... Approval Number, Approval Class 3, Renewal Date, PIN Entry Option, TDES Capable 4, EMV Level 1 5. ...

Important Messages from Visa: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... For Class B, the PED vendor must provide the tools and mechanisms for ... aftermarket (or OEM) product which, when used with a Visa approved PED, must be ...

The Green Sheet, Inc. · Home: secure multifunction Point-of-Sale terminals received Visa PED Class B PIN entry security approval for Online debit and Offline smart card transactions ...

News: can now offer Payment Tech customers Class B support on ... About the NURIT 8320 Visa PED secure, reliable and easy ... 8000, along with improved security features that ...

RFID Product Compliance Testing Validates to Europe RFID Wireless Standard ...

RFID Product Compliance Testing Validates to Europe Wireless Standard: Alien Technology Corporation Taps MiCOM Labs for Testing of New ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... 4, 2005--MiCOM Labs, Inc., today announced that it has completed product compliance testing of a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system for Alien ...

... MiCOM Labs, Inc., today announced that it has completed product compliance testing of a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system for Alien Technology Corporation of Morgan Hill, Calif. Alien Technology is an industry leader in the development of RFID tags and equipment that includes electronic product code (EPC) or "smart" tags that reflect radio signals. RFID equipment is revolutionizing inventory tracking and supply chain management in retail and defense operations. The testing performed by MiCOM Labs validated the new RFID system to a new European standard (EN 302 208) for wireless RFID product performance, qualifying the RFID system for certifications needed for product sales in Europe. ...

MiCOM Labs, Inc. (www.micomlabs.com) is a RF and EMC testing laboratory serving the global wireless, telecommunications, medical and security industries. Headquartered in Pleasanton, Calif., and accredited by the globally recognized United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) organization, the company provides traceable, repeatable, accurate and secure testing and reporting to enable companies to certify product compliance with global performance standards and bring new products into global markets. Alien Technology is a leading provider of reliable, high-volume, low-cost, EPC-compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products. Using Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA), a patented manufacturing process, Alien manufactures electronic product code (EPC) tags used in a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics operations and anti-counterfeiting to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs.

Additional resources on European Wireless RFID standards ...

Wireless Tracking - Standards Spat: But delays by the European Telecoms Standards Institute (ETSI) in approving its EN 302 208 RFID specifications, which govern radio frequencies and ...

The New RFID Standard in Europe: industry to make the new standard work as ... very different to that described within EN 302 208. ... Communications Committee (ECC) within the European Conference of ...

New ETSI RFID Rules Move Forward: use of the available spectrum, EN 302-208 divides the ... legislative and judicial decisions of the European Union (EU ... The standard has to be translated into the ...

Wireless Computing Technology: is the first to meet the ETSI 302 208 standard and gives our European customers RFID ... mechanisms, including RS-232, wired Ethernet and wireless 802.11g ...

RFID Workforce Develpment and Collaboration ...

From Testimony of John Castellani ...

... "Last fall, the University of Memphis in Tennessee opened the Institute, which is a unique public-private collaboration designed to advance world-class interdisciplinary research and introduce a new generation of highly skilled graduates to the workforce. FedEx Corp. donated $5 million toward the new facilities. The company has more than 219,000 employees globally and expects the alliance will help develop a highly skilled recruitment pool. The Institute will house 10 research centers focusing on an array of studies ranging from medical breakthroughs in cancer and alcoholism to artificial intelligence and RFID (radio frequency identification) tags. The FedEx alliance helped the Institute to forge relationships with other high-profile companies, including AT&T, AutoZone, Avaya, BellSouth, Cisco Systems, Computer Associates, Dell, EDS, Landmark Graphics, Methodist Healthcare, Morgan Keegan & Company, Steelcase, and Time Warner, and with institutions such as the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Technology Resource Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Defense. " ...

RFID in Emergency Response Technology ...

From Emergency Response Technology Program ...

... "The advantage of the Reader is that it provides added confidence to visual determinations of BioThreat Alert test strip results. The Guardian Reader also provides printed reports and memory storage to ensure chain-of-custody for all samples. It stores batch lot calibration, time and date, specific test information and the serial numbers of both the test strip and Reader on an RFID microchip in the BioThreat Alert test strip. This enables the BioThreat Alert test strip results and data to be read elsewhere so it can be tracked through a laboratory analysis and also serve as a basis for evidentiary purposes. " ...

RFID Software: Spectrum Signal Processing to Develop Software-Defined Active RFID ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Spectrum Signal Processing Inc., today announced a contract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. The interrogators, or readers, are being developed for multiple funded programs addressing military logistics, homeland security and commercial transportation applications. The readers are designed to track military assets in both hostile and non-hostile environments and to monitor the location and physical integrity of intermodal cargo containers. ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) is a leading supplier of software-defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies, and its prime contractors.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the US Department of Energy by UT-Battelle LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

Walmart RFID: Dillman Testimony

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce ...

... "Wal-Mart was the first retailer to join MIT's AUTO-ID Center in 1999. We, along with others, funded research on the potential of using RFID in the retail and consumer packaged goods sector. We began testing in 2000 and after reviewing the state of this technology in 2001, we created our own RFID lab in Rogers, Arkansas. We did our own research in addition to supporting the AUTO-ID Center. We consulted with experts. We reviewed RFID uses already in place. We did all of this to determine whether this technology could help us solve the merchandise availability issue. We recognized after reviewing RFID that it had the potential to significantly help reduce out-of-stock conditions through the introduction of what has now become known as an Electronic Product Code or EPC. In June 2003, convinced that it could, we challenged our top 100 suppliers -- representing some of the most innovative companies in America -- to begin using RFID tags on cases and pallets of products destined for our three North Texas distribution centers by January 2005. These distribution centers ship products to 150 of approximately 3500 Wal-Mart stores. It is important to note that we chose to focus on case- and pallet-level tagging. We did not, and are not, requesting item-level tagging. We believe this challenge not only set direction for a new era in merchandise availability but also spawned a new market for technology companies, both those long established and others in their infancy, to be at the forefront of this revolutionary effort. Since Wal-Mart announced its EPC goals, other retailers, such as Albertsons and Target, have announced similar projects as well. The U. S. Department of Defense has also announced a similar RFID initiative. On April 30, 2004, Wal-Mart moved EPCs from the laboratory environment to an actual field pilot program" ...

Walmart RFID: Reference Testimony of Linda Dillman, EVP and CIO, Walmart ...

From the Committee on Energy and Commerce ... ... comments to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection concerning the expansion of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into new industries and the potential impact on consumers ...

Testimony of Ms. Linda M. Dillman, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 702 SW 8th Street, Bentonville, AR, 72716 provided to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection ...

... RFID that it had the potential to significantly help reduce out-of-stock conditions through the introduction of what has now become known as an Electronic Product Code or EPC. In June 2003, convinced that it could, we challenged our top 100 suppliers -- representing some of the most innovative companies in America -- to begin using RFID tags on cases and pallets of products destined for our three North Texas distribution centers by January 2005. These distribution centers ship products to 150 of approximately 3500 Wal-Mart stores. It is important to note that we chose to focus on case- and pallet-level tagging. ...

Linda Dillman testimony continues ...

... On April 30, 2004, Wal-Mart moved EPCs from the laboratory environment to an actual field pilot program. Currently, cases and pallets of 21 products (1) from eight suppliers (2) destined for one distribution center and seven Supercenters (3) in North Texas are being tagged. At our Sanger, Texas, distribution center, we have placed readers at our receiving doors, above our conveyor belt systems, and at our shipping doors. At the seven Supercenters, we have placed readers at the receiving doors, at strategic points throughout the stores’ backrooms, at the door to the sales floor, and at the trash compactor. There are no readers on the sales floor, at the check stands, or at customer entryways or exits. ...

Lastly, Dillman testimony concludes with ...

... During 2004 to 2006, Wal-Mart will continue to focus on case-and pallet-level tagging. However, because some cases also serve as consumer packaging (4), there will be instances where a consumer could purchase a product which bears an RFID tag. We currently have three products in our pilot program -- two HP printers and one HP scanner -- where this is the case. These tags are on the outermost packaging of the product and, adhering to EPCglobal privacy guidelines, are marked with an EPCglobal symbol. ...

Walmart RFID Compliance References

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer
The Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2927

RFID Logistics: Delfour Establishes RFID Lab with Third Party Logistics Focus ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... of third party and fourth party logistics (3PL/4PL) management software, has led the formation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) laboratories for ...

Many companies, such as Delfour, are creating working RFID laboratories to support development and testing of new business processes enabled by RFID technology. In this case, the focus is on RFID-enabled logistics processes ...

... Delfour Corporation, a leading innovator and provider of third party and fourth party logistics (3PL/4PL) management software, has led the formation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) laboratories for testing RFID technologies (hardware, software, labels) and integration with standard operating procedures in a real warehouse operating environment, it was announced today by President and CEO Joe E. Couto. Operating under an industry consortium framework in which various 3PL operators and vendor technology groups work together to drive 3PL/4PL-based RFID solutions, laboratories have been established in Richmond, Virginia, USA at the facilities of Richmond Cold Storage and in Brampton, Ontario, Canada at the facilities of Confederation Freezers. ...

Delfour Corporation, based in Markham, is a global provider of comprehensive, highly configurable, advanced supply chain execution solutions for the third and fourth party logistics (3PL, 4PL) industries. Delfour's SmartEnterprise solutions establish exceptionally smart supply chains that enable clients and their customers to experience seamless execution of warehouse management and related logistics functions, and to achieve enhanced profitability by collaborating throughout the supply chain. Innovative use of Oracle's Relational Database Management System and Java(TM) technology enables Delfour to maintain its leading role in the production and implementation of logistics systems that run in all operating system environments.

RFID Benchmarks: New RFID reader benchmark report published

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... Odin Technologies has published its first benchmark study of four main EPC-compliant RFID readers, providing an independent assessment of how the devices ...

For the past year, Odin Technologies has been addressing the biggest obstacles enterprises face as they roll out an EPC system. The ODIN technologies EPC Suite, due for completion late ’04 will have every component to make setting up and managing an RFID/EPC system easy. ODIN technologies was formed in August of 2002 as an LLC in Delaware and in July of 2003 converted to Delaware C-Corporation. The principle offices are in Reston, Virginia, with a simulated warehouse lab in Dulles, VA and European office in Dublin, IRL. ODIN technologies is unique in having one of the most extensive RFID laboratories in the world. In early 2003, ODIN labs was set-up using MIT’s Auto-ID Center as a guiding standard. In early 2004, ODIN added a 3,000 square foot warehouse space complete with conveyor belt, dock door, and forklift; specifically for Wal-Mart compliance testing. ODIN’s laboratory has been used by outside firms, from the US Federal Government to Wal-Mart suppliers to perform cost-effective, guaranteed accurate analysis. ODIN technologies has its primary lab at corporate headquarters in Reston, Virginia and secondary “distribution facility” in Dulles, Virginia for testing full pallets and conveyor compliance. Either facility can be used to create specific compliance strategy, saving weeks of time, and reducing overall RFID costs significantly.

RFID Testing: Exel opens RFID test lab in Pennsylvania

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... Supply chain management provider, Exel, is to open its first RFID customer test laboratory in Pennsylvania, USA. It is to be a real ...

Exel leverages best-in-class technology to improve the visibility and control of product and information throughout the supply chain. Sophisticated warehousing and transportation management systems are cost-effectively deployed to improve inventory management and transportation efficiency. Integrating these systems with other enterprise resource planning applications streamlines information flow across businesses and facilitates e-business implementation.

Exel is the global leader in supply chain management, providing customer-focused solutions to a wide range of manufacturing, retail and consumer industries. Exel's comprehensive range of innovative logistics solutions encompasses the entire supply chain from design and consulting through freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services to integrated information management and e-commerce support. Exel, a UK listed, FTSE 100 company, with turnover of £5.1 billion (US$8.3 billion/ €7.4 billion), employs over 74,000 people in 1,600 locations in more than 120 countries worldwide. Exel's customers include over 70% of the world's largest, quoted non-financial companies.

RFID Animal Tracking Technology and the USDA

Current methods of livestock identification include but are not limited to ear tags, back tags, neck chains, tail tags, freeze brands, tattoos, paint marks, and leg bands. Electronic identification methods including bar codes and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders are becoming increasingly useful tools in herd management programs. As these new technologies develop and become compatible with one another, they may prove to be cost-effective tools to increase the efficiency of production. Similarly, regulatory agencies may benefit from these systems through increased accuracy and efficiency of tracing the movement of livestock.

The current primary driving forces behind the development of livestock identification systems are based on recognized industry needs. They include disease control and eradication, disease surveillance and monitoring, emergency response to foreign animal diseases, regionalization, global trade, livestock production efficiency, consumer concerns over food safety, and emergency management programs.

Animal tracking and Identification Equipment: Anilog2050 Electronic ISO Tag Reader: The Anilog 2050 is a hand held data logger which allows the power of the office PC to be taken into the stockyard. Its ideal use is as a daily diary of events. The Anilog 2050 is compatible with companion software, Anidata, which holds the details of a herd or herds of animals.

Anilog Portal RFID Antenna: The Oxley Anilog Portal Antenna attaches to the SENTRY series of RFID Tag Readers for applications where electronic tag reader systems are permanently installed and integrated into control and monitoring systems. The Anilog Portal Antenna has been designed specifically for walk-through use with cattle and the Allflex range of Electronic Ear Tags. The portal construction houses a wire loop antenna which emits an RF field to detect any TIRIS tag within typically 1m range.

AniData SIS Experts: The Anidata SIS Experts integrate Anidata 3.5 with the British Cattle Movement Service’s Cattle Tracing System and allow you to easily and speedily convey cattle movement infor-mation to BCMS. The system makes it possible to eliminate the laborious handwritten forms and processes you have been used to - ensuring efficient and accurate recording of cattle movements using electronic tags and hand-held tag readers which can upload the stored information into your computer.

Texas Instruments RFID tags are being used to identify millions of livestock animals around the world. These systems track meat and dairy animals, valuable breeding stock and laboratory animals involved in lengthy and expensive research projects. With the chips in an electronic ear tag or inserted into the rectum of ruminant animals, farm management and data collection can be fully automated for such processes as feeding, weighing, disease control, subsidies, and breeding practices as well as quality and tracebility assurance.

Radio Frequency ID of Animals, Code Structure (ISO Standard 11784)—Specifies the RFID code for use with animals. Contains the structure of the radio-frequency identification code for animals. Does not specify the characteristics of the transmission protocols between transponder and transceiver. Replaces the first edition.

IBM RFID Solution Center: Big Blue founds RFID lab in Japan

From ZDNet.com.au, Australia ... The latest move comes from IBM, which announced the setting up of an RFID Solution Centre at its Yamato Laboratory in Kanagawa, Japan. ...

Thin Film RFID Battery Power: Oak Ridge Micro-Energy Inc. Welcomes Vice President of ...

From Business Wire (press release) ... such as smart sensors that operate in harsh environments, security cards, wireless sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, semiconductor non ...

Thin-film rechargeable lithium batteries that are less than 15 micrometers (0.0006 inches) thick (about the thickness of Saran Wrap™) were developed by Dr. John B. Bates and his team of scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Unlike conventional batteries, thin film batteries can be deposited directly onto chips or chip packages in any shape or size, and when fabricated on plastics or thin metal foils, the batteries are quite flexible. Because of their unique features, thin-film batteries have a wide range of uses as power sources for consumer products such as non-volatile memory backup, smart cards, sensors, radio frequency identification tags, micro-sized devices, and medical products such as implantable defibrillators and neural stimulators. The small size and high-energy density of this new battery technology will improve existing consumer and medical products and enable the development of many new products.

TransCore Launches AutoExpreso Electronic Toll Collection System ...

From Business Wire (press release) ... $30 million for the installation, operation and maintenance of the system and will use TransCore's eGo(TM) radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for ...

TransCore’s Amtech technology was founded by five scientists from the renowned Los Alamos National Laboratory where they developed RFID technology for two divisions of the federal government: the Department of Energy application to track vehicles and nuclear materials and the Department of Agriculture application to track cattle and monitor their health. Today, TransCore’s Chief Scientist Dr. Jerry Landt, who holds more than 13 of the key RFID patents and was a member of the original scientific team, leads research and development efforts at TransCore’s Amtech Technology Center in Albuquerque, N.M.

TransCore unveils its innovative eGo™ product family. Through a series of groundbreaking design innovations, this wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) technology overcomes adoption and cost barriers for large-scale opportunities, opens new markets for ITS applications, and promotes broader acceptance of ITS systems.

The eGo wireless communications tag is a paper-thin, sticker-like tag with technology that allows user-defined information to be read from or communicated to the tag. It requires no battery and sets a new price/performance level for RFID tags. This new technology is in stark contrast to the larger, read-only or battery-required read/write, higher-priced tags predominantly used today in electronic toll collection, access control or parking applications.


About eGo Products: The windshield sticker tag operates in the 915 MHz radio frequency band, and is an RF-programmable device that does not require a battery or connection to the vehicle's electrical system. It is in the form of a flexible, tamper-resistant sticker (45 x 85 x 1 mm) much like a vehicle registration sticker. The tag has a read range of 5 meters or 16.4 feet and reads at highway speeds of up to 100 mph or 160 km/h. The windshield sticker tag has a 1024 bit memory capable of reading, writing and rewriting information, or permanently locking individual bytes. The tag is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, sunlight, humidity and vibration.

The 2110 reader is a fully integrated, self-contained 915 MHz wireless identification reader. The 39.4 x 39.4 cm reader includes an RF module, digital signal processor (DSP), power supply, antenna, I/O ports, and serial communications interface. The reader can be configured to read tags with 64-bit tag ID or 1024 bits of tag memory, and can also read ATA (American Trucking Associations)-compliant and ISO (International Standards Organization)-compliant tags. The reader is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity and vibration.

About TransCore: TransCore is a privately held transportation services company with 1,800 employees and more than 80 locations globally. With installations in 39 countries, 80-plus patents and a world-class manufacturing facility, TransCore's expertise in providing system-based applications that improve transportation efficiency is unparalleled. For more information, visit www.transcore.com.

Transcore's Amtech product line is comprised of dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) systems based on radio frequency (RF) technology. This ground-breaking wireless data technology, one of the many firsts you’ll find at TransCore, allows communications between readers and electronic tag devices attached to vehicles, equipment and containers.

Companies around the world utilize Transcore technology to identify, track and monitor almost anything that moves. From electronic toll and traffic management to commercial and private fleets, parking and access control applications to rail and intermodal yards.

The wireless systems are rugged and reliable, built to withstand heavy industrial, marine, rail and traffic environments. The systems can operate at international-standard 915 MHz and 2450 MHz bands and 5.8 GHz capability will soon be available. They are in operation around the world in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and South America. Each Amtech system is manufactured at TransCore’s ISO 9001 quality-certified Amtech Technology Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico which houses research and development, engineering and manufacturing departments.